British firm launches digital decoder

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)