IDC bullish on television

Mumbai: International Data Corporation (IDC) is aggressively bullish on television as an entertainment medium. In its latest report Outlook for TV services in India, IDC has stated that TV companies revenues could go on to touch Rs 6,000 crore by fiscal 2006, driven largely by the following services:

1. Interactive TV.
2. Video-on-demand.
3. TV commerce.

Reasoning its hypothesis, it says: With the advent of innovative technologies TV is becoming more and more interactive. It is also becoming a major source of revenues for not only the broadcasting companies but also for content providers, advertising companies, cable operators and satellite service providers.

Revenues from basic TV services, by the year 2006, are projected to rise to Rs 5,544 crore, from direct-to-home to Rs 157.40 crore, from pay-per-view services to Rs 111.40 crore and video-on-demand to Rs 116.90 crore.

IDC has pointed out that cable television subscription rates will rise and value-added services offered by TV will, after a slow and a hesitant start, pick up.

Adds IDC: The major drivers will be government policies, which will encourage advent of players and competition between them. Drivers of growth will also be stringent controls put in by the government to check piracy of films and increase in monthly cable TV subscription rates.