The Hindu Business Line : Interoperability of STBs not viable, say manufacturers

THE domestic set-top box (STB) manufacturers, who have been pitching for an early implementation of the conditional access system (CAS), are opposed to the idea of making interoperability of STBs mandatory.

In their submissions before the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), under the aegis of the Consumer Electronics and TV Manufacturers' Association (CETMA), the players have stated that interoperability of STBs is not a viable proposition.

Industry sources told Business Line that besides technical and commercial feasibility of full interoperability being a problem, interoperability also creates a platform for rampant piracy and copyright violation. Besides, the box would then cost twice the amount.

"To avoid paying for two boxes we could double the cost of the box, but such a solution will not be acceptable and cost considerations are important. If interoperability cannot be cost-effectively achieved through technical means, TRAI should discuss the commercial aspects with manufacturers," he said.

Further, the players felt that the STB could not be standardised, though small-time solutions could be proposed. But even those could certainly be evaded by pirated STBs that are available on the Internet today. Hence, cable operators would find it easy to defy copyright rules and redistribute the signal, which will go against the whole policy of CAS.

TRAI has since referred the matter to the Bureau of Indian Standards to examine whether interoperability is viable or not. On the issue of whether operators should provide subsidies on STBs and if so, who should bear the cost of it, industry players felt that it should be left to market forces to decide.

The industry players were also opposed to the idea of regulated STB prices. "The price depends on its functions and features, which in turn depends upon the nature of services,'' they said.