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Bell TV turns 6141 HD STB into HD PVR with firmware update
No, the latest firmware update for Bell TV's 6141 HD STB doesn't magically add a hard drive within, but it does open up the ability for said box to record content if one is attached via USB. The new software (v.165) enables a single USB 2.0 HDD up to 1TB in size to be attached, and once it's recognized, recording can begin immediately. For obvious reasons, we're told that the material can only be played back on the set-top-box on which it was recorded, but hey, at least you can push aside that impending HD DVR purchase indefinitely.
Czech Republic and Slovakia hot for prepaid satellite service
Now, here's a concept: prepaid DTH satellite service. In fact, it's a reality in Czech Republic and Slovakia, and evidently locals are all about it. Reportedly, there is a grand total of over half a million active card customers between the two nations, making it the "leading satellite platform in the Czech Republic and second largest in Slovakia." Tough to say if this prepaid gig would even work elsewhere, but you can certainly color us (read: the "sick of contracts" crowd) intrigued.
Satellite TV turns 20 in the UK
You know, we could just aimlessly fire off unnecessary congratulatory remarks about the 20th birthday of satellite TV in the UK, but instead, we'll use this as a launching point for somewhat of a rant. A score ago, the ASTRA A1 lifted off in order to eventually provide direct-to-home (DTH) satellite TV service to "small" dishes across Europe. Today, we're simply baffled and appalled by the lack of progress. 20 years later, Americans can tune into well over 100 linear high-def channels via satellite, yet Europeans are still wondering if HD is just a figment of someone's imagination. What gives, Europe? Why the refusal to provide your people with the next level in quality programming? The source content is already out there, and we're sure DISH Network and DirecTV would be happy to share contact information if need be. We're happy for your 20 year party and all, but who throws a shindig in 2008 without at least a few dozen high-def stations on tap?
India DTH players look to high-def to differentiate
If you've been content just focusing on sectors in your own nation, you may have missed all the DTH congestion in India. At last count, there are five different satcasters serving the country, and now some are making accelerated pushes to get high-def programming on the air in order to stand out. A recent report from New Delhi asserts that Dish TV and Sun Direct are both hoping to add high-definition content in separate tiers within "the next few months." Specifics are relatively scant, but Indians can probably expect between 10 to 15 HD stations for a modest (read: totally worthwhile) premium. Other sources have noted that Tata Sky, Big TV and Airtel should follow suit, though specific time lines weren't mentioned. Better get that HDTV soon, Indians -- you've got high-res content just around the bend.
Sun Direct launches DTH satellite service in Delhi, NCR
After Sun Direct became the first carrier in all of India to offer up MPEG-4 AVC (H.264) direct-to-home broadcast service, the company is now expanding its offerings to Delhi and the National Capital Region, the latter of which consists of Gurgaon, Faridabad, Noida and Ghaziabad. The starting package is priced at Rs 999 ($20) per month with a free set-top-box, although installation will set you back another Rs 1,000. No word on when it'll begin sending down HD channels, but we'd say it's about time, no?
Bharti Airtel launches Airtel Digital DTH satellite TV service in India
Bharti Airtel, India's largest private sector telecommunications company, is getting set to dabble in the crazy world of DTH satellite service. Beginning today, it will offer television to 62 cities in India, and according to Atul Bindal, president, Bharti Telemedia Services, the outfit will be "aggressively marketing its DTH service by offering superior quality at competitive prices." Additionally, the carrier will be utilizing the MPEG-4 standard with DVB-S2 technology in order to broadcast more content using less bandwidth, making it ripe for HD delivery. Initially, at least, packages will start at Rs.2499 ($52) in northern India and Rs.1499 ($31) in southern India, which includes the price of an STB and installation. There's no high-def content on tap just yet, but we'd be shocked if that's still the case a year from now.
Reliance Big TV launches in India, promises HDTV by year-end
Reliance Communication just gave a whole swath of Indians a new way to receive television programming with the launch of Reliance Big TV. The service is built around MPEG-4 technology, which bodes well for it keeping its promise of adding 8 to 10 high-def channels by the end of this year. Currently, the service offers a total of 202 channels -- all in standard-definition -- though we really see a great possibility for HD expansion in this venture. After all, it's the whole "still using MPEG-2" thing that's holding Freeview up in Australia.
