Digitalisation of the broadcasting industry being a focus area of the UPA government, the information and broadcasting ministry today said the Headend in the Sky (HITS) policy, which would ensure high-quality transmission, would be unveiled soon.
“The HITS policy will be unveiled soon,” Zohra Chatterjee, joint secretary in the ministry, said while participating in the India Digital Networks Summit (IDNS) 2009 here. Chatterjee’s statement on the much-awaited policy comes amid indications from the ministry that it would be sent for the Cabinet’s approval by November.
Once the policy is cleared by the government, cable households in the country would be able to access high-quality digital transmission.
Earlier, representatives of various DTH platforms like Tata Sky, Airtel and Sun TV, while discussing the current scenario of the country’s broadcasting sector, felt the need for an independent broadcast regulator.
The conference also discussed ways on how DTH platforms could use set-top box data and digital software to get closer to their customers, build better brands and start generating profits from advertising and interactive revenues.
What is HITS?
HITS involves delivery of digital television signals directly to cable operators via satellite. Cable operators then pass on the digital channels to consumers, using cable lines.
To operate this model, a multi-system operator will have to obtain a teleport licence (licence to uplink signals). Teleport licences are generally required by broadcasters seeking to uplink their channels from India.
Under HITS, cable operators will have to lease transponder space on a dedicated satellite, acquire television channels from broadcasters, uplink these to the satellite and download and then pass it on to the consumer via cable lines.
