British firm launches digital decoder

JAKARTA (JP): Indovision viewers will be able to get clearer satellite TV pictures with a new digital decoder released yesterday.

The decoder will enable parents to restrict children's viewing and will automatically announce selected programs while the viewer is watching another program. These facilities are not available with current analog decoders.

Britain's Pace Digital Technology makes the decoder.

Pace general manager in Indonesia Tony Crane said yesterday the company aimed to sell 30,000 decoders over the next six months.

The decoder will retail for Rp 1.64 million (US$694). Analog decoders sell for Rp 650,000.

The decoder has multimedia capabilities when connected to the telecommunications network by modem and when the services are provided by Indovision.

Potential services include video on demand and teleshopping.

Crane said the company would sell the multimedia version of the medium when Indovision started its multimedia service.

Indovision, which is Indonesia's only pay-TV operator, started broadcasting digital programs and increased its service to 19 channels last month. It plans to launch its own satellite, Indostar, later this year.

Pace has a manufacturing plant in Thailand. Crane said the company would open another plant in Indonesia next year if demand justified it.

Pace began as a modem producer but has focused on decoders since 1985. Users of its products include Australia's Galaxy, Thailand's Shinawatra, and India's Star TV.

Cane said Indovision had also asked another decoder maker, Thompson of the United States, to sell its products to Indovision subscribers. (jsk)