DD to foray into HD TV channels

The war between cable TV operators and DTH companies has started to heat up, but Doordarshan, the only entity entitled to telecast using the terrestrial network, will foray into high definition (HD) television channels. The good news is that it will also bring in 10 private television channels on the terrestrial network as a free-to-air bouquet.

M. Anandan, deputy director general (engineering), Doordarshan said, “With an aim to keep in pace with current technological trends, Prasar Bharati has asked us (Doordarshan) to broadcast two of our channels on the high definition platform, for which we have started installation of HD equipment in our transmitter in Chennai.”

Anandan added that the installation work would get over in three months and the transmitter would be ready for broadcast. “For the first time, Prasar Bharati has decided to take in 10 to 12 private channels in the HD TV bouquet on the terrestrial network of which some would be traditional standard definition television channels. As DD has a larger penetration in the country, it will help all those who still view us on the terrestrial network to enjoy high definition,” he said.

“Now you have HD channels on the Direct to Home (DTH) television platform, but this is the first time that they will be on the terrestrial network as only DD has the right to use the terrestrial network in the country,” he said.

DD’s HD broadcast would initially be available in the four metros, namely Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai.

Source: http://cablequest.org/news/national-news/item/3063-dd-to-foray-into-hd-tv-channels.htmlSource: http://cablequest.org/news/national-news/item/3063-dd-to-foray-into-hd-tv-channels.html