64 slots for TV, 21 radio channels in DD's free DTH: Govt

There are 64 slots for TV channels and 21 radio channels in Doordarshan's free-to-air Direct-to-Home (DTH) service 'DD Free Dish', Lok Sabha was informed today.

Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore said hardware installation of DTH platform of upto 112 TV channels has been completed. 

"Presently, there are 64 TV channels and steps have been taken to add 48 new channels. The capacity would be  increased to 250 TV channels as part of approved 12th plan," he said during Question Hour.

Prasar Bharati faced issues in implementing Conditional Access System (CAS), which is a part of upgraded system. Rathore said Prasar Bharati has decided to adopt the Indian Conditional Access System (Indian CAS) which is being finalised by Department of Electronics and Information Technology."

In addition, Department of Space has agreed in-principle to provide additional transponders on new GSAT 15 satellite required for upgradation to 250 TV channels," he said.