I&B ministry rolls out centralised monitoring system

BANGALORE, INDIA: The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting is in the process of installing a Centralised Monitoring System to keep a tab on the encryption of channels by Multiple System Operators (MSOs).

This initiative has been taken to monitor the progress of Digitization and to ensure the mandatory adherence of transmitting Digital encrypted signals by Multi System Operators (MSOs).

MSOs that do not carry the mandated encrypted signals will be detected through the Centralised Monitoring System. "MSOs are required to carry encrypted signals of TV channels in areas where digitization has been implemented as mandated by Section 4A of Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995.

Transmission / Re-transmission of unencrypted signals would amount to violation of Terms and Conditions of MSOs," as per a statement issued through an official release bu the Government.

For this purpose, a web based pilot project for the DAS monitoring system installed at Bangalore is undergoing field trials. After the implementation of this system, the ministry can keep a watch on the implementation of DAS by all the MSO licensees.

Through this system, users can centrally acquire, log, analyze and prepare report on the status of DAS parameters like total number/name of channels, encryption status of cable TV signals of head end of each registered MSO across the country in real time. "This system can be augmented in future for content monitoring of the cable TV channels at local levels," says the government release.