Videocon d2h set to offer 'Ultra' experience!

As the direct-to-home (DTH) industry witnesses an upsurge in technological development and adoption, the announcement of 4K ultrahigh definition (UHD) set-top boxes (STB) is just music to the ears.

While Videocond2h made its announcement yesterday, Tata Sky will do the honours today. Both the operators have acquired the technology and will be manufacturing the set top boxes under their individual brand names.

Technological innovation has been the brand’s constant endeavour and with 4K Ultra HD, will be yet another futuristic technology, which Videocon d2h will launch. The 4K Ultra HD DTH services will be available commercially very soon. The live preview of the 4K technology by Videocon d2h is the first step towards ushering a new era of DTH industry in India. The brand promises to redefine the viewing experience of Indian consumers.

4K Ultra HD resolution comprises of 3840 pixels × 2160p lines (8.3 megapixels, aspect ratio 16:9). UHD has twice the horizontal and vertical resolution & four times as many pixels overall as compared to the 1080p HDTV format. This technology enables image clarity with fine detail, greater texture and an almost photographic emulsion of smoothness. A 4K display reveals much more details, with results that can be astonishing. This provides a more immersive experience, bringing to life spacious wildlife panoramas as well as offering the most detailed action of a sports game. This 4K Ultra HD DTH service will act as a mandatory interface to receive the Ultra HD signals for your Ultra HD TVs. Currently, brands like Samsung, LG, Sony and Videocon have a line of ultra HD television sets in the market, though the market share of these variants is fairly small.

This new innovation is in continuation with the many innovations that Videocon d2h has brought in DTH industry like the First to bring 1000 GB High Definition Digital Video recorder, Radio Frequency Remote for DTH, Radio Frequency Remote with Earphones & Active 3D channel.

The satellite TV arm of the diversified Videocon group, also formally announced the change of its name from Bharat Business Channel to Videocon d2h.

Saurabh Dhoot – Director Videocon said, “Videocon d2h Limited as a leading DTH service provider, is committed to bring global technology into the Indian TV homes through our innovations. 4K Ultra HD is the latest innovation in viewing technology. We have successfully previewed the service today and demonstrated our capabilities.

Officials say Videocon d2h is also looking at launching an initial public offering (IPO) by the end of this fiscal. The company had received the permission from market regulator Sebi in March 2013 for its proposed Rs 700-crore IPO which will be deployed towards innovation in technology, but did not launch the same due to bad market conditions.  “We are in conversation with our advisors and should have something to announce by the end of the fiscal. In the mean time, we want to continue our focus on innovation and technology investment for the long run. Our investment in DTH will be around Rs 5,000 crore by the end of this financial year and we are looking at creating a platform that will give different avenues of engagement to the consumer”, Dhoot said.

Stating that research and development is an integral part of the investments the company makes, Dhoot mentions that currently his team is looking at developing platform services that will go a long way in engaging the consumers. “The company caters to 11 million customers and has been growing at 40 per cent CAGR. Thus we will be first targeting its existing customer base to convert to 4K UHD set-top boxes and foresee an upstick in sales of 4K or UHD panels in the festive season”.

Anil Khera – CEO Videocon d2h said, “After many firsts in the DTH sector by Videocon d2h, once again we have taken the lead with 4K Ultra HD DTH services. 4K DTH services previewed today will revolutionize viewing in this country. It will provide images with so much clarity, finer detailing & nuances that the differences will be unbelievable. We are hopeful that we will be able to enhance the overall viewing experience through our product portfolios and service offerings.”  Khera also said that it would be a premium service and the 4K Ultra HD box would cost Rs 10,000.

Speaking on the kind of content that will be top priority and demand for 4K viewing experience, both Dhoot and Khera said that sports as a genre will probably be the first one to hit the 4K generation. "It would begin with important sports events which would be enabled by the 4K feed. So we are well prepared to launch that service for our customers. Then we would have movies and general entertainment," Dhoot said. Adding to this list, Khera mentioned that lifestyle and travel are also genres which will grab this opportunity as early as possible.

In addition, Videocon d2h offers 500 Channels and Services, 27 Asli “HD” channels & services, 239 Regional Channels & Services, 130 South Channels & Services on its DTH platform. Videocon d2h has recently done a campaign on Indian Values to highlight its feature of unlimited recording; with this one can attend to others, without missing the action on TV.