Technical - DTH TV

What is direct to home (DTH) TV?
The DTH technology enables a broadcasting company to directly beam the signal to your TV set through a receiver that is installed in the house. There is no need for a separate cable connection. In India, direct-to-home (DTH) Broadcasting Service refers to the distribution of multi channel TV rogrammes in Ku Band by using a satellite system by providing TV signals direct to subscribers’ premises.

What is needed for a DTH connection?
The broadcasting company will supply a set that will comprise a dish and a receiving set. The company will beam an encrypted signal that only the set installed in your household can receive and enable viewing.

What are the advantages of DTH
One can do away with the cable operator who will give you channels of his choice and there is no assurance of quality. The quality of signals in this case is expected to superior since the signal is not split through a cable. By choosing just the signals that one needs, there is a possibility of reducing your monthly cable bill. The broadcasting company benefits as there is no possibility of under-declaration of subscribers.

What are the disadvantages of DTH?
Among disadvantages, the biggest one is the capital cost that has to be borne initially. Since this involves setting up of a receiving apparatus at the subscribers end, the cost can be prohibitively high. This can come down if the volumes are high enough, but in India it is a moot question whether people will invest in this higher end technology.

Are there any laws governing DTH in India?
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has laid down guidelines to be followed for obtaining a licence for investments in a DTH platform in India. The license will be valid for 10 years from the date of issue.

Who can invest in a DTH platform in India?
The guidelines say that 49% foreign holding is allowed of which 20% may be in the form of foreign direct investment. The company should have Indian management control. To prevent monopolies, no broadcaster/cable network should have more than a 20% stake in the DTH company and the company applying for a DTH license should not have more than a 20% stake in a broadcasting/cable network?