MUMBAI: With the deadline for Conditional Access System (CAS) barely two months away, the media industry is on tenterhooks regarding its impact and successful implementation. To examine the various CAS related issues, Cablequest magazine is organising a day-long CAS seminar in Bangalore's Hotel Atriya on 20 May 2003.
During the course of the seminar, the Cablequest team comprising of professionals (with an experience of more than 10 years in the industry) will point out as to how the representatives of cable trade would benefit from this new change which will bring about a revolution in the country.
According to the release, prominent persons from the industry will speak on various issues related to CAS which include the CAS bill, digital and analog technology, BIS standards, financial aspects, digital headends and getting the network ready for CAS.
For registration and further details you could log onto the website www.cable-quest.com or call at 011-25131540. The delegates will be charged a fee of Rs 750 and Rs 1200 for two persons.
Seminar programme
Session-1
The Conditional Access amendment Act 2002 
A discussion on salient features of the Act and its implications on the business of cable operators, broadcasters and the consumers.
Session-2
Basics of conditional access technology
How the technology will work for you and new scenario of programme packaging.
Session-3
Digital CAS 
Highlighting the working of Digital CAS and set-top- boxes; its advantages and disadvantages.
Session-4
Analog CAS 
Functioning of analog conditional access and set-top-boxes. Its advantages and disadvantages.
Session-5
Subscriber management and billing system 
Hardware requirement and interfacing of SMS with CAS hardware; basic functioning; billing of subscribers and interaction with broadcasters.
Session-6
Financial aspects of CAS
Financing the CAS hardware at the headend; financing options of Set-top-Boxes for the subscribers.
Session-7
BIS Specifications
Specification for hardware at the headend; specification for Set-top Boxes; digital as well as analog.
Session-8
Scrambling techniques and open architect 
Methods of scrambling in analog and digital systems. Functioning of open architecture; advantages and disadvantages. 
Session-9 
Preparing CATV Network for CAS 
What upgrades and modifications are required to introduce different types of CAS in a Cable TV Network.
Session-10
Headend In The Sky (HITS)
The concept that may become boon to small and independent operators.
Session-11
Implementation of CAS
Hassles to be faced in implementing CAS; preparing oneself for 15 July 2003; preparing subscribers for the new technology; price structure; post CAS.
Session-12
Internet on cable and value addition 
Providing Internet and value added services on cable; using Set-Top-Boxes as gateway to Internet, Video-on-demand etc.
Session-13 
HFC Networking in CAS environment 
Using fibre optic Networking to enhance the quality & extent of a network to facilitate CAS installation.
Fibre to home technology.
Session-14
Question and answer session