BANGALORE: Indian pubcaster Doordarshan is looking at formally commencing its free-to-air (FTA) direct-to-home (DTH) television service from 15 September.
Trail runs are being conducted all over the country, including Bangalore. In Delhi, the DTH service can be experienced in DD headquarters and in the information and broadcasting ministry.
According to a press release issued by Doordarshan, the service is already available on trial basis and has 17 channels of Doordarshan and 10 channels of All India Radio. Another 13 private TV channels and 13 channels of All India Radio will be added to make it a bouquet of 30 TV channels and 20 Radio channels.
Efforst are on to get as many private sector satellite broadcasters also on to the platform, including foreign ones like CNN. BBC World, has already agreed to be part of the service.
According to Prasar Bharati CEO KS Sarma, the organisation has sought a time from prime minister Manmohan Singh to inauguare the DTH service of 15 September, the day when DD began its first telecast decades back.
For Karnataka, DTH would be available across the state and the DD Bangalore Kendra will provide 1500 free DTH receivers to various centers across 25 districts. 1500 boxes have already been provided to NCEC and CEC centers across the districts and coastalareas for the government sponsored education and adult-literacy programs, informed a release issued by the Bangalore DD Kendra.
The DTH is accessible from NSS6 satellite in KU band. DTH receiving set box comprising of one 60/90/120 cm dish, and a DTH set top box. Lowest dish size can be used around Hyderabad-Karnataka region and 90 cm is available anywhere in Karnataka except coastal area. It is advisable to use 120 cm dish in coastal area where rainfall is heavier than other areas. The DTH service is available in digital mode. Any of the available set top box in the market can be used to receive DD Direct+ DTH service. Other technical details of DD Direct+ is given in enclosed sheet.
DTH boxes are available at a cost range of Rs.2,300 to Rs.3,000 (without CI slot) including the dish antenna. Euro Box and MCBS have CI slots around Rs 3900 to Rs 5000.
Starting this week Bangalore Kendra's Chandana channel would telecast 20 commissioned programs, documentaries, and software such as drama, telefilms, serials. The Kendra has signed on Kannada writers and film directors for value addition.
