NDS powers Airtel digital satellite service

HONG KONG: NDS, provider of technology solutions for digital pay-TV, today announced that it has been selected by Bharti Airtel to provide a suite of digital broadcasting solutions for the launch of the company’s digital satellite service.

Bharti Airtel announced recently that the Indian Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has granted the company a Letter of Intent, licensing the new DTH platform.

NDS will provide Bharti Airtel with VideoGuard conditional access, MediaHighway middleware as well as a customized electronic programme guide (EPG). VideoGuard is currently securing TV content in 78.6 million set-top boxes worldwide, and 69.9 million deployed Mediahighway clients are enabling operators around the world to provide enhanced services to viewers.

Through these NDS solutions, Bharti Airtel gains the flexibility to introduce future enhancements including interactive applications and additional advanced services for subscribers, NDS said in a statement.

“Bharti Airtel has successfully focused its strategy on offering a full range of integrated telecom services. The launch of DTH services is part of our ongoing strategy to offer consumers in India the most extensive range of converged services in the market,” said Arjun, executive director, Bharti Airtel.

Sue Taylor, vice president and general manager of NDS Asia Pacific, said, “Being selected by Bharti Airtel is a validation of the technology leadership of NDS and recognition of the significant investment in NDS’ Indian capabilities over the past six years. NDS market-leading technology will enable Bharti Airtel to deliver world-class digital and interactive entertainment services to their subscribers.”

NDS’ R&D facility in Bangalore, which has been operational for six years and now employs over 750 people, will be leading the development of a electronic program guide for Bharti Airtel. In addition, this development center will be instrumental in designing interactive TV applications tailored to the Indian audience.