NEW DELHI: Setting up yet another first in the broadcasting industry in India, Dish TV today announced the launch of 30 individual channels in High Definition.
Dish TV now has an enhanced product portfolio of 267 channels in standard definition and 30 channels in high definition, which is substantially higher than any competing DTH operator in both HD as well as SD transmission.
Speaking on the occasion, Dish TV managing director Jawahar Goel said: “The availability of one or two HD channels on various platforms did not impact the market. Now, with the launch of 30 HD channels, Dish TV is officially scripting the HD revolution in India. Today, we are heralding a new era in Indian broadcasting and will build this category through content expansion, consumer education and high end product service.”
Speaking on the occasion, Dish TV India CEO RC Venkateish said: “With 30 High Definition channels, Dish TV will be able to put forward a significant differentiated offering to its subscribers. We have the largest HD channel portfolio giving us a significant competitive advantage and quantum leap over competition. We expect this to translate into significant gains in terms of market share, ARPU as well as total revenue for the company. The addition of ESPN feed on our HD format will immensely enrich the experience of cricket fans as they get ready for the most eagerly anticipated sporting event this year.”
Dish TV will offer all cricket fans the highly anticipated ICC World cup 2011 on high definition, which offers viewers a near- stadium experience. Other than the World Cup feed, the channels which Dish TruHD offers include Zee TV, Zee Cinema, Zee News, Zee Studio, Zee Café, HBO, Movies Now, Discovery, National Geographic, Animal Planet, Zee Talkies, Zee Bangla, Zee Telugu, Zee Kannada, Times Now, ET Now, Cartoon Network, POGO, Ten Sports, AXN, MTV, VH1, WB, Pix, TLC, Ten Cricket, UTV Action, UTV Movies, Sony, and Colors.
According to Dish TV, Indian consumers are showing a very positive acceptance towards HD enabled systems and the availability of Full HD content through the DTH platform. Though many of the DTH players in the industry have launched the high definition format, most of them do not have more than 3 to 5 HD channels to offer to their subscribers.
Dish TruHD will be offered at a price of Rs 2390 which will include one month’s Platinum subscription and all 30 HD Channels. Alternatively, Dish TruHD packs will be available in two variants- Base pack of 15 channels at Rs 125 per month and a-la Carte of 15 channels at Rs 100 per month.
Dish TruHD will also showcase the World Cup and the French Open through a special pack at Rs 150 for both the tournaments.
