Top Story Digital payTV space set to get redefined Digital migration in India is all set to get redefined owing to the collaboration between Exset and Digital Telemedia. Together they are going to co‐operate and eventually form a Digital Monetization System (DMS) technology partner DTM, a Shenzhen Jiuzhou Co., Ltd. Subsidiary, is set to develop value‐based MPEG‐4 set‐top‐boxes for digital cable in South Asia as well as for deployment with some key DTH platforms using Exset CAS. These boxes will be compatible with Exset’s DMS technology for other emerging markets as well. DMS will allow digital television platforms to be created that can then be monetized which were previously impossible. This means populations can benefit from new information and entertainment services, while partnering governments can achieve digital switchover thus bringing social transformation. The solution bridges the gap between technology and value added services for the Indian cable partners as also the pay‐TV customers globally. DTM’s management vision aided with its global presence and ability to address customers’ need from the perspective of Indian and African digitization has acted as the defining factor processed in this collaboration.
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Maharashtra Government to offer sops for single screens As a means to encourage single‐screen theaters in rural area, the Maharashtra Government has decided to offer a 7‐year holiday on entertainment tax. Additionally, it will also set a cap of INR 200 for multiplex tickets of Marathi films shown during ‘prime time’ slot. The decisions were taken during a meeting at the state cabinet which was chaired by Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan. It has also allowed single‐screen halls to levy an additional service charge of INR 2 per ticket if they exhibit Marathi films during the prime time. Further, in a bid to discourage high ticket prices, it has decided to stipulate 'a maximum entry charge' of INR 200 in multiplexes and INR 100 in single‐ screen theatres for Marathi films shown during the prime time. Additionally, it has decided to waive entertainment tax for five years for single‐screen theatres in A, B and C category municipal councils. The government expects that single‐screens, which are losing business, will use the tax sop in order to adopt modern digital technology. Media and Entertainment – Monthly Update