KOLKATA: Fusion was the flavour as the ninth Cable TV Show 2004, opened here yesterday. The exhibition which was originally scheduled to start on 20 February started a day earlier as a result of which the first day had more local visitors.

The show was inaugurated by Kolkata Municipal Corporation mayor Subrato Mukherjee, while Rajya Sabha member of parliament Sarala Maheshwari was the chief guest.
In his welcome speech to the guests as well as the cable community, the chairman of the organising committee Pawan Jajodia said, "This is the ninth successful year of the exhibition and we are expecting same overwhelming response for the show. The main attraction is going to be the presence of the SAARC countries like Bangladesh, Nepal and the Pakistani delegation which is expected to arrive on the last day of exhibition (21 February).

Fabulous dance performances by Creation troupes set in the mood for a busy three days of activity. A majority of the exhibitors participating in the Cable TV Show are have come from Eastern India. Apart from the regular manufacturers and accessories stalls, MSOs as well as the Bengali channels like Alpha Bangla, Akaash Bangla, ETV Bangla and CCTN are present with in full force to attract cable operators.

Though among the MSOs surprisingly RPGnet which is the biggest MSO in Kolkata is conspicuous by its absence at the show. Apparently the cost cutting seems to be the reason of the absence. Siti with its news Dish TV, as well as Turner Network and Manthan Cable Network, (third largest in Kolkata) are present in the show.

The show is expected to pick up in next two days with seminars on Broadband, Value add services and DTH.