"We have enough and more transponder capacity and will be able to cater to 500 channels in the near future."

On key features of your DTH service

Our most striking USP is our satellite products. We have Satellite LCD's and Satellite TV's, for which you do not require a STB. The signals are directly received from the satellite on to the product. In addition to this, we have a satellite DVD which also works on the same concept. Our channel and services count, has already crossed the 244 mark. We have a world class EPG, with unique features like Mosaic (12 PIP) and tickers.

On expansion plans in 2010

We are working on addition of more value-added services and regional content to differentiate ourselves in the market.

On estimated shortage of transponders for further expansion of DTH services

Direct-to-home (DTH) service providers are falling short of growth targets. These services are dependent on Ku-band. In the Ku-band transponders are hosted on satellites. With the growing number of popular channels, DTH companies are unable to host them all, thereby losing subscribers. However, Videocon d2h is uniquely positioned as we have enough and more transponder capacity and will be able to cater to 500 channels in the near future.

On number of satellite transponders allocated for DTH services

All the transponders are provided by ISRO on lease. We are using 6 transponders of ST1 of 54 MHz for our 244 channels and services. Each transponder is capable of transmitting 41 channels.

On footprints in India

Satellite footprint signal strength is one of the first considerations for any DTH service. We have a strong footprint across India.

On total number of DTH subscribers.

Of the total 240 million households in India, 134 million have television sets. Of these, 83 million have a cable connection, while 20-odd million have DTH. So there is a lot of untapped potential for both cable and DTH. At an average growth rate of around 30 percent or so, it is expected hit around 50 million homes by 2014.

On growth of transponders

ISRO has one satellite, 4G, scheduled for launch, which will have Ku-band. This will be available to both DTH as well as other Ku-band users.

On industry growth

DTH as an industry is growing with an average growth rate of around 30 percent or so. However, all DTH operators are bleeding with huge losses because of multiple taxation and high content cost.