Airtel digital TV expands total channel count with 4 new HD channels

Airtel digital TV-the DTH service from Bharti Airtel, announced that it has added 15 more channels over the last 3 months taking its Total Channel Count to 262.

With this, Airtel digital TV now offers 240 channels in Standard Definition (SD) and 11 High Definition (HD) channels. The 4 new HD channels added include UTV Stars HD, History TV 18 HD, Colors HD, and CNBC TV 18 Prime HD taking its True HD channel count to 11.

CW network inks a 5-year deal with Hulu to offer new TV episodes

CW television network has entered into a five year deal with Hulu to offer online streams of new episodes. The Hulu owned by media giants News Corp., NBCUniversal and the Walt Disney Co., will have the exclusive right to stream episodes of such new CW shows as "Ringer" and "Hart of Dixie" as well as returning series. 

This shift in CW’s strategy comes, which earlier delayed the online availability of its episodes and tightly held the digital rights to its shows, as the network is looking out for other revenue streams. 

Videocon d2h adds Colors HD to its bouquet of HD channels

Videocon d2h strengthens its niche position in the HD space even further. It now unveils HD feed of the Hindi entertainment channel Colors. This addition will not only enhance customer viewing experience but also go hand in hand with the company mantra of ‘delighting the customer always’.

Zeebox application now available on iPad

Social TV service Zeebox, is now live on iPad where it is the “App of the Week.”Zeebox shows users information, apps and further downloads about shows they are watching, creates live links to the material discussed in shows and lets users follow show-based social network chat and see what their friends are watching. 

Google introduces revamped 2.0 version of Google TV

The Internet search engine, Google Inc, unveiled a revamped version of its Google TV service on October 29, bringing new features aimed at making the product easier-to-use and more appealing to consumers. 

Supreme Court’s notice to Trai

The Supreme Court has issued a notice in order to seek a reply from Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) on ESPN’s plea seeking vacation of its earlier order that raised the channel distribution rates paid by cable operators from 35% to 42%.

ESPN is seeking vacation of the apex court’s April 18 order that stayed the Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT) order and raised the distribution rates to 42%.

DIPP suggests FDI hike in cable, DTH sector

An affirmative nod has been given by the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion in order to increase foreign direct investment (FDI) in broadcast carriage services sector, including cable TV and direct-to-home.

The DIPP has circulated a draft cabinet note which also includes raising overseas investments limits according to suggestions given by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI).