CAS approval key to pay-TV: C+T's Andrieu

Mumbai: Canal + Technologies general manager (sales-Asia/Pacific) Nicolas Andrieu, while welcoming the Conditional Access System (CAS), says: "It is a moment of great significance for the Indian television industry. The Indian viewers are no longer shackled to the old conventional TV viewing. They can now exercise their freedom of choice, the essence of any open economy."

CAS is the key to the concept of pay-TV, he says. "In fact, in my opinion, the role of CAS in the pay-TV segment is going to be monumental as it alone can ensure that everyone, from the broadcasters to MSOs and viewers, all benefit. CAS would ensure that the broadcasters rights to their content are not violated; that the MSOs get their fair share of revenues from the subscribers; and last, but not the least, the viewers pay only for what they watch and not for what is being fed to them indiscriminately according to the whims and fancies of the cable operators."

With the introduction of CAS, interactivity in TV-viewing will see the daylight in India, Andrieu feels. "The absence of which was never felt until now, simply for the reason that people are not aware of its immense potential."

C+T is a global leader in providing CAS Mediaguard to a number of international broadcasters. "We have been committed to open standards from its creation and is a founding member of the DVB consortium as well as a very active participant. C+T, being dedicated to bring the latest digital television solutions, is looking forward to be a part of the phenomenon and bring the Indian viewers exciting times ahead," Andrieu sums up.