Genre wise channel switch off

Digitization is just around the corner on 1st November 2012 for 4 metros. The countdown has already started, as preparations are in full swing. The transmission of the analog signal will be stopped by 31st October completely but will happen in phase manner.

To make the consumer understand the situation, broadcasters are going to blackout the analog cable signals permanently in the 4 metros starting 10th October 2012.Star, Zee, Multi Screen Media (MSM) and TV18 Group are among the major broadcasters who are in agreement with the MSOs, a move set to smoothen the transition from analogue to digital cable TV in the four metros.

What this means in effect is that a particular genre of channels will not be available on analogue cable in the four metros in different time periods before 1 November

"The date for digitisation deadline is not far off. All hell won't break loose and it is a practical step to take if we are to move into the new digital era. This is also a way to make consumers realise that they can't view television content from 1 November if they don't have digital STBs," an industry source said.

First on 10th October 2012 onwards, the English movies will be off air. The consumer may not notice this much. But on 15th October 2012, analog broadcast of Hindi movies will be blacked out. This is when the consumer will realizes the importance of having digitization. We will see a spurt in the digital boxes sale here.

Next is, 18th October onwards all news channels including Business News will go off air. The final blow will hit when all Hindi GEC will be stopped 21st October 2012 onwards.

The 'knock-out' channels would be available for consumers only through digital set-top boxes (STBs). The idea is to give digitization a push and make consumers realise that they will have to buy digital STBs to view television programs after 31 October in the metros of Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai.

It is not clear, however, if all the broadcasters are in agreement with this decision. Earlier, sports broadcaster ESPN, which is now telecasting the T20 World Cup, had moved the Telecom Disputes Settlement and Arbitration Tribunal (Tdsat) alleging that MSOs had stopped re-transmission of signals of its channels - ESPN, Star Sports and Star Cricket -- with a view to ensure the order of the Information and Broadcasting (I&B) Ministry for digitisation of all cable networks in Delhi is implemented.

So all those in the 4 metros waiting to buy a STB on the last week of October if you want to watch these 'knock-out' channels during this month quickly buy a STB.