Dialog TV Forum

Dialog in desperation, now more time sharing channels this time Learn TV & Heritage TV

2012-01-24T16:00:00.000+05:30

In just about a month after Dialog carried out the time sharing of God TV & EWTN on a single channel slot, they are at it again by time sharing Learn TV & Heritage TV on a single channel. This means that Learn TV will not be available 24X7 and Heritage TV will not be available 24X7.

Dialog which is lacking in transponder capacity seems to be desperate to increase channels they have decided to do it by hook or crook. Learn TV an educational channel has been touched and shared with Heritage TV. Dialog a pay television company is now behaving like a fully fledged FTA channel.

Learn TV is a childrens educational channel and looks like education has taken a back seat to Dialog's desperate tactics.

The sad thing is that this could be the future today and maybe we can look towards more channels being time shared in the near future. So in december God & EWTN were time shared now in january Learn TV & Heritage TV were time shared, we only can wonder what february will have in store.

It looks like things are going down hill now considering the events of the last two months.

1) Star Movies Asia changes to Star Movies India and no effort is being done by Dialog to get the asian feed back again.

2) God TV time shared with EWTN instead of giving EWTN a new channel slot.

3) MGM and UTV World Movies replaced by the Zee Studio & Zee Cafe. A bad move considering the fact that existing channels were removed to add these two.

4) Heritage TV and Learn TV combined and time shared to a new channel slot.

The problem here is lack of capacity and the lack of interest shown by Dialog to increase capacity. Dialog is definitely mirroring the problems that Comet Cable had and are hoodwinking their subscribers.

English "Zee" Channels return, "MGM" & "UTV World Movies" get booted

2012-01-19T09:54:00.001+05:30

In a not so surprising move Dialog TV have booted out MGM & UTV World Movies. The channels that were returned to the lineup are Zee Cafe & Zee Studio. With the return of these channels it is likely that Dialog will be able to secure Ten Action also but the problem is that one of the existing channels will have to be removed due to lack of capacity and the lacklustre efforts by Dialog TV to increase capacity.

Although the introduction of Zee Studio & Zee Cafe will be welcomed by many. It looks like the musical chairs are continuing and in about another one year we cannot be sure which of the present channels will remain. It is high time that Dialog secures additional transponders and actually adds more channels instead of just "replacing" older ones with newer ones and then vice versa as was the case with the Zee channels yesterday.

We hope Dialog does not remove Eurosport in favour of Ten Action because Eurosport is the only non Indian oriented sporting channel that shows a wide variety of sports not shown by the sports bigwigs from India. So as far as any more channel additions goes, it should be done after the increase of transponder capacity.

Another thing that should be added is that MGM was followed by most of the people who like to watch older movies & UTV World Movies was followed by those who watch non Hollywood movies in foreign languagesother than English in Sri Lanka and the removal of the channels will not be viewed favorably by them, the number of people who viewed these channels maybe small in number but they are still paying subscribers of Dialog and this move is totally unfair by them.

Please keep us updated on the latest regarding Dialog TV as the days progress.

** Post Correction Update information : A big thank you to our fellow blogger @sonik for pointing out the error in our post. It's "MGM" & "UTV World Movies" that have been booted & not "Warner TV" as the post suggested before. Thank You @Sonik.

Happy & Prosperous New Year 2012

2011-12-31T17:48:00.000+05:30

We take this opportunity to wish all our fellow bloggers the management and staff of Dialog TV,

"A Happy & Prosperous New Year 2012"

Dialog TV lied... makes God TV & EWTN time sharing permanent

2011-12-28T23:42:00.000+05:30

In a move that is considered ridiculous & stupid, Dialog TV have made the time sharing of programmes from EWTN & God TV on Channel 70 permanent. Whilst lying initially that the programmes via EWTN would be broadcast only for Christmas, Dialog now run the scroll saying "We are pleased to announce... blah blah".

Who is pleased Dialog? Are the viewers of God TV pleased that the programmes they watch are getting cut before it finishes? Are the viewers of God TV pleased that they are no longer able to watch the channel 24X7? Are Dialog TV subscribers pleased that Dialog TV was planning this all along & lied to everyone saying that this time sharing is only for Christmas time? If Dialog TV wants to expand then management should tighten their purses and expand capacity or move to MPEG4 to increase capacity.

Instead now time sharing seems to be the style adopted by Dialog TV to increase the number of channels on their platform. First God TV is being time shared with EWTN which makes us wonder whats next on the list. A very stupid idea which sadly Dialog believes as being innovative or the way they would call it "The Future Today".

If "The Future Today" is all about time sharing then sadly Dialog is on it's way down. Dialog should remember that no channel on it's platform should be time shared with another because people purchase connections to watch a channel 24X7. If there are requests for another channel then it should be added to a new slot.

Dialog TV a high profile pay television operator is desperately trying out things that smaller pay operators in Sri Lanka haven't even dreamt of. This speaks volumes of the state of desperation Dialog TV have fallen into due to lack of capacity on the network as well as lack of experience of Dialog TV management in running a pay television operation.

Looks like Dialog TV are staring down the barrel and may succumb to the Comet Cable curse.

In addition to all this, it looks like Dialog TV had foreknowledge about the shift of Star Movies Asia to Star Movies India. Dialog TV which always prints the Star Movies schedule on their programme guide didn't do so in December 2011. So the claim by Dialog that they were suddenly asked to change the feed can be safely assumed as another "lie".

Dialog TV we demand that you stop lying to subscribers. STOP THE TIME SHARING & return to carrying God TV 24hrs a day on Channel 70. Work harder on getting Star Movies Asia back on your platform. Increase capacity immediately and add more channels plus add EWTN as a separate channel.

Please keep us updated on the latest on Dialog TV as the days progress.

Merry Christmas & more....

2011-12-24T17:08:00.001+05:30

Well it's just a few hours to Christmas. As of now Star Movies India still continues & God TV programming is being interrupted by EWTN.

Well Star Movies has changed their feeds to Sri Lanka and Maldives causing other local pay operators also to change feeds. We did highlight in one of our previous posts that this may happen but Dialog seems to have ignored our warnings. In addition to placing phone calls to Dialog TV we also suggest to send emails to Fox International channels Asia, asking them to return the Star Movies Asia feed to us which would be known as Fox Movies Premium from Jan 1st. After all the Star Movies feed shift is not Dialog's fault 100%, they do bear a part of the blame for not taking action to prevent this from happening. We kindly request a fellow blogger to post the email address in the comments section so that all those who visit this blog can email Fox International Channels Asia.

However Dialog is at fault and remains very tight lipped on the issue of God TV which is being time shared with EWTN every few hours causing God TV viewers to miss the programmes being broadcast. Even though the screen scroll says that this is only for the Christmas season, one wonders why the EPG carries the time shared schedule right upto the end of December and according to several subscribers customer care is saying that they haven't being given an end day for the time sharing. Several subscribers have bought Dialog TV connections to watch God TV and these people are being left high and dry with this move. Subscribers are complaining of programmes being cut off in the middle to accommodate EWTN. On Christmas day, more airtime has been given to EWTN than the channel that existed on the slot being God TV. Dialog seems to have poured hot water on their feet by messing around with a religious channel. With religion being a very sensitive issue, Dialog should have left God TV alone. Not only God TV, Dialog should leave all their present religious channels alone and never mess with them. If Dialog wanted to add EWTN then they should have waited until capacity is increased. It is however very funny to note that Dialog have ignored requests for Ten Action and several other channels and have given priority to EWTN.

Anyway with all these negative developments Dialog TV will definitely lose subscribers to other pay operators specially to ones from India. Please keep us updated on the latest on Dialog TV as the days progress.

We take this opportunity to wish all our fellow bloggers and the management and staff of Dialog Axiata.

"A Very Merry Christmas"

first Star Movies now.... God TV

2011-12-21T08:46:00.000+05:30

The string of mess up's by Dialog TV is continuing. Days after shifting the Star Movies feed to India from Asia they are now displaying a scroll saying that EWTN will be broadcast on the slot allocated to God TV during Christmas time. A few years ago Dialog TV removed God TV on Christmas day if memory serves us correctly and after complaints from subscribers they were forced to add God TV once again.

Last year Dialog TV added EWTN to the channel slot occupied by "Learn TV" and allowed God TV viewers to watch the channel without any interruption. Now again in 2011 according to information we are receiving from God TV viewers. Dialog TV is going to time share God TV with EWTN. Dialog TV is a pay television company which should be broadcasting it's channels on a 24hr basis and not a FTA channel to be time sharing channels.

If they want to add EWTN they should add it to a separate slot altogether. Dialog TV we demand that you don't deprive the people who pay you for their services by carrying out stupid decisions such as these. There are many who have subscribed to Dialog TV to watch God TV and it will be totally unfair by them to carry out time sharing. Even if the time sharing is a temporary move, it is still unfair because people will miss the Christmas programming that God TV has in store.

So first Star Movies, now God TV, we wonder what's next?

Please keep us updated on the latest on Dialog TV as the days progress.

Star Movies Asia replaced with Star Movies India & HTV is kaput

2011-12-19T23:53:00.000+05:30

Dialog TV have angered all their subscribers by replacing Star Movies Asia with the commercial ridden & lower quality Star Movies India. Subscribers are complaining that customer care is consistently giving them different reasons for the switch ranging from stories about technical glitches to the most pathetic of reasons.

During this festive season when people are on holiday and looking forward to enjoy movies with their families, Dialog decides to become "The Grinch who stole Christmas" and takes out the most popular movie channel in it's lineup and adds the Indian masala version.

Star Movies is rebranding to "Fox Movies" from 1st Jan 2012 and whether this has something to do with the switch is not certain. It is a well known fact that Dialog let go of the Zee channels once they increased channel cost after upgrading the quality of their channels and replaced them with lower cost options. Now we wonder if the same has happened to Star Movies too.

We certainly hope that the switch is temporary. This has been handled in the most unprofessional manner possible by the management of Dialog TV and no communication has been made to subscribers who are subscribed to the channel by paying high rentals regarding the switch. A totally unethical and unfair business practice on the part of Dialog TV.

We urge all Dialog TV subscribers to communicate their displeasure to the non subscriber oriented folks at Dialog TV who think that their subscribers will watch anything that they push down the subscribers throat. Dialog must remember that Star Movies India is available in Sri lanka via all the Indian DTH providers, so if this is also what they will provide to their subscribers at much higher rentals then they are sure to lose subscribers.

Dialog TV we demand you to take immediately steps and rectify the issues and add Star Movies Asia back and get rid of that masala indian feed.

In other news it is now very clear that Heritage TV is kaput and Dialog TV seem to be testing a new channel and it is not a locally available FTA channel and we believe that it is a local channel catering to pay television platforms.

Please keep us updated on the latest regarding Dialog TV as the hours and days progress, specially the situation regarding the Star Movies feed shift.

Please update your channel list & website

2011-12-05T09:39:00.001+05:30

It's sad but true... Dialog doesn't know what is happening to the channels on their own network. "Fox History & Traveller" is a goner, it is now rebranded as "Fox Traveller" ever since "History" channel relaunched in India. However the Dialog website & the channel list on the decoder carry the name as "Fox History & Traveller" & "Fox History" respectively. It's high time that the channel list & the website are updated immediately. If not this will only result in prospective subscribers being mislead into thinking that Dialog TV contains a history based educational channel.

In addition we would like to point out that "Star Movies Asia" maybe rebranded as "Fox Movies Premium" from Jan 1st 2012, please check the post in our TV & Radio Sri Lanka blog post titled "Star Movies to the rebranded as Fox Movies Premium". However the we are not 100% sure whether the rebranding exercise will be effective in this region as well since certain other regions will continue to receive the channel as "Star Movies" even as 1st Jan 2012. However we urge Dialog to take necessary steps to retain this Asian commercial free feed of the channel and under no circumstances shift to "Star Movies India".

We hope Dialog would learn to be more proactive when it comes to updating their website and channel list.

Please keep us updated on the latest on Dialog TV as the days progress.

Christmas time with Dialog.....

2011-12-02T11:15:00.001+05:30

"So this is Christmas"... We just love saying that but the rest must leave Dialog wondering "And what have you (Dialog) done, Another year over". Let's see failure to implement MPEG4, New channels (replacements are not taken into account), properly working new features, blah blah blah just gives the impression that nothing has been done and it's already another year over unless Santa has something in his workshop for Dialog subscribers because frankly Dialog has nothing to give them.

This year saw some replacements as the year before and the one before that namely the introduction of Setanta & now recently Colors in place of Ten Action & UTV Movies plus the Sun channels in place of the Zee channels. Replacements are always controversial and have caused their share of problems and sour feelings among Dialog & it's subscribers. I think we are reminded of the removal of Zee TV & it's subsequent reintroduction in just a few months after pressure from subscribers.

So with just under a month left in this month, let's see if Dialog can pull off something magical and surprise us all during this festive month in terms of major improvements to Dialog TV.

We are hoping to carry out a review of Dialog TV for the year 2011 in a couple of weeks time close to the end of the year and hopefully things will look better than they look at the moment.

Keep us updated on the latest on Dialog TV as the days progress.

Colors replaces UTV Movies

2011-11-11T09:10:00.001+05:30

As of yesterday, Hindi General Entertainment channel "Colors" has replaced "UTV Movies". Whilst Colors carries some popular programming in India, we are not sure how the replacement of the 24hr movie channel will go down with subscribers after all when Zee TV was removed Dialog were forced to reintroduce it a few months later. Whether the same happens with UTV Colors & Colors is yet to be seen.

This also makes us wonder whether Dialog is preparing for a spree of other replacements too. It has become a trend for Dialog TV to replace some channels towards the end of the year. For example the last year saw the removal of Zee TV channels in favor of other ones so whether the same will happen with selected channels is yet to be seen.

Dialog TV seems to have made replacements the only way to introduce new channels instead of adding new channels by way of increasing transponder capacity. The much publicized MPEG4 conversion seems to have fallen by the wayside. With neighbouring countries jumping on the HD band wagon, Dialog a company which boasts of "The Future Today" seems to be getting into the bullock cart era. A result of the lack of vision when it comes to the management of Dialog TV which is full of incompetent and unqualified people.

Maharaja requests & request from Swarga TV

2011-09-06T11:17:00.000+05:30

An increase has been seen both on this blog as well as the Dialog Facebook fan page with requests for Sirasa TV, Shakthi TV & Channel One MTV to be added to Dialog TV, claiming that Dialog TV will lose subscribers if they don't do so.

We believe that this is the work of a small group of individuals some with links to the Maharaja's and others who enjoy the Maharaja channels.

Regrettably it is the Maharaja's who initially disregarded cable television & made statements criticizing cable platforms and carried newspaper advertisements barring any platform from including the Maharaja channels. Now they have understood that they cannot survive unless they hop aboard these platforms & got themselves on board PEO TV. Now they are desperate to get on Dialog TV and are pressurizing Dialog to replace existing channels with their three channels.

We understand that there is a segment of the population that enjoys the three Maharaja channels and we respect them but replacing is not the way to get about doing this. If Dialog is contemplating adding the three Maharaja channels then they should do so by increasing capacity and not by removing existing channels.

In addition we have got information that a local Christian channel called Swarga TV is approaching Dialog TV and requesting that they be included on the platform. Swarga TV is a local Christian channel which is presently available on LBN at the moment & broadcasts content for 6 hours per day. As per the information received they are targeting the slot occupied by God TV.

Dialog should not touch any of the religious channels that are on their platform presently, which have been around on Dialog TV for quite a number of years and are very popular among the religions that they are associated with. So popular that some people purchased connections from Dialog TV just to view the channel associated with their religion. Dialog TV replaced God TV with EWTN a couple of years back on Christmas day and were forced to reintroduce it after a lapse of a few hours after being pressurized by God TV viewers in Sri Lanka.

Dialog TV will most definitely see a repetition of these events if God TV is indeed replaced by Swarga TV. In addition God TV is 24hr internationally recognized English language channel however Swarga TV is a local language channel which only consists of 6hrs of programming at present and not upto the standard of God TV broadcasts.

If Dialog TV is contemplating adding Swarga TV to its platform then it shouldn't be at the expense of God TV or any other channel for that matter. It should be done so after increasing the capacity of their platform or another way is to give them airtime on slot allocated for a local FTA channel which doesn't carry any programming during the morning hours since Swarga only operates for 6hrs per day and some local channels only commence transmission during the afternoon or evening hours.

The important thing to remember is that people pay Dialog TV to watch international channels and not locally produced channels. Furthermore channel replacements should be halted & any planned replacement should be postponed and they should be introduced as additional channels after Dialog increases capacity. Bad replacements have been carried out in the past among many for example is Warner TV replacing Zee Cafe which was a big mistake in hindsight.

Please keep updating us on the latest on Dialog TV as the days progress.

Time for more action Dialog TV

2011-08-25T11:32:00.002+05:30

Now that the PVR prices have been reduced it is time for Dialog TV to move ahead with some new channel additions which are way overdue. This time though not by removing existing channels but by adding a new transponder or by moving to MPEG4 to make room for the new channels. Although we don't mind if local FTA channels such as CSN which have island wide coverage are taken off, maybe in our fantasies.

This doesn't mean adding local FTA channels like Sirasa, Channel One MTV, Shakthi TV or any other rather we are referring to international channels. With "History Channel" reentering this region & Ten Action being a popular request among subscribers & with Dialog TV lagging behind in introducing channels such as Sci Fi, AXN Beyond, Disney Channels, etc its time for Dialog to play catch up.

In addition Dialog should make more channels available on their PVR since the list of channels on the PVR (even though a few notable channels are present) is just a small percentage of their total list. We are also unable to understand why non of the local FTA channels with the exception of TNL TV are not available on the PVR list. Local FTA channel content can be recorded by anyone with an old VCR & this PVR recording system is more secure, so why they haven't given permission is a mystery.

It's time to allow subscribers to activate or schedule recording by online requests or by sending a SMS. Additionally an online portal is a must similar to MyDialog or integrated into MyDialog to manage channel subscriptions & to enable or disable channels remotely by parents who want to control what their children watch when they are alone at home. We hope Dialog TV will take steps to implement these in the very near future and expand channel offerings on their platform.

Please keep us updated on the latest on Dialog TV as the days progress.

Locally inserted advertising going out of control

2011-08-22T10:08:00.005+05:30

When Dialog stated that they were going to insert advertisements into some of their pay channels we made it very clear on this blog that those ads shouldn't in anyway affect the way the user experiences Dialog TV because Dialog is not FTA & subscribers are paying to watch it. However it seems that Dialog TV are doing exactly what we told them not to. The problem has worsened during the Sri Lanka, Australia cricket series on Ten Cricket.

The insertion of ads & crawlers are adversely affecting & having a negative affect on the viewer.

We are told that a subscriber called to complain & the highly intelligent aka Genius customer care executive said that they are not inserting the ads rather the advertising agency does. Really, does the advertising agency force itself into Dialog & insert advertisements by force? What an excuse & only a fool will think that a subscriber will believe this lie.

Dialog have obviously got greedy & are now trying to earn the maximum out of advertising just like any FTA channel would do and this will definitely have a negative effect on Dialog TV.

We are not asking Dialog TV to stop running local advertisements but to do it in way that it will not affect the viewing experience, but if they cannot maintain that standard then they should stop the advertising. So since the damage has already been done now, then the option is to immediately stop all such advertising for this cricket series.

We urge Dialog TV subscribers to call Dialog TV on their hotline & Taj Television Sri Lanka (the local branch of the company that operates Ten Sports/Ten Cricket) on 0112351351 (ext 104) & speak to Upekha Abeykoon or any other individual within the company or email them to upekha@tensports.com & urge them to instruct Dialog TV to halt all local advertising. Vanguard Management Services is the company that sells Dialog TV advertising space to customers & you can call them on 0114614333 & urge them to halt all advertising sales. Furthermore you call the adverising departments of the corporations carrying out the advertising too & urge them halt advertising on Dialog TV.

Unlike FTA channels Dialog TV cannot swamp any channel specially Ten Cricket during a series involving Sri Lanka with advertising & negatively impact the viewer after all the viewer pays to watch without any interruption, if not the viewer would have stuck to Channel Eye without paying additional money to Dialog TV.

PVR Rental reduced

2011-08-18T09:12:00.004+05:30

As expected Dialog TV have reduced the rental for the PVR feature. This is a great move as they are now better positioned to market the service & have put the service within the reach of their subscribers. Although all of the channels on Dialog are not available for recording the number of channels available have increased from the channels available for recording at the initial launch of the PVR feature.

It is surprising to note that out of the local FTA channels none are available except for TNL on the PVR. Except for Euro Sports & Setanta Sports all other sports channels can be recorded.

This is indeed a positive move by Dialog and we believe that as soon as word spreads about the reduction of rental, we believe that there will be a positive response from subscribers who didn't subscribe to the service before due to the high rental.

Please keep us updated on the latest on Dialog TV as the days progress and on your PVR experience for those who have subscribed for the service.

Dialog TV adopts high handed tactics with Setanta

2011-08-02T10:40:00.004+05:30

As rumored previously Dialog TV have decided to make Setanta Sports an "add on" channel for all packages. Even Gold package subscribers have to pay Rs 99/= plus taxes in order to view this channel, a move that is seen as extremely unfair since Setanta is a FTA channel & can be watched by anyone with a regular Dish antenna & is also available FTA over CSN at certain times.

Dialog is in no doubt a position to sell their connections to hard core rugby fans in the country. The last time Dialog tried this was with Discovery Turbo & Discovery Science which was grossly overpriced at Rs 150/= per channel, therefore after a period of a few months Dialog added the channels FOC to the Gold Package.

We believe that "Setanta" is overpriced at Rs 99/= and should be revised to Rs 49/=, in addition it should be added FOC to the "Gold" package, we believe that many will refrain from activating the channel with the exception of the few hard core rugby fans who are on Dialog TV.

If Dialog is able to add this channel to the "Gold" package FOC then they are well placed to promote their connection together with the Gold package as the default package to the hard core rugby fans. They will also be able to lure existing subscribers to upgrade to the "Gold" package.

Well in due time we will know whether Dialog succeed with this tactic or whether whether they are forced to add it FOC to the "Gold" package once again.

With many subscribers now demanding the addition of "Ten Action" which has secured the rights for most of all the European club football action including the UEFA League, it is no doubt that Dialog TV must add it at the expense of an existing channel, hopefully "CSN" which is reportedly going island wide on FTA. But whether "Ten Action" would equate to an additional Rs 99/= is the question at the moment.

Please keep us updated on the latest on Dialog TV as the days progress.

Setanta Sports to launch on August 1st 2011

2011-07-28T09:23:00.003+05:30

Setanta Sports which is presently being tested on Dialog TV will be launched officially on August 1st 2011. According to the scrolls which are vaguely worded the channel will cost Rs 99/= (excluding taxes) for all packages which means that even Gold package subscribers will have to pay the additional charge.

IF THIS IS TRUE... This same strategy was tried with Discovery Turbo & Discovery Science and it backfired on Dialog TV, the same would happen here as not many will be willing to pay an additional amount for this channel. This channel is available FTA over CSN, additionally the channel is available FTA for anyone with a satellite dish so making Gold package subscribers pay additionally is just one of those decisions which would be grossly unfair.

We sincerely hope Dialog TV doesn't repeat past mistakes and would continue providing this channel FOC for Gold package subscribers plus another package if possible, if not we believe that subscribers would refrain from activating this channel.

We would also like to state that some have been informed that the channel would be available free for Gold subscribers, so we will have to wait to see what exactly happens on Aug 1st 2011.

Please keep us updated on the latest on Dialog TV as the days progress.

Dialog tests Setanta Sports - rugby fiesta for everyone

2011-07-07T13:13:00.004+05:30

Dialog TV has commenced testing of "Setanta Sports" with effect from today. According to reports the test transmission is available for all packages. We are not sure to which package the channel will be added to but since it is a FTA channel and is also available via CSN at certain times, the channel should be added to not only the premier package but also to a few others.

The channel has taken the slot titled "DTV Test" which is channel 41.

This is indeed a very good move by Dialog TV & will be welcomed by many, specially the rugby loving folk in this nation.

Dialog's PVR (Personal Video Recording) feature

2011-06-28T09:23:00.004+05:30

After a period of inactivity in terms of new developments Dialog TV have introduced the Personal Video Recording Feature for an additional monthly rental. Unlike IPTV where all the recording & storage takes place at the service providers end, here it takes place at the subscribers end. Dialog is providing a 4GB pen drive approximately meaning 4 hours worth of recording but you can connect any USB 2.0 large capacity HDD for recording which is encrypted and cannot be watched on any other device.

With Dialog PVR recording can take place for only one channel at a time unlike in IPTV where multiple channels are recorded at the same time allowing the subscriber to be able to access programmes from multiple channels spanning several days.

All in all this feature cannot match the Time Shifting & PVR facilities provided by an IPTV network and is also not close to the PVR features provided by other DTH networks in the region who provide from 130 to 200 hours of recording and remote recording by instructing the PVR to begin recording either from a mobile phone or through the Internet. With Dialog providing internet & mobile services, we believe that this maybe just around the corner.

Dialog TV have taken a step in the right direction but with only a measly 4 hours of recording and less features in comparison to other service providers the rental of Rs 750/= exclusive of taxes for something that will take place at the subscribers end using the subscribers electricity has already killed the service. Dialog TV should immediately reduce the rental, give a decoder with a multiple tuner (the present dual tuner allows to watch one while recording the other) allowing multiple recording of channels at the same time & allow upto 200 hours of recording as standard.

So at the moment our conclusion is that the PVR service idea is good but lacks a lot in terms of recording capacity & features in comparison to the other service providers and is also grossly over priced and will be an utter failure unless Dialog rethinks the pricing and makes improvements to the service. One more thing is that even if Dialog can match the features of other service providers then Rs 750/= will still be considered as being grossly over priced. So a price reduction is a MUST.

Ten Action, increasing pixelation plus Setanta

2011-06-07T10:35:00.005+05:30

According to reports being received there seems to be severe pixelation on Eurosport channel quite often. We hope Dialog rectifies the matter soon and improve quality on this only non cricket oriented sports channel on DTV.

It is sad that many Dialog TV subscribers were deprived of watching the UEFA Champions league final which was telecast on Ten Action. Ten Action is moving away from it's original football centric focus and now telecasts non footballing content as well like basketball and often share content with Ten Sports so Dialog should remove the "DTV Test" channel and introduce Ten Action immediately in it's place. Dialog would also do well to remove the a channel such as CCTV News which is available FTA on analog transmission and add "Setanta Sports".

If CSN is a hinderance to add "Setanta Sports" then Dialog we urge Dialog to remove CSN off their network (easier said than done due to VVIP influence) since it now available FTA over analog transmission.

Dialog TV is loosing ground to indian DTH operators in Sri Lanka and according to some reports we get, Indian DTH operators have a major market share in Sri Lanka compared to DTV.

The sluggardness of Dialog TV

2011-05-06T14:54:00.006+05:30

With lack of transponder space being a definite issue on Dialog TV, it seems that they are not managing their existing transponder space effectively. With many requests being made for "Setanta" & with negotiations failing under mysterious circumstances it seems that no effort is being made by DTV to add a new channel, instead of wasting transponder space with the "DTV-Test" slot.

Some are wondering whether Dialog's negotiations with "Setanta" really failed or were they forced to cancel the negotiations due to "CSN" getting FTA broadcast rights for certain rugby matches on "Setanta". If DTV is either being prevented from getting "Setanta" on it's platform or has failed miserably in securing a broadcast contract with the broadcaster, then it should move on and add a quality channel from the many that are already available.

The other issue is that "Warner TV" is becoming a bad choice as a replacement for "Zee Cafe". With Zee Cafe showing more current content on par with US television & Warner TV running reruns of older content, it can be clearly stated that the replacement was a bad decision. A more wiser decision would have to use "AXN Beyond" as a replacement for "Zee Cafe".

Please keep us updated on the latest on DTV as the days progress.

SUBA ALUTH AWURUDDAK WEWA

2011-04-12T12:00:00.002+05:30

We take this opportunity to wish all our fellow bloggers, staff & management of Dialog TV a Happy New Year.

SUBA ALUTH AWURUDDAK WEWA

Please keep us updated on the latest on Dialog TV as the days progress.

THTV now replaced by CSN (former PrimeTV)

2011-03-07T22:07:00.003+05:30

THTV a channel that nobody wanted to watch has been replaced by CSN (Carlton Sports Network) which is actually rebranded Prime TV. The former THTV slot has been renamed as "DTV Test", we are unable to confirm what DTV is testing on that slot, we hope it is something good. So with one empty channel slot remaining lets hope DTV either restarts negotiations with "Setanta Sports" and introduces the channel or adds a worthy new channel.

Please keep us updated regarding the latest on Dialog TV as the days progress.

Zee TV is back, Setanta deal off

2011-03-02T10:14:00.004+05:30

After numerous complaints from subscribers Dialog TV has reintroduced Zee TV. Prime TV has been taken out & THTV has been moved into that slot. The channel "Ranaroo" or whatever was there in that slot we believe now has taken the slot previously occupied by "THTV" and is scrambled as it has always been.

On their Facebook page "Prime TV" have claimed that they are on Dialog TV, & if its correct either the former THTV slot would be taken up for Prime TV plus the new local sports network "CSN - Carlton Sports Network" which will be broadcasting on the same frequency FTA or another channel may be removed for "Prime TV - CSN".

Negotiations between Setanta & Dialog TV did not go that well and have broken off with any deal reached. Negotiations between PEO TV & Setanta are also underway, it will be a shame if LBN & PEO TV get Setanta Sports & "The Future Today" Dialog TV are unable to do so themselves.

As reported in our TV Radio Sri Lanka blog, RBNL the operators of Big CBS Prime are looking at introducing their channel to Sri Lanka and looking at what has happened so far, when they start negotiating with Dialog TV that will also breakdown. It's a shame because we are sure LBN will add it for sure. Being a small time operator LBN has been more proactive than the slumbering Dialog TV and has been consistently putting Dialog TV to shame.

Sadly lack of transponder space is playing against Dialog TV and since they made record profits at Dialog Axiata it's time for the big wigs to forget their bonuses and invest in some transponders, surely that would be cheaper that the bonuses.

One thing is that many die hard rugby fans who are within LBN coverage area are moving to LBN, if PEO TV gets "Setanta Sports" then many others would be switching too.

Please keep us updated on the latest on Dialog TV as the days progress.

Setanta confirms launch on Dialog TV

2011-02-11T15:37:00.003+05:30

According to information being received Setanta Sports Asia is hoping to conclude a deal with Dialog TV & launch on the platform shortly.

It is highly likely that another channel will be removed to add "Setanta Sports Asia", it is not clear as yet what channel will be taken out. According to reports being received it seems that the channel name for "Ranaroo" was made blank from last night.

Let's hope that a good deal will be entered into enabling the channel to be made available cheaply for non premium subscribers as well.

The launch of "Setanta Sports Asia" is certainly looked forward to by many Dialog TV subscribers.

The Zee TV saga

2011-01-13T10:22:00.006+05:30

Over the last few days several Dialog TV subscribers have been expressing their disappointment regarding the removal of Zee TV channels & also others have been happy that Sun TV is finally on Dialog TV. The removal of Zee Cinema & Zee TV which are both 24hr Hindi channels has given rise to this issue. These two channels have been replaced by a 24hr Tamil movie channel KTV & 24hr Tamil music channel Sun Music which along with Sun TV are top notch Tamil entertainment channels & extremely popular among the Tamil speaking population anywhere in the world & not limited to India/Sri Lanka. Likewise Zee TV & Zee Cinema are top of the line in their respective language all over the world.

The problem here has stemmed out of the fact that due to Dialog TV not concentrating on the Tamil speaking population from its inception & solely concentrating on the English speaking community & fans of Hindi entertainment, therefore they have fans of the Hindi channels on their subscriber base who have established themselves on Dialog TV, thereby making it more difficult now for them to remove the Hindi channels. This has been clearly shown in the present situation that has arisen from the removal of Zee TV & Zee Cinema.

So far whenever Dialog TV replaced a channel, they replaced either a lower quality channel which no one watched with minimal damage, or replaced it with a channel of the same language example Zee Cafe with Warner TV, Zee Studio with MGM. Even though there are subscribers who maybe unhappy with this move, they at least got a channel of the same language. But in the case of Zee TV channels they were both replaced with channels of a different language. Dialog TV may argue that they have provided Star Plus free and UTV Movies free as replacements but this applies only to lower packages & those who were in the higher packages who are fans of Hindi programming have actually lost channels of the particular language.

As far as Dialog TV is concerned they have been really short on Tamil channels & adding Sun TV is actually a plus point for them to attract more subscribers from the Tamil speaking community which they did not cater to so far and we are happy that they have finally realized this and doing something about it.

A Sri Lankan pay television company should always give preference to Tamil channels over Hindi channels when adding channels but when replacing Hindi channels with Tamil/English ones they should give due consideration to the tastes of their existing subscriber base.

The present situation will play both ways for Dialog TV since they will lose subscribers who are fans of Zee TV, Zee Cinema & mainly Hindi channels to Indian DTH operators however they will gain subscribers from the Tamil speaking population & also gain subscribers who prefer Singapore feeds of channels due to the addition of Warner TV & MGM over the Indianized Zee Cafe & Zee Studio.

Dialog TV should look at replacing Star World India with Star World Singapore because Star World India which was previously managed by Star Singapore has been handed over to Indian management of Star, they have confirmed that they will produce more Indian English content to be broadcast on their lineup meaning further Indianization on Star World. Since the management has changed Dialog should approach Star Singapore and request for the Singapore feed. They should also introduce a proper English music channel on Dialog TV, they could study PEO TV for this because PEO has better English Music channels than Dialog TV. We are of the opinion that people would not miss VH1 if a higher quality music channel is replaced instead of VH1.

Dialog should henceforth take steps to increase channel capacity either by adding new transponders or moving to MPEG4 & until then they can look at taking out channels like CCTV News which is available FTA in Sri Lanka, Prime TV which has such a low rating, TH TV must go although it is highly unlikely, NHK is also a candidate for replacement but has better programming that CCTV, so they should assess the subscriber preference before taking it out.

Dialog TV so far had more Hindi channels than they could chew and looked like they were being confused of whether they are catering to the Indian public or the Sri Lankan public and if they move ahead with taking out more Hindi channels and replacing them with English channels from the Singapore feed & Tamil channels they would be treating a certain set of subscribers very unfairly and will lose them eventually but they would also gain subscribers who prefer Tamil programming & those who prefer Singapore feed over Indian when it comes to English channels. They would also be distinguishing themselves & setting themselves as apart as a DTH provider catering to Sri Lankans.

Sun Channels & Warner TV on air

2011-01-10T15:25:00.003+05:30

The Sun network channels Sun TV, KTV & Sun Music plus Warner TV have all been added to Dialog TV from last morning. With this move all the Zee channels have removed from Dialog TV. Many Zee Cafe fans are very disgruntled at this move that Dialog TV have carried out since they are missing out on many of their favourite programming that they have watched for a couple of years now.

We are not sure why Dialog TV got rid of the Zee channels but it seems to be due to the fact that these channels are issued as a bouquet of Hindi & English channels meaning that you cannot just broadcast the two english channels only but you will have to broadcast all the channels in their bouquet. This could be the reason for the removal of Zee Cafe & Studio. However if Dialog had transmission capacity then they could have retained all the Zee channels & added the others separately.

Warner TV will replace Zee Cafe from Jan 9th

2011-01-07T12:38:00.003+05:30

Dialog have confirmed that they will replace Zee Cafe with Warner TV from Jan 9th. No dates have been released so far regarding the launch of Sun TV, Sun Music & KTV but we believe that they will be launched on Thai Pongal festival day which falls on Jan 15th.

Please keep us updated on the latest regarding Dialog TV as the days progress.

Channel replacements confirmed

2011-01-06T13:16:00.005+05:30

Dialog TV have confirmed replacement of Zee TV, Zee Tamil & Zee Cinema with Sun TV, KTV & Sun Music. The new channels Sun TV, KTV & Sun Music will be available for all Gold package subscribers. UTV Movies & UTV World Movies will be made available for all packages that used to receive Zee TV & Zee Cinema.

Warner TV will take the place of Zee Cafe, Ten Sports has taken the place of Zee Sports & was made available to all packages, Ten Cricket replaced Ten Sports, Euro Sports replaced Zee Trendz & MGM replaced Zee Studio.

After we highlighted the rentals for Discovery Science, Discovery Turbo on this blog, it has been reduced to Rs 49/= per channel from the daylight robbery prices of Rs 199/= per channel, in addition to making it available FOC for the Gold package subscribers.

There has been a lot of discussion regarding MGM on this blog but we believe that the channel is a good decision so far.

Dialog should do more & readjust its packages by taking out CCTV News & more of the crappy hindi channels on their lineup. This seems to be a move in the right direction by taking out Hindi channels in favor of Tamil ones but it is too early to tell since more needs to be done.

Please keep us updated on the latest on Dialog TV as the days progress.

Sun Channels soon on Dialog TV

2011-01-04T09:29:00.003+05:30

It's good news for tamil language subscribers of Dialog TV since Dialog TV is planning to launch Sun Network channels namely Sun TV, Sun Music & KTV very probably to coincide with Thai Pongal festival or even earlier. This move comes as all the Zee channels are to be removed by Dialog TV. As of now Ten Action (formerly Zee Sports) has been taken out, Zee Studio was replaced by MGM, Zee Cafe is to be replaced by Warner TV & the remaining channels Zee Tamil, Zee TV & Zee Cinema are to be taken out & replaced with Sun TV, Sun Music & KTV.

Sun TV is a very popular tamil channel network & this will definitely boost the penetration by Dialog TV into the tamil speaking population.

Please keep us updated on the latest regarding Dialog TV as the days progress.

Happy New Year 2011

2010-12-31T16:18:00.003+05:30

We take this opportunity to thank our fellow bloggers who have been with us throughout 2010 & continued to update us with the latest about Dialog TV & wish them, the management & staff of Dialog TV a

"Happy & Prosperous New Year 2011"

EWTN replaces Learn TV upto 26th, Warner TV to replace Zee Cafe

2010-12-24T12:17:00.004+05:30

EWTN the Roman Catholic channel has replaced Learn TV temporarily until December 26th. Last year Dialog TV replaced the God TV channel which is watched by many Christians in Sri Lanka with EWTN on Christmas day. Dialog TV were inundated with complains causing them to return God TV within a couple of hours after it was removed. This year EWTN is running as a separate channel therefore allowing the Christian population to view God TV without any interruption & the Catholic population to view EWTN during the festive season.

In addition Zee Cafe will be replaced by Warner TV within a couple of days. This Warner TV we believe will be the South East Asia feed. We believe that the channel carries higher quality programming compared to Zee Cafe.

Warner TV - http://www.warnertvasia.com/

Please keep us updated on the latest on Dialog TV as the days progress.

"Merry Christmas To You All"

Merry Christmas

2010-12-23T17:52:00.003+05:30

We take this opportunity to wish our fellow bloggers, management & staff of Dialog TV a "Very Merry Christmas".

The decision to make all channels available free for subscribers during this festive period is a good move by Dialog TV.

"Merry Christmas To You All"

MGM Channel Asia ousts TruTV & replaces Zee Studio

2010-12-10T20:37:00.005+05:30

After initially testing out TruTV in place of Zee Studio and causing an uproar among lower package subscribers because they lost out on a movie channel, Dialog TV took a surprising move by adding MGM Channel Asia in place of TruTV. We believe that MGM is a commercial free channel unlike Zee Studio. The quality of the channel we believe will be higher than Zee Studio and we believe that it is the Singapore feed that is available on Dialog TV although we cannot be certain as yet .

MGM Channel : http://www.mgmchannel.com/singapore/

Zee Studio gone, TruTV in

2010-12-07T15:16:00.003+05:30

According to reports reaching us, Zee Studio will be taken off air and a channel called TruTV will be introduced on testing mode from today. It seems that Dialog is taking several Zee channels off air, first went Zee Trendz and now goes Zee Studio. Hopefully Zee Cafe stays and is not replaced. There are a couple of Hindi Zee Channels that could have been replaced in place of TruTV.

We are not sure if many people will miss Zee Studio too much cos it a channel that repeats many of the older films. The positive thing is that an Indian channel goes and in comes a channel with a Singapore feed which we believe is commercial free.

However the trend undertaken by Dialog TV is disturbing since they seem to targeting English channels for replacement, so it makes us wonder what the next English channel to go would be. There are channels such as CCTV News, NDTV GoodTimes that could have been targeted, if they really wanted to take out an english channel.

Well then Dialog could introduce channels such as AXN Beyond, SET English Asia or Star Family Movies at the expense of some least watched Hindi or English channels that are suggested above.

Talking about TruTV it is a channel that is along the lines of Zone Reality that was available on Dialog TV before it stopped broadcasts. TruTV was formerly known as Court TV in the US before it rebranded to TruTV.

It is owned is Time Warner which also operates Boomerang Southeast Asia and Cartoon Network Southeast Asia both of which are available on Dialog TV.

http://www.trutv.asia/

Please keep us updated on the latest about Dialog TV as the days progress.

Discovery Science & Turbo now free for Gold Package

2010-12-06T11:13:00.003+05:30

Reversing on its decision to force even premiere God package subscribers to pay for Discovery Science & Turbo channels, Dialog TV have decided to add the channels free to them with immediate effect. It looks like Dialog failed to lure its Gold package subscribers to pay extra for channels after all why should they since they are the premiere package.

However we still hold firmly to the view that Rs 199/= per channel is way overpriced for subscribers of the lower packages and Dialog should review their pricing.

This move comes hot on the heels of addition Ten Cricket FOC for Gold Package and Eurosports FOC for the Diamong, Emerald & Gold packages.

Dialog seems to have made channel replacement as part of their organizational policy and it is time to replace that policy with the policy of adding channels. We hope either the MPEG4 conversion which was shelved is reintroduced or a new transponder is added for more channels.

Please keep us updated on the latest on Dialog TV as the days progress.

Disgraceful response to transmission outage

2010-11-30T12:42:00.004+05:30

Last night due to some lightning issues Dialog TV transmissions were down for several hours. Even though a company of the calibre of Dialog should be prepared and protected against these, it is understandable that these things are generally beyond anyone's control. However Dialog TV should have had backup systems that should have put them back on air faster than it took.

However the way the customer care department handled the situation was pathetic. They simply took the easy way out by disabling their phones and making it impossible for customers to contact. We strongly urge the senior management of Dialog TV to take their customer care department to task for their failure to keep subscribers informed and for not answering phone calls during the problem. The entire situation was handled in an unprofessional manner & is a total disgrace for Dialog's Customer Care who take pride in the level of their service.

Please keep us updated on the latest on Dialog TV as the days progress.

Ten Action removal a loss for football fans

2010-11-23T10:23:00.004+05:30

Many Dialog TV subscribers who are football fans deprived of all football action broadcast by Ten Action including the UEFA champions league. In addition Asian Games action is also being broadcast by Ten Action and subscribers are missing out on it too. Dialog TV should take urgent action and restore Ten Action back into its channel lineup. Since additions are not possible due to lack of capacity they should then do it at the expense of one of the least watched Hindi channels.

The addition of Euro Sports as a test channel is welcomed but we feel that the retention of Ten Action would have been a better move. It is highly like that Dialog after a few months will require subscribers even of those in the premium package to pay for Euro Sports as they did for the Discovery Turbo and Science channels. Dialog got rid of Ten Action and added Euro Sports to that they can charge more rental from their subscribers for the additional sports channel.

We hope that Ten Action will be back on Dialog TV immediately. We hope the management of Ten Sports will put pressure on Dialog TV to resume broadcasts of the their channel which was removed to make room for Euro Sports.

Please continue updating us with the latest on Dialog TV as the days progress.

Ten Action out, Ten Cricket in

2010-11-04T16:12:00.005+05:30

Okay after about a week of replacing Ten Sports with Ten Cricket for Live Cricketing content, Dialog has finally decided to replace Ten Action with Ten Cricket. Well according to the information, Ten Sports will move into the Ten Action slot and Ten Cricket will take the place of Ten Sports. Apparently free for Gold package subscribers, never believe that until it actually happens.

Well what we suggested was to replace Ten Action with Ten Cricket only for the Live Cricket until a permanent replacement is carried out. But the High and Mighty's have decided to remove the only soccer channel on their lineup. Somebody in that team does not like soccer and loves Hindi programming, is the only conclusion that we can arrive at.

Anyway at least people who watch Ten Sports will not be rudely interrupted while watching non cricketing content.

The change is due to happen today or tomorrow. Hopefully a decision is taken by Dialog to spare the only soccer channel on the platform and swap a Hindi channel on a temporary basis.

If Ten Action is replaced then it will counted as another "dumb/stupid" move. The dumb/stupid move list is getting longer faster than we expected.

Please continue updating us on the latest on Dialog TV as the days progress.

Update (November 4th 2010, 4:50pm) : Ten Sports will be apparently available for all subscribers on Dialog TV after the replacement. (Source www.Dialogblogs.com)

Daylight robbery by Dialog TV

2010-11-02T13:19:00.003+05:30

Well guess what, Dialog has done it again. More like robbed its subscribers again. Even Gold package (the premiere package) subscribers have to pay for Discovery Science & Discovery Turbo. Whilst all other packages have to pay Rs 199/= per channel the only consolation is that Gold subscribers have to pay only Rs 199/= for both channels. Looks like Dialog TV has taken a cue out of PEO TV on this one, even PEO TV charge extra for additional channels to be added to their premiere package (PEO Platinum).

We do not think that subscribers will complain too much if the additional charge was reasonable but here it is way overpriced at Rs 199/= for one or both channels is just too much. Not many subscribers have even bothered with activating these two channels so far and we believe it will remain so unless Dialog reduces the rental for these two channels.

So it looks like all future channel additions would come at a cost even for Gold package subscribers, meaning Ten Cricket would cost even more than Rs 250/=. So this is a sign that dark clouds are gathering over Dialog TV and they will R.I.P sooner than later.

No doubt that Dialog TV is promoting Indian DTH operators by adopting high handed tactics such as these.

Please keep us updated on the latest developments on Dialog TV as the days progress.

Stupid Move - swapping Ten Sports for Ten Cricket

2010-10-26T12:58:00.004+05:30

In senseless move DTV have temporarily decided to swap Ten Sports with Ten Cricket during the "live" cricket matches commencing today.

Ten Sports shows a majority of live non cricketing content & wrestling, etc. The better option would have been to swap Ten Action (which has less live content) with Ten Cricket for the "live" cricket.

Taking the best option does not seem to be part of DTV culture, they seem to be relying their business strategies on stupid options.

Hopefully the HIGH & MIGHTY decision makers at DTV would take notice of what we have highlighted and do something proper. DTV seems to be making a habit of replacing channels instead of adding new ones.

Over to the HIGH & MIGHTY at DTV, hopefully before the end of the day, some sense would have got into them.

Please keep us updated on what the HIGH & MIGHTY'S at DTV are upto in the days to ahead.

ETV replaces Max TV

2010-09-24T09:14:00.002+05:30

ETV has replaced Max TV on the Dialog TV channel lineup as of last night. This is actually a good move since Prime TV which was the only Local English Language Television channel and it has not lived upto expectations ever since its launch last year.

Many of us were under the impression that Max TV went blank in order for Dialog TV to add Ten Cricket but now it is interesting to see which channel will be removed to make way for Ten Cricket. Hopefully it will be one of the crappy Hindi channels which are available on Dialog TV.

Dialog TV could also get rid of Prime TV or TH TV in order to add Ten Cricket. In addition Dialog is having problems with Aarti TV and should remove the channel and add a Hindu channel from India.

Please keep us posted on the latest from Dialog TV as the days progress.

New Software update

2010-09-21T09:14:00.003+05:30

Well people it looks like a brand new software update is now available for Dialog TV STB's. The notable changes are apparently

The volume control has moved to Top Left Hand Corner of the screen.
Current & Next Programme EPG on Channel Preview Screen.
New Dialog Logo at bottom right.
Faster loading of EPG.

You can either wait for Dialog to automatically update the software or if you are impatient then you can always do the following.

Press "Menu".
Select "Info".
Select "Software Upgrade".
Press "Ok".

Whatever you do, please do not switch off the decoder until the software has been updated. On some channels scrolling messages can be seen indicating the availability of the software upgrade.

In addition to the scroll we believe Dialog TV should have sent a message via their mailing system directly to the decoders.

On a positive note Dialog TV is at least updating channel names faster than before. Hallmark rebranded as DIVA Universal on Sunday & by monday morning Dialog TV had updated their channel lineup as well as website.

We hope Ten Cricket is added soon & the new Fox Family Movies channel is added which is expected to compliment Star Movies.

May Dialog TV Rest In Peace

2010-09-17T14:58:00.004+05:30

Well it has been several weeks after the launch of Ten Cricket and their is still no sign of Ten Cricket on Dialog TV. LBN launched Ten Cricket first and for a company that carries the motto "The Future Today", Dialog TV certainly has never lived up to its expectations.

Well now it looks like Hallmark Channel will become Diva Universal from September 19th and Zee Sports will launch off as Ten Action soon. We hope Dialog TV updates the screen names on the exact launch dates.

Well with the increasing migration of subscribers to Indian DTH operators. We can confirm that Dialog TV is taking the path of pioneer pay television operator "Comet Cable". May All of them Rest In Peace.

We hope the management of Dialog TV of Dialog TV take steps to rectify the situation otherwise their monthly paychecks will also RIP.

DTV abandons MPEG4 conversion

2010-09-02T09:42:00.005+05:30

A couple of years ago Dialog TV promised MPEG4 to its subscribers for better clarity & also the ability to increase the number of channels per transponder which would mean more channels at comparatively lower rentals. This was carried out with Dialog TV teams visiting residences and replacing decoders with the new MPEG4 compatible ones. Many decoders were replaced and now almost 2 or 3 years the project has been abandoned. We are receiving reports that older defective MPEG4 decoders are being replaced with new MPEG2 decoders effectively indicating the death of MPEG4 conversion project.

This would mean that new channels additions would take place at the expense of existing channels or new transponders which would increase Dialog TV overheads. HD channels could be accommodated into MPEG2 but would cost more in terms of transponder space.

There was a time advertising was carried out with indicators that the Dialog TV platform was MPEG4 but that was stopped after we highlighted the false information on this blog.

It is sad to note that Dialog TV has decided to follow the steps taken by Comet Cable. the result for Comet Cable was its ultimate death. We are yet to see if Dialog TV would end up having the same result. It is not too late since Dialog Management can turn things around and make this into a more successful customer oriented operation. There are no indications of that happening at the moment but hopefully, it does happen eventually.

Discovery Science & Turbo launched

2010-08-26T09:02:00.005+05:30

After about 4 months of so called testing finally Discovery Science & Discovery Turbo channels have been launched by Dialog TV. Discovery Turbo will occupy Channel No. 1 slot and Discovery Science will occupy the slot which contained the Zing Channel. Discovery Science has been added at the expense of Zing, which is now also been telecast by FTA channel Siyatha TV during the day time.

The channels are overpriced at Rs 199 + taxes per channel. Initial information suggested that Discovery Science will be added free for the Emerald, Gold packages & Discovery Turbo will be added to the Gold package but it looks like both channels are free only for the Gold package and all else will have to pay additional to activate the channel.

Dialog should reduce the rates for these channels & and renegotiate pricing with Discovery Networks. We urge subscribers in lower packages to refrain from activating these channels at the extra cost thereby forcing Dialog TV into a position to reduce the pricing and add at least both or one of these channels FOC for a few other packages.

The next step Dialog TV should take is to drop another low profile Hindi Channel and add Ten Cricket since all cricket content owned by Ten Sports is to move into Ten Cricket.

Please keep us updated on the latest on Dialog TV as the days progress.

Work properly Dialog TV & replace staff who are slacking in their job

2010-08-12T14:52:00.005+05:30

Dialog TV needs a serious wake up call, in addition to the constant complains of severe pixelation & low quality transmissions that are being carried out. They cannot seem to be able to carry out updating their channel list if a channel is re branded. Looks like the CEO downwards are sleeping on the job.

History Channel became "Fox History & Entertainment" ages ago. But Dialog still carries channel list name as "History". Now it is understandable that the name is crazily long, so the least they can do is change the name to "Fox History".

CCTV9 became CCTV News a couple of months ago, but the channel list shows as "CCTV9". It is high time they updated the name to "CCTV News".

On September 1st "Discovery Travel & Living" will become "TLC", carry out the updation on the correct day.

On September 19th "Hallmark" will become "DIVA Universal", hopefully that too is updated on the correct day.

These are just the minor problems in addition to the major ones such as severe transmission pixelation, slow addition of channels, greedy price revisions. We can at this moment confirm that several subscribers have left Dialog TV and moved on to Indian DTH operators & many are to follow suit. The subscriber migration has worsened after the addition of new HD channels by Indian DTH operators at no extra cost. As a famous blogger mentioned on this site, when Dialog TV adds HD channels they will charge additionally Rs 1000/= per channel.

Whether or not Dialog TV likes to admit it, they are facing competition from Indian DTH operators also, local PEO TV & LBN are just pus competition. At the moment Dialog TV does not have to worry about local pay operators but they will be undone by Indian DTH operators and the undoing has already begun with this migration of subscribers.

It is very very sad that DTV does not know that their undoing has begun, it leaves us with the impression that the people are not familiar with what they are doing & are hoodwinking their superiors. It is time for management to take urgent steps and make some progress or HR to replace staff members even if it means to sack the CEO & replace him, if he is not doing his job properly. At the moment he is not doing his job and the staff are following him by not doing their job.

It is time for Dr Hans to check on activities within Dialog TV & make sure everyone from the CEO of Dialog TV downwards are fulfilling their duties properly. Over to Dialog Axiata & Axiata Group of Malaysia.

Wake up Dialog TV... Increase space for the influx of channels

2010-08-06T09:40:00.004+05:30

It's a shame that Dialog TV has not taken any steps to increase transmission capacity either by implementing the MPEG4 conversion or increasing transponders. Management does not seem to be interested in adding any more channels. Discovery Science & Discovery Turbo are sharing one slot. Either they have to prioritize and add one channel permanently preferable Discovery Science and add the other channel after increasing the capacity. At the pace Dialog TV is progression that could be anywhere between now and eternity.

Adding to this headache is the fact that Ten Sports is launching Ten Cricket on August 10, 2010. The Tri Series involving Sri Lanka will be broadcast on this channel fortunately it will be simulcast of Ten Sposts too. However simulcasts will not last long & DTV will be forced to add Ten Cricket or carry out the insane slot sharing meaning subscribers will miss out on programming. The best thing now for DTV is to get rid of "Prime TV" and "TH TV" and add the Discovery & Ten Cricket channels.

DTV management, wake up and read this blog post. We have woken up before you.

We are still here!!!!

2010-08-06T09:16:00.003+05:30

Fellow bloggers, it's been a long time since we made a post & we have been keeping up with the recent trends in the media but sadly we have not had the time to concentrate on this blog. We noticed that endless spamming is taking place, driving some of our fellow bloggers away however we thank our dear bloggers who are still making use of this blog to share information even though we have not done our part for a long time.

We thank you for continuing to use this blog & we will do our utmost best to do our part in maintaining this blog by keeping it updated. We will also take all necessary steps required to delete spam. Our the last couple of months, the Dialog TV management have taken steps detrimental to their subscriber base & would have rejoiced over the inactivity of this blog. Well the rejoicing will not last because we are still here to voice out the concerns of the DTV subscribers.

Discovery Turbo & Science still on test??

2010-06-14T13:57:00.003+05:30

It looks like Discovery Turbo & Science are still on test. It has been well over two months now, and they are still seeking feedback. It is quite clear that subscribers want both these channels so why test for so long. According to press releases that already appeared in India it is clear that both these channels will be launched here in Sri Lanka.

Additionally Dialog should take steps to remove "Prime TV" & "TH TV" from their lineup as these channels have zero viewership. These two slots could be put to good use with some international channels, ironically even FTA satellite channels have better content than these two channels.

Please keep us updated on the latest on Dialog TV as the days progress.

Press Release June 3rd 2010 - Discovery Science, Discovery Turbo on Sri Lankan DTH

Discovery Science & Discovery Turbo on test

2010-05-01T10:44:00.002+05:30

Dialog are testing the Discovery Science & Discovery Turbo channels on channel number 1. These two are very good channels and they do not originate out of India, therefore they are commercial free. We request our bloggers to give the feedback requested by Dialog. Dialog can use the channel number 1 position and number 7 position presently occupied by CCTV9 which is available via local FTA transmission. Please keep us updated on the latest on Dialog TV as the days progress.

Fox History to resume on May 2nd

2010-04-30T09:18:00.004+05:30

Fox History channel which is now out of service will resume on May 2nd 2010 at 5pm. Fox History is moving satellite's so it looks like Dialog TV have shifted to the new satellite but transmissions will commence via that satellite only on May 2nd.

For further information call the number that is being flashed across the screen on that channel.

We thank you for the continued support rendered to this blog by our fellow bloggers. Please keep us updated on the latest on Dialog TV as the days progress.

Aarti TV channel off air????

2010-04-21T09:24:00.003+05:30

Hindu Television "Aarti TV" has been off air for the last couple of days leading to speculation that the channel is to be replaced. We hope that the reason the channel is off air is a technical problem since Dialog TV should take a hands off approach to religious channels. Let the channels be there as they are, any replacement will definitely hurt a section of their subscriber base.

It is now time for Dialog TV to start taking steps to increase channels & improving the present services. The MPEG4 conversion should be carried out with immediate effect in order to increase channels without a significant contribution to the overheads.

Any proposed rental increments should be scrapped as it would mean a loss of business. According to reports no more new Rs 999/= packages will be offered.

Please keep us updated on the latest on Dialog TV as the days progress.

New channel on test

2010-04-02T16:55:00.002+05:30

Dialog have commenced testing a new local channel in place of Nat Geo Wild. We believe it is Youth TV . However we cannot be certain.

New channels to appear on Dialog TV

2010-03-30T11:27:00.002+05:30

According to a report by LBO new channels including Sports & Cartoon content will appear on Dialog TV commencing April 1st.

The question that begs answering is on how Dialog TV will bring about these new additions considering lack of transponder space. Well three options are possible, one is to remove some existing channels to make room for the new ones, however this is not a good idea considering the fact that there maybe subscribers who watch channels that the others do not so removing existing channels is out of the question. Secondly addition of another transponder at a higher cost, which would increase overheads and lead to more losses. The third option is to go for MPEG4 which means more channels could be added to the existing transponders at better quality.

Dialog says it wants to add more sports channels but they already have the major sports channels allowed in the region but they may be referring to Euro Sports which is on PEO but not on Dialog TV. So what the new channels will be is anybody's guess but it looks like there is going to be an increase of advertising which we hope means that the new channels will at least be added to existing "Premium Package" holders without any additional cost. According to the report the CEO Nushad Perera has said that DTV is not a niche product but another further increase of rental or a higher package will be the perfect definition for a niche product as not many people in Sri Lanka except for those who play golf or drive a mercedes can afford a rental of over Rs 2000/=.

So lets just wait & see whether Dialog TV digs its own grave or gets their act together. They seem to have made the report targeting "April Fools Day" which is everyday all year long at Dialog TV.

Please keep us updated on the latest on Dialog TV as the days progress.

LBO Article : Alternative Media

Siyatha TV replaced by CCTV 9

2010-03-01T09:38:00.003+05:30

Yes! It's another free to air channel. From this morning Siyatha TV has been replaced by "CCTV 9" the english language channel of china's state run broadcaster CCTV.

For some weird reason Dialog TV seems to be more interested in adding FTA news channels over quality pay television channels. CCTV 9 is similar to NHK World and with a world of quality channels out there, we do not understand why the Dialog TV management is sleeping on the job and adding only FTA channels.

Soon the number of FTA channels may outnumber the pay channels on the platform.

We hope the management of DTV awake from their deep slumber. They should immediately upgrade to MPEG4 broadcasting so that they can add more channels to the platform by reducing transponder costs.

Please keep us updated on the latest on Dialog TV as the days progress.

CCTV 9 ??????

2010-02-25T09:12:00.005+05:30

According to rumors reaching us Dialog TV seems to be planning to launch CCTV 9, the English Language channel of CCTV which is china's state run broadcaster. If Dialog keep this going then they will have more FTA channels on their lineup than pay channels. There are more priority channels such as AXN Beyond, SET Asia, ect which could be part of the lineup but that does not seem to be happening.

It looks like CCTV 9 will take the spot vacated by Nat Geo Wild or replace Siyatha TV.

In the midst of all this they keep increasing rentals and add FTA channels. The business logic is totally haywire. Even the MPEG4 conversion which was due to take place in 2008 does not seem to take place.

We hope the management of Dialog TV take steps to immediately sort these things out otherwise the future does not look too bright.

Please keep us updated on the latest on Dialog TV as the days progress.

Another dumb move! NKH World now on air....

2010-01-21T13:29:00.004+05:30

We are getting reports that Dialog TV have replaced the former Fox FX channel slot with "NHK World". Whilst we said that there are better channels than Fox FX available, the replacement channel is far worse. We already have more than enough news channels on Dialog TV and "Channel News Asia" would have been a better replacement if Dialog TV wanted to add an extra news channel.

Dialog TV should have added either "AXN Beyond" or "SET English" as the replacement for Fox FX. Now it is certain that the "Nat Geo Wild" slot will be replaced too. Lets hope that it will not be an Indian masala channel or some worthless channel. Dialog should replace it with one of the channels that we have been urging them to add.

We urge Dialog TV to remove the free to air "NHK World" and replace it with a worthwhile channel. We trust that the subscribers will urge Dialog TV to carry out the replacement.

Please keep us updated on the latest on Dialog TV as the days progress.

Is Dialog TV planning a move from DVB-S to DTT?

2010-01-20T10:34:00.004+05:30

Reports circulating the internet indicate a press release from swedish based Net Insight about an order from Dialog Telekom for a DTT network. DTT which stands for Digital Terrestrial Network is a popular and cheaper broadcasting method than the satellite method used by Dialog TV. Intially according to the press release there will be one headend and four transmitters thereafter it will two additional phases of expansion for a nation wide DTT network.

On this platform Dialog can include IPTV type services on a wireless platform. Dialog may operate on the satellite and terrestrial platform and after the national wide coverage is achieved they can migrate existing customers onto the new platform and switch off the satellite network. The DTT platform will enable Dialog TV to offer new interactive service's with it's IPTV base and also add more channels with reduced distribution cost as the money spent on satellite transponder leasing will not exist.

This is just our assumption and we have no confirmation from Dialog TV or any other source. Another point of view is that it just maybe that Dialog TV will operate the DTT platform to carry local channels on the digital platform. However it is likely that with the increased cost for satellite transponders Dialog maybe having an idea of switch their pay television operations to the DTT network based on its successful rollout. Dialog may also be looking at providing Mobile TV for phones equipped with DVB-M receivers.

Please keep us updated about the latest on Dialog TV as the days progress.

Web Link : Net Insight receives DTT network order from Dialog Telekom

FX and Nat Geo Wild dropped

2010-01-02T09:23:00.002+05:30

It seems that FX and Nat Geo Wild that were on trial until end of December 2009, have been dropped. Well these two channels were not very popular anyway but we hope Dialog retains them for the sake of the people who watch them. If Dialog wants to replace these channels then they should add AXN Beyond and SET English Asia or Sci Fi channel Asia and Universal Asia. Please do not fill the slot with cheap indian crap. We hope the replacement is carried out soon. Posted via Yahoo Mobile. Please keep us updated on the latest on Dialog TV as the days progress.

New Year Greetings.... FX & Nat Geo Wild

2009-12-29T13:24:00.004+05:30

It seems that the free offer for Fox FX and Nat Geo Wild have ended. Several subscribers are having their Nat Geo Wild and Fox FX channels scrambled. We believe that the channels will continue to be available on the Top Package but all other packages will have them scrambled. Still there is uncertainty on how these channels will be allocated to other packages, but we believe that they will be available via Set Plans. So far the Set Plan rates have not been published as yet. We hope that Dialog considers allocating these channels free of charge for a few other packages too.

We now take this opportunity to wish the Management & Staff of Dialog, our fellow bloggers and Dialog TV Subscribers Unite a "Very Happy and Prosperous New Year 2010". We thank you for your contribution towards making this blog a wonderful success and for continuing to update this blog with the latest news and we hope that you will be with us throughout the coming year as well.

EWTN removed God TV returns

2009-12-25T20:31:00.004+05:30

In the midst of all the commotion today in the light of God TV being removed and EWTN being introduced, Dialog have being pressured by their subscribers and God TV is now back on air.

It was a dumb decision by Dialog to remove God TV. If Dialog wants to introduce EWTN then they should add it as a separate channel. LBN carries both God TV and EWTN, Dialog could follow the same path. It is quite understandable that the Catholic population may want EWTN as it is the global channel for the Roman Catholic church. But removing God TV and adding this channel IS NOT THE WAY TO DO THINGS.

God TV is popular among Christians who are non Catholics and EWTN would be popular among Catholics.

Many Christians have purchased the connection to watch "God TV" just like many Buddhists have purchased Dialog TV to watch "Buddhist TV". So it would be tremendously unfair by them to remove this channel. We hope Dialog TV does not take rash decisions like this in the future.

If only a certain percentage of Dialog TV subscribers watch God TV, they are still subscribers and it is extremely unethical of Dialog to remove the channel after all they still pay the same rental as the rest.

If Dialog TV is to add/remove channels according to which is viewed by a majority of the population or majority of their subscribers then Dialog is adopting the wrong business model for a pay television operator. If this is the case then there are other channels that could be dropped before Dialog drops God TV. Dialog should cater to each and every subscriber regardless of whether they are in the majority or minority as we said earlier the minority pays the same rental as the majority. If due to God TV being a FTA channel, is used as an excuse to say that people can buy a separate Dish and receiver to watch it then Dialog is basically loosing the opportunity of earning valuable revenue from subscription fees by enticing these customers to either upgrade to higher packages or getting paid for a bunch of FTA channels.

If there are people who dislike God TV then they can request and get it deactivated but the channel is only available on request, so by default God TV is scrambled for all connections.

Dialog have been taking a lot of wrong decisions over the last few months, the sudden increase of rental is another example, we can confirm that many are contemplating moving to PEO TV or LBN due to the rise in rental. MPEG4 conversion is delayed, when subscribers complain about pixelation or request for additional new channels to customer care they call it lack of bandwidth due to transponder space but mysteriously local channels are squeezed onto the platform. So if space can be made for local channels we are sure Dialog TV can squeeze EWTN also onto the platform without removing God TV.

We hope Dialog TV management takes note of this matter and does not repeat it again. Today was supposed to be a "Very Merry Christmas" but Dialog TV decided to become "The Grinch" and tried to steal some subscribers of their Christmas.

Dialog TV stupid decision rules this christmas

2009-12-25T14:46:00.003+05:30

Dialog TV has dropped God TV and is now testing EWTN. Dialog TV has subscribers who have bought the connection because of God TV. Dialog is asking subscribers to sms or email them on whether to retain EWTN. LBN has both God TV & EWTN and PEO TV has God TV so Dialog is sure to lose subscribers due to this move. If Dialog wants to add EWTN then they could allocate a seperate slot for the channel. EWTN caters only to catholics where as God TV is a channel for all christians. So intead of a channel that targets only a specific group, it is always better to have a general channel. However if Dialog feels that they should have EWTN then they should retain both channels

Merry Christmas 2009

2009-12-23T19:47:00.001+05:30

We take this opportunity to wish the management and staff of Dialog TV and all our fellow bloggers a "Very Merry Christmas". We hope that this Christmas turns out to be a very special and blessed one.

Drop "NDTV Good Times" and "Play"

2009-11-26T13:12:00.004+05:30

Dialog TV should take immediate steps to drop channels "NDTV Good Times" and "Play" and replace them with "AXN Beyond" and "SET English Asia". These two channels are a waste of transponder space and money for Dialog TV. No one watches any of the content on "Play" neither is "NDTV Good Times" any better.

"NDTV Good Times" is a worthless Bollywoodised English Channel. Bollywood is only popular for Hindi Movies and dubbed serials in Sri Lanka and no one watches any other Bollywood content in this country. Specially the number of English Language speaking folk who watch Indianized English content (such as that shown on NDTV Good Times) is almost non existent.

"Play" is worthless in its own sense, only trailers are shown and some of them are outdated trailers too. There is absolutely nothing to watch in the channel. If Dialog TV has transponder space to sleep on then having this worthless channel is not a problem but that is a transponder space that can be put to good use.

Another channel that should be kicked off the lineup is "Prime TV". It is turning out to be a utter failure of a channel. Outdated programmes that were gathering dust in ITN's video library are telecast over this channel. Unless this channel is a source of revenue for Dialog TV (meaning ITN is paying Dialog TV for uplinking the channel) then it is not worth retaining the channel. This channel can in no way compete with the other English Language channels on Dialog TV. In fact "Prime TV" cannot compete with the content of local FTA English channels in Sri Lanka.

We hope the management of Dialog TV wake up from their deep slumber and take immediate steps to remove the above worthless channels and introduce channels such as "AXN Beyond" and "SET English Asia". For informations sake "AXN Beyond" and "SET English Asia" telecast better content than "FX" and "Fox Crime". Now do not make this an excuse to drop "FX" and "Fox Crime" after all, we only said "better content" and did not call the channels "worthless".

Please keep us updated on the latest on Dialog TV as the days progress.

Old Dialog TV packages rental to be increased

2009-11-25T15:40:00.003+05:30

According to information being received Dialog TV is increasing the rental on old package subscribers from January 1st 2010, in what could termed as Dialog TV's way of wishing everyone a prosperous 2010.

The package rentals are as follows

Old Rs 199/= package becomes Rs 250/= +Taxes.
Old Rs 1375/= and Rs 1400/= package becomes Rs 1700/= + Taxes

This move is drawing criticism from various sectors of the their subscriber base. Instead of looking at alternative sources of revenue from such as advertising, ect. Dialog TV is continuing to increase package rentals and if they touch the other packages too then we can see a sales drop for Dialog TV.

Please keep us posted on the latest new of Dialog TV as the days progress.

Prime TV now on test

2009-11-10T21:27:00.002+05:30

Prime TV is now testing on channel 75 of Dialog TV. Those who cannot receive the channel must scan for channnels once again to receive Prime TV. The channel is named as "Test".

Prime TV to launch on Dialog TV

2009-11-10T09:16:00.002+05:30

According to a report in the newspapers yesterday, Prime TV the English Language sister channel of ITN will be launched on Dialog TV when it is launched on Nov 12th at 10am. Lack of transponder space on Dialog TV would mean that either Prime TV may be squeezed in or Siyatha TV will be removed and Prime TV will take its place.

It is highly likely that Siyatha TV will be removed as Siyatha is still indicated as test by Dialog TV and it has not been included in the lineup on the website.

Either way Prime TV will become the only 24 hr English channel to be on Dialog TV which we hope will pave the way for other English channels to hop on board Dialog TV.

Please keep us updated on the latest on Dialog TV as the days progress.

Dialog TV adding Radio channels again and what is happening to MPEG4

2009-10-01T11:34:00.004+05:30

According to reports reaching us Dialog TV have begun adding Radio channels onto their platform once again. So far the following channels are available

1) SLBC City Fm
2) SLBC Commercial Service
3) SLBC English
4) SLBC Threndal

These channels are said to be encrypted at the moment. The last time radio channels were taken off air citing bandwidth issues and we hope that this problem will not come up again. If radio channels come aboard Dialog TV it is a good move because presently the FM channels are so cluttered that is a nightmare to tune even with a digital tuner.

We hope that picture and sound quality on the television channels will not be compromised as a result of this. In addition Dialog should move from MPEG2 to MPEG4 soon as HBO is moving to HD platform from Oct 2nd (See article HBO Asia to go HD from Oct 2nd), in addition three new sports channels are in the offing with Ten Sports launching a Golf Channel and Ten Sports 2 as well as ESPN Star launching a Sports News Channel (See article New Sports channels from Ten Sports and ESPN Star in the offing).

In addition to this the happening channels AXN Beyond and SET English are yet to be added to Dialog TV. We reiterate that the MPEG2 to MPEG4 conversion should be carried out immediately or Dialog should secure another transponder to added these channels. The 7 channels in 7 weeks was a good thing by Dialog TV but not good enough. Dialog cannot hide behind marketing mumbo jumbo like that and ignore the rest of the channels that are made available which carry good programming. We would say that AXN Beyond and SET English carry better programming that FOX Crime and FX Asia.

So lets not wait for another year for another 7 channels in 7 weeks Dialog should get cracking immediately and add these channels.

Please keep us updated on the latest on Dialog TV as the days progress.

Siyatha TV now on Dialog TV

2009-09-17T08:21:00.004+05:30

Sri Lanka's latest FTA Sinhala Language television channel Siyatha TV commenced testing transmissions over Dialog TV from last night. The channel occupies the No. 7 slot which was blank ever since Dialog TV rearranged their lineup.

Please keep us updated on the latest on Dialog TV as the days commence.

See TV Radio Sri Lanka Blog - Siyatha TV and Vettri TV to launch today

of local advertising and adding of AXN Beyond and SET Asia English

2009-09-02T08:16:00.004+05:30

A local Cargills advertisement has been spotted on Dialog TV on the Discovery Channel at 1:30pm on September 1st 2009. This is the first local advertisement on Dialog TV on one of their regular channels.

As mentioned in previous posts these advertisements should not cause displeasure to the viewer. It is alright for Dialog TV to carry out local advertising for channels in place of some of those annoying Hindi ones but we reiterate that it should be carried out properly.

Once Dialog TV has a continuous flow of revenue from these advertisements it is time for them to consider reducing rentals.

We hope that Dialog TV will take steps to allocate the Channel 7 blank slot for either AXN Beyond or SET Asia English. Rival operator LBN has already added these channels and we feel that these two channels are far better than Fox Crime and Fox FX in terms of programming. Now what is done has been done, Dialog must use the Channel 7 slot for AXN Beyond then speed up the MPEG4 conversion and add SET Asia English. We have been calling for the addition of these channels for a long time and we hope that we will not have to continue like that for too long. Dialog TV can delay the addition of CCTV which is expected to be inserted in the Channel 7 slot since AXN Beyond will make better business sense than CCTV. Dialog can also remove an Hindi Channel such as "Zing" or English channel "NDTV Good Times" and add SET Asia English temporarily until they get the MPEG4 conversion sorted out.

Please keep us updated on the latest on Dialog TV as the days progress.

Zee channels back on air

2009-08-19T08:25:00.003+05:30

According to reports being received we can confirm that all the missing Zee channels such as Zee Cafe, Studio & Trendz are back on air as of 10pm last night.

Initially earlier during the day the Nat Geo channels went off air but all channels were back on line by 10pm.

Please keep us posted on the latest on Dialog TV as the days progress.

Zee Studio, Cafe & Trendz down

2009-08-18T08:55:00.003+05:30

The Zee channels - Zee Studio, Zee Trendz & Zee Cafe are out of service since last Sunday (Aug 16th) from about 7:30pm. According to information received the channel Zee Studio underwent heavy pixelation before it was taken off air along with the other channels. According to sources even LBN have been having problems with those channels but we are unable to confirm whether LBN has taken those channels off air completely.

We hope that the problems with the Zee channels will be rectified soon. Please keep us updated on the latest on Dialog TV as the days progress.

of new upcoming channel and new order of channels.......

2009-08-12T11:27:00.005+05:30

Dialog completed the process of rearranging channels on their DTH platform and have followed a similar pattern as before by organising them according to channel genre & language. Channel placements have changed drastically. At the beginning it is a bit difficult to grasp but once you get used to it then things will simplify further.

The new lineup is as follows

1. DTV Demo Channel (Play TV)
2. CNN
3. BBC World
4. NDTV
5. AlJazeera
6. Bloomberg TV
7. (Scrambled)
8. ESPN
9. Star Sports
10. Star Cricket
11. Neo Sports
12. Neo Cricket
13. Zee Sports
14. Ten Sports
15. MTV
16. Zee Music
17. Channel C
18. VH1
19. Star Movies
20. HBO
21. HBO Signature
22. HBO Hits
23. HBO Family
24. MAX
25. Zee Studio
26. UTV World Movies
27. Hallmark
28. Star World
29. Zee Café
30. AXN
31. Fox Crime
32. Fox FX
33. Zee Trendz
34. Australia Network
35. NDTV Good Times
36. Travel & Living
37. Discovery
38. Fox History & Entertainment
39.Nat Geo
40. Nat Geo Adventure
41. Nat Geo Wild
42. Animal Planet
43. KidsCo TV
44. POGO
45. Nickelodeon
46. Cartoon Network
47. Boomerang
48. Baby TV
49. UTV Movies
50. Zee Cinema
51. Set MAX
52. SET
53. Star Plus
54. Zee TV
55. Star Vijay
56. Kalaignar TV
57. Zee Tamil
58. Vasantham TV
59. Eye
60. Rupavahini
61. ITN
62. Citi Hitz
63. Heritage TV
64. Derana
65. Swarnavahini
66. TNL
67. MAX Television
68. The Buddhist
69. Peace TV
70. God TV
71. Aarthi
72. Learn TV
73. Rana Roo

Channel slot 7 which is kept blank, we believe is for a news/sports channel since it has been grouped together with one of the two. It is highly likely that the channel will be a news channel and since several of our bloggers reported seeing the name "CCTV" at night on the lineup when the channels were being rearranged. We believe the new channel will be the English Language news channel of the Chinese state television broadcaster "CCTV - http://english.cctv.com/01/index.shtml".

In addition it seems that there is a quality improvement in certain channels after the arrangement, even the religious channels seem to be have undergone a quality improvement.

Please keep us updated on the latest on Dialog TV as the days progress.

Channel lineup rearrangement today from 10pm onwards

2009-08-10T12:35:00.004+05:30

From 10pm tonight Dialog TV will be rearranging their channel lineup, we expect channels to be moved up and down the order. Dialog have requested all their subscribers to keep their decoders switched on after 10pm. The previous arrangement format would probably continue but we expect the new channels which were introduced recently which are now out of sync with the arrangement to be fitted in their rightful places. By the looks of it, religious channels and local channels will be moved down the order into the 4th transponder and hopefully bandwidth is allocated so that channels will be able to maintain a high quality throughout the day. In addition we hope that bandwidth is increased to the religious channels too since some of them are hardly watchable.

If that empty channel slot before Nenasa TV is not to be used, we hope that it is removed that the bandwidth used for other channels. In addition we are receiving reports that Dialog TV have inserted some local advertisements during the cricket on Ten Sports yesterday. Additionally it seems that Dialog are now allowing the addition of single channels to package subscribers specially those below the Rs 500/= package. There are reports that these may be available for other packages also.

Please keep us updated on the latest on Dialog TV as the days progress.

Channel Number 7 is "Nat Geo Wild" and more on the "trial" saga

2009-07-24T07:47:00.005+05:30

Nat Geo Wild is expected to officially launch on Sunday July 26th on Dialog TV completing the marathon weekly channel launch. With this channel there is just one more slot in Dialog TV 4th transponder for a channel. Some channels such as SET Asia, AXN Beyond Asia, BBC Entertainment & Disney Channels which were expected have not made it onto the platform as yet but we hope that Dialog will take steps to bring them on in the near future.

As mentioned before just one more channel can be added to Dialog TV and then for further expansion they will either have to secure another transponder or will have to go 100% MPEG4. The latter looks to be the option that Dialog is pursuing since they started replacing MPEG2 decoders with MPEG4 ones from last year.

It just maybe that the only slot remaining on Dialog TV maybe for "Prime TV" that is to be launched by ITN in the near future. However we are unable to confirm this.

We have also received information that the word "trial" that was used in the advertisement indicating the launch of Fox FX last week, was to indicate that Fox FX will be available FOC for all packages until December 2009 (either upto the 25th or 31st) and thereafter it will continue to be available FOC for Value Plus Rs 1949/= package only but will be available only as a SET Plan for the other packages. We hope that those who are using packages such as Super 700, ect can confirm whether they are able to watch Fox FX at the moment. We believe that this week's channel Nat Geo Wild may also be on trial for all packages until a specified date too.

With Nat Geo Wild the number of educational channels on Dialog TV increases. Now Dialog TV will have to speed up the MPEG4 changeover and add some of the above mentioned channels with more Tamil Language channels. They should also look at alternative revenue sources with unobtrusive advertising on selected channels without damaging the viewing experience so that channels can be increased with out increasing package rates.

Please keep us updated on the latest on Dialog TV as the days progress.

Nat Geo Wild Asia - http://www.ngwild.com/

Fox FX Asia - http://www.fxtvasia.com/

Fox FX on trial?

2009-07-22T14:19:00.003+05:30

Last sunday the advertisement indicating the launch of Fox FX television channel had a condition for Rs 1949/= package holders. It indicating that this channel is added free for the Rs 1949/= but will be on trial until December 31st 2009.

So what does this trial mean? Either Dialog may discontinue with the channel after December 31st depending on its popularity or there will be a Millionaires Package which will include this channel free of charge ultimately moving this channel to the new package. So what Dialog will end up doing is yet to be seen and we will find out soon enough. There is still one more channel to be revealed, and it will be out this Sunday and if that channel also carries the same condition then the case towards a higher priced package will become stronger. However lets not jump into conclusions here.

The new educational channel Nenasa TV will not be revealed to subscribers since it is only for schools. It is great that Dialog TV is becoming a major player in the education industry by incorporating distance education facilities.

We hope that Dialog will look for alternative sources of income like advertising, ect without reducing the user experience instead of increasing package rates which are already high.

Please keep us updated on the latest on Dialog TV as the days progress.

6th channel is "FX"

2009-07-19T00:06:00.002+05:30

The sixth channel to be launched by Dialog TV is FX. This channel is part of the Fox channels in Asia. This channel will be available on the Rs 1949/= package. The channel will be activated on 19th July 2009. Please keep us updated on the latest as the days progress.

Posted via Yahoo GO!

Zee Tamil.. Channel No 5

2009-07-09T08:00:00.002+05:30

According to reports reaching us, Dialog TV seem to have uplinked Zee Tamil but will be releasing it to subscribers from this sunday onwards. Zee Tamil which is the tamil channel associated with Zee Networks that operates Zee Cinema, Zee TV, Zee Cafe, Zee Studio, ect launched this channel back in October 2008.

This will be the third Tamil channel on the Dialog TV network and we believe that it will contribute positively to Dialog TV in terms of sale among Tamil Language viewers. However a channel such as Sun TV would have had a better impact but we believe that due to a certain organisation in Sri Lanka that has access to Sun TV broadcast rights, none of the local pay television networks such as Dialog TV, LBN & PEO TV are able to broadcast Sun TV on their network. We will do a seperate post on this on our blogs later.

Zee Tamil is the second Tamil channel by Zee Networks after the first was closed down several years ago according to what Zee has termed "lack of content".

We are not sure what package this channel has been allocated however this seems to be channel no 5. That leaves just two more channels to come on board. In addition there are rumors that local channel "Max TV" will launch on 10th July on the Dialog TV platform.

Please keep us updated on the latest information on Dialog TV as the days progress.

Zee Tamil Website : http://www.zeetamizh.com/

4th channel Learn TV

2009-07-05T14:38:00.002+05:30

It looks like Learn TV is part of the 7 channel line up. This weeks addition according to the Sunday Observer is Learn TV. This channel is available FOC until September 30th. Thereafter the channel will be added to the Rs 1949/= package and available as a SET Plan for other packages.

Posted via Yahoo GO!

Learn TV now on Dialog

2009-07-02T14:08:00.002+05:30

Sri Lanka's first educational channel is now available on Dialog TV according to reports received by us. The channel was being tested by Dialog TV for a few weeks now. Since Learn TV is already on air, it means that Learn TV may not be part of the 7 exclusive channels that are to be launched on Dialog TV.

This leaves us all wondering what is the next channel on Dialog TV. We hope that Learn TV will be able to cater to the educational needs of the children in Sri Lanka. We are not sure to which package this channel will be added but it is most likely that it will be open for all packages initially.

Please keep us updated on the latest developments regarding Dialog TV as the days progress and keep us informed of the channels that may be expected on Dialog TV in the future.

Kidsco TV now on air

2009-06-28T16:50:00.002+05:30

With effect from today Kidsco TV went on air exclusively for the Rs 1949/= package subscribers. This is channel number 3 leaving another 4 channels for the next 4 weeks. We believe that local channel "Learn TV" will be launched next week. Posted via Yahoo GO.

Vasantham TV now on test

2009-06-24T21:59:00.002+05:30

Sri Lanka's newest Tamil Language television channel Vasantham TV -sister channel of ITN- is being presently tested on Dialog TV. It is on channel no 68. The channel is expected to launch either on the 25th or 26th of this month. The channel has not commenced VHF testing as yet and is expected to launch first on pay television networks. Please keep us updated on the latest regarding Dialog Tv as the days progress.

Planned local advertisement insertion could make or break Dialog TV

2009-06-23T08:13:00.003+05:30

According to an article titled "Dialog TV partners Microimage mobile media" in today's Daily Mirror newspaper Dialog has signed an agreement with Microimage Mobile Media for a local advertisement insertion solution for their DTH channels. This will enable Dialog TV to cut off the international advertisements on channels and replace them with local ones, in addition on screen Crawlers, Logo's, Animated Logo's can also be inserted with this technology.

However care has to be taken while carrying this out so that the advert does not overlap the scheduled programme or that it does not cause the programme to run over the scheduled time. If this happens then the entire process will be a disaster and will back fire on Dialog TV.

Obviously Dialog TV cannot insert advertisements on channels such as AXN, Hallmark, Fox Crime, HBO channels, Star Movies, Boomerang and a few other commercial free Channels. They should also refrain from inserting on screen graphic ads on these channels as it will effect the viewing experience. Some of these channels (eg: AXN) carry trailers and care has to be taken not to insert advertisement during these trailers. They can insert ads to the Discovery channels, Nat Geo, and a few others that carry many commercials.

We reiterate that Dialog TV must not insert advertisements during programme trailers as this will effect the viewing experience after all the viewer is paying to watch and if the viewer cannot catch the trailer of his/her favourite programme then it can be pretty annoying.

Local advertisement insertion if carried out carefully can generate revenue giving Dialog TV the option of reducing cost but if not carefully impemented could spell the end of Dialog TV. The management of Dialog TV should enforce strict guidelines for advertisement insertion.

Please keep us updated on the latest on Dialog TV as the days progress and we are looking forward to your comments on this plan by Dialog TV.

Another 5 channels on the way....

2009-06-22T11:04:00.004+05:30

Dialog TV are yet to add 5 more channels, Dialog is keeping its subscribers guessing on what the channels are. We believe that the next channel would most probably be "Kidsco TV Asia". Whatever the channel, it will be revealed on sunday. That leaves room for another 4 channel,s if one is of them is "Learn TV" then we are not sure what the other 3 are.

We would like our fellow subscribers to keep us updated on the upcoming channels. It would be great if all of these channels are non Indian region channels. We hope AXN Beyond, FX Asia, SET Asia are part of the upcoming line up.

Sadly most of these channels will be for the top package of Rs 1949/=. We hope that some are allocated to the lower packages at least, however it is great to note that the SET Plans for these channels are being implemented along with the channel launch.

Please keep us updated on the latest are the days progress.

Fox Crime now on air

2009-06-21T13:55:00.003+05:30

Fox Crime has been launched with effect from today on Dialog TV. Fox Crime is on channel 64 and is available on the top package of Rs 1949/= and on Set Plan 30. Please keep us updated on the latest regarding Dialog TV as the days progress.

Posted via Yahoo Go!

Weekly new channel launch?

2009-06-13T17:06:00.002+05:30

According to unconfirmed reports being circulated Dialog TV is to launch 6 to 7 channels over the next few weeks by launching them on a weekly basis starting this sunday with Heritage TV. We are not sure what these new channels are. We are also unable to verify this information independantly. Please keep us updated on the latest regarding Dialog TV as the days progress.

Posted via Yahoo GO!

Learn TV being tested....

2009-06-11T11:55:00.002+05:30

According to unconfirmed reports Dialog TV is testing a new channel called Learn TV. This is said to be primarily an educational channel. We are not sure who operates this channel, however about an year back there were reports of a state run educational channel. This maybe the channel however we are not sure.

This channel maybe viewable by some subscribers and not by others since this is a test transmission. This is a good move by Dialog TV as a dedicated local educational channel will be very useful for the Sri Lankan public. Whilst adding local channels we hope that Dialog TV takes steps to add a few international channels as well.

Please keep us updated on the latest regarding Dialog TV as the days progress.

Dialog TV software upgrade

2009-05-29T07:51:00.005+05:30

An announcement was made last night bu Dialog TV regarding a software upgrade that will take place over commencing today (May 29th) until the end of this month. The upgrade will take place at specific time intervals and will take approximately 10 min to complete. PLEASE DO NOT POWER OFF THE DECODER DURING THE UPGRADE. If the upgrade takes place while you are watching your favourite program then hard luck to you.

Anyway after checking out a manually upgraded MPEG4 decoder we have noticed the following changes.

Pause button works. The problems in the pause caused by the previous upgrade have been solved but on the downside the pause also causes the sound to get cut off which is very annoying for those who want to pause the picture but may want to sound to continue playing. This is something for Dialog to consider when carrying out the next update.
It is now possible to have a small screen preview when you're browsing through all the channels like in the silver decoder.
New favourite channels list.
The zoom button performs much better now but then there is no point in this since once the zoom is presses the pixelations increase.

This update seems to be performing better that all the updates carried out by Dialog TV so far, and hopefully the trend continues. Please post in the comments section any further changes in the decoder after the software upgrade that we may have not noticed.

Instructions to update.

MPEG4 Decoder : In the menu select "info" and click press "ok" after selecting the "software upgrade" option.
CBNsat Decoder : In the menu select "IRD Upgrade" and press "ok".
Dialog TV Silver Decoder : In the menu select "Installation" and press "ok" after selecting "OTA Download".

Please keep us posted on the latest on Dialog TV as the days progress.

"Play" and "HTV" on air

2009-05-12T13:32:00.003+05:30

Dialog TV has recently launched the "Play" channel after launching "HTV" a few days ago. The "Play" channel which is presently FTA will showcase trailer and snippets from programming available via all channels on Dialog TV. We hope that instead of only using this channel to play previews & snippets, Dialog TV should try to upgrade this channel to the standard of the interactive channel on Dish TV. What happens to this future is yet to be seen.

In other news the local channel "HTV" is being greeted with optimism by Dialog TV subscribers and seems to have the best content out all the local non terrestrial channels being aired by Dialog TV.

Please keep us updated on the latest post regarding Dialog TV as the days progress.

Dialog TV testing FOXCRIME & KIDSCO TV

2009-04-28T08:02:00.003+05:30

According to unconfirmed reports Dialog TV has commenced the testing of FOXCRIME & KIDSCO TV. We are not sure whether all Dialog TV subscribers are able to view this channel but we hope that our fellow bloggers out there will give us information on whether these channels are still scrambled or not.

We believe that FOX CRIME & KIDSCO TV are channels that are available on the asian feed.

Please keep us updated on the latest regarding Dialog TV as the days progress.

Websites : KIDSCO TV , FOX CRIME ASIA

Channel Eye Blackout during IPL Telecast

2009-04-23T15:17:00.003+05:30

Thursday, April 23, 2009

From: "######" <######@dialog.lk>

To: "tvradiosrilanka@yahoo.com"

Dear Admin,

Channel Eye Blackout during IPL Telecast

The reason for the blackout during IPL match is because we do not have rights to show the IPL via Rupavahini/Eye. (Terrestrial – rebroadcasting via DTH)

Pls communicate this to the fellow bloggers.

Regards

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The above is an email we received from Dialog TV regarding the blackout of Channel Eye during the IPL. We understand from unconfirmed sources that there is a strict restriction by SET Max on teresstrial rebroadcasting of IPL, to make sure that the IPL matches are not uplinked by the FTA broadcasters which will result in a loss of revenue to the Satellite channels.

Please keep us updated on the latest on Dialog TV as the days progress.

IPL on Dialog TV over SET Max

2009-04-16T22:36:00.002+05:30

Contrary to rumors being circulated we would like to confirm that IPL Season 2 will be telecast over SET Max on Dialog TV. Information that Dialog TV is still negotiating with SET Max cannot be true as the channel is already available on the platform.

In addition pay television operators only rebroadcast channels therefore they do not have to pay for content, so rumors of Dialog TV requiring permission and requiring to pay more to telecast IPL cannot be true. Dialog TV has made a bad move by removing the Set Plans containing SET Max forcing subscribers from lower packages to upgrade to higher packages to watch IPL, we hope the set plans are reintroduced soon. Please keep us updated on the latest regarding Dialog TV as the days progress. Posted via Yahoo GO!

Suba Aluth Awruddak Wewa and Heritage Television

2009-04-12T16:33:00.002+05:30

We like to take this opportunity to wish the Management & Staff of Dialog TV, the members of Dialog TV Subscribers Unite and our fellow bloggers "Suba Aluth Awruddak". We hope that you will continue to be with us as you have been with us giving us the breaking news many times even before we get them. A big Thank You goes out to all of you.

In other news Dialog TV is carrying out test transmissions of local channel "Heritage Television" on Channel Number 63. At the moment the channel is said to be free for all packages and since it on test mode it has to be activated by giving a call to customer care. There are some customer care agents who are clueless of this channel so the best thing is to refer to the channel number and ask for activation.

It is good that Dialog TV is looking at adding channels focusing on Sri Lanka but we feel that Dialog TV should not neglect on adding international channels when they are launched. Channels like Disney, AXN Beyond, BBC Entertainment, WB, SET Pix, Trace TV, STC, ect are long overdue on Dialog TV. So hopefully these will also arrive soon on the Dialog TV platform.

Please keep us updated on the latest on Dialog TV as the days progress.

Testing on channels 10, 11 & 12

2009-03-30T20:51:00.003+05:30

According to information being received Dialog TV is testing CH10 with Rupavahini, CH11 with ITN, CH12 with Swarnavahini. We are unable to clarify the reason behind this. Maybe we can expect some new channels on these slots or maybe they are planning to increase bandwidth on other transponders by moving more channels to 4th tp.

Ok lets get crazy here, it just maybe that Dialog is planning to launch Nat Geo Wild, FX, FX Crime which are the Fox channels that were added on Indian DTH service Sun Direct. These are all assumptions and may amount to nothing.

Please keep us updated on the latest on Dialog TV as the days progress. Posted via Yahoo GO!

Moving between Nick India & Nick Pakistan

2009-03-26T22:49:00.003+05:30

It seems that Dialog is having problems with the Nick feed. Over the past week the feed has been constantly changing from Pakistan to India & vice versa. We are lead to believe that it is a technical problem that is causing all of this.

It also looks like Sun Direct has beaten Dialog TV and introduced the Asian Fox channels such as FX, FOXCRIME, etc. Please keep us updated on the latest regarding Dialog TV as the days progress.

Over Panicking?

2009-03-22T16:59:00.003+05:30

Recent comments in this blog suggest that a certain section of DTV subscribers have started panicking over the stability of the company. It is a fact that Dialog Telekom is struggling but we do not believe that DTV is to close down. All companies in sri lanka and the world are not doing so well, so this is not unique to Dialog. We believe that Dialog is not adding anymore channels in order to complete the MPEG4 conversion which is taking a long time due to slow decoder replacements. Still certain SET plan subscribers are yet to receive decorders. In addition we are at the end of the present financial year and Dialog may not be wanting to increase year end losses by increasing expenditure which is already high due to the free decoders issued during the present financial year.

In addition lack of good competition is causing DTV to be lazy since PEO TV & LBN are only providing lame competition. Therefore we expect new channels and MPEG4 conversion to be completed in the new financial year hopefully. DTH companies around the world have struggled for a few years before starting to stabilise and is true of companies in the US, UK & India where pay tv is popular, so how much more difficult will it be in sri lanka where the concept of paying for television is still in its infancy? In other news it seems that Nick has gone back to the Indian Masala feed, we hope the English feed returns soon. Please keep us updated on the latest on DTV as the days progress.

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Wake up Dialog TV

2009-02-10T09:50:00.003+05:30

It looks like the MPEG4 conversion of Dialog TV transmissions have been delayed for some time now and it is now time to get it done quickly. The movie channels were due to be converted first but even recently Dialog TV have carried out some decoder replacements this time round the subscribers were ones who subscribed to Star Movies via a SET Plan.

In addition Dialog TV is introducing new channels at snails pace, after Baby TV back in November last year there has been nothing so far. It is time for Dialog TV to get channels like Disney, Eurosport, BBC Entertainment in order to counter the threat posed by IPTV. Dialog TV should also try out features like Video on Demand, Time Shift TV functions. Theses features are difficult on DTH platforms but some DTH operators in other parts of the world allow for interactivity via a Wimax link or telephone connections.

It is time for Dialog TV to set trends in the pay television industry in Sri Lanka otherwise in no time they will follow in the path taken by Comet Cable. Many frustrated Dialog TV subscribers have already obtained IPTV connections and as soon as IPTV can offer the same channels as Dialog TV then they will obviously disconnect their Dialog TV connections.

Please keep us updated on the latest on Dialog TV as the days progress.

Whats going on!!!

2009-02-05T17:18:00.003+05:30

Over the last few weeks Dialog TV has been carrying out some sort of testing sending decoders into a frenzy. Suddenly the channels change locations. Whole sets of channels disappear causing viewers to rescan to get the channels back again.

However amidst all this it seems that a Sinhala Language Education channel may be launched on Dialog TV soon. It makes us wonder whether this is the educational channel that the Sri Lankan government was planning for the last two years because certain Dialog TV subscribers are commenting about an unnamed channel on Dialog TV which is indicating to a educational channel. We are unable to confirm this though since it seems that this channel is part of the scrambled set on the fourth transponder and it appears when something goes wrong at Dialog TV. Apparently this channel made an appearance this morning too when the entire fourth transponder was unscrambled however we are not sure whether it is still visible.

For those who may be wondering where we were all these days, well we were right here with so much of work in our hands but thanks to our blogging community information was flowing right through this blog unhindered.

So it goes without saying, please continue to update this blog with the latest regarding Dialog TV as the days progress.

Software Upgrade now available

2009-01-08T12:16:00.004+05:30

According to info being received there is a software upgrade which has been made available for all Dialog TV subscribers. According to reports marked improvements can be seen in picture quality once the update is carried out. However we are unable to confirm this. The upgrade can be carried out by clicking on the IRD upgrade and can be carried out by carrying out the following steps.

Menu > Info > Software Upgrade

Please keep us updated on the latest on Dialog TV as the days progress.

Happy New Year 2009 & Channel Replacement

2008-12-31T15:47:00.003+05:30

According to information being received it seems that TBO has been taken off air and will be replaced by "Zee Music" from tomorrow onwards just over a year after "TBO" was introduced on Dialog TV.

The replacement may be due to the lack of interest in the channel by the poorly catered to Tamil subscribers on Dialog TV. However instead of replacing "TBO" with another Tamil channel, Dialog chooses to replace it with a Hindi music channel called "Zee Music". The logic or the lack of logic behind this cannot be explained but we expect a silly excuse soon enough.

Well please keep us updated on the latest on Dialog TV as the days progress. We take this opportunity to wish the Management & Staff of Dialog TV, Dialog TV Subscribers Unite, Our fellow Bloggers

"A Very Happy and Prosperous 2009.
May the New Year be a Blessed one for all of you"

We thank all of you for your contributions and also thank Dialog TV for the wonderful support that was extended towards us.