HITS (Headend in the sky)

Features:
Delivers Up To 12 Digital Services
HITS digital cable uses powerful digital compression technology to transport as many as 12 digitally encoded video services into the space of a single 6MHz analog channel.
HITS uplinks digitized, compressed and encrypted programming in MPEG II format. The signals are received at the cable headend, where they are decrypted, re-modulated and re-encrypted for digital delivery to the customer via the existing plant, displaying richer pictures and sound than ever before experienced on cable or broadcast television.
Complement Current Packages with New Digital Programming
HITS' programming lineup is designed to be a complimentary addition to your current analog lineup. Digital customers can receive existing analog and new HITS-delivered digital services, along with digital audio, an interactive on-screen navigator and other control features through a single set-top box.
Addressable Set-top Services
Addressable set-top services offer a simple, reliable and economical means of authorizing set-top boxes to receive pay-per-view purchases, premium services and other programming services, and interact with the operator’s customer billing system.

The HITS Advantage
Low Capital Investment - Efficient use of existing bandwidth eliminates the need for expensive plant upgrades and lengthy, disruptive rebuilds.
Speed to Market - HITS offers delivery of a vast array of new services to paying customers sooner rather than later.
Enhanced Competitiveness - HITS offers operators the means to meet the competition head-on while retaining cable’s inherent advantages: whole-house delivery; local signals; local customer service; and limited equipment investments for customers.
Increased Revenue Opportunity - HITS offers a full slate of new and exciting products that translate into incremental revenue opportunities. Digital addressability means greater signal security and, consequently, more paying customers.
Customer Satisfaction - Research shows that customer satisfaction improves dramatically when new programming services are introduced. Features like on-screen navigation, impulse ordering and customer messaging further enhance the entertainment experience.
Positive Image - Offering new service technologies like those offered by HITS can help operators project a more progressive, consumer-response image.
Account Management - HITS Account Management Department makes the complex process of launching digital cable as simple as possible. Beginning with the initial planning stages, they guide the operator through the entire process to a successful launch. HITS Account Management services include: launch planning, site surveying, system configuration, headend equipment acquisition, headend installation, employee training and consumer marketing and creative support.
Programming Flexibility - Each digital channel is individually addressable, enabling flexible packaging or ‘a la carte’ sale of services to best meet operator and customer needs.
Economical Set-top Box Control - Addressable set-top services offer a simple, reliable and economical means of authorizing set-top boxes.
Simplified Launch & Operating Process - HITS takes the complexity out of launching digital cable from "A to Z" with flexible service packages and proven processes.

Most of the HITS programming is available on G-16 Ku-band. HITS also uses C-band satellites C


HITS Programming Advantage
HITS delivers the broadest selection of MPEG ll Digital Cable Programming from a single source—nearly 200 channels in all!
HITS provides a complete array of digital video and audio programming needed for a comprehensive programming strategy. The networks are grouped to efficiently address different market needs.
Premium multiplexing is expected to be a leading driver of new digital revenue by increasing pay subscriptions, reducing pay churn, and boosting digital set-top box penetration.
HITS offers Enhanced Pay-Per-View (PPV), with start times formatted for high availability of hit titles and events.
HITS complements its video offerings with a package of commercial-free, CD-quality, digital music formats
These networks can be attractively packaged on a bundled basis, or offered a' la carte to help drive demand and penetration for your digital offering—and it's a great retention tool!

Electronic Program GuideEasy access to all the new programming and features of digital TV is key to providing a positive viewing experience for your digital cable customers. An interactive electronic program guide allows viewers to browse the vast array of programming choices, in real time, using simple commands and user friendly features. Viewers can search on-screen by channel, genre, title or time; set reminders to appear before a program begins; order Pay-Per-View movies or events on impulse; and lock out programming by title, channel or rating.


http://www.hits.com/

DD Direct Plus - How can it be improved?

DD Direct Plus (DDD+) - The DTH service launched by Prasarbharti, as FTA which could been cheap source of entertainment for people of India reaching whole of nation. But after 3-4 years of its launch (Dec 16, 2004 - Wikipedia), is it settled?
When launched it promised to be a good source of entertainment, with good FTA channels on board, but with time most of popular channels like AAJ TAK, ETV Marathi, SUN TV has left the platform. And the PB has no offer to attract popular channels. The channels currently available are either those who don't find place on pvt. platform (DISH TV/TATASKY) or channel recently launched.
Some suggestion for popularising the service & improve the quality
1. Launching exclusive quality entertainment channels on DDD+, which can telecast new shows as well as old previuos shows.
2. Launching Movie channels showcasing good movies from bollywood, Regional (& ofcourse hollywood)
3. Program Guide service - after 3 years in service PB should manage that now
4. Improving regional channels programming quality in par with pvt. channels
5. Interactive services like Teletext, subtitle, News, weather, Cricket scores, Sensex- For reception of this, PB can approve few STB models compatible for reception of interactive services
6. Acquiring sports content from F1, Soccer & other sports to improve DD Sports