(6 September 2005 8:00 pm)

MUMBAI: Zee Telefilms' direct-to-home (DTH) solutions provider Dishtv has expanded its line up by adding three more channels.

While Malayalam channels Asianet News and Asianet Plus became the latest entrants on DishTV from the regional front, Australian Broadcasting Corporation's (ABC) international television service ABC Asia Pacific launched its India beam on the DTH platform today.

Dishtv bouquet presently offers eight channels in Malayalam including Asianet, Indiavision, Jeevan TV, SS Music, DD Malayalam, Kairali and the newly added Asianet Plus and Asianet News. According to an official release, the new additions are made at no extra cost.

Dishtv CEO Sunil Khanna says, “Inclusion of these two channels from Asianet, strengthens the Malayalam entertainment on Dishtv for the city viewer, as well as for Keralites spread across the country. Dishtv makes for a complete entertainment solution for the people in Kerala, giving them an opportunity to upgrade to a superior entertainment experience with wholesome Malayalam entertainment.”

ABC Asia Pacific, meanwhile, has been available on Dishtv since the last seven months as part of the basic package. "The free-to-air English entertainment channel has now launched a dedicated beam for India, by re-arranging its programming schedule according to Indian television's primetime," says Khanna.

It is learnt that, ABC Asia Pacific India will now telecast its primetime programmes in India from 8 pm onwards as per the new schedule.

Khanna added that ABC was in talks with Zee Turner to launch the channel on cable as well. "The discussions are on. Both the parties are yet to reach on an agreement," he said.

Meanwhile, Distv is also in active discussions with the UK-based media firm Eicom to get its two channels - Performance Channel & Science and SciTech TV - on board. It is learnt that Performance Channel will receive US$0.07 per subscribing home per month in an English language premium package. The subscription level for SciTech TV will be set after pricing trials. Reportedly, SciTech TV will be broadcast in Hindi, Tamil and English language versions on Dishtv's main platform.

However, when quereid, Khanna refused to confirm the developments. "The final deal is yet to be done. We haven't reached any agreement on the pricing and package. Regarding the content, we are waiting for Eicom to finalise the details," he said.