Satellite and cable TV set for big jump in penetration

Chairman Niphon Naksompop said last week that as many content producers had entered the cable and satellite television business throughout this year, penetration was growing faster than the previous projection of 50 per cent. This includes general cable television, TrueVisions and satellite TV operators. Content providers also kept upgrading programming quality as well as transmission technology. For example, True Visions launched its HD Plus Smart set-top box for its high-definition channels.

Cable TV operators formed Cable Television Holding (CTH) to build public awareness and raise funds from more than 100 members to import foreign content on a cost-sharing basis as well as provide selected packages to its members. 

GMM Grammy, the country’s largest music and entertainment company, was now focusing on its satellite-broadcasting platform service besides providing content. Next month, GMM Grammy will introduce its 1 Sky set-top boxes with an ambitious target of Bt2.5 billion in sales in the first year.

Another positive factor was the rise in purchasing power among consumers in the first nine months.

Though cable and satellite TV was growing by leaps and bounds, advertising spending remained limited among the handful of content providers such as GMM Grammy, RS and JSL Global Media as well as Work Point Entertainment, which will launch its own satellite TV station this year. 

However, this 16-million household market is also attracting companies offering niche programming. Amorn Vision (Bangkok) recently introduced Man TV on DTV’s channel 28 to cater to men’s interests and lifestyles. Very Entertainment broadcasts Very TV on TrueVisions 85 for music and entertainment and Travel Channel Corporation offers Travel Channel Thailand on TrueVisions 73.