Indian Telecom Regulator TRAI Proposes Introduction Of Digital TV From April 1, 2006

Televisionpoint.com: Indian regulator Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has proposed to introduce digital television from April 1, 2006.

With this, television sets are expected to double up as Internet service providers, apart from beaming up to 300 digital channels through the set top box. The TRAI has asked the information and broadcasting ministry to ensure introduction of digital television across the country by 2010, when Commonwealth Games are to be organised in Delhi.

To start with, digital television will be introduced in metros from April. But the flipside is consumers will end up paying more. I wouldn’t mind if the offerings are good and if it’s value for money.

“One should expect the cable bill to at least double, if not increase three times, with the introduction of digital channels. Under reporting on part of cable operators benefits consumers as it helps in keeping their monthly cable bill to a payable amount,” said Vicky Chaudhary, a south Delhi cable operator.

But it is the technology that the ministry is going to recommend, is keeping the industry guessing. According to Chaudhary, there are two technologies available in the market. One is MPeg-II, which will mean increase in the number of channels available in digital mode. From the present 96 channels available, the number can go up to 300 in MPeg-II. The other system is MPeg-IV, which is interactive, and offers Internet-propelled television, Internet connection through television, video on demand facility and interactive television mode.

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