CABLE LINEPHILIPPINE CABLE TELEVISION...

CABLE LINEPHILIPPINE CABLE TELEVISION ASSOCIATION, INC.

May - June 2013 • Vol. 13 Issue 3

HEADLINE: 21ST PCTA CONVENTION EMBRACES DIGITAL MINDSET

INSIDE: Anti-Cable TV and Cable Internet Tapping Act of 2013 | R.A. No. 10515

Golf TournamentMarch 19, 2013

Exhibit Ribbon Cutting

March 20, 2013

Mr. Ralph Casiño of Southern Cable Vision, Inc.

Golf Tournament Participants

From L - R: Convention Chairman, Mr. Cedric Sazon; ABS - CBN Chairman, Mr. Gabby Lopez; CASBAA CEO, Mr. Christopher Slaugther ; PCTA President, Mr. Allan Dungao; Taguig Second District Congressman, Hon. Sigrifrido Tinga; and PCTA Chairman, Mr. Elpidio Paras

General Assembly and ElectionsMarch 20, 2013

PCTA - DOST MOA Signing

Hon. Gamaliel A. Cordoba, NTC Commissioner

Mr. Jude Turcuato, Fox International Channels

Mr. Elpidio Paras, PCTA Chairman

Mr. Pacito Manlangit,MSC

PCTA Elections

4 CABLE LINE | MAY - JUNE 2013

In this issue

The opinions, views and/or contents expressed in the articles, contributions, or paid advertisements of Cable Line are exclusively that of their author or originator, and do not necessarily reflect the position or stand of

Philippine Cable Television Association , Inc.

D I S C L A I M E R

Editor’s Note

Post Event Ariticle: PCTA Convention 2013

5

6

Keynote Address: Mr. Eugenio “Gabby” Lopez III

9

10th Cablelympics 15

Strictly Technical 16

Anti-Cable TV and Cable Internet Tapping Act of 2013 R.A. No. 10515

10

Cable BOSS Article

17

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CABLE LINE | MAY - JUNE 2013 5

Editor’s Note

Amelita G. Ledesma

Editor-in-ChiefAMELITA G. LEDESMA

Editorial BoardALLAN P. DUNGAOELPIDIO M. PARASJOSE L. LOBREGAT

Managing Editor and Advertising ManagerROSANNA B. MANALANSAN

Editorial AssistantJENNEfER A. MANGUSSAD

ContributorsENGR. ALLAN MUNDINAENGR. PERE ESQUILLOCABLE BOSS

Design and LayoutSAM L. LANUZA

CirculationARLENE ALMAIDA C. TANBIENVENIDO L. SARILLA, JR.MARIA ROSALINA S. ODULIO

Publisher PHILIPPINE CABLE TELEVISION ASSOCIATION, INC.Unit 504 Taipan Place Condominium, F. Ortigas Jr. Road, Ortigas Center, Pasig City 1605, PhilippinesPhone: (632) 638-8541 • (632) 638-8544 • Fax : (632) 638-8542Email: [email protected] • [email protected] www.pcta.org.ph

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

By the time this issue reaches our subscribers, two important activities would have occurred. On the first working day of June, the board of directors for the year 2013 - 2014 would have held its first board meeting. We would like to welcome the new members namely: Ralph Casino of Southern Cablevision (a former PCTA chairman for several years); Jose Joel Dabao of Kabankalan Cable Inc.; Efren “Jon” Arayata of Skycable, Inc.; Alex Paras of Parasat Cable TV Inc.; Pompeyo Abergas of Talavera Cable System; and Armando Merilleno of Cablelink and Holdings Corporation. The challenge to the new board is to ensure that the gains achieved with the signing of RA 10515 otherwise known as “The Anti-Cable TV and Cable Internet Tapping Law of 2013” be made to great use by cable operators. An infomercial video featuring Kim Atienza is available to members and copies can be obtained from the PCTA Office. The secretariat already mailed DVD copies for the members’ perusal and is also available online. We would also like to thank the former directors who had opted to devote their time to other endeavors though still continuing to commit their support for the association, for the selfless time and effort they gave to the association’s advocacies.

The second important activity would be the holding of a public hearing scheduled on June 4 on the proposed Memorandum Circular on RA 10515 by the National Telecommunications Commission for all affected and interested parties. Under the law, this regulatory agency is tasked to provide the Implementing Rules and Guidelines within the time prescribed by the law. We are hopeful that in the next issue, we would be able to inform our members of this much-awaited IRRs.

We are still awaiting too advice from DOST-PAGASA as what the mechanics are as to how the DOST-TV project will be carried out nationwide as provided in the Memorandum of Agreement it signed with PCTA during the convention. This was an effort on the part of the association to answer the call for social responsibility in our work and community.

Again we would like to remind our members and friends that we welcome comments/ suggestions and informative materials from them and that a space is always provided for this.

Thank you and God bless us all!


From Cebu City and back to Manila for its 21st edition, PCTA Convention, held last March 19-22 at the SMX Convention Center, broke records for the number of delegates, the number of represented cable companies, and the number of exhibiting companies. Anchored on its theme, “Digital Now!” the Philippine Cable Television Association (PCTA) pulled all stops to stage another successful edition of the country’s biggest cable industry event.

Adopting past convention’s schedule, the PCTA hosted a Golf Tournament in the morning of March 19 at Ayala Greenfield Golf and Leisure Club. In the afternoon, a pre-convention session at SMX Convention Center was held wherein a compact line-up of topics geared towards both personal and business growth were discussed by renowned speakers that include Mr. Howell Mabalot, Dr. Francisco Colayco, Mr. Jose Manuel Fernando, and Mr. TJ Manotoc.

To welcome the delegates, Creative Programs Inc. hosted a dinner party in the evening at Buffet 101 while later on, Solar Entertainment treated the delegates to drinks and entertainments at Oceana.

The formal Opening Ceremony took place in the morning of March 20 with Mr. Eugenio Lopez III, Chairman of ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corporation, as the Keynote speaker. Also in attendance were special guests from the Legislature, Senator Gregorio Honasan and Representative Sigfrido Tinga, National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) Commissioner Gamaliel A. Cordoba, and Cable and Satellite Broadcasting Association of Asia (CASBAA) CEO, Mr. Christopher Slaughter, and Chief Policy Officer, Mr. John Medeiros.

The Exhibit Ribbon-cutting Ceremony followed right after with Rep. Tinga, Mr. Lopez, Mr. Slaughter, PCTA Chairman Elpidio Paras,

President Allan Dungao, and Convention Chairman Cedric Sazon doing the honors.

Forty-eight (48) companies led by Gold Sponsors Fox International Channels (FIC), Cable Box Office Shows and Systems (Cable Boss), Asian Cable Communications, Inc. (ACCION), SES, and Trinity Broadcasting Networks (TBN) showcased an impressive display of the latest programs, equipment, and technology available to the cable TV industry. The Silver Sponsors of the event were France 24, HBO, Solar Entertainment, Solar TV, Euronews, and Channel News Asia. After the luncheon hosted by FIC, the PCTA signed a Memorandum of Agreement with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) affirming the PCTA members’ commitment to assist the DOST by hosting weather sensors in their respective area of operation that would provide on-time and accurate weather information to the public thru the agency’s Project NOAH. PCTA President Dungao and PAGASA-DOST Administrator, Dr. Nathaniel Servando signed the agreement with PCTA Chairman Paras and DOST-Project NOAH Executive Director Dr. Mahar Lagmay, as witnesses. After the signing, Dr. Lagmay presented a short video clip showing people being swept away by a knee-level flashflood, further underscoring the necessity of having disaster mitigation and prevention program for the country.

NTC Commissioner Gamaliel Cordoba entertained questions regarding regulatory issues and concerns from the delegates during the NTC Forum. He was also joined on stage by Broadcast Head Engr. Alvin Blanco and Director Edgardo Cabarrios.

by Anne B. Manalansan

21ST PCTA CONVENTION EMBRACES

DIGITAL MINDSETMr. Eugenio “Gabby” Lopez III

Dr. Francisco Colayco Mr. TJ Manotoc Sen. Gregorio Honasan II Hon. Sigfrido Tinga

Continued on Page 7


The annual PCTA General Membership Assembly took place later in the afternoon. PCTA President Dungao and Treasurer, Mr. Ray Montinola, delivered their respective reports to the members. For the second year in a row, the members voted for the 15 members of the board who will take office from June 1, 2013 to May 31, 2014 electronically using computers. Elected to the board are:

1. Joseph Arguelles - Asian Vision Cable Holdings Inc.2. Allan Dungao - Satellite Cable Network Inc.3. Amelita Ledesma - SkyCable Corp.4. Pompeyo Abergas - Talavera Cable System5. Venancio Lo - Romblon Cable Corp.6. Armando Merilleno - Cablelink and Holdings Corp.7. Efren Jon Arayata Jr. - Sky Cable Corporation8. Goering Paderanga Jr. - Misamis CATV Network Inc.9. Alexander Paras - Parasat Cable TV Inc. 10. Cedric Sazon - Kalibo Cable TV Network Inc.11. Jose Luis Dabao - Kabankalan CATV Inc.12. Ralph Casiño - Southern Cablevision Inc.13. Victoriano Sy Sr. - Marbel Services and Television System14. Lorlyn Velarde - First United Broadcasting Corp.15. Romeo Zerrudo - Z-Energy CATV Network Inc.

Simultaneous sessions – one for Management and another one for Technical – were held on March 21 starting at 9 o’clock in the morning to discuss digitization and related matters.

During the Management session, panels of expert speakers discussed topics such as; Digital Transition is Here and Now! wherein key industry stakeholders discussed their experiences when they migrated to the digital platform; Cost Effective Ways to Go Digital wherein technology and equipment suppliers presented their respective company’s offerings that would make the digital transition affordable for cable operators; Programming Trends in the Digital Age from a panel composed of programmer executives; and Satellite Interference from a panel of experts from Cable and Satellite Broadcast Association of Asia (CASBAA). Resource persons also presented and discussed Technology Update on Broadband Services and Reinventing the TV Experience.

The Technical session, on the other hand, presented a line-up of topics discussed by both local and foreign technology experts touching on the broad aspect of digital technology to separate the facts from the myth, as well new technologies such as Over the Top (OTT), TV Everywhere, Multi Screen, IPV4 preservation and IPV6 migration, business services over DOCSIS, and broadcast monitoring platform. The PCTA Technical Committee, led by Engr. Romeo Zerudo and Engr. Julian Ventura, also discussed the recent MOA signed by the PCTA and IECEP, as well as provided updates on the TESDA NCII assessment being undertaken by the association.

The much-anticipated PCTA Fellowship Night was held in the evening at One Esplanade. With Arabian Nights as theme, the delegates and guests were greeted at the entrance by lovely belly dancers while Middle Eastern mood music set the tone of the party. The crowd enjoyed the sumptuous dinner sponsored by SES, while bar sponsor Creative Programs Inc. (CPI), kept the drinks flowing throughout the night. Viva Communications Inc. provided the night’s very entertaining line-up of dancers and singers that delighted all the attendees. Everyone stayed until the end of the show for a chance to win one of several LED television sets, cellular phones, t-shirts, and a ladder which were raffled off.

On the last day of the Conference, a half-day Management session featured presentations from Exset, ARRIS, PCT, and Samsung. Simultaneously, the annual Cablelympics was also held, pitting 26 technical personnel from different cable companies for a chance to win a medal and a cash prize. This year’s Cablelympics champion is Mr. Dominique T. Cimagala of Morning Star Cable TV, with Mr. Manolo V. Umali of NVC Mahalika Cable Systems garnering 2nd Place and Mr. Anthony D. Gono of Asian Vision Cable Holdings, Inc. on 3rd Place.

A total of 33 regular members and five affiliate members received this year’s Loyalty Awards for their continuous membership to the association. These companies are:

PCTA CONVENTION | from Page 6...

Continued on Page 8


REGULAR MEMBERS: Number of YearsLUZON

1. ANGELES CITy CABLE TELEVISION NETWORK, INC. 20 2. DISCOVERy CABLE TV SERVICES 20 3. H.M. CATV, INC. 20 4. HM CABLE NETWORKS, INC. 20 5. HOME- LIPA CABLE, INC. 20 6. INTERLINK CABLE TELEVISION, INC. 20 7. PILIPINO CABLE CORPORATION - CAMANAVA 20 8. PILIPINO CABLE CORPORATION - RIZAL 20 9. ROMBLON CABLE CORPORATION 20 10. ROyAL CABLEVISION CORPORATION 20 11. SAMPALOC CAT-V SySTEM CORPORATION 20 12. TAMARAW VISION NETWORK, INC. 20 13. BULAN SATELLITE T.V., INC. 15 14. CHANNEL PLUS CABLE NETWORK, INC. 15 15. COLORVIEW CATV, INC. - IBA & MASINLOC, ZAMBALES 15 16. DCTV CABLE NETWORK BROADBAND SERVICES, INC. 15 17. JETT CABLE TV 15 18. JML CABLE ENTERTAINMENT NETWORK, INC. 15 19. TICAO CABLE TELEVISION, INC. 15 20. PLANET CABLE, INC. 10 21. SAN NICOLAS CABLE NETWORK 10 22. SUPERIOR CABLE TV 10 23. TRI-EX ENGINEERING & STEEL PRODUCTS 5

VISAYAS

1. NEGROS CABLE TELEVISION, INC. 20 2. CORDOVA CABLE TV NETWORK 15 3. MAMBUSAO CABLE TV NETWORK 15 4. MULTI-SERVICE ENTERPRISE CATV 15 5. ROyAL MULTI-MEDIA, INC. 15

MINDANAO

1. DAVAO CABLE WORLD NETWORK, INC. 20 2. SKyLINE COMMUNITy NETWORK, INC. 20 3. TRINITy CABLE TV 20 4. SIBUGUEy VALLEy CATV COOPERATIVE 15 5. SULTAN CABLE SySTEM, INC. 15

AFFILIATE MEMBERS:

1. AMITy SATELLITE SySTEMS, INC. 20 2. RICKLEE ENTERPRISES, INC. 20 3. VIVA ENTERTAINMENT, INC. 10 4. fRANCE 24 5 5. TV5MONDE 5

Mr. Christian Motong of Cordova Cable TV Network

Ms. Neng Delmacio of Pilipino Cable

Mr. Rene Gianan of Tri-Ex Engineering

Mr. Jose Lising of JML Cable Entertainment Network, INC.

Ms. Julieta Pabustan of Colorview CATV, INC.

Mr. Jude Ariel Pambid of Pilipino Cable

PCTA CONVENTION | from Page 7...


“In this era of increasing competition...

staying analog is no longer an option.

We can ride the digital wave, or we can risk

being carried away by it.”

“...we can no longer see ourselves as just being cable tv operators. In much the same

way, the telecom companies no longer see themselves as just

telephone providers... We have to work together as an industry so that we

can harness our unity as a competitive advantage.”

PCTA Chairman Elpi Paras, PCTA President Allan Dungao, Convention Chair Cedric Sazon, fellow members of the PCTA, ladies and gentlemen, good morning.

First of all, I would like to congratulate the PCTA leadership for having the Cable Bill finally passed into law. After nine years of lobbying with Congress, it is a significant achievement for our industry to have this important piece of legislation. I'm sure it will be a big help in managing our business and in improving the quality of service we deliver to our customers.

On another note, it's hard to believe that we are celebrating twenty five years of the PCTA. Sky has also been in the industry for twenty five years. And a sure sign of how long we have been in the business is the fact that many of our long-time friends have already passed on the management of their companies to the next generation. I've seen RMJ passing on the reins to Paco, I understand Elpi and Tony Selda have asked their sons to play larger roles in the business. I turned 60 years old last year and have also retired from ABS and from Sky. But as the older people in this

room know, you never really retire from your business; you just spend less time in the office. I'm sure Nanding Morales and Philip Chien will agree with me.

Spending less time in the office means having more time to think about the business. And I think our industry is going through some very significant changes--changes that will determine what the competitive landscape will look like five years from now.

New competition is the first big wave to hit the pay TV business. Already, we've seen how a giant like PLDT has come in and directly attacked the cable business with campaigns like "Hindigital" and "Clearer than Cable". They have talked increasingly about expanding fiber in the home both in Manila and in key regional cities, ostensibly for broadband, but ultimately IPTV deployments as well. As a telecoms company, it is inevitable that they will pursue their triple play or quad play agendas, offering the consumer a bundle of pay TV and wired/wireless data services.

But most importantly, while much of their growth today coming from non-cabled areas, it is only a matter of time before they dedicate their full resources at competing head-on in our cabled markets. That means you, me and everyone else in this room, has to consider the near term reality that we will be competing against an operator with capital, on a digital platform, with the capability to offer discounted product bundles, and who is deliberately running after our customers.

For all of us to stay competitive and to keep our businesses thriving, I would suggest that the PCTA consider two initiatives to support the industry.

The first proposal is for the PCTA to help in the digitization of the smaller cable operator. In this era of increasing competition, where the phone companies have decided to stake a claim in our pay TV business, staying analog is no longer an option. We can ride the digital wave, or we can risk being carried away by it. Our experience at Sky is that digitization has been the single most important driver of the past three years' subscriber growth.

Below is the complete text of Mr. Eugenio ‘Gabby’ Lopez’ III Keynote Speech

Continued on Page 18


S. No. 3345H. No. 709

Republic of the Philippines

Congress of the Philippines

Metro Manila

Fifteenth Congress

Third Regular Session

Begun and held in Metro Manila, on Monday, the twenty-third day of July, two thousand twelve.

¯¯¯ ¯¯¯

[REPUBLIC ACT NO. 10515]

AN ACT PROHIBITING AND PENALIZING UNAUTHORIZED INTERCEPTION, RECEPTION OR USE OF ANY SIGNAL OR SERVICE OVER A CABLE TELEVISION SYSTEM ORCABLE INTERNET SYSTEM AND/OR NETWORK, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines inCongress assembled:

SECTION 1. Short Title - This Act shall be known as the “Anti-Cable Television and Cable Internet Tapping Act of 2013.”

SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. - The State recognizes the indispensable role of the private sector, encourages private enterprise, and provides incentives to needed investments. Pursuant thereto, this Act aims to protect the Cable Television and Cable Internet Industries from cable pilferage.

SEC. 3. Definition of Terms. - As used in this Act:

a) Cable Television (CATV) Service refers to the transmission or delivery of video and audio signals and programming for a fee, through fiber optics, coaxial cable and other technological means;

b) Cable Internet Service refers to the transmission or delivery of electronic signals for a fee, to provide and facilitate access to the worldwide web, for a fee, through a 9ATV transmission or delivery system/network.

R.A. No. 10515Anti-Cable TV and Cable Internet

Tapping Act of 2013



c) Cable Television (CATV) System/Network refers to a facility engaged in the transmission or delivery of video and audio signals and programming for a fee, through fiber optics, coaxial cable and other technological means.

d) Cable Internet System/Network refers to a facility engaged in the transmission or delivery of electronic signals for a fee, to provide and facilitate access to the worldwide web, for a fee, through a CATV transmission or delivery system/network.

e) Cable Television (CATV) Service Provider refers to any person, natural or juridical, public or private, which was granted a Certificate of Authority or Provisional Authority as provided under existing laws, rules and regulations, to install, operate and maintain a CATV System/Network and is actually providing Cable Television (CATV) Service to its subscribers.

f) Cable Internet Service Provider refers to any person, natural or juridical, public or private, which was issued a registration certificate as provided under existing laws, rules and regulations, to provide and facilitate access to the worldwide web, for a fee, through a CATV transmission or delivery system/network and is actually providing Cable Internet Service to its subscribers.

SEC. 4. Prohibited Acts. - It is hereby declared unlawful for any person, whether natural or juridical, public or private, to:

a) intercept or receive, or assist in intercepting or receiving, any service offered over a cable television system or a cable internet system by tapping, making or causing to be made, any connection to an existing CATV System/Network or Cable Internet System/Network without the authority of the concerned CATV Service Provider or Cable Internet Service Provider;

b) record, reproduce, distribute, import or sell, any intercepted or received CATV System/Network signals without the authority of the concerned CATV Service Provider or Cable Internet Service Provider;

c) use or receive any direct or indirect benefit from any CATV System/Network or Cable Internet System/Network with knowledge that it is a result of any of acts enumerated in the paragraphs (a) or (b) above; or

d) wantonly, maliciously or willfully damage, destroy or remove CATV and/or Cable Internet facilities and accessories of authorized CATV and/or Cable Internet Service Providers.

SEC. 5. Penalties. - Any person who commits any of the unlawful acts enumerated in the next preceding section shall be punished with imprisonment of not less than two (2) years but not more than five (5) years or a fine of not less than Fifty Thousand (P50,000.00) pesos nor more than One Hundred Thousand (P100,000.00) pesos or both, at the discretion of the court. If the offender is a corporation or association, the president, manager, managing partner or any officer of the corporation or partnership who directly participated in the violation of this Act shall be held liable.

SEC. 6. Information Dissemination. - Within sixty (60) days after the effectivity of this Act, the National Telecommunications Commission shall undertake an information dissemination campaign to inform the public of the existence of this Act.

SEC 7. Rules and Regulations. - The National Telecommunications Commission, in consultation with CATV and Cable Internet Service Providers and other affected parties, shall, within sixty (60) days after the


Management Sessions

Technical Sessions

March 21 - 22, 2013

March 21, 2013

Mr. Joselino Galicia, Bongao Cable TV Network, Inc.

Mr. Rahul Nehra, EXSET Mr. Mickael Zeggagh

Mr. John Medeiros (CASBAA), Mr. Garie Pimentel (Asia Broadcast Satellite), Mr. John Christensen Horne (CASBAA), Mr. Mark Lee, Mr. Elpidio Paras (Parasat Cable)

Mr. Roger Siow, Conax As Mr. Patrick Lee, Arris Mr. Ted Chan, CISCO

Mr. Mark Lee, SESMr. Edwin Ko, HarmonicFrom L-R: Engr. Pere Esquillo, Atty. G2 Paderanga, Engr. Jules Ventura, Mr. Edwin ko, Mr. Eric Patterson

Fellowship Night

EXHIBIT

March 21, 2013


conduct of public hearings which must commence within thirty (30) working days upon the effectivity of this Act, issue the implementing rules and regulations to ensure the efficient and effective implementation of the provisions of this Act.

SEC. 8. Separability Clause. - If, for any reason, any section or provision of this Act is held invalid or unconstitutional, the remainder of the law or the provisions not otherwise affected shall remain valid and subsisting.

SEC. 9. Repealing Clause. - All laws, presidential decrees or issuances, executive orders, letters of instruction, administrative orders, rules or regulations contrary to, or inconsistent with, the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed, modified or amended accordingly.

SEC. 10. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its complete publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,

Approved,


The 10th edition of Cablelympics was once again held at the SMX Convention Center last March 22, 2013 with twenty six (26) delegates participating to determine who will be this year’s champion.

The members of the PCTA Technical committee namely, Engr. Jules Ventura of Cable Television Network, Inc., Engr. Allan Mundina of Satellite Cable Network, Inc., and PCTA in-house Engr. Pere Esquillo, with the special participation of Engr. Neil Tagabi of Asian Vision Cable Holdings, Inc. and Engr. Ronald Tuzon of Sky Cable Corporation, comprised the Panel of Judges. Quiz Masters of the Cablelympics were Engr. Joseph Arguelles of Asian Vision Cable Holdings, Inc. and Engr. Pat Manlangit of MSC Cable Television Corporation.

At the Elimination Round, the participants were asked fifteen questions, comprised of easy, average, and hard questions. The ten (10) participants who topped the elimination round were Florante Pasco of St. Joseph Cable Visions, Inc., Manolo Umali of NVC Mahalika Cable Systems, Inc., Mariel A. De Torres of NVC Maharlika Cable Systems, Inc., Anthony D. Gono of Asian Vision Cable Holdings, Inc., Manny T. Benito of RBC Cable Master System, Micaen A. Manalo of Cablelink and Holdings Corporation, Erwin F. Ventura Of ClusterAsia Corporation, Eleuterio C. Ungsod of Kalibo Cable TV Network, Inc., yul G. Barcenilla of Palapag Cable TV MPC, and Dominique T. Cimagala of Morning Star Cable TV. The semi-finalists received prizes from Amity Satellite, Inc.

During the Semi-Final Round, the ten semi-finalists were given three

(3) problem-solving questions. The top three (3) who emerged were Manolo Umali of NVC Mahalika Cable Systems, Anthony D. Gono of Asian Vision Cable Holdings, Inc., and Dominique T. Cimagala of Morning Star Cable TV. They moved to the final round to battle for the 1st place, 2nd place and 3rd place.

At the Final Round, the three were presented with cable materials and equipment which they need to assemble based on the block diagram and tools given to them. The finalists were judged on workmanship & accuracy, and speed. Sky Cable Corporation provided the materials, equipment, and tools that were used during the competition.

After all the points have been checked and tallied, the following were declared winners of the 10th Cablelympics:

1st Prize : Dominique T. Cimagala - Morning Star Cable TV 2nd Prize : Manolo V. Umali – NVC Mahalika Cable Systems 3rd Prize : Anthony D. Gono – Asian Vision Cable Holdings, Inc.

The winners each received a medal and cash prize, as well as a set of tools and safety gadgets from Install All Enterprises.

PCTA would also like to acknowledge Coast Cable Sales & Services, Inc. for their support.

10th Cablelympics by Engr. Pere Esquillo


MULTIPLEX CONFIGURATIONDepending on whether QAM 64 or 256 is to be used for digital modulation, the multiplexer is to be configured to offer the appropriate mixing. The multiplexer is configured by connecting it to a PC, through SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) via an Ethernet port. Table 1 shows the different digital output bit rates applicable for QAM 64 & QAM 256.

Symbol Rates (Msps)

Transmissionrate¹ (Mbps)

Channel spacing (MHz)

64-QAMmodulation

5.056941 30.341650 6

6.952000 41.712000 8

256-QAMmodulation

5.360537 42.884296 6

6.952000 55.616000 8

Table 1: Downstream transmission rates and bandwidths

NOTES:1. The ‘transmission rate’ is the rate at which binary digits

are transported. The rate at which useful information is transmitted will always be less than this figure because of the existence in the signal of overhead Bits. In the downstream signal path, the overhead accounts for approximately 10% of the transmitted signal, and in the upstream signal path the figure is approximately 15%.

SCRAMBLINGCAS requires that pay channels be scrambled and the subscriber's STB decodes/un-scrambles only the channels that they pay for. Hence, a digital headend that carries pay channels will typically have to scramble the pay channels.

MPEGEncoder

MPEGEncoder

MPEGEncoder

MPEGEncoder

SCRAMBLER QAMMODULATOR

Video

Audio

Video

Video

Video

Audio

Audio

Audio

DIG

ITA

L C

HA

NN

EL

MU

LTIP

LEX

ER

Channel 1

Channel 2

Channel 3

Channel 20

ANALOG INPUT DIGITAL OUTPUT

EthernetLink

Subscriber Management System (SMS)Electronic Program Guide (EPG) &Network Management System (NMS)

Fig. 3 Location of the scrambler in the digital headend.

Each multiplex output requires a separate scrambler. The cost of the scrambler can vary very widely depending on the scrambling system used. Note that if their multiplexer is configured with 4

outputs, 4 separate scramblers will have to be installed, increasing the cost of digital headend vary substantially. For free-to-air (FTA) channels no scramblers to be used and the output of the multiplexer is fed directly to a QAM modulator as shown in Fig. 3.

QAM MODULATORSA single QAM modulator will modulate multiple channels. All channels within a single transport stream (e.g. 8 to 12 channels) are modulated by a single QAM modulator. As a result, the cost of digital modulation per Digital Channel is not very high and in fact comparable with the cost of good quality analog modulators. The QAM modulator can be user configured for QAM 64 or QAM 256 modulation.

SATELLITERECEIVER/

IRD

SATELLITERECEIVER/

IRD

SATELLITERECEIVER/

IRD

MUX SCRAMBLER QAMMODULATOR

MPEGEncoder

MPEGEncoder

MPEGEncoder

MPEGEncoder

SCRAMBLER QAMMODULATOR

Video

Audio

Video

Video

Video

Audio

Audio

Audio

DIG

ITA

L C

HA

NN

EL

MU

LTIP

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TRANS-MODULATOR FOR FTA CHANNELS

Channel 1

Channel 2

Channel 3

Channel 20

COMBINER

ANALOG INPUT

DIGITAL OUTPUTFor

CATV DISTRIBUTION

DIGITAL OUTPUT

EthernetLink

Subscriber Management System (SMS)Electronic Program Guide (EPG) &Network Management System (NMS)

Fig. 4 A Complete Digital Headend

TRANSMODULATORSSatellite transmissions use QPSK modulation. Cable TV transmission use QAM modulation. A transmodulator simply converts the digital signal from the satellite which has QPSK modulation into a digital signal, with the same properties but with QAM modulation. Such a QPSK to QAM converted digital signals can be directly mixed at the final output of the digital headend. This is shown in Figure 4.

IP DIGITAL SIGNALSIn this entire article we have referred to the digital signal in the

Strictly technical. Strictly technical

by Engr. Allan C. Mundina

THE BASIC ARCHITECTURE OF A DIGITAL CATV HEADEND (Part II)



Cable BOSS once again asserted it's position in the Philippine Pay-TV Industry as it participated in the recent PCTA Convention at SMX Concention Center, Pasay City on March 20-22, 2013. With it's fun games & activities and exciting raffle items, Cable BOSS attracted throngs of Cable Operators who attended the event.

Partnering with Panasonic, Cable BOSS showcased its channels es-pecially its major sponsors namely Warner TV, DIVA Universal, Car-toon Network, Toonami, CNN, Outdoor Channel and Motorvision. The show kicked-off with the appearance of the most-loved charac-ters of Nickelodeon: Dora the Explorer & Boots, Diego, Spongebob Squarepants and Patrick. Photo ops were done simultaneously with the DIVA Universal on-the-spot Styling Contest where the partici-pants get to flaunt their inner Fashion Star. For the guys, Cable BOSS had a Warner TV Arrow Game where winners received the coveted Arrow Hoodies, and the Outdoor Channel Shooting Game where they vied for the exclusive Sun Visors and Coca-Cola Products. Cable BOSS also gave away exciting prizes like Gift Certificates from Gerry's Grill and RED Channel Samurai Umbrellas during its raffle portions. The affiliates were also treated to cups of San Mig Coffee Brown, Chococino, Strong and White during the 3-day event. Finally, Finn and Jake of Cartoon Network's top-rated show, Adventure Time also

graced the event.

The PCTA Convention also served as a platform for the launch of new channels under Cable BOSS' distributorship namely, Da Vinci Channel, the educational channel for the whole family, Martial Arts TV which broadcasts a leading mix of MMA and Kickboxing from around the world alongside Classical Martial Arts, Hyper, the serious sports channel for the serious sports fans, Colours, a living magazine channel designed to appeal to varying tastes of women across the country and Motorvision TV, a channel dedicated to enthusiasts of motorsport may they be on air, land and sea.

With it's ever-growing channel offerings and impeccable after sales service, Cable BOSS strengthen its position as the country's domi-nant network distributor and media supplier. For more information on Cable BOSS' programs and services, you may call us at (+632) 633 7361/ (+632) 6363521. you can also like us on FB: facebook.com/Ca-bleBOSSPhil and follow us on Twitter: @CableBOSSPhil for program schedules and updates.

One Great Source. All Great Networks.

Cable BOSS Dominates the 2013 PCTA Convention

by Billy C. Salcedo

A player wins an Arrow Hoodie

Affiliates strike a pose with Nickelodeon Characters

An Affiliate receives his Outdoor Channel Sunvisor

Cable BOSS Crew with Finn and Jake of Adventure Time

CB Team in Arrow Uniform

Stefan Jalbuena of Celebrity Cable TV receives Gift Certificate from Gerry's Grill


ASI digital format. While ASI is very widely used in most digital headends worldwide, it is not the only option. The wide adoption of the internet had led to widespread use of the IP (Internet Protocol) digital data format. Encoders that support TS/IP output are now available in the market. If you choose to use this type of configuration, you no longer need a multiplexer instead you need to install a network manager between the QAM modulator (RF Gateway) and the TS/IP out of the encoders. The network manager‘s function is to perform advanced video processing, grooming and re-multiplexing of the signal. And also the network manager makes the easy integration point of the CAS.

The use of IP digital signals throughout the digital headend enable IPTV to be also easily deployed from the same digital headend. However IPTV is usually deployed by telephone companies using digital modems and IPTV set top boxes. Cable

TV distribution networks typically use DVB-C STBs. A detailed review of IP digital streams is beyond the scope of this article and may be covered in a separate article, sometime in the future.

SUMMARY

This article was intended to provide a quick and basic overview of how a digital TV headend is configured. Even from this brief article, it is clear that the cable network needs to carefully consider the features and costs for each digital headend building block and integrated to form a well-functioning headend. Although there is a lot of digital CATV headend equipment available in the market, each and every Cable Operator has the right to choose of the best equipment for their system. Many members of the association are already embracing the digital technology and I think more than willing to help in terms of giving pieces of advice regarding their experiences to the new comers in this technology.

Digital has allowed us to increase channel capacity, to give the customer many subscription options, and to launch innovations like High Definition, Personal Video Recorders, and ala carte pricing. If you compare our pre-digital versus post-digital performance, we have doubled our annual sales volumes, and cut down disconnection rates by half.

But even at Sky, we are struggling to make these kinds of investments in upgrading to digital for our smaller systems. It's easy to justify these investments in systems of 10,000 subs or more. It's not so easy to do for the smaller areas.

So I would propose that the PCTA take the lead in helping the smaller operators create digital consortiums. These consortiums would consist of operators in the same areas or in contiguous systems who would then agree to invest in a shared digital head-end. The consortiums could also explore connecting to this central head-end via fiber. These fiber connections can eventually be used to create an interconnected telecommunications network for cable TV customers. Hopefully, over time, many of us can be connected to each other, and offer our customers unlimited VOIP calling over coax to any other cable customer. That's another level of service for us to compete against the telcos.

The other heavy investment in digitization is driven by the cost of the Set Top Boxes. Again, maybe the PCTA can take the lead in offering a central negotiating body that will try and secure the best volume discounts and unit pricing from an accredited list of suppliers. If we can negotiate with all our volumes together, I'm sure we can drive down the digitization cost for all operators. In Sky alone, as we've increased our sales volumes, our box costs have come down by half over the past five years.

The other big driver of our growth is broadband or data revenues. We have been growing the business by over 30% a year over the past three years, mainly due to the superior speeds of DOCSIS 3, and through creative packaging with our

cable TV service. But we have never been comfortable relying on the telecom companies for our Internet bandwidth. They are our competitors in this business and they have a vested interest in keeping our costs high.

I would say that our industry will face the same challenges. For us to grow our broadband business, we have to rely on the very companies we compete with. It's not a good place to be. Again, I would propose that the PCTA take the lead in creating a consortium of operators to try and secure internet connectivity directly from the international consortiums, without having to pass thru the local telcos. If we pool our requirements together, it may be enough for us to invest in having a direct connection, and reduce our reliance on the telcos for bandwidth.

The inescapable fact is that we can no longer see ourselves as just being cable tv operators. In much the same way, the telecom companies no longer see themselves as just telephone providers. In this era of content and technology convergence, the big companies have decided that they are going to be in content and in pay TV. Together, our industry should have this overwhelming response: if you decide to play in our backyard, we are going to play in yours.

But to stay competitive against these giants cannot be just a matter of conviction. We have to work together as an industry so that we can harness our unity as a competitive advantage. I think the PCTA will have to shepherd us through these challenging times, and let us know what we can do as an industry to protect our members from increasing telco competition. I hope we can work together to ensure that another twenty years from today, we have healthy, thriving and profitable companies to pass on to the next generation. You can count on our full support at Sky to help in any way we can.

Thank you.

STRICTLY TECHNICAL | from Page 16...

KEYNOTE | from Page 9...

Advisory to PCTA Members

To allow us to better serve our members:

1. Please update your official authorized representative, address, contact number(s) and email with the secretariat to facilitate better communication.

2. In an agreement entered into by PCTA with TV5Monde, France24, Al Jazeera, Euronews, and Channel NewsAsia, these channels are giving free carriage to PCTA members. Members are therefore encouraged to carry the FTA signal and advise the channel assignment to facilitate authorization documentation.

3. Assistance in processing MTRCB permits. 4. Use of the comments/suggestions box by members is highly appreciated.

Did you know?A psychologist walked around a room while teaching stress management to an audience. As she raised a glass of water, everyone expected they'd be asked the "half empty or half full" question. Instead, with a smile on her face, she inquired: "How heavy is this glass of water?"

Answers called out ranged from 8 oz. to 20 oz.

She replied, "The absolute weight doesn't matter. It depends on how long I hold it. If I hold it for a minute, it's not a problem. If I hold it for an hour, I'll have an ache in my arm. If I hold it for a day, my arm will feel numb and paralyzed. In each case, the weight of the glass doesn't change, but the longer I hold it, the heavier it becomes." She continued, "The stresses and worries in life are like that glass of water. Think about them for a while and nothing happens. Think about them a bit longer and they begin to hurt. And if you think about them all day long, you will feel paralyzed – incapable of doing anything."

Thank you!See you on April 1 - 4, 2014SMX Convention Center

Pasay City

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