Pacific Century Matrix (PCM), Asia-Pacific‘s leading provider of satellite-based broadband connectivity and network solutions is holding a workshop on DVB / IP over Satellite on 5 July in New Delhi.
The day-long workshop will focus on satellite broadband in India, an overview of PCM‘s products and services and VoIP in India. It will also have presentations by equipment suppliers and ground operators as well as a discussion on IP performance over satellite.

PCM offers DVB/IP broadcasting services for television broadcasters, and a range of one-way and interactive broadband services for multimedia business, major corporations and content providers. Through its joint demonstration via satellite, customers will be able to obtain first hand experience of its services/ products combination, says a company release.
The workshop will allow participants to get connected with main players in the industry including local Internet Service Providers, Broadcasters, Regulatory Bodies, Educational Institutions and Corporations in India, the release states.

Among the other guests who have confirmed their attendance include: Prasar Bharati officer on special duty Chellum Bose, DD director engineering Y Pratap. According to PCM‘s country representative Sandeep Bhargava, more than 96 professional involved in Internet services, call centres, satellite services, broadcast engineering have confirmed their attendance.

He adds that the co-sponsors include: DSL Dishnet, MCBS, Pentagon Systems, Space Link, and Malibu Network.

Doordarshan has entered into an agreement with France-based Canal France International (CFI) to telecast 26 French films on DD Metro beginning 5 July at 11 pm..

Pointing out that this was another step towards Indo-French cultural cooperation, DD director-general S Y Quraishi told a press conference in Delhi today: "We have entered into an MoU with CFI to telecast French films on DD which will be sub-titled in English and some of them will be dubbed in English too."

According to Quraishi, the dubbing and subtitling will be done by CFI before the films are provided to DD which can also earn some revenue if the Indian pubcaster manages to market the films, which will certainly attract a niche audience, to advertisers.

Speaking on the occasion, French ambassador to India Bernard de Montferrand said: "France has been attempting to see how it can improve the knowledge about the country in India and films are one way of doing it. Moreover, since India produces so many films, some of them which in recent times have been shown in France too (like Lagaan and Monsoon Wedding), we hope through this arrangement with DD, we will benefit."

The present agreement is another step towards strengthening Indo-French commercial ties, what with this year‘s Cannes Film festival almost awash with the Indian flavour.

Meanwhile, DD has also signed an agreement with British broadcaster BBC to air AIDS-related shows on its regional networks.

3 July may not be its official birthday, but it marks a day when Star Plus was reborn and launched a gameshow that was to rewrite the script of Indian television - Kaun Banega Crorepati.

"9 Baj gaye kya?"

Two year‘s on, there is no KBC, but Star Plus continues to lord it over the TV landscape with the Balaji soaps Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi and Kahaani Ghar Ghar Ki leading the charge.

KBC may be officially taking a sabbatical right now, but the channel that reaped the rich harvest of its success is celebrating the gameshow‘s birthday with a spate of new shows across genres.

The Tuesday prime time slot, vacated by Kamzor Kadii Kaun and Asoka The Series is now to be filled with Kehta Hai Dill a family serial that takes its inspiration from Picket Fences, beginning today. Neena Gupta, who enjoyed a cult following for her Saans on Star Plus will be back on the channel with Kyon Hota Hay Pyar on Thursdays at 8 pm, with a campus story on teenage romance and fun. Sonpari‘s success has spawned another kids‘ show on the channel, Shakalaka Boom Boom, a UTV production about a boy and his magic pencil that brings to life anything he draws with it.

Another UTV series Khichidi, that starts in September on Tuesdays at 8 pm will delve into the "deliciously wicked side of all human beings" and will look at the lighter side of mankind.

The channel has also lined up blockbusters to hook the film buff too with Dil Chahta Hai, Love Ke Liye Kuch Bhi Karega, Kuch Khatti Kuch Meethi, Ajnabee, Raaz and other movies lined up for the coming months.

"Catch me if you can" is the challenge that Star is throwing to its rivals.

(Star India has sent out a Power Point presentation toasting its two years of successful leadership in the Indian cable & satellite television sweepstakes. To go through the presentation click on the link alongside: Star‘s Toast to its second year of success!! It‘s a heavy file, so if you don‘t have a high bandwidth Internet connection, you will have to be patient!! Happy reading - Editor)

ETC Networks has announced red ink-stained financial results for the year ended 31 March 2002, even as Zee Telefilms readies to get into the driver‘s seat, after its official acquisition of the network last month.
ETC‘s turnover is down to Rs 313.3 million (Rs 538.2 million in the year to March 2001) even as expenses on exceptional items of Rs 136.12 million have dragged its net profit into negative terrain (Rs 141.06 million as against a profit of Rs 24.36 million last year). The exceptional items represent a write off on account of advances for copyrights and new projects.

The company has managed to halve its programming and telecast expenses to Rs 125.871 million (Rs 288.08 million) in the year. Its profit before before interest, depreciation /amortization & exceptional items is higher at Rs 55.64 million (Rs 49.62 million), but an interest component of Rs 12.44 million (Rs 6.02 million), depreciation of Rs 32.11 million (Rs 17.02 million) and exceptional expenses have led to the losses of Rs 136.12 million. To top it all, its reserves have dropped to Rs 273.81 million (Rs 299.24 million).

etc?s Channel Punjabi, leader in Punjabi regional channels, has maintained its top position since its inception two years back, the channel claims. Quoting TAM and INTAM in all the C&S homes and amongst the viewers aged 4+ (period starting 12 May), etc Channel Punjabi channel share is 58 per cent, Alpha Punjabi is 21 per cent, Lashkara 9 per cent, DD Punjabi 12 per cent, with Tara bringing up the rear with virtually 0 per cent, an official release say.