Background
- Country has more than 100 million cable TV subscribers. Digitization of cable TV services is under way in a phased manner in 4 phases. Sunset date for analog Cable TV Phase-IV is 31.12.2016 – after which no analog signal transmission or re-transmission of TV channels permitted by Law. This last date has been further increased till 31.03.2017
- For availing Digital Cable TV Services, a consumer has to install a set top box at the premises.
- A Digital Addressable Cable TV Systems (DAS) is a cable TV service, in which, TV channels are transmitted through cable TV network in digital and encrypted form. This system is able to carry large number of TV channels, radio services and other value added services. In this system the consumer can choose channels/bouquet and pay only for the same.
- It is different from DTH service where TV channels are received by consumer from satellite using small dish antenna located at Consumer’s premise. However, in DAS TV signals reach to the Consumer’s through the cable TV network.
Difference between Analog and DAS
- The analog cable TV system can practically carry up to 60-70 TV channels only. In this system the subscribers do not have option to choose channels; rather they have to pay for the entire bouquet of channels offered by the Multi System Operator (MSO).
- On the other hand, DAS can carry large number of TV channels and subscribers can choose channels/bouquets as per their requirement. However, an additional piece of equipment known as Set-Top-Box (STB) is required for viewing the channels in DAS.
Benefits to the consumer from DAS
- It can carry large number of TV channels with better picture quality and sound for all channels – can also carry HD and 3D channels.
- Consumers can choose the channels/bouquets as per their requirement and pay only for the channels chosen.
- DAS can also offer value added services such as triple play with broadband, movies on demand etc.
- Electronic Programme Guide (EPG) provided in DAS makes it easy for the Consumer to select a particular channel in user friendly manner.
- It is the quickest way to deliver broadband in urban settings and it prepares India for convergence
- It will provide a more balanced distribution of income amongst the broadcasters (content providers), multiple system operators (infrastructure providers), and last-mile operators