Chennai, July 19: In a major move towards broadcasting movies over the Internet, about 2000 movie title rights for Internet broadcast has been obtained by Num TV, a division of Pentamedia Graphics Ltd. The rights have been got through a mix of revenue sharing and cash payment, said V Chandrasekaran, chairman and managing director, of the company. The view on demand pay service would be available to Num TV subscribers shortly, he added.Num TV, the entertainment to consumer portal, went commercial on July 15. The subscription fee for the service has been fixed at $9.75, $8.75 and $7.75 per month for monthy, half-yearly and annual subscription respectively. The service has over 1,35,000 subscribers currently.
Chandresekaran said that investments of $10 million have been made in the channel and it would break even in six months time. The Num TV division, he added would contribute more to the revenues than all other divisions in three years time.
Num TV, currently targets NRIs in the US and Europe. The entertainment portal has ten live channels and 15 other channels. Plans are on to include content for other Asian countries residents living abroad, said the chairman. Niche services such as broadcasts of marriage, special functions are being offered. For example, an NRI marriage in the US can be broadcast in Num TV and special user names and passwords can be issued along with the invitation to ensure restricted viewing. Value added services such as virtual shopping, e-trading are being planned.
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