[icernet] CAS regime: market not fully ready to make switch

[Arul Selvan]

  The CAS regime is, in all likelihood, being ushered into a market not 
fully prepared to make a switch. The entire issue today revolves around 
the technical arrangements for CAS' introduction and not about content. 
Who would benefit from CAS is a big question. Broadcasters like Star 
would be apprehensive because it would definitely lead to a dip in 
advertising revenues due to a shrinkage in the number of viewers. The 
MSOs or cable operators such as Hathway or Siticable would not want it 
as they then would be open to strict monitoring.

The customer or TV viewer would certainly not want it because they have 
to pay extra to buy the STB and monthly rentals would most certainly be 
higher. Barring the overseas suppliers of the STBs, the urgency shown in 
implementing CAS could unfortunately work to the detriment of all concerned.

Source:
http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/2003/06/01/stories/2003060100451300.htm