Videocon d2h adds 0.59 million net subscribers in 1Q 2016

• Record approximately 800,000 gross subscriber additions during the quarter ended March 31, 2016
• Gross and net subscribers increased by 2.65 million and 1.68 million subscribers, respectively, during the year
• Net subscribers base at 11.86 million

MUMBAI, India — Videocon d2h Limited (NASDAQ: VDTH) (“Videocon d2h” or the “Company”) announced its financial results for the year ended March 31, 2016.

The Company added 2.65 million gross subscribers and 1.68 million net subscribers during fiscal 2016. Net subscribers totaled 11.86 million as of March 31, 2016 (11.27 million at end-2015). Monthly churn came in at 0.73% for the year as compared to a monthly churn of 0.80% in fiscal 2015. Subscriber acquisition costs in the form of hardware subsidies were INR 1,776 per subscriber during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016.

Key operating metrics

                             Q4FY15  Q4FY16  % growth   FY15   FY16  % growth
                             ------  ------  --------  -----  -----  --------
Gross subscribers(million)    13.09   15.74     20.2%  13.09  15.74     20.2%
Net subscribers (million)     10.18   11.86     16.5%  10.18  11.86     16.5%
ARPU (INR)                      202     214      5.9%    196    207      5.6%
Churn (%)                     0.85%   0.58%            0.80%  0.73%

Commenting on the fiscal 2016 results and company outlook, Executive Chairman of Videocon d2h, Mr. Saurabh Dhoot, said “During the year, we accomplished numerous technological advancements, such as the development of HD Smart Connect Set Top Box, our new connected set-top box which allows customers to view normal DTH services as well as internet and over-the-top content and applications. This development demonstrates our expertise and innovation in creation, delivery and execution of technologically advanced products.”

Speaking on the business outlook for the DTH sector, Mr. Anil Khera, CEO of Videocon d2h, said “There have been a series of industry developments in fiscal 2016, which we believe will provide for growth opportunities in the DTH sector in India. The implementation of Phase III digitization of the Digital Addressable Cable TV System program of the Government of India that began in January 2016 was an example of such a development. It led to a surge in new subscriber additions for various distribution platforms. While the momentum slowed down as many state high courts issued a temporary stay order against digitization, we are still seeing higher subscriber additions from Phase III markets as compared to previous years.”

“In addition, the deadline for Phase IV digitization is December 31, 2016, which we believe covers approximately 80 million television homes.”

Videocon d2h launches connected set-top box

Videocon d2h launching Wi-Fi “SMART HD SET TOP BOX”

• Now convert your existing LED TV into a SMART TV with Videocon d2h

MUMBAI, India — Videocon d2h (NASDAQ, USA: VDTH) India’s fastest growing DTH service is launching HD SMART Set top Box (Connected Set top box) which converts your existing LED TV into a Smart TV besides showing you more than 500 Channels & services in High Definition and Standard Definition. While the DTH tech in it brings television channels in Standard Definition, High Definition, the Connected set top box allows one to browse content from Twitter, Facebook, Daily Motion, video on demand sites, ott apps, news, weather etc through applications residing on STB. HD Smart Set Top Box will work as a tool for personalization, engagement and new customer experiences and with internet connectivity, one can convert one’s TV into a smart TV using it.

With this new launch, Videocon d2h has scaled new technological heights and demonstrated its ability by providing a high end advanced product that delivers next generation solutions as part of the idea of Internet of Things (IoT).

The feature of unlimited external recording is also available, by plugging in your own external storage device for recording your favourite programs, for e.g.: if one plugs in his own external hard drive of 1000GB, they can record up to 1900 hrs of content of a standard definition channel.

Connect your HD Smart Set Top Box to your home network of mobile internet, wifi or cable broadband connection to enable data streaming. Select the smart connect feature and on pressing ok from your remote, one can connect to the world of exciting apps like Twitter, Facebook, Daily Motion, Video on demand, movies etc and watch as per convenience. One can watch the latest videos trending through daily motion app. Users can also connect with their respective social media page to tweet & post updates. With the additional feature of USB recording, one can also record their favourite programs while they are away and watch them later.

Mr. Saurabh Dhoot, Executive Chairman, Videocon d2h said, “We are proud to announce the launch of this breakthrough technology in the DTH space. This launch of gen-next HD Smart Set Top Box demonstrates our unrivalled expertise and innovation in creation, delivery and execution of technologically advanced products. This product promises to make your existing TV into a smart TV and ensure connectivity with the world. We are enabling convergence of TV, DTH & internet all in one place.”

Mr. Anil Khera, CEO Videocon d2h says, “We aim to empower people with our connected set top boxes. Our HD Smart Set Top Box offers exceptional features like internet based apps, USB recording, HD quality viewing and reverse path which enable customers to create a unique viewing experience and also stay connected. The customer benefits from an enriched viewing experience through a new user interface allowing seamless navigation”

In the battle for the entertainment space, connected set-top boxes from Videocon d2h will set the benchmark. In their evolution from merely providing entertainment, the gen-next connected STBs, HD Smart Set Top Box will be connecting the TV to web-based content and finally to home control and monitoring features.

Videocon d2h has prided itself in presenting its subscribers with a robust line-up of 525 channels and services, including a host of regional channels. It offers a wide range of active services like smart services including Smart English, Smart Games. The other active services include d2h Hollywood HD, d2h music, d2h spice, d2h cinema in both Standard Definition and HD, etc.

Videocon d2h adds 0.43 million net subscribers in 4Q 2015

• Gross and net subscribers increased by 0.67 million and 0.43 million subscribers during the quarter, respectively;
• Closing gross subscribers at 14.95 million and net subscribers base at 11.27 million; and
• Churn came in at 0.73% per month

MUMBAI, India — Videocon d2h Limited (NASDAQ: VDTH), India’s fastest growing pay TV company (“Videocon d2h” or the “Company”) announced its financial results for the quarter ended December 31, 2015.

The Company added 0.67 million gross subscribers and 0.43 million net subscribers during the quarter. Gross subscribers totaled 14.95 million and net subscribers totaled 11.27 million as of December 31, 2015. Monthly churn came in at 0.73% for the quarter and 0.80% for the nine months ending December 31, 2015, which is marginally ahead of the company guidance.

Key operating metrics

                            Q3FY15  Q3FY16  % growth
                            ------  ------  --------
Gross subscribers(million)   12.47   14.95     19.8%
Net subscribers (million)     9.82   11.27     14.8%
ARPU (Rs)                      195     211      7.3%
Churn (%)                    1.02%   0.73%

Speaking on the Phase III digitization implementation, Mr. Anil Khera, CEO of Videocon d2h, said, “Phase III digitalization has begun. The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting maintained their deadline and instructed broadcasters to switch off analog signals in Phase III digitization areas. In the first few days of January 2016, we saw strong pick up in subscriber additions in cities that come under Phase III digitization. Recently, a few state high courts issued a stay order on implementation of Phase III digitization for 1-3 months. This was in line with our expectations of the digitization being a staggered process.

We estimate around 50 million television homes come under Phase III digitization, of which 24-25 million television homes are already on the digital platform. Thus, the target market under Phase III digitization is the remaining 25-26 million television homes that are currently on analog cable.”

Videocon d2h aims to strengthen DTH business

Videocon d2h- the direct-to-home TV service provider- is planning to invest as much as USD1 billion over the next five years to strengthen its position in the Indian TV market.

According to Videocon Group chairman Venugopal Dhoot, the company’s USD325 million offering received positive response in the US, leading to greater cash flow into India business, according to Television Post.

The DTH player says that it is expecting to end the current financial year with an EBITDA of INR8.2 to 8.6 billion. In FY2015, Videocon d2h posted an operating profit of INR6.10 billion.

Videocon currently has a net subscriber base of 10.64 million while Average Revenue per User stands at INR205.

The company recently said that the new wave of digitisation will help it make profits over the next three months.

“We hope to be PAT positive early next year or late this year (within the next three quarters),” Videocon D2H executive director Saurabh Dhoot told Deccan Herald. With 60-70 million analog homes planned to be digitised in the next 2-4 years as part of the the Phase 3 and Phase 4 digitisation, we hope to double our subscriber base in the next three to four years, Dhoot added, according to Deccan Herald.

Videocon d2h announces monthly subscriptions price hike

Videocon d2h, the direct-to-home TV service provider, has announced that it is increasing its monthly subscription plans.

Another DTH provider, Dish TV, had raised its monthly pack plans to increase its average revenue per user (ARPU). Videocond2h’s packs will cost INR12 to INR23 more each month, depending on the subscription package.

“Today’s announcement comes following numerous technological advancements and content acquisitions Videocon d2h has made for the benefit of its subscribers,” Videocon d2h said in a news release.

The DTH provider has about 525 national and regional channels and services on its platform. Videocon d2h aims at reaching an ARPU of INR215 for FY16; the current ARPU is at INR205. In related news, Videocon d2h has reported a healthy financial report for the quarter that ended 30 June, 2015. Its revenue was up 23 % and it added as many as 460,000 net subscribers in Q1FY16.

Videocon d2h releases Direct To Mobile TV app

Videocon d2h Strengthens OTT Commitment With Launch Of Direct To Mobile TV App

• Gives Viewers Mobile Access to 70+ Live TV Channels and 3000+ Movies and Videos

MUMBAI, India — Videocon d2h Limited (NASDAQ:VDTH) (“Videocon d2h”), India’s most valued company on the NASDAQ, has reinforced its investment in over-the-top (OTT) services with the launch of a mobile TV app. The new app, called Direct to Mobile TV, will make it possible for Videocon d2h subscribers to watch television anytime, anywhere on their mobile phones.

Easily downloadable from the App Store (for iPhone users) and the Google Play Store (for Android users), the Direct to Mobile TV app will give viewers instant access to a wide range of news, entertainment, sports and movie channels. Videocon d2h subscribers can watch more than 70 select live TV channels and more than 3000 movies and videos available in the library. The offerings to keep viewers entertained on the go includes popular channels, such as Sony TV, Sony MAX, Sony Music, Sab TV, AajTak and many other regional language channels. The existing Videocon d2h subscribers can view these channels using the Direct to Mobile TV app for Rs. 60 per month. This service also features a program guide, show reminders and social media integration, besides the What’s Hot section.

Mr. Saurabh Dhoot, Executive Chairman, Videocon d2h, said: “We are happy to be on the leading edge of India’s OTT revolution with the launch of our Direct to Mobile TV app. This is an important move for Videocon d2h, as we strengthen our commitment to introducing new technologies to our subscribers, allowing them to have a robust and enhanced experience while viewing our content. We are confident that an increasing number of consumers will enjoy this offering in the days to come.”

Mr. Anil Khera, CEO, Videocon d2h, said: “With our new Direct to Mobile TV app, Videocon d2h’s subscribers will never have to miss their favorite shows while on the move. We believe it affirms our continuous focus on innovation and our ability to deliver high quality solutions and services. We are sure that this mobile TV app will be of great interest to our viewers and will ensure our prominent presence in the OTT space.”

Videocon d2h has always strived to bring the latest innovations to its consumers, keeping in sync with India’s leading edge in technology. The Direct to Mobile TV service targets an increasing number of working professionals, shoppers and students spending time outside their homes with round-the-clock access to TV, films and other desired programs regardless of location.

OTT video services cannibalising DTH revenues: Videocon d2h says

Videocon d2h says that over-the-top apps such as Hotstar and SonyLiv are eating into DTH service providers’ revenue.

Hotstar was launched earlier this year and recorded as many as 25 million views in India during the  India-Pakistan match that was held on 15 February, 2015. Direct-to-Home service providers as well as cable operators say that availability of content on OTT platforms can negatively affect their business. Broadcaster, such as Star India, meanwhile, have extended support for OTT players.

“Last year, Star India reached 30 million IPL viewers through Starsports.com, thus cannibalising revenue for DTH/cable operators,” Videocon d2h said, according to Television Post.

Videocon d2h has written to Telecom Regulatory Authority of India about its concerns over OTT players providing live sporting content with five minute delay. “They do not charge anything to customers, whereas they charge premium amount to all DTH/cable platform for the same content,” the DTH operator’s submission to the telecom regulator read, according to Television Post.

“This is nothing short of revenue cannibalisation and we would urge the authority to take into consideration the commercial in-equilibrium meted out to one player like a DTH service provider and huge and unjustified benefits showered on their own OTT player,” Videocon added.

Videocon d2h to expand HD STB production

Videocon d2h will be reducing production of standard definition set-top-boxes to increase its HD STB market. The Pay TV provider is expected to phase out the SD STBs by the year 2016.

According to data from Telecom Regulatory Authority of India, number of HD channels has grown from three in 2010 to 34 in 2014.  “The cost of difference between SD and HD set top boxes for us is only one and half dollar,” said Anil Khera, who is the CEO of Videocon d2h. Khera was speaking at the Asia Pacific Video Operators Summit (APOS) held in Bali, reports Indian Television.

Videocon d2h is also exploring the ultra high definition segment in India; it recently launched the country’s first UHD channel. Currently, the company is planning to strengthen its position in HD STB market.

“In terms of gross adds, the market has been consistently growing and we have seen a growth of eight to nine million new additions in a year. Net additions has been a challenge, and the industry has been able to get net addition of five to six million. As far as the rotation churn is concerned how one retains customers and provides additional services, is a big challenge,” Khera said, when asked about trends in the DTH sector in India, according to Indian Television.

Videocon d2h completes initial listing on Nasdaq

Videocon d2h, the Mumbai-based direct to home service operator, has completed its initial listing on the NASDAQ Global Select Market. The company began trading in U.S. on Wednesday, backed mostly by a USD325 million investment fund raised by Harry Sloan and Jeff Sagansky.

The DTH service provider had sold American depository receipts to Silver Eagle Acquisition Corp in January, 2015. SEAC is founded by Sloan and Sagansky.  ”U.S. investor interest in the transaction has been strong as it affords U.S. investors the opportunity to participate early in the U.S. listing of Videocon d2h, which is the fastest growing DTH Pay-TV operator in India, the fastest growing pay TV market in the world.   Beyond this very significant organic growth, we will be exploring numerous possibilities for the company to expand as a force in India’s developing media business,” Sloan said.

Videocon d2h, which was launched in 2009, has a subscriber base of 13 million and distributes over 500 digital television channels. The company has also introduced 4K format in India. The operator is currently awaiting nod from Securities and Exchange Board of India for initial share sale in the country. Promoters say that they will offer about 10% of shares to investors in the local IPO, reports Economic Times.

Videocon d2h chooses Broadcom for HD Satellite DVR

Videocon d2h Chooses Broadcom to Deliver HD Satellite Service to Growing India Pay-TV Market

• New Digital Video Recorder Delivers High Definition Interactive Services

IRVINE, Calif. — Broadcom Corporation (NASDAQ: BRCM), a global innovation leader in semiconductor solutions for wired and wireless communications, today announced that Videocon d2h, India’s fastest growing direct-to-home (DTH) satellite service provider, has selected Broadcom’s highly integrated satellite set-top box (STB) system-on-a-chip (SoC) device to power their latest high definition (HD) universal serial bus (USB) digital video recorder (DVR). Broadcom’s BCM7358 HD satellite STB SoC enables Videocon d2h to accelerate deployment of HD satellite STBs to subscribers throughout the region while reducing design complexity, size and overall system cost.

Designed to address consumer demand for pay-TV programming, Videocon d2h’s HD USB DVR is capable of recording content on a USB storage device and offers enhanced digital picture quality with optimum 1080p resolution. The Videocon d2h HD USB DVR is powered by Broadcom’s BCM7358 single-channel 1080p HD advanced video coding (AVC) satellite receiver chip, featuring a high performance CPU and graphics engine, Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA®) connectivity support and advanced security functionality.

According to IHS, STB industry revenue will reach a record $22.8 billion in 2015, driven largely by growth in emerging markets and subscriber demand for HD content1. “As pay-TV operators move to accommodate changes in delivery platforms and formats, including the adoption of HD, STB shipments will continue to rise, hitting record levels for the next few years,” said Daniel Simmons, IHS Technology Director for Connected Home research. “Technology-based service differentiation is becoming increasingly important for pay-TV operators in emerging regions, as these markets begin to mature and saturate. Transitioning subscribers from SD to HD at minimal cost will be critical for driving further pay-TV growth in emerging markets.”

“The silicon innovation that Broadcom provides has been a key factor in our continued success in delivering rich content to our growing subscriber base,” said Anil Khera, Videocon d2h CEO. “We’re leveraging a variety of Broadcom STB silicon throughout our portfolio and plan to extend our manufacturing capabilities to meet the needs of other cable operators in the region.”

“The Indian television market is undergoing a major transition, and operators such as Videocon d2h are leading the charge in dramatically improving the quality and variety of content delivery,” said Rajiv Kapur, Broadcom India Senior Director of Business Development. “As an established leader in STB silicon innovation around the world, Broadcom is delivering the technology required for a growing number of consumers to enjoy more sophisticated features such as HD-quality content, digital video recording and on-demand services.”

Videocon d2h is India’s fastest growing DTH service provider, offering 500 channels and services. Videocon d2h also has 27 Asli HD and 239 regional channels and services on its platform. Videocon d2h for the first time in India has successfully previewed 4k Ultra HD DTH services, offers India’s first 1000 GB HD DVR and is the first DTH service provider to offer radio frequency remote control.

Key Features of the Broadcom® BCM7358 SoC

• 1080p AVC decode & display
• Integrated LNA, tuner & DVB-S2 demodulation
• 16-bit DDR3 support for optimal cost/performance
• Over 750 DMIPS application CPU
• Advanced security for all major conditional access

Availability

The Videocon d2h HD USB DVR is now available to India subscribers. The Broadcom BCM7358 satellite STB SoC is currently available.

VIDEOCON d2h connections reach 10 million in India

Tuesday, January 28th, 2014 

VIDEOCON d2h celebrates the achievement of 10 Million connections in a short span of just 4 years

MUMBAI — Videocon d2h, Asia’s Most Promising Brand & Fastest Growing DTH Service has crossed 10 million connections. The youngest & latest entrant in the DTH industry went pan India in 2010 and has grown tremendously in the last 4 years.

On celebrating the success story of 10 Million connections in a very short period of time, Videocon d2h credits this growth and popularity of the brand to the wide range of channels and services, high definition services and impeccable focus on customer service & satisfaction. For Videocon d2h, the encouraging response from the customers is an ample testimonial to the trust placed on the brand and its superior performance. Videocon d2h has also firmly established itself as the leader in the High definition category.

Videocon d2h’s success is a reflection of its commitment of ushering in pioneering industry defining propositions to ensure customer delight.

Mr. Saurabh Dhoot – Director Videocon group stated “Our commitment is to deliver the best to our customers and the encouraging response of the customers is an endorsement of our services. The quality of our customer base is extremely healthy due to the focus on high quality technology & customer friendly services. Having a 10 Million Subscriber base in such a short time is a strong testimony of Videocon d2h’s success in a highly competitive DTH market in India”

Mr. Anil Khera – CEO Videocon d2h added, “We would like to thank our customers for reposing their faith in the brand and continuing to support us in achieving 10 million connections. Our offerings like Maximum Channels & Services, India’s first active 3D channel, India’s 1st 1000 GB Asli HD Recorder, India’s 1st Radio Frequency Remote and many more have brought smiles to millions of households across India. We are continuously differentiating ourselves from competitors by offering quality services and great customer experience.”

Videocon d2h teams up with GreenPeak Technologies

Videocon d2h, the fastest growing satellite operator in India, has teamed with GreenPeak silicon to deploy a large volume of ZigBee in India. ZigBee, which is a set of wireless protocols used for data transfer, will now be part of STBs offered by Videocon d2h.

Anil Khera, CEO of Videocon d2h, said, “We have selected GreenPeak for their experience in ZigBee and their highly supportive approach. GreenPeak has guided our design team during the complete integration project for introducing ZigBee and their engineers have supported us during all stages of the project: from RF training through integration, design, layout and optimization to mass volume production. And finally, GreenPeak’s FTS (functional test system) guarantees high quality in production readiness. Their silicon offers superior technology advantages and their support is outstanding.”

The new Videocon d2h STBs that will be deploying GreenPeak’s ZigBee will reportedly be much faster than the ones that are already in the market. Only in November Videocon d2h had decreased the prices of its HD STB offerings. The company is also reportedly in talks with other DTH players, Dish TV and Airtel Digital to enter into a joint venture.