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New Delhi , Sept. 19

THIS time the Government has found support from an unexpected quarter, the industry. The Consumer Electronics and TV Manufacturers Association (Cetma) has urged the Government to ensure a quick roll out of conditional access system (CAS) as it would enable the viewers to pay less for their monthly cable bill.

"The real benefit of CAS is being lost in the noise and chaos created over the so called increase in monthly subscriptions. The effects are just the opposite. There is considerable disinformation regarding the price of set-top box (STB). In fact, the total cost of the consumer in the CAS regime would reduce," Cetma said.

Comparing the scenario in Chennai where CAS has been implemented, it stated, "After the roll out of CAS and the scenario in the other three metros, one can clearly see where the consumer is benefiting. In Chennai, all popular channels among the masses — Tamil channels — are in the basic tier, as they are `free to air'. Even the ones that were pay channels have now turned free to air. So the masses are getting their favourite programmes at Rs 72 plus taxes, certainly a reduction from Rs 200 being paid in the pre-CAS days. For the others, who want to watch the pay channels, STB is acquired under various schemes to reduce consumers' upfront cost."

Besides, the utility of the boxes would not be restricted to just receiving TV channels with good quality picture and sound. The STBs and the networks which support them, will also provide the consumer a channel of communication for value added services such as video on demand (VOD), electronic programme guide (EPG), e-commerce, e-education, etc, they pointed out.

CETMA also appealed to the Central as well as the State Governments to lessen the burden on consumers, by not charging service tax and entertainment tax to the consumers, who opt for only basic tier. "This will reduce the price of basic tier by about Rs 25 in the metros," it said.

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