• BIS delineates set top box standards, invites comments by 15 June

    Jun 11, 2002

    The Cable TV Networks (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2002 may still be awaiting clearance by the Rajya Sabha (Upper Hou

  • BIS delineates set top box standards, invites comments by 15 June

    Submitted by ITV Production on Jun 11, 2002
    News Headline

    The Cable TV Networks (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2002 may still be awaiting clearance by the Rajya Sabha (Upper House of Parliament), but the wheels are moving in other areas.
    The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has issued a set of specifications as regards the analog set top box that is the cornerstone of the roll out of the proposed conditional access system.

    This specifies the performance parameters for analog set top boxes to be used by subscribers for viewing pay channels through the cable distribution system.

    The second part of the six-page report outlines the specifications for digital set tops.

    The systems - both analog and digital - are primarily intended for sound and television signals operating between 30 MHz and 1 GHz.

    On the issue of subscriber management systems, which is one that has particularly worried broadcasters, the document states: "Operators free to choose but it should ensure consumer interest by efficient responsive and accurate billing and collection. At the same time an arrangement must be made between the broadcaster and the cable operator for access to the relevant data relating to the respective channels for billing purposes."

    As far as general requirements go it is stated that: "It should be mandatory for the manufacturer / operator / service provider to declare to the subscriber the capability of the set top box and its inter-operability on other networks so that the subscriber is under no illusion whatsoever regarding the same. The manufacturer should ensure that compatibility / interfacing of set top box with standard consumer electronic goods such as television audio systems and VCRs in the country."

    The BIS notification states that all the standards are subject to revision and invites comments on the issue on or before 15 June.

    Click here for link to full draft of the set top box specifications put up on the Bureau of Indian Standards website.

  • AXN contest winners to host 'Extreme Dhamaka'

    Submitted by ITV Production on Jun 11, 2002
    News Headline

    MUMBAI: Seems like reality has finally come of age in India. While media might have pooh-poohed AXN‘s Hot ‘n Wild contest as yet another beauty pageant, the action adventure channel may just be having the last laugh.

    Embarking on their second biggest local production, a hybrid version of Who Dares Wins and Fear Factor, AXN is all set to begin shooting forExtreme Dhamaka from 21 September.

    The channel has stated that the two lucky winners of Hot ‘n Wild contest will get a chance to host Extreme Dhamaka. The contest is scheduled to be held on 20 September in Mumbai.

    The channel has roped in ex-Australian cricketer and screen icon Mike Whitney and the Aussie model-cum-actress Tania Zaetta for its Extreme Dhamaka venture too. The two contest winners will host alongside these celebrities. It will pave the way for the biggest on-ground action and adventure initiative that India has ever seen, says a company release.

    Taking a cue from the success of last year‘s AXN Who Dares Wins-India Special, which saw a large number of entries, the channel decided to launch the long awaited reality show, the release states.

    Zaetta who was the host of Who Dares Wins for eight years, will be among the judges at the at the grand finals of Hot ‘n Wild contest.

    Speaking about the venture, AXN‘s assistant vice president (marketing and sales), India, Rohit Bhandari says, "We have been realizing the growing popularity of adventure shows in India, more so since the launch on Fear Factor here. With the response that we received for Who dares Wins last year, we realized that India is finally prepared for a dare show."

    Bhandari, elaborates, "The entire effort is going be colossal in terms of logistical implementation. Both international and local expertise will be used to ensure maximum security during shoots. We will also make sure that the quality of production is on par with international broadcast standards,"

    When asked about the budget, Bhandari refused to reveal figures but says that they have upped last year‘s special budget by almost 50 per cent. Scheduled to be shot from 21 September to 8 October, the special event for Extreme Dhamaka will take off on a six city tour in Delhi, Chandigarh, Bangalore, Chennai, Pune and Mumbai. The televised version will go on air six weeks after the event, probably in December, the release says.

    Bhandari adds that although the effort will be a one-off event aired as a special season, next year around, the channel will be coming up with yet another format especially for the Indian masses.

    While the channel is skeptical about the nomination format of the show oversees, the Indian version will have people dared on the street just like last years AXN Who Dares Wins-India Special.

    But unlike the relatively softer version, where Whitney approached unsuspecting Indians on the streets or at shopping malls daring them to attempt certain stunts, Extreme Dhamaka will be shot in stadiums throughout the country, with dares designed to be more demanding, severe and rigorous. The show will be presented by Hero Honda in association with Center Shock, Airtel and Nokia.

    The highlight of Extreme Dhamaka will be the Main Dares which will be shot in India this year. The press release says, Main Dares will create some heart-stopping moments.

    Speaking about the format Bhandari says, "Last year when we shot The AXN Who Dares Wins-India Special, we were sure Indians would enjoy participating in the street dares which were fun to do and not that severe. But the format of Extreme Dhamaka is based on three levels: first is the "can-able mini dare", which is a milder version and is not as challenging and gutsy as "mini-main dare", the second step. But the toughest one the "main dare". The dares are designed to put an individual‘s physical and psychological limits to the test."

     

  • Prashant Sanwal appointed head of Zee's Alpha channels

    Submitted by ITV Production on Jun 11, 2002
    News Headline

    More on executive movements in television land. Prashant Sanwal, former vice-president SET MAX, and till recently one of the four directors on the as yet stillborn MAK (Manoranjan, Aur Kya) Network, has joined Subhash Chandra‘s Zee Group.
    Sanwal took charge yesterday as director of all Zee‘s regional language Alpha channels and will report to Sandeep Goyal, group broadcasting CEO, Zee Telefilms Ltd (ZTL).

    Zee has said that it will be devoting a greater focus on the Alpha channels and Sanwal‘s appointment indicates just that. Sanwal will be looking at the Alpha channels from both a programming and marketing perspective, it is learnt.

    Sanwal‘s appointment comes in tandem with ZTL‘s announcement yesterday that it has been given approval by the information and broadcasting ministry to uplink four additional channels directly from India. These channels are Kaveri (Kannada), Bharati (Tamil), Alpha Krishna and Alpha Urdu. It needs noting that while Zee has secured uplinking permission for Alpha Krishna (Telugu?) and Alpha Urdu, no such channels exist as yet on the Alpha platform.

    "In three to four-months‘ time we will be re-launching the current Bharathi and Kaveri channels as Alpha Tamil and Alpha Kannada which will soon go off-air for the make-over,‘‘ Goyal was quoted as saying in an official release yesterday. Currently there are four Alpha channels - Gujarati, Marathi, Bangla and Punjabi.

    "We will also in due course examine the launch of Alpha Telugu and will evaluate our options in the Urdu space,‘‘ Goyal was quoted as saying.

    With the I&B ministry‘s clearance, ZTL has received permission to uplink 10 channels from India through the teleport of Essel Shyam Communication Ltd at Noida.

  • DD Metro to continue as a terrestrial-cum-satellite channel

    Submitted by ITV Production on Jun 10, 2002
    News Headline

    It‘s decided to maintain the status quo. The Prasar Bharati has said nyet to conversion of its entertainment service, Doordarshan Metro, as an exclusive satellite channel. DD Metro will continue as a terrestrial channel as it exists today, the Prasar Bharati said in a statement today.
    Additionally, DD Metro will continue to be available - as it is currently - to cable TV subscribers through satellite delivery, the statement said.

    "DD Metro will continue as a terrestrial channel. It will also be one of the revenue earners," a Prasar Bharati statement, quoting Prasar Bharati chief executive K S Sarma said.

    The Prasar Bharati, according to the statement, has taken the decision after carefully considering the reach of the channel which is now available in most of the A, B1 and B2 cities of India.

    DD Metro is also in the process of procuring programmes in the area of entertainment and several new shows are expected to be on air by August this year.

    DD Metro, which is broadcast through 102 transmitters, covers 14.2 per cent of the total area and reaches 34.8 per cent of the population. It also has a viewership base of 42.3 million TV households.

  • Doordarshan

    DD Metro to continue as a terrestrial-cum-satellite channel

    Jun 10, 2002

    It's decided to maintain the status quo.

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