BIG TV to introduce 60 new channels

Reliance BIG TV, the DTH arm of Reliance Communications, today said it plans to introduce 60 more channels, including its own entertainment channels, in the next three months.

BIG TV currently broadcasts 236 channels, "We are planning to introduce two new transponders that will enable us to broadcast another 60 channels, including our own HD movie and entertainment channels, in the next three months," Reliance Communications' chief executive officer (DTH and IPTV) Sanjay Behl told reporters here today.

He disclosed this after announcing the launch of Reliance BIG TV's High Definition (HD) and Digital Video Recorder (DVR) services.

"Currently, we are utilising only eight transponders to broadcast over 200 channels," Behl said, adding that superior compression technology (MPEG 4) would help the company broadcast up to 35-40 channels per transponder. With 12 transponders in hand, BIG TV would be able to broadcast over 400 channels in the near future, he noted.
    
He said that the company is also open to selling up to 20 per cent stake in the company to a strategic partner.
    
"Through this, there is a possibility of FIIs (Foreign Institutional Investors) as well as other investors showing interest," Behl said.