The four metros Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata need to wait for some time to enjoy cable TV is the digital format. Most state governments requested time for laying the cables and the centre seems to have obliged based on the decision taken by the union government. In reality the analogue signals with which we are geting right now were to go the digital way from July 01. As per the government the present analogue feed was to be converted into digitalised signals for yielding enhanced viewing experience. In its notification on Wednesday, "The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has decided to modify the 30th June deadline for a complete switch over to 31st October 2012."
"All the TRAI regulations for Digital Addressable System will come into effect from 1st November, 2012," the statement added. It said that the assessment of ground realities, compelled the Ministry of I&B to set a new deadline which would now be monitored more vigorously. India plans to go the digital way from December 2014 and the pilot run was to be tested in the metros. However the set back might not affect the overall progress feel sources.
TV signals are currently distributed in the country in analog as well as in digital and terrestrial formats. A digital format provides better picture quality & sound and other benefits leading to a better quality service. Most cable operators in the country are providing analog TV service while all DTH operators are providing a digital TV service. Digitisation means that all cable TV households would receive digital TV signals through a Set Top Box. As part of Digitisation, every cable operator will be legally bound to transmit digital signals, which can be received at the subscriber's home only through a Set Top Box, often called a STB.
With the country going the digital way consumers will get better TV viewing experience. They will enjoy better picture & sound clarity, enhanced services such HD & Video on Demand (VOD), a range of Interactive services and the freedom to choose from a bouquet of channels & pay only for those selected.
The cable and satellite television market in India had emerged in the 1990s and has since then experienced strong growth, in terms of number of subscribers having grown from a mere 4 lakh in 1992 to around 9 crore today-a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 35% over the last 18 years. With a share of roughly 40%, the television industry accounts for the largest share in the roughly Rs 70,000 Cr Indian entertainment and media industry, followed by print, film, radio and other media.
Currently, the television distribution network in India-catering to around 140 million television homes-is predominantly of analog type with over 60% subscribers belonging to this category, while the digital cable subscriber base remains low at around 4.5 million television homes. There are around 50,000 LCOs and 1,000 MSOs, including about 10 major MSOs in India. (With inputs from internet-AarKay)
