(a) whether the Doordarshan has launched DTH service across the country;
(b) if so, whether the Government is aware that the set-top boxes of Doordarshan DTH
services are not working properly;
(c) if so, whether the Bureau of Indian Standards has fixed any norms and technical
standards for set-top boxes;
(d) if so, whether the norms and technical standards set up by BIS are being followed;
and
(e) if not, the steps taken by the Government in this regard?
THE MINISTER OF INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING AND CULTURE (SHRI S. JAIPAL REDDY)
(a) : Yes, Sir.
(b) : Doordarshan does not market the set top boxes for reception of their KU band
service. These are available in the open market. However, the set top boxes provided
by Doordarshan at public expense in certain undercovered areas for demonstration
purposes are reported to be working satisfactorily.
(c) to (e) : Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has laid down standards for the set top
boxes for the receptions of pay DTH service. However, no separate standards have been
laid down by Bureau of Indian Standards for free-to-air DTH set top boxes. BIS has been
approached for extending facility for certification of STBs.