DD will use its DTH transmissions, to provide 17 full time digital DD channels throughout the country. For regions not currently receiving any DD terrestrial signals, Doordarshan will be providing free DTH equipment to various local authorities in villages & towns. This will include antenna, AZ-EL mount, ground/wall mount, LNBF, Cables (25m with connectors) and Set-top box with CI slot.

To implement this plan, Doordarshan floated tenders for procurement of 10,000 nos. of 60 cms, 90 cms & 1.2 meter antenna & Set-top boxes with CI slot. 21 bids were received.

MCBS bagged the order for 60 cms (4000 nos) and 90 cms (4000 nos) antenna and 8000 nos. of Set-top boxes with CI slot. MCBS's winning bid was well below Doordarshan's budget of Rs. 5000.

Incidentally, MCBS had supplied 100 nos. of DTH antenna terminals of each type last year for test and evaluation. Doordarshan carried out detailed studies of reception parameters including rain attenuation, before it decided to launch its DTH platform all over India.

Modern Communication & Broadcast Systems Pvt. Ltd. (MCBS) has been manufacturing SATCOM & CATV products for the last 18 years. Its Ku-band terminals which are already approved by various agencies include ISRO, Prasar Bharati, Govt. of A.P., Zee TV (Dish TV) & others. The Govt. of AP's APNET was India's first DTH project in which MCBS played a key role.

MCBS is now setting up a large scale manufacturing plant with large investments to manufacture DTH products including antennae terminals of all sizes, Set-top boxes and other items.

	MCBS has completed supply of 8000 nos. of DTH terminals to Doordarshan on 25th June, 2004.
	MCBS is in the forefront of DTH technology. DD has placed orders for 8000 terminals. MCBS has completed supplies of 8000 terminals well within Doordarshan's schedule dates. Doordarshan has dispatched these terminals to various centre from where they will go to several towns and villages. Doordarshan has undertaken installation of these terminals through their technical staff. It is expected that installation of all terminals will be over by 15th August, 2004.
	It is to be noted that Doordarshan has already started trial runs on NSS6 by loading all transponders with 17 DD channels and other test signals. Doordarshan is expected to launch all 30 channels by mid August' 2004.
	The quality of signal received on 60 cms terminals is excellent, both in terms of signal strength and SNR performance of video and audio signals as reported from all over India where a large no. of terminals have been installed and commissioned.
	MCBS has provided special features for Doordarshan products. A Doordarshan logo is embossed on all antenna terminals.
	The IRD comprises a EPG for Doordarshan which gives channel details of all DD channels and facility to open the menu and get DD channels with simple remote functions. This has been done to enable customers in rural areas to receive programmes quickly without the help of any technicians.
	The IRDs are based on BIS standard and have been tested for 45V to 300V AC for village applications.
	M/s. MCBS has in-house facilities for loading software in their IRDs.
	MCBS has provided an excellent packaging box for transportation to any location without damage, as shown in the photograph here.
	MCBS provides a detailed brochure covering installation procedure for easy and efficient installation.

60 CMS antenna with Set-top box	Set-top box with CI slot for CAM module
A photograph showing loading of software at MCBS lab
Detail of Antenna & Set-top box packing
Details of packing procedures
DD inspection team carrying out inspection of DTH terminals