MEN still working on FTV encryption

Sibabrata Das in Mumbai

Modi Entertainment Network has not been able to encrypt the controversial channel, Fashion TV, by December 1 due to technical problems.

“We are sorting out the problems together with Scientific Atlanta,” said Rajan Kaaicker, chief executive officer, distribution, Modi Entertainment Network.

Modi Entertainment Network, which distributes FTV in India, believes the encryption of the channel will be done within a week. The encrypted signal is on PAS-10 and is being tested. “We will be able to switch off the AsiaSat signal in a week’s time,” said Mr Kaaicker.

This is the second time that Modi Entertainment Network has delayed the encryption of the channel. Before announcing the encryption date of December 1, MEN had planned to encrypt the channel in November.
A leading multi system operator (MSO) in Mumbai, however, said that the delay in converting FTV from a free-to-air to a pay channel was due to the fact that no MSO was willing to pay for the service at this stage. “None of the three major MSOs in Mumbai have signed for the pay channel. We are already saddled with too many pay channels.
Besides, Star, Zee Network and ESPN Star Sports are planning to increase their subscription rates in January. In this background, we are not willing to pay for FTV,” a senior official of the MSO said.

Though Modi Entertainment Network distributes three pay channels, it can’t hard bundle DD Sports with Hallmark and FTV. The three-channel package costs lower than their individual prices put together. But the price of DD Sports is not flexible, even though it is being clubbed with the other channels and sold as a package.

Some cable operators have taken FTV off their network, in the wake of the channel going pay. But Mr Kaaicker did not agree that the delay had been due to the fact that cable operators had not signed up in Mumbai for the pay service. “FTV is a known channel and has a particular kind of audience. There is a client demand. We have already signed many operators,” he said.