News Headline
Korean STB company Opentech to tap Indian market
MUMBAI: Opentech Inc, a Korean company, that produces high end digital satellite broadcast receivers of DVB-S and MPEG-2 standards, is planning to set up a liaison centre in India.
A senior delegation comprising of Sujun Ha (Opentech Dubai office branch manager) and EW Devdas (marketing manager) are visiting India this week and meeting several multi system operators (MSOs) and consumer durable companies.
The company which has a turnover of $70 million started in 1996 (the digital STB foray happened in February 2001) and is operating through its ISO certified factory located in Ansan, Korea. The visiting delegation members claim that they have received several enquiries for embedded digital set top boxes (STBs). The company plans to tie up with Indian MSOs, cable operators as well as dealers of consumer durables.
The products include FTA (Free To Air) model ODS 2000F and CI(Common Interface) model ODS 2000CI. While speaking to indiantelevision.com, Opentech’s Sujun Ha says: “We produce high quality digital satellite broadcast receivers of DVB-S and MPEG-2 standards, which are the current standard of digital satellite broadcasts in Europe. In addition, we attempt to build sales channels and overseas exports with our own brands, Opentel and OEM brand through our bases in Dubai and Frankfurt.”
“Besides developing FTA and CI type satellite receivers, we are in the process of developing various products such as a positioner built-in model, CAS built-in model, interactive multimedia built-in model, digital cable and a terrestrial receiver,” Ha adds. The company has a licence agreement with CAS companies such as Nagravision, Viaccess, Iredeto. Conax and will soon obtain the same from NDS Systems.
Opentech’s marketing manager EW Devdas says that the company has received enquiries from Indian consumer electronics durable companies such as Onida, Videocon and BPL. “As integration, digitalisation and interaction of broadcast and telecommunications tend to be accelerated, the Digital set-top box is expected to face substantial growth to become a platform for household multimedia appliances. Hence, Opentech tends to lead the new digital era as the major market player worldwide in total information appliance through continuous investment on Research & Development and global marketing,” says Devdas.
The company plans to tap the opportunities provided by DTH (direct to home) in India. “Besides developing FTA and CI type satellite receivers, we are in the process of developing various products such as a Positioner built-in model, CAS built-in model, interactive multimedia built-in model, digital cable and a terrestrial receiver,” Devdas adds.
Opentech officials expects worldwide sales to touch the 10-billion mark and claim that Korea is the No 1 STB player in the world.
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
