Mumbai: Dhoots, promoters of world’s largest picture tube maker Videocon group with interests in energy, have decided to sell a minority stake in Bharat Broadcasting Corporation which provides Direct to Home (DTH) television service under the Videocon D2H brand, two people familiar with the development said. Videocon owns 100% stake in the DTH business now.

“We are deliberating a stake sale,” a person with direct knowledge of the negotiations said. The company is talking to private equity (PE) funds to sell stake, a second person familiar with the development said. One of the PEs Dhoots have begun negotiations with is Apollo Global Management, the sixth-largest private equity fund by assets under management. The PE fund had invested $100 million in Videocon’s rival Dish TV in 2009.

Videocon launched the DTH business as part of its synergy with the television-making business which the group transformed into a component supplier as it faced threats from multinational consumer goods giants like Samsung and LG. Though it was late in its 2009 DTH entry, the company is now one of the leaders in this six-horse race, driven by its consumer sales points through its TV sales counters and its consumer goods retail chain “next”.

India’s DTH market is divided between by Dish TV owned by ZEE Group, Tata Sky, a joint venture between the Tata Group and Rupert Mudoch’s Sky, Airtel Digital owned by India’s largest mobile telephony company Airtel, BIG TV of Reliance-Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group, Sun Direct owned by Southern media group Sun TV and Videocon D2H.

The DTH market is driven by the growing middle class and its rising disposable income, increasing television penetration and sale of LCD televisions, price wars and diverse package options and advantage over traditional cable operators.

The number of DTH subscribers will reach 45 million in 2014 from 17 million in 2009 and 58 million by 2020 overtaking the US, a study by Media Partners Asia (MPA) said. “Most DTH satellite pay TV operators will start making money after 2013,” it said.

But, there are many challenges too. Transponder capacity, high churn, subscriber acquisition costs and limited pricing power remain challenges, but can overcome by scale and cost control.

Some companies say the biggest challenge is the presence of DD Direct, owned by the Government. “If somebody is charging half my price, I can create a low-cost package with lesser content. But if somebody is selling for free, I can’t compete against that,” Tata Sky chief executive Harit Nagpal said in an earlier interaction with FE. “If entertainment and news is such staple diet that the government is forced to provide it free of cost, then why is entertainment tax levied when DTH platforms provide it?” he wondered.

Source: The Financial Express

Pragya Channel has signed a deal with DTH company Videocon D2H, further strengthening its distribution network and reach. Pragya would now be available on Videocon D2H channel number 624.

Videocon D2H customers can now enjoy the latest on complete health care and wellness. Our experts are ever ready to offer natural remedies and easy solutions to simplify lives of our viewers.

With this alliance Pragya will be strengthening its hold in the DTH space. Speaking on distribution trends, Managing Director, Meena Tiwari said, “As per the ‘Indian DTH Market Forecast to 2012,’ the number of DTH subscribers is projected to grow at a CAGR of around 18% during 2010-2013 to 39 Million by 2013. We are in the business of people and our channel offers solutions on every subject invoking the light of scientific awakening from within. This alliance will allow us to reach more masses comprising common people. After all we are here to make life simple for the Common Man who is our celebrity.”

Source: Bestmediainfo.com

MUMBAI: Videocon Industries is looking to sell a 25 per cent stake in its direct-to-home broadcast services business for roughly $75 million to $100 million and is in talks with private equity firms, people with direct knowledge of the matter said.

Potential investors in the unit, branded D2H, include ICICI Venture, the private equity arm of No 2 Indian lender ICICI Bank, sources said. Videocon has hired UBS to find an investor, sources said.

Videocon and ICICI Venture declined to comment. UBS officials could not be reached for immediate comment.

DTH services have been gaining momentum in India due to increasing spending power in an upwardly mobile population. Videocon D2H had launched its operations in 2009. Other operators include Tata-Sky, a joint venture between Tata Group and News Corp, Airtel DTH from Bharti Airtel, Sun Direct from Sun TV and Reliance Big TV from Reliance Communications.

Private equity investment in India is accelerating, as rising borrowing costs and dormant public markets push firms to cut deals with buyout firms in return for much-needed cash injections.

India is flooded with private equity firms looking for investments — from global buyout shops like Blackstone, 3i Group and KKR, to homegrown firms like IDFC and IFCI.

Indian companies signed private equity deals worth $3.2 billion in the first nine months of 2011, up from nearly $2 billion in the same period last year, according to data from Thomson Reuters.

The deals include India’s second-biggest private equity investment of the year, with Apollo Global Management injecting around $500 million in Indian steel pipe maker Welspun group in June.

Shares in Videocon Industries closed up 1.56 per cent at 175.60 rupees in a Mumbai market that closed up 0.46 per cent.

Source: The Economic Times

Videocon d2h, the DTH (direct to home) arm of the Videocon group and a fast-growing DTH service provider in India, is on road to raise $60 million in private equity funding, at least two sources briefed with the matter told VCCircle. Avendus and Barclays Capital are understood to be advisors for the same.

An e-mail query sent to Saurabh Dhoot did not elicit any response till the time of writing this article.

Videocon d2h, launched two years ago, offers 292 channels and services on its platform. It has features like multiple tickers, 12 PIP Mosaic, 22 Active Music Audio Video Channels and d2h movies. It also claims to feature the highest number of sports channels and all GEC channels on its platform. In addition, the company features the highest number of regional language channels in Kannada, Bengali, Marathi, Oriya and others.

Currently, there are six major operators who offer DTH services including Airtel, Reliance Big TV, Dish TV, Sun Direct, Tata Sky and Videocon d2h. According to a recent media report, Videocon d2h, the latest player to enter the market, has clocked four million subscribers so far, but only 1.8 million of them are active.

The space has also seen some private equity action before. Apollo Global Management LLC, the $70 billion alternative asset management giant, has earlier infused $100 million in Dish TV – the first private DTH satellite provider in India. Also, Tata Sky, a JV between the Tata Group and STAR, has raised money from Temasek in the past.

The Indian media and entertainment industry is currently worth Rs 450 billion, growing with a CAGR of 18 per cent over the next five years.

Source: VCCircle.com

Videocon d2h, the fastest growing DTH service provider in India is offering highest number of Asli HD channels on its platform. Asli HD channels are broadcast in 1080i format. These channels have superior picture clarity giving more depth and sharpness to the picture, crystal clear digital quality picture and digital quality sound. These Asli HD channels are superior to the digitally modified upscaled channels which other DTH service providers are offering and claiming as High definition channels.

The Asli HD Channels available on Videocon d2h which are, 24 hrs advertisement free Star Plus HD, Star World HD, Star Cricket HD, ESPN HD, Star Movies HD, Star Gold HD, Movies Now HD, Discovery HD, National Geographic HD, Travel XP HD, Active Music HD, Active 3D Channel.

On this occasion Saurabh Dhoot Director Videocon group said “It feels highly ecstatic to be the only player in the DTH space that offers highest number of Asli HD channels. We at Videocon d2h believe in giving our viewers the finest video and audio quality by transforming their television viewing experience. The Asli HD channels, Videocon d2h takes viewer into different world and makes him feel special”.

Source: India Infoline Ltd.

MUMBAI: ESPN Star Sports today announced the launch of ESPN HD and Star Cricket HD, India’s first 24×7 High Definition sports channels.

ESPN HD and Star Cricket HD will be available on Videocon d2h platform and Star Cricket HD will be available on Tata Sky with immediate effect.

India’s cricket tour of England will be the first premier event to be showcased live on Star Cricket HD from 21 July. This will be followed by other events such as the Champions LeagueT20 and India’s tour of Australia.

ESPN HD will showcase F1 action from the Hungarian Grand Prix, GP2 Series and other events such as the US Senior Open Golf and Major League Baseball in the month of July to be followed next month with the start of the 2011-2012 season of the Barclays Premier League.

With the introduction of these two new channels, ESPN Star Sports has expanded its bouquet to five channels in India – ESPN, Star Cricket, Star Sports, ESPN HD and Star Cricket HD.

Said ESPN Star Sports managing director Manu Sawhney, “The launch of ESPN HD & Star Cricket HD is yet another milestone in sports broadcasting and demonstrates our commitment to continue serving the fans by offering them the most enriching and engaging experience with the finest line-up of sports content in unparalleled image and sound quality. Fans want to be up close to the action and there’s no better way to experience the splendour than High Definition given the broader aspect ratio, higher resolution and enhanced audio that allows sport events to be broadcast in their full glory.”

Speaking on the strategic importance of the launch of HD networks, Sawhney added: “We see huge potential for the HD channels in India and have received a very positive and encouraging response from advertisers and platform operators as we continue to set new industry benchmarks. We have a very exciting calendar of events ahead of us and with the launch of these two 24×7 High Definition sports networks, Indian sports fans can look forward to a completely new way of enjoying sports.”

Added Tata Sky MD and CEO Harit Nagpal, “The new channel will be part of the HD Gold pack and is also made available on an a-la-carte basis.”

ESS is in talks with the other DTH operators to carry their HD channels.

Source: Indiantelevision.com

Mumbai, Maharashtra, June 6, 2011 — Entertainment & Movies is the common link that brings IIFA and Videocon d2h together. Videocon d2h is honored with this association where excellence is celebrated and cherished by all. Speaking on the association between IIFA and Videocon d2h, Mr. Saurabh Dhoot Director – Videocon group says “We take pride in associating with IIFA for last 3 Years; IIFA has been a pioneer in taking Indian Cinema globally. This is in keeping with our pioneering status in the Indian DTH market through continuous product innovations and upgrade of technology in making viewing a better experience. We feel that our association will be mutually rewarding”.

Speaking on the same, Mr. Anil Khera CEO Videocon d2h says, “We have always been setting new precedents in the DTH market, thus creating an aura for our brand, similar to what IIFA has done for the film industry. The 3D innovation in DTH space by Videocon d2h has set a new benchmark in the industry and we plan to continue the momentum. This association with IIFA will bring the brand closer to our consumers”.

Videocon d2h has recently launched India’s first High Definition – Digital Video Recorder with 3D enabling customers to enjoy 3D content and experience the new world of Digital Entertainment. HD DVR with 3D will change the world of home entertainment; it takes TV viewing experiences a step ahead. Abhishek Bachchan is endorsing brand Videocon d2h since its inception. Abhishek Bachchan is extremely tech savvy and is a perfect fit for brand Videocon d2h. Apart from Abhishek Bachchan, we have five regional Brand Ambassadors like Sachin Pilgaonkar, Sukhwinder, Prasenjit, Manoj Tiwary, &

Archita Sahu. These five regional brand ambassadors promote the active audio / video music channels catering to their specific regions.

Videocon d2h has monthly subscription packages like New Gold, New Gold Sports, New Diamond and Platinum Packs. The price range starts from Rs. 150 onwards. Subscribers can also pick and choose their channels through ala carte and enjoy the content as per their choice. Videocon d2h has been awarded the 4th most successful brand launch of the year 2009 across all product and service categories in the Brand Derby survey carried out by Business Standard newspaper. Satellite DVD another innovative product from Videocon d2h stable has been awarded Product of the Year award 2010.

Videocon d2h has an extensive service network of over 700 direct service and franchisees having a combined work force of 5000 well trained service employees. They have presence across India and have 24 * 7 customer care centre catering to over 9 Indian Languages providing prompt customer support. We have an extensive dealer network of over 55, 000 touch points catering to the potential customers.

Source: IndiaPRwire

Mumbai: Videocon d2h, the DTH arm of Videocon group is the fastest growing DTH service provider in India. Videocon d2h launches the India’s first ever HD – DVR with 3D for its customers to watch content with 3D experience. Customers not only can watch it but experience the new world, a fabulous 3D television or the 3D feed from your broadcaster won’t be sufficient, Videocon d2h will bridge the gap as a connector to broadcaster and the TV customers.

Mr. Saurabh Dhoot, Director Videocon Group said, “We have seen excellent growth from the time of inception and our objective is to catalyze our penetration, offer channels and services across genres, increase our subscriber base & better our ARPU’s. Videocon d2h is the pioneer in the Indian DTH market and will constantly strive to give consumer more than what they can expect on their command. This new product of ours acts as a bridge between the 3 D Television and the broadcaster who is providing the feed. We are hopeful that this High Deginition Digital Video Recorder with 3D will be making the Indian DTH industry more attractive, at the same time it will create a new aura for the brand Videocon d2h”.

On the occasion Abhishek Bachchan added: “Videocon d2h’s pioneering innovations are always ahead of their time. The revolutionary HD DVR with 3D brings magic of 3D right into our living rooms. I am immensely proud to be a part of this dynamic and tech-savvy enterprise. Which is future ready.

On this occasion Anil Khera, CEO added, “This new product of ours Satellite HD digital Video recorder with 3D will be redefining the viewing experience of the consumer who is not able to watch any 3 D because of the lack of the content broadcasting medium. We are sure that our DTH service will set a new precedent in the DTH market, we are sure that the 3D content which was not available in the country even though the 3D television were available, these will now be coming to Indian homes, thus makes future ready.

HD DVR with 3D: It will change the world of home entertainment. Videocon d2h Satellite High Definition Digital Video Recorder with 3D that takes your TV viewing experiences a step ahead. We can even enhance the picture quality and get HDD (High Definition Digital) sound, even on the existing normal High Definition TV. We can even pause, rewind and forward live TV & record up to 200 hours; it also facilitates Auto serial recording. Videocon d2h has an active channel for the 3D content and also channels in HD. 16:9 aspect ratio, 5x digital picture quality and High Definition Digital sound.

Videocon d2h has launched these channels keeping the needs of the growing market in mind. Videocon d2h has maximum number of 290 channels & Services with a very strong regional content for their specific Audiences along with all the sports channels on board. The customers can watch their favorite channels in HD format by subscribing to its HD channels.

The newly added Channels in HD format are Discovery HD, NGC HD, Movies Now HD, Travel XP, HD Active Music, HD d2h Movies and the 13 new channels in: Baby TV, Spacetoon, Movies Now (SD), FX, Fox Crime, Big CBS Prime, Discovery Science, Discovery Turbo, NGC Wild, NGC Adventure, NGC Music.

Source: TVNext.in

Mumbai, Maharashtra, January 20, 2011: Videocon d2h, the fastest growing DTH service provider has launched A-la-carte services for its customers. These A-la-carte channel offerings will allow customers to choose and pay for the channels they want to watch in any category. Videocon d2h have launched services keeping the needs of the growing market in mind. Videocon d2h has maximum number of channels & Services with a Very strong regional content for their specific Audiences along with all the sports channels on board. Videocon d2h feels that the consumer has the right to choose the channels that they feel are suitable for them depending on their preferences of the channels; the channels would be priced economically and will help customers creating their own pack with only individual channel or do a mix-n-match of the existing packs with standalone channels.

Saurabh Dhoot Director Videocon Group: “We are offering A-La-Carte services to our customers, which will enable them to choose and enjoy viewing as per their choice. They can select from the slew of offerings. This will empower the customer to package his own channels that he prefers to watch. We are rolling out our A-La-Carte services within a week so that our subscribers can choose and enjoy as per their choice now”.

Stressing on this regional thrust, Mr. Saurabh Dhoot, Director Videocon Group said, “We have had excellent growth rates from the time of launch. Our objective is to catalyze our penetration, and we firmly believe that campaigns needs to be tailored for the local markets. A familiar face that endorses a trusted brand like Videocon d2h is impetus for the regions.”

Videocon d2h has also introduced Leading faces from various regions as their regional mascots such as Sachin Pilgaonkar for Marathi Devotional Channel, Manoj Tiwari for Hamaar Geet Bhojpuri music, Archita Sahu for Oriya devotional Channels, Sukhwinder Singh for Gurbaani and Punjabi Speaking audiences and Prasenjit Chatterjee for Bengali devotional channel shall endorse Videocon d2h in the respective regions. They have also introduced 5 exclusive regional content channels on Active Music space for their regional audience. Now the customers can choose & listen to their favorite songs on their DTH platform easily.

Mr. Dhoot further adds, “We are confident that with Our Active Music services we will be in a position to create, not only a differential in the market, but achieve better penetration, through the exclusivity of content and relevant local flavor. This will help us achieve better ARPU’s while adding subscribers”.

Videocon d2h has Active Bhakti music video channel and regional devotional audio channels under its Active Music Space platform. Customers can now enjoy a unique Music experience 24 hrs a day with music of all genres like Gurbani, Hindi Latest Hits, Bhakti, Hamaar Geet, DJ mix, Urdu Devotional and other attractive Genres. With Active Music Space Videocon d2h give its customers a unique experience 24 hrs where the audience can choose from 20 exclusive audio channels and 2 Video channels which will mesmerize its viewers with music of all the genres like Gurbaani, Devotional, Hindi Latest Hits, Bhojpuri, Dj mix, Meditation, Urdu and other attractive Genres.

Videocon d2h is the foremost service provider to introduce exclusive music channels by launching Active music space hitz channel and Active Music Space Bhakti Channel. Videocon d2h is available on Pan India level and India is known for its diversification, so keeping in mind the varied demands of each region, 20 exclusive audio channels and 2 Video channels have been designed to target customers’ needs for MUSIC no matter where they are in India.

Audio – 20 different genres
Latest hitz, Romantic Hitz, Sentimental hitz ,DJ mix, Punjabi lounge, Hamaar Geet, Bhakti, Spiritual lounge, Gurbani, Islamic devotional, Ganapati devotional, Shiv Bhakti, Mata ki Jai, Sai Amrit, Radhe Krishna, Bengali devotional, Marathi devotional, Oriya devotional, Gujarati devotional, instrumental.

Video – 2 Genres
Hitz and Bhakti: In addition to all popular television channels, the Videocon d2h platform will offer many new features and exciting interactive services, thus becoming a one-stop shop for all the television entertainment needs of customers.

Source: Indiaprwire.com

MUMBAI: Videocon Industries expects to add one million direct-to-home (DTH) subscribers in the next three months, a top official said on Wednesday.

The firm recently crossed the two-million-subscriber figure recently, Anil Khera, chief executive, mobile phone and D2H business, told reporters.

The DTH business would take some time to break-even, he added.

Source: The Economic Times