Sunday 14 September 2008

Laurel & Hardy And The Boat

Video from Laurel And Hardy & The Boat
I like this video very much, especially the end in which Laurel innocently goes & checks if his trumpet is there :)
Enjoy the video!!!

Sunday 7 September 2008

DTH in India

Here is the summary of DTH operators in India regarding technical aspects and some advantages & disadvantages which user may face depending upon their views about the service
As of 18 Jan 2009. Number of channels may vary as channels added/removed by operator

DD Direct Plus
Owner: Prasarbharti (Public Broadcaster)
Satellite: Insat 4B at 93.5°E (Earlier on NSS 6 at 95°E)
Encryption: Un-encrypted
Encoding: MPEG-2
Channels: 50 TV, 21 Radio
Advantages: Completely Free (Free to Air), Good Audio/Video quality, Can be received any parts on India and neighbouring countries, Users can also enjoy local AIR audio channels in part of country, Carries many popular Hindi music channels
Disadvantages: Mostly DD channels and less popular Hindi private channels, appears monotonous as mostly carrying music & news channels, very slow in adding new channels, no EPG, no interactive services

DISH TV
Owner: Essel Group by ZEE
Satellite: NSS 6 at 95°E
Encryption: Conax
Encoding: MPEG-2
Channels: 140 TV, 4 Radio including 6 PPV MOD channels (50 TV & 21 Radio receivable from DD Direct Plus) + Interactive Channels
Advantages: First private operator to launch DTH service in India, user-friendly affordable packages based on regional languages, Carries DD Direct Plus channel in its EPG
Disadvantages: Slow in adding newly launched channels, NEO sports channels not available, not at par in customer service (as per various forums), delay in updating website

TATASKY
Owner: TATA (80%) and SKY (20%)
Satellite: Insat 4A at 83°E
Encryption: Videoguard
Encoding: MPEG-2
Channels: 147 TV including 6 PPV MOD channels, 0 Radio + Interactive Channels
Advantages: Good Audio/Video quality, fast package activation & account recharge, aggressive in adding newly launched channels, EPG in Hindi
Disadvantages: Costlier compared to other service providers, Lack of language based channel packaging, missing few ZEE channels & ZEE SPORTS, Missing popular music channels, No Audio channels

SUN DIRECT
Owner: SUN group (India) & Astro (Malaysia)
Satellite: Insat 4B at 93.5°E
Encryption: Irdeto
Encoding: MPEG-4
Channels: 110 TV, 3 Radio (50 TV & 21 Radio receivable from DD Direct+)
Advantages: First operator to use MPEG-4 encoding so can carry more channels, South Indian market targeted hence carry more south Indian channels then other operators, can receive DD Direct Plus channels as both use same satellite
Disadvantages: No ESPN-STAR SPORTS, NEO channels, no interactive services, less presence in other parts of India

BIG TV
Owner: Reliance ADA group
Satellite: Measat 3 at 91.5°E
Encryption: Mediaguard
Encoding: MPEG-4
Channels: 186 TV including 30 PPV MOD channels, 10 Radio + Interactive Channels
Advantages: Uses MPEG-4 encoding, carries more number of channels then any other operator, Carries more number on PPV channels, Carries most of popular GEC, Movies & Sports channels
Disadvantages: Confusing channel packaging for beginner users, may end up costlier if channel package not selected wisely


AIRTEL DIGITAL TV
Owner: Bharti Airtel group
Satellite: Insat 4CR at 74.0°E
Encryption: Mediaguard
Encoding: MPEG-4
Channels: 144 TV, 10 Worldspace Radio + Interactive Channels
Advantages: Uses MPEG-4 encoding, 1st DTH provider to provide worldspace radio, Universal remote control provided
Disadvantages: Not identified yet

Joining soon to the list VIDEOCON DTH.

Source:
http://www.lyngsat.com/in4b.html
http://www.lyngsat.com/packages/dish.html
http://www.lyngsat.com/packages/tatasky.html
http://www.lyngsat.com/packages/sundirect.html
http://www.lyngsat.com/packages/big.html
http://www.lyngsat.com/packages/airtel.html
http://www.saveondish.com/forum/dish-networks-india-f-1.html
http://broadbandforum.in/direct-home-cable-fm-iptv-television/