Domestic Set Top Boxes for 3rd and 4th phase of digitization of cable TV

[ratedr]

Union Information & Broadcast Minister, Prakash Javadekar, said that the government is considering resorting to domestically manufactured set-top boxes (STB) to complete the remaining third and fourth phase of digitization of TV cables in India.

For the first and second phase, set-top boxes made in China were used. About four crore TV sets across India were digitized during these phases.

Digitalization of 11.5 crore TV sets are yet to be completed.

Use of domestic set-top boxes will help in generating more employment opportunities for the youth. Besides, it will be easier to repair the STB if it malfunctions or is out of order.

Javadekar says that he will discuss the topic with Finance & Commerce Minister Arun Jaitley next week.

I&B Minister also shared that auction of FM radios has entered its third phase and the government will soon issue guidelines for it. He is also in the favour of allowing private FM radio channels to start their own news broadcast.

Source http://www.prepsure.com/current-affairs/domestic-set-top-boxes-for-3rd-and-4th-phase-of-digitization-of-cable-tv/

 

[HOUSE-MD]

Best decision till date on DAS implementation. When the country with millions of homes with cable connection there should have been a provision for basic STB well around Rs 500 be produced and available in India.

Advanced STB can be both produced in India and abroad and can be left at peoples choice as per their preference and requirements.

With STB's around Rs 500 both the DAS and DTH startup prices should come down so even the person with limited income in this country can afford to purchase.