News Broadcasting
HITS operator to gain prominence post CAS
MUMBAI:The emergence of the HITS (headend in the sky) operator is on the anvil in the fast changing broadcast scenario in the country, even as confusion continues to reign about the actual implementation of CAS.
At the Scat 2003 Bombay workshop held in Mumbai earlier this week, several LMOs (last mile operators) expressed their concerns about CAS: the huge cost of encoders (Rs 100,000 for two channels); economically unviable to deliver add-on channels in a bouquet; not viable for small networks to offer a large pay bouquet and high cost of subscriber management software and support infrastructure.
HITS could be the answer they are searching for. HITS services can ensure that more than 150 channels reach the smallest and far flung LMO in addition to offering centralized control for authorization; subscriber management system collection of payments and audits along with interactivity with broadcasters. . In the US, HITS operators get up to 60 per cent distribution commissions.
Local cable operators (LCOs) however fear that customers will be addressed directly by the HITS operator, and broadcasters worry that the HITS operator will become the most important link in the distribution chain.
Addressing the concerns of the LMOs and LCOs, Satellite and Cable TV magazine editor-in-chief Dinyar Contractor detailed the advantages of the HITS system (head end in the sky): HITS can be delivered to any LMO; located anywhere in the footprint; it has zero encoder cost; no subscriber management system to be installed; no financial audit by pay channels; LMOs can assemble their own basic local tier; no hassles or interaction with broadcasters.
Contractor detailed the following technical specifications of the HITS system: * TV signals are received from various broadcasters * These broadcaster signals are descrambled using various IRDs to yield video and audio baseland signals for each channel * Each signal is digitally compressed to MPEG -2 formats; statistical optmisation may be done and eight to 10 channels can be compressed on each transponder * All channels are digitally encrypted using a common encryption system for CAS * The digital stream is QPSK modulated and uplinked whereas C or Ku-band downlink can be used for HITS LMO receives the QPSK modulated HITS signal from the satellite * Satellite signal is down converted in frequency (600 MHz) and these 600 MHz digital signals are mixed with the analog basic tier by the LMO and distributed * Each subscriber must have a digital set-top-box (STB) DVB-C which is authorized via satellite from the HITS operation centre.
It is believed that broadcasters will be unsupportive of HITS because there is no control over geographic locations: for instance an LMO in Assam can distribute the signal in Bangladesh. Approximately 80 government clearances are required and there is a question mark about Ku-band TV downlink.
Zee Telefilms is the only broadcaster which is propagating the cause of HITS. In fact, Siticable, a 100 per cent subsidiary of Zee Telefilms has plans to unveil the same in April 2003.
There is a general feeling that the HITS operator can poach into areas where other MSOs have traditionally conducted business. However, experts believe that MSOs will respect each other’s domains and refrain from poaching.
News Broadcasting
News18 hosts Tamil Nadu town hall ahead of 2026 polls
MK Stalin headlines ‘Next Big Leap’ event from 10am on 23 February in Chennai with leaders and icons.
MUMBAI: Tamil Nadu’s political pot is simmering and News18’s town hall is stirring it up just in time for the 2026 assembly elections boilover. Set for 23 February from 10am onwards in Chennai, the News18 Network Town Hall gathers heavyweights under the banner ‘The Next Big Leap for Tamil Nadu’ to dissect the state’s political pulse, economic edge, and cultural clout. With the 234-seat assembly contest looming as a fiercely competitive showdown, the event spotlights how Tamil Nadu’s identity-driven politics and engaged voters continue to ripple across national debates.
Chief minister MK Stalin leads the charge with a keynote on the theme, sketching his government’s blueprint for governance, development, and staying power pre-polls. Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin chimes in on ‘Voices, Vision & Way Forward’, unpacking generational shifts and fresh narratives. From the opposition corner, AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami tackles ‘Baton Change at the Ballot?’, floating alternatives to the status quo.
Economic vibes get a nudge from industries minister TRB Rajaa on ‘Investment Story Intact?’, probing the state’s draw for big bucks. BJP’s K Annamalai dives into ‘People, Trust & Political Ideology’, positioning his party in the Dravidian-dominated turf. IT Minister Palanivel ThiagaRajan explores ‘Code, Capacity & Citizenship’, on tech’s role in citizen-focused services. TVK’s KG Arunraj questions if ‘Winds of Change are Possible’ in this pattern-prone state.
A panel on innovation features IIT Madras director Prof V Kamakoti, M&M’s Velusamy R, and Electronic Industries Association’s Dr Sasikumar Gendham, musing how AI and knowledge hubs are remaking opportunities. Culture gets its due with composer Anirudh Ravichander on ‘Tamil Music for the World’.
CNN-News18, editorial affairs director Rahul Shivshankar noted, “The News18 Network Tamil Nadu Town Hall… reflects our core editorial focus, to capture the political mood of the state and spotlight the ideas that will shape the next phase of governance and growth.”
Network18, CEO of English & business news Smriti Mehra added, “As Tamil Nadu moves closer to a defining electoral moment… we see it as our responsibility to drive informed and meaningful conversations.”
Network18 managing editor for South, Vivek Narayan said, “The News18 Network Townhall in Tamil Nadu is designed as a platform where policy, politics and public interest intersect.”
Backed by associate partners Tata Motors Commercial Vehicles and Reliance Industries, the live event streams on CNN-News18, News18 Tamil, CTV, and Youtube from 10am on 23 February perfect for catching the sparks, even if you’re not knee-deep in Dravidian drama.
