Article Soon, mobile-like portability in DTH, cable TV

IndianMascot

IndianMascot

Core Member
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) will soon allow interoperability between cable service and DTH (direct-to-home) service providers, allowing users to change their cable operators, similar to the telecom segment.

As of now, cable operators and DTH service providers offer their services bundled with a set-top box which comes at a cost of Rs 1,500-2,000. However, if a consumer is not satisfied with his service provider, he is forced to buy a new set-top box from the other operator because of technical issues. Even the amount paid for the box is non-refundable.

Trai is framing its views on the issue and the final guidelines will be out within a couple of months, said sources. A consultation paper on draft tariff order, prescribing framework for commercial interoperability of customer premises equipment - set top box - in DTH services was floated in February last year. However, the final recommendations are pending. Trai will now float a new concept paper on the same issue asking for ways to implement interoperability


Soon, mobile-like portability in DTH, cable TV | Business Standard News
 
Anish Pai

Anish Pai

EntMnt Contributor
Finest Member
This is a good step. Interoperability may be possible but it will be limited to within DTH and Digital Cable, as both these work on different technology. DTH is DVB-S and Cable is DVB-C.

Now the following question arises ?

1. Different DTH/MSO operator on different encryption systems, and STB firmware which also includes middleware and headend equipment.
Tata Sky/Airtel and D2H work on NDS
D2h also has irdeto
Dish TV has Conax

so one STB will not work on other DTH services as they use different software. It will work if all DTH use same firmware, middleware and headend equipment

2. DTH companies brand their STB by having own company logo on STB, if one does change the dth services, wouldn't it be odd to use another dth services by using other brand STB ? Also what about the finger print and logo on channels ?

3. A smart card is needed to be paired with STB to get services, by changing service provider what happens to the VC ???

4. Also the dish will be needed to be changed/aligned if one moves to another operator ? who will do that ?

5. Different DTH services work on differnet satellites and frequency, FEC, Symbol rates. Who would feed in new TP data for new service ?
 
Teufel

Teufel

EntMnt Knight
Finest Member
If above all are going to be problems. Then why would government even think of a system like porting DTH? Is it just a joke ?
 
Anish Pai

Anish Pai

EntMnt Contributor
Finest Member
Ok, here is what the regulatory body and DTH operators can do:

1. All operators must decide with TRAI on which firmware, middleware, headend systems to be used. All must use same thing:
Be it NDS, irdeto or connax.

2. All operators must provide same model STB from same company. Or STB that are compatible with the firmware chosen.

3. The STB must be of the BIS standards set by TRAI.

4. There should be no brand logo on STB/smart card and dish. Except Manufacturer name and other data.

5. The channels must have service provider logo, the stb must not post logo on channels.

6. All TP data of all DTH operators must be stored in STB, so that whenever changed to other operator technician can change it with one button.

Also VC card must be common with all operators so that when the service is changed user can just fill in CAF of new service and give in VC/STB code and number. Or operators must just issue Smart cards so that it can be inserted in STB and users can enjoy their services. SO this way it is paired and fingerprint also will be available.

There are many more technical things that need to be taken into consideration by TRAI and DTH regarding Interoperability.
 
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