Cable TV
RealNetworks rolls out gen next solution for mobile enterprises
MUMBAI: RealNetworks, which provides digital media services and software, has unveiled its next generation Helix Server for mobile enterprises.
The Helix Server Unlimited is Real’s enterprise solution for delivering a cost effective, flexible, high quality streaming experience to wired, and wireless devices. The new version supports 3GPP technology, enabling enterprise customers to stream mobile content to a wide variety of handsets and other wireless devices.
Realnetworks claims that the Helix Server Unlimited is the only multi-format, cross platform enterprise streaming server on the market to deliver RealAudio, RealVideo, Windows Media, QuickTime, Mpeg-4 and 3GPP from a single server infrastructure. The server fits within existing operating system environments and supports Windows, Solaris, Linux and Unix-based operating systems for streaming. New features include support for SNMP v3 and next generation protocols such as IP v6, as well as improved firewall support and Helix Rate Adaptation for better utilization of network resources.
RealNetworks executive VP worldwide business products and international ops, John Giamatteo says, “Real has built a strong foundation of delivering innovative mobile technology and services, and we’re very excited to be extending our advanced mobile capability to our enterprise customers. The latest version of the Helix server delivers a high quality, rich mobile streaming experience for our partners to stay on the cutting edge of the converging multimedia market.”
The mobile application is currently being implemented by several of Real’s enterprise customers, including the City of Seattle and Virginia Tech. The City of Seattle has been streaming its television programming to the desktop for over eight years and is now expanding it to the handset Meanwhile, Virginia Tech plans to stream a variety of content to student’s multimedia handsets that can be used in formal and informal learning experiences.
Cable TV
Hathway Cable appoints Gurjeev Singh Kapoor as CEO
Leadership change comes as cable TV faces shrinking subscriber base and modest earnings pressure
MUMBAI: Hathway Cable and Datacom has tapped industry veteran Gurjeev Singh Kapoor as chief executive officer, marking a leadership pivot at a time when India’s cable television business is under mounting strain.
Kapoor will take over from Tavinderjit Singh Panesar, who is set to retire in August after a long innings with the company. Panesar, chief executive since 2023, has held multiple leadership roles at Hathway, including his latest stint beginning in 2022.
Kapoor brings more than three decades of experience in media and entertainment. He most recently led distribution at The Walt Disney Company’s Star India business, now part of JioStar. His career spans television distribution and affiliate partnerships, with stints at Sony Pictures Networks India, Discovery Communications and Zee Entertainment.
Panesar, with over three decades in the industry, has worked across strategic planning, distribution and business development in media, broadcasting and manufacturing. His past associations include ESPN Star Sports, Star India, Apollo Tyres and JK Industries.
The transition lands as the cable sector grapples with structural disruption. Traditional operators are losing ground to streaming platforms, while telecom and broadband players tighten the squeeze with bundled offerings.
An EY report estimates India’s pay-TV base could shrink by a further 30 to 40 million households by 2030, taking the total down to 71 to 81 million. The slide follows a loss of nearly 40 million homes between 2018 and 2024, a contraction that has already wiped out more than 37,000 jobs in the local cable operator ecosystem.
Hathway’s numbers reflect the strain. The company reported a consolidated net profit of Rs 93 crore for FY25, down from Rs 99 crore a year earlier. Revenue inched up to Rs 2,040 crore from Rs 1,981 crore. As of December 2025, it had about 4.7 million cable TV subscribers and roughly 1.02 million broadband users.
Kapoor steps in with a familiar brief but a shrinking playbook. In a market where viewers are cutting cords faster than companies can reinvent them, the new chief executive inherits a business fighting to stay plugged in.
