NEW DELHI: A sum of Rs 382.88 crore has been spent by Doordarshan to digitize and modernize its infrastructure over the last three years.

In 2013-14, Doordarshan spent Rs 159.81 crore though the sum allocated was Rs 156.01 crore, while in 2014-15, it spent Rs 153.37 crore out of the Rs 155 allocated. In 2015-16, DD spent a provisional Rs 69.7 crore out of the Rs 191.50 allocated.

Modernization/upgradation of studios, transmitters and satellite broadcast equipment that are at various stages of implementation in under the 12th Plan are: Digitalization of transmitters and studios in Doordarshan network, including adoption of digital video broadcasting (DVB)-T2 technology; High definition television (HDTV); Modernization, augmentation and replacement of transmitter and studio equipment; Modernization, augmentation and replacement of satellite broadcast equipment.

Giving details, DD sources said that all the 39 Studios have been made digital (except Camera chains). The purchase proposal for procurement of Camera chains has been submitted for financial sanction.

Of the 53 digital transmitters, 16 digital transmitters (HPTs) have been commissioned in the first phase from 25 February and another 3 digital HPTs have been installed and are under testing. Action for setting up of remaining 44 digital transmitters in the next phase has been initiated and expected to be setup in about 2 years.

All the four HDTV transmitters at four metro locations have been installed and ready for commissioning. The HD Studio at Delhi and Mumbai has been set up. Action for setting up HD Studio at Chennai and Kolkata has been initiated.

Referring a question about multi camera mobile production facility in HDTV format, DD sources said two were supplied at Delhi and Mumbai. For the third, tenders received earlier have been cancelled on technical considerations and fresh notice inviting tenders is being issued.

A total of 13 ageing HPTs have been replaced by new HPTs. At two other locations, installation of transmitter equipment has been completed and is under testing.

All equipment envisaged as part of 11th Plan schemes have been provided, except Camera chains which are under procurement. Equipment envisaged as part of 12th Plan new schemes are at various stages of procurement.

Out of 18 earth stations, one has been upgraded. At four locations, all earth station equipment except RF equipment (which has been ordered) have been installed and tested. At the remaining 13 locations, specifications of equipment are under finalization.

New earth stations have been set up at four places. For the remaining one, tenders have been opened for part of the earth station equipment and under evaluation.