CTH powers OTT platform with Magine

Cable Thai Holdings (CTH) has deployed a cloud-based system from Magine TV to power its over-the-top platform for delivering video content to mobile devices.     

CTH will provide live streaming and catch-up functionality across its range of sports and entertainment programming.

“This is a major step for Magine, and marks our first move into the Asian market. Live sports events such as Premier League football matches are integral to CTH’s offering, and create a huge demand on OTT platforms in terms of the number of users streaming concurrently,” said Ambuj Goyal, CEO, Magine TV.

“We are delighted to … move CTH into an area of offering which is becoming more and more relevant in Thailand. The significance of this alliance cannot be overstated because the demands of being a pay TV broadcaster requires a constant need to innovate our business, our offering, and who we are, to ensure that our subscribers are connected to the best there is. This relationship with Magine allows us to address these objectives,” said Arnath Sukhavanj, CEO of CTH.

Thailand digital TV operators sue NBTC for THB9.5bn

Five digital television operators in Thailand have petitioned against the broadcast regulator, National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission for inefficiency in propagandising migration to digital TV, reported Bangkok Post.

BrightTV, GMM Channel, GMM One, PPTV and Thairath TV have sued for an amount of THB9.55 billion at the Central Administrative Court on Monday. The operators have also appealed the court to direct NBTC to postpone the third instalment of digital TV licence fees which was supposed to be paid in May 2016.

According to the operators, NBTC has been sluggish in distributing digital TV set-top-boxes and expanding digital TV networks. They have also accused the regulator of being incompetent to attract more bidders for digital TV licences.

The NBTC granted over 24 commercial digital TV licenses to 17 bid winners in an open auction held in December 2013. It generated over THB50.9 billion.

Rohde & Schwarz extends DVB-T2 testing solutions to NBTC

Thailand’s broadcast regulatory, National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC), leverages broadcast testing solutions from Rohde & Schwarz (R&S) and StreamSpark for DVB-T2 receiver compliance test for Thailand market.

Rohde & Schwarz in association with StreamSpark provides integrated DVB-T2 receiver compliance solution for NBTC. The combination of R&S BTC RF test automation system with StreamSpark PSI/SI test suite empowers NBTC to roll out DVB-T2 ahead of its counterparts in ASEAN region and enables smooth transmission of HD content over T2 networks.

“As the leading test and measurement solution provider, Rohde & Schwarz cooperates closely with broadcast authorities and the TV industry to design the most efficient compliance test system,” said Eric Li, Regional Manager for Rohde & Schwarz Broadcasting Solution. “The newly installed R&S BTC RF automation test system will save up to 70% of testing time compared to manual testing prior to deployment, thus enabling the authorities to meet the increasing demand for compliance test.”

According to NBTC, receiver testing is paramount to a successful digital TV switchover. As such, the Thai government provides coupon of THB690 (or 18 EUR) for receivers with NBTC logo and NBTC shall guarantee the quality and performance of each receiver model, ensuring smooth DVB-T2 roll out at consumers’ end. Upon implementation, all receiver products such as STB, iDTV, USB dongle, tablet and mobile phone with built-in T2 demodulator shall be tested against NBTC standard and granted with NBTC logo before sale. In addition, all Digital TV receiver imported to Thailand shall be certified by NBTC and entitled with NBTC receiver logo.

Telecom Technology Center (TTC) which is the official test lab in Taiwan provided technical support and shared lab management experience with NBTC.

Five million STB coupons used in Thailand: NBTC

About five million subsidy coupons have been used in Thailand for the purchase of basic or hybrid set-top boxes, says the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC).

Thailand has seen acceleration in the number of people who are switching to digital television. NBTC has so far issued 14 million coupons, each worth 690 baht (~$20). These subsidy coupons have been distributed to help the socio-economically disadvantaged population of the country access digital terrestrial television broadcasting.

NBTC had earlier said that the digital TV subsidy scheme will speed up the TV digitisation in Thailand. In October 2015, the regulator had announced that it has approved a plan to add 2.8 million households to those eligible for digital TV vouchers.

Thailand has around 6.6 million Pay TV users, of which 330,000 are digital satellite HD subscribers. Direct basic cable Tv customers make up for 5.5 million digital TV users, according to Dataxis research.

Samsung stops TV production in Thailand

Samsung, the South Korean electronics giant, has announced that it has halted TV production in Thailand. The move is expected to help the company streamline its manufacturing costs.

LG, one of Samsung’s major rivals in TV space, has already shifted its TV production from Thailand to Vietnam.  Last year, Samsung said that it will be investing USD500 million in Vietnam to set-up a plant for electronic products. The Korean company hasn’t declared that it is moving TV production to Vietnam.

Labour costs are low in Vietnam and the country is also closer to China, which houses major TV equipment suppliers. Government policies and all in prices of digital TV products have made Vietnam one of the key markets in Asia for not only TV producing companies, but also for chip makers such as Broadcom.

DTT subscribers stand at 14.3mn in Thailand, says NBTC

Digital terrestrial television subscriber base has increased to 14.5 million in Thailand since the launch of DTT in April 2014, said a report from National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC).

This viewership data excludes Channel 3, Channel 7 and Modernine TV which simulcast analogue TV programmes on the digital platform, added the report.

According to Takorn Tantasit, Secretary General of NBTC, the viewer base on the digital terrestrial TV platform was growing, particularly after distributing coupons to help cover the cost of digital receivers by the broadcasting regulator. Takorn says that this was mainly the result of new quality programmes aired by major players Workpoint Creative TV, GMM Grammy’s One channel and RS Channel 8.

Takorn anticipates that an average rate of advertising is likely to increase to THB50,000 per minute because of the growing audience base and new quality content.

Verimatrix protects CTH's hybrid network in Thailand

Verimatrix Protects CTH’s Advanced Hybrid Network

• Leading Thai Service Provider Deploys VCAS for DVB-Hybrid for Enhanced Revenue Security

SAN DIEGO, CA — Verimatrix, the specialist in securing and enhancing revenue for multi-network, multi-screen digital TV services around the globe, today announced that CTH Public Company Limited (CTH), a leading service provider that brings together 300 cable operators in Thailand, has selected Verimatrix Video Content Authority System (VCAS™) to provide revenue security for its new digital cable service.

CTH is one of the top pay-TV operators in Thailand. It offers more than 140 channels, with some thirty in High Definition (HD), including premium content such as Barclays English Premier League (EPL) soccer matches.

CTH selected VCAS for DVB-Hybrid to fuel its analog-to-digital transition with its unique ability to combine highly cost effective conditional access system (CAS) functionality with secure interactive services on an IP-based network. The Verimatrix cardless security solution is able to secure linear and on-demand content delivery, reducing OPEX and CAPEX as the operator expands its services. Goldenduck International Co. Ltd served as the systems integrator for the project.

“Verimatrix is one of the proven leaders in protecting advanced hybrid deployments,” said Mr. Akradej Supamahitorn, CTO, CTH. “We chose to partner with them because of VCAS’ unique ability to seamlessly scale and meet our complex business demands. Choosing such a robust yet flexible solution provides us with the revenue security solution we need to protect both our current multi-screen offering, and any additional services or applications we add in the future.”

VCAS for DVB-Hybrid was deployed over CTH’s existing nationwide fiber optic network using standards-based simulcrypt technology in the broadcast distribution architecture, enabling parallel operation of multiple CAS solutions and a smooth operational transition. The broadcast system operates in conjunction with a state of the art secure HTTP Live Streaming (HLS) delivery system for set top boxes (STBs), PCs, tablets and smartphones. The innovative VCAS security solution helps CTH qualify for licensing of premium content while also providing multi-network revenue protection for pay-TV services across the broadest range of multi-screen consumer devices.

“We are delighted to collaborate with CTH and Goldenduck on this exciting deployment,” said Steve Oetegenn, president, Verimatrix. “Our proven cardless security solution offers them a single security approach to pure broadcast and hybrid video services, and allows them to future proof their managed network with OTT extensibility.”

VC Group launches Wi-Fi-enabled STB in Thailand

Thailand-based technology company, Venture Catalyst Group (VC Group), is launching a new Internet-enabled set-top box (STB) to provide on-demand video streaming services on its Penta TV, a smart TV platform which enables casting from smartphone and tablet to TV

VC Group is apparently targeting five million fixed broadband users in the country and is planning to generate a revenue of THB 300 million (USD 9.2 million) over the next three years, by controlling up to 60% of the all-in-one set-top box market by 2015, according to reports.

Penta TV Box is offered for a price of THB 3,500 (USD 107.6) and it requires a minimum Internet connection speed of 2 Mbps.

Thai DTT subsidy initially set at USD 21.20

Thailand’s National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) will unveil details of its plan to subsidise digital television Set Top Boxes (STBs) in late March. Natee Sukonrat, chairman of the NBTC’s broadcasting committee, says the initial value of the coupons to be awarded to individuals has been set at BT 690 (USD 21.20), although this may be revised next month by the universal obligation fund committee.

“The principle of voucher distribution is to facilitate easy access for Thais with sufficient coupon value. The distribution will be made throughout the country,” said Natee, adding that over 70% of Thailand’s population will have access to digital TV signals by the end of 2014. Bangkok, Nakhon Ratchasima, Chiang Mai and Songkhla will be covered in phase one, starting April 1, while the second phase will be rolled out from  May 1  in Ubon Ratchathani, Surat Thani and Rayong.

The third phase will extend signals to Sing Buri, Sukhothai, Khon Kaen and Udon Thani by June 1. Roi Et, Chiang Rai, Sakaeo and Nakhon Sawan will be covered by August 1. By October 1, the coverage will extend to Nakhon Srithammarat, Phuket, Trang and Lampang, while Sakon Nakhon, Surin, Nan, Phetchabun and Prachuap Kiri Khan will be covered by December 1. In 2015, Kanchanaburi, Chumphon, Trat, Mukdahan and Tak provinces will get digital TV from February 1, followed by Mae Hong Son, Ranong, Loei, Chaiyaphum and Phrae from April 1.

Thailand to start digital broadcast on April 1

Four Thai provinces will soon have access to digital terrestrial television (DTT) signals after the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) set April 1, 2014, as the start date for system testing.

Residents in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Nakhon Ratchasima, and Songkhla will be able to watch the new DTT system as of April 1, while the service will be extended to cover seven other provinces by June. The DTT system will cover all 22 million TV-equipped households nationwide in four years.

Meanwhile, NBTC says it will soon complete discussions on the provision of set top boxes and antennas, and how to lower the cost of these items for the public.

CTH to focus more on satellite

Cable Thai Holdings (CTH), one of the biggest pay TV operators in Thailand has announced that it will be focussing more on its satellite TV operators. In order to do that, it will be severing ties with few of its local cable television partners. This way, the player hopes add to is subscriber base with this move.

Chirdsak Kukiattinun, chairman of the CTH executive committee, noted that CTH has been encountering problems when it comes to expanding on a local level through local cable operators and that was one of the reasons why it has decided on such a drastic measure. This means CTH will be letting go of 70 cable partners. Currently it has 170.

CTH has been very vocal about its ambitious expansion plans. It currently has 500,000 subscribers to its name. But the company has noted that it wants to increase it to 3 million by the end of this year itself.

No conclusion with Thaicom 8

Thailand’s broadcast regulator, National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) continues to grapple over the issue of providing Thaicom 8 with a licence. Thaicom 8 is one of the satellites slated to be launched by the Thai satellite operator, Thaicom.

According to Settapong Malisuwan, chairman of the NBTC’s telecom committee, the broadcaster has asked the Information and Communications Technology Ministry’s opinion on couple of specific issues when it comes to Thaicom 8 licence. The committee first wants to know if the country’s minister will allow Thaicom 8 to orbit in 78.5 degrees East longitude slow. This is a problem only because currently Thaicom 5 and 6 are currently occupying that very same slot.

NBTC has noted that the ministry has not provided answers to its problems as of yet and hence the licencing has come to a standstill for now. In the meantime, this year, Thaicom was able to successfully launch Thaicom 6 in January into space. It also will be launching Thaicom 7 this year.

Media companies hope to cash in on digital channels in Thailand

With the 24 commercial digital channels slated to start airing from April 1st, in Thailand, several of the bid winners who walked away with licences are already talking about profiting from the digital television services. RS Public Company Limited, a Thai entertainment company, with stakes in various platforms including television is among those who are waiting to reap the benefits of the auction.

RS chief executive officer Surachai Chetchotisak said, ” Once Channel 8 was available on the digital terrestrial platform, the company is hoping to widen its audience base on top of existing cable and satellite TV viewers. The media and broadcasting businesses have now become key drivers for the company.”

Apart from RS, another media giant in the country, GMM Grammy is also looking forward to bringing its channels to the public. The player had won one HD Variety licence and one SD Variety licence. GMM Grammy chairman Paiboon Dumrongchaithum said, ”It is quite clear that GMM One satellite channel will be transformed and rescheduled into an HD variety channel on the digital terrestrial TV platform in April, while the other one is developing a concept and programming.”

MCOT agrees to use single broadcast infrastucture

Thailand’s state-owned Modernine TV has revised its network expansion plan to use a single broadcast infrastructure in line with recommendations from the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC).The three other network operators have also agreed to use the same broadcast tower sites.

Chalit Lailikit, vice-president for engineering at MCOT plc, the government agency which operates Modernine TV, said the revision will increase its network investment costs and it will seek approval for extra funding from the National Economic and Social Development Board to buy digital TV network equipment.

Last week, NBTC agreed on a technical framework for digital TV network expansion to prevent frequency jams. Col Natee Sukonrat, chairman of the NBTC’s broadcasting committee, said the ruling would benefit viewers as they can access digital TV signals easily, by turning their antenna to one direction.

Producers in Thailand get ready for digital channels

With the historic auction of the licences for 24 commercial digital TV channels completed in Thailand, the country’s content producers are now gearing for the the upsurge in the demand for content in the coming months. The channels will be debuting in April.

According to reports, the country’s regulatory body, National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) has noted that it will be letting broadcasters of digital television to get help from content providers when it comes to co-production. However it has also notified that the content providers can only help for about 40% of the total available airtime.

There are currently six analogue channels in the country. With the influx of the new channels, Thailand will be looking for 576 hours of programming a day. Previously it was 144 hours a day from the analogue channels. The new digital channels are SD variety, HD variety, news and children’s channels.

CTH wants 3 million subscribers by 2016

Cable Thai Holdings (CTH), one of the top pay TV operators in Thailand has announced that it has revised its business strategies going forward and will be looking at targetting at least three million subscribers by 2016. The company plans on striking necessary deals with other players in order to achieve its goal.

CTH chairman Vichai Thongtang said, “We are discussing with several leading satellite TV platforms plans to reach 14 million households. CTH has reached a partnership with PSI Holdings, the largest satellite TV provider, to carry CTH’s programmes including the English Premier League matches to PSI customers.”

According to CTH, the partnership with PSI Holdings will provide CTH with exclusive pay per view content that will be available through PSI O2 Digital HD STBs. The company hopes to get 1 million subscribers through the deal with PSI Holdings.

11 provinces in Thailand will get digital TV

As of June 2014, digital TV will be available in 11 provinces in Thailand. That would amount to nearly half of the country’s entire television population, which now stands at 22 million. The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) has announced that households in these areas will be able to watch digital terrestrial television. 

As April comes, people living in areas like Bangkok, Nakhon Ratchasima, Chiang Mai and Songkhla will be able to access the service. That would include the newly auctioned 24 commercial digital channels as well as channels that fall under public-broadcasting category. In May residents in Ubon Ratchathani, Surat Thani and Rayong will get access and in June residents in Sing Buri, Sukhothai, Khon Kaen and Udon Thani  will get access.

In December, NBTC held auctions for 24 commercial broadcast licences. The licences were sold for a sum of USD 1.5 billion. According to NBTC the channels will start their broadcast from February of this year itself.

Rules announced for digital auction in Thailand

As the upcoming digital auction looms closer, Thailand’s broadcasting regulator National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) has announced that all bidders would be notified of the auction at least five days before it’s supposed to take place so as to give them sufficient time to prepare.

There are currently 24 commercial broadcast licences that will be up for grabs. Col Natee Sukonrat, chairman of the NBTC’s broadcasting committee, has noted that each bidder will be allowed to send only five representatives for the auctions for each category (HD, SD, children’s channels, news channels). The bidder should also send NBTC the list of the representatives it’s planning to send five days in advance. Representatives, once they arrive inside the auction room will not be allowed to leave but if they do, they will not be allowed to enter.

Bidders also cannot carry their mobile phones, laptops or voice recorders. If bidders left the room when the auction is still taking place, they would be immediately disqualified from the process. According to Sukonrat, the auctions are likely to take place either in the end of December or mid-January. 15 days after the auction has taken place, the auction committee would formally announce the winners.

Samart launches STBs in Thailand

In order to keep up with the competition as well as keep with the market demands, Thailand’s Samart Corporation has launched its own brand of STBs for terrestrial digital TV. Currently 24 digital broadcast licences are up for auction in Thailand and the country’s transition to digital terrestrial television is one of the top priorities of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC).

Samart’s Strong high-definition (HD) STB will comply with the general broadcasting standards and will cost USD 36 approximately.  President Watchai Vilailuck said, “We intend to sell 1 million digital set-top boxes next year, increasing to 5 million units or 20% of the total market by 2016.” He also elaborated that the company intends to sell as much as 200,000 STBs in the next two months.

There are 22 million television households in Thailand. Samart also intends on launching two other types of STBs by May of next year to suit all needs – one high end and the other a cheaper version. The auction itself is set to take place as soon as next month or early January 2014. And the channels will start broadcasting in the first quarter of 2014.

95% digital TV coverage in 4 years for Thailand

As the digital TV auction heats up in Thailand, the four year network roll-out plans of National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC), reveals that by the fourth year, the country will have 95% digital TV coverage.

The plans state that digital network providers must increase their coverage to 50% of the country’s 22 million households in the first year and then increase it to 80% in the second year, 90% in the third year and come up to 95% by the fourth.  Currently NBTC is auctioning 24 license for commercial digital terrestrial TV, with the auction itself likely to take place at the end of this year.

NBTC has also announced that bidders who have qualified can directly deal with individual network providers before the auction begins and the qualifiers will be told about the rates 30 days prior to the auction. The state-run networks are most likely to announce their pricing plans for network leasing fees by mid-September.