The open architecture STB must be insisted upon to ensure interoperability effectively. PVR (DVR) may be excluded from interoperability. However, STB with DVR should have interoperability to have basic functions like recording facility etc. so that the consumer shifting to another service provider loses only value added features.
In India, specifications for DTH STBs have been laid down in IS-15377. Most of the new generation STBs are designed to deliver A-V (Audio-Video) outputs to a TV set. The same output can be routed through a recorder (Personal or otherwise). If such a recorder is a plug and play ‘Add-ON’ to the STB, there won’t be any difficulty. If the recorder circuitry is encased in the same housing as the STB, then the cost of the STB will go up and the gadget will become absolutely proprietary. Use of different CAS, encryption, middleware and EPG make the STB proprietary and hence such STBs cannot remain inter-operable. Hence clause 7.1 needs to be amended to delete ‘open architecture(non-proprietary)’ from the narration in the guide lines as well as the standards. As far as recorders are concerned, IPRs for recordings and their replays shall have to be ensured through Service Level Agreements, restricting number of replays of recordings against each demand. The service provider should be mandated to provide the DTH electronics, as part of service agreement, against a non-interest bearing, refundable, security deposit of the value not exceeding the cost of such electronics.
