In a bid to monitor the progress of second phase of digitisation, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting plans to install a centralised monitoring system to keep a tab on the encryption of channels by multi-system operators (MSOs). Under Digital Addressable System (DAS), it is mandatory for MSOs to transmit digital encrypted signals.
In a statement, the Ministry said that this monitoring system will be able to detect those MSOs that do not carry the mandated encrypted signals. A Web-based pilot project for monitoring has been installed at Bangalore and is undergoing field trials. This system will help users to analyse and prepare report on the status of DAS parameters such as the total number of channels, encryption status of cable television head-ends of each registered MSO across the country in real time.
“This system can be augmented in future for content monitoring of the cable TV channels at local levels. It is expected that the system will also evolve as an alternative indicator of television viewing by consumers,” the Ministry said.
meenakshi.v@thehindu.co.in