Business
Why Digitalization of Cable TV in India is Necessary?
Living in the UK for few years I was wondering how the cable distribution technology has evolved with the advancement in the electronics and space technology. With Satellite television or digital set top boxes, television companies are now able to track how famous is their channel with how many people are subscribed. People get seamless high picture and sound quality and they pay for only those channels which they watch. I have even heard of the rumours that the new Xbox gaming console will be able to track your TV viewing habits and reward you with achievements for watching certain advertisements or for completing certain series or other dynamically added customized goals. All this is possible with the digitalization of cable TV.
When I arrived in India few weeks back I was surprised that until then there was no mandatory rule to digitalize the analog cable network in the country which is the hub of global entertainment. Television channels are relying more on advertisements for money than on subscription. While in big metropolitan cities like Delhi, Mumbai and Chennai digital TV had become popular, but its popularity was still very less in other cities like Bangalore, Hyderabad, Kanpur, etc. It was very recently that government of India strictly banned analog cable TV in almost all major cities and will be completely banned in India by the end of 2014.
In UK there are already a number of digital TV service provider and I was subscribed to BT packages which provided TV and inclusive broadband and call facility for £25 ($38) a month which included a one-time gift card for the same amount. A similar service can be provided by Reliance or Airtel in India if they merge their broadband and call services with digital TV. MTNL has already been providing a similar facility through its IPTV service which is a broadband cum TV service in Delhi and Mumbai.
When compared to UK, TV subscription in India is extremely cheaper. Cable operators were providing nearly 100 channels for mere $3-$6 depending on the region. Digital TV can also be more or less for the same cost. Depending on the requirement, a subscriber can reduce his or her monthly bill up to $2-$3, however, viewers will have to make one-time investment buying and installation of set top box/satellite signal receiver.
How will you be benefited?
Cable operators could provide only 100-150 channels whereas there are nearly 600 channels available in India. Most of the TV sets support storing of only 100 channels, thus to view additional channels viewers have to manually override the particular channel for temporary viewing. With set top box viewing more than 500 channels can become easy without even storing them. Not all channels received through cable are clear, some are received with poor signal and noise. Viewers can’t watch any channel if there is technical fault, cable damage or load shedding at the place from where the cable operator operates. Viewers have to pay a full monthly bill even if they watch only one channel. Cables above the ground in the residential area causes complex wire mesh which is unpleasant to the eyes. A large number of cable operators bundle a lot of free-to-air channels with few paid channels and charge the subscribers more money claiming to provide more channels.
How the Industry will be benefited?
There are several limitations in the analogue system. Like, how I mentioned before, it is difficult to precisely estimate how many people are making use of cable services. Only the cable operators are aware of the actual numbers, in fact in some cases even they are not aware, as stealing cable line is very easy. Since stealing cable doesn’t cause any loss to the actual subscriber people do not raise complaint against this. As I mentioned above cable operators can only distribute nearly 100 to 150 channels, broadcasters who would like their channels to be distributed have to pay a hefty amount of fees to these operators. Cable operators also work as bill collection agents and the bill should be split between broadcasters, Multi System Operators and Local Cable Operators in the ratio proportion of 45:30:25. Since Local Cable Operators are in charge of their region, they do not report exact amount of subscribers and declare what is not even 20% of the whole ₹19,400 crores ($3.45billion) subscription based business, confirmed by a 2010 report by FICCI and KPMG.
Such a bold step by the government will reduce the control held by the Local Cable Operators and broadcasters will earn the actual money they deserve and subscribers will pay for only those channels they watch in high quality. In develop markets, such as United Kingdom, there are channels which survive entirely on subscription fees thus making themselves ad free. If in India this is implemented on time, we might see better viewing experience without having long advertisement breaks.
Digitalization of TV will also give scope to smart TV manufacturers to develop and implement more exciting features to make entertainment a better experience. As I mentioned Xbox integration earlier, I think it would be an advance feature which many young generation Indians would appreciate.
Business
Do’s and Don’t’s of Firing People

As a business leader one of the hardest things that you could do is fire an employee. Of course, it sounds like an easy thing to do if the employee is rightfully deserving of being fired, but it is a lot easier said than done. Is a decision that many managers actually lose a lot of sleep over, because it’s such a difficult undertaking.
No matter what you do though, whether you are firing somebody because they are just not the right fit for your business, or you are dismissing an employee for gross misconduct, legal issues can arise that could do damage to your business. HR professionals across the country will tell you that there are many different ways of gracefully terminating an employee’s contract, but there are some do’s and don’ts that you could do to make it an easier process that can help you deal with it. Let’s take a look at a few of those below.
- Do get everything in order before you fire them. From evidence as to the reason they are fired, to the paperwork for them to leave the business, get everything in order so that there are no loose ends. For a firing to go smoothly this needs to be prepared in advance. Before you terminate the employee, you need to be able to prevent any misunderstandings or even accusations of illegal activity going on. Follow the policies and procedures in place of your organization and if necessary, consult a lawyer. Secure computer files, make sure you pull together all in performance appraisals and written warnings as any other correspondence that you might need. You should also make sure that you have all of the payroll information in place so that you can reassure the person being fired that they will be paid according to the law.
- Do choose a private space. Let’s be honest, nobody wants to be fired from their job. It leaves a bad taste, it’s nothing to be proud of, and it can be embarrassing for the employee. When you are dismissing somebody, you need to choose the right time and place and make sure that there are no eavesdroppers. It’s always a good idea to do it as early in the week as possible at the end of the day so that you minimize impact to your business. If an employee depends on the company or their colleagues to get home, it just makes good sense to ensure that they are not going to be left stranded.
- Don’t fire somebody with an audience around. As we mentioned before, anybody in your business has a right to privacy. Doing it in front of an audience will be poor behavior on your part as an employer. It also won’t help people in the office to feel comforted by the idea that they may not be next. Use an official meeting space, as it’s a private and neutral location that is free from any disruption.
- Don’t forget to toe the line. If you terminate an employee on parental or medical leave, or you terminate an employee who is pregnant, you are going to open yourself up to a lawsuit. Toe the line when it comes to the law and make sure that you are firing somebody with all of your ducks in a row in advance.
Terminating an employee’s contract is not easy, but sometimes it needs to be done.
Business
Best Strategies to Create an Comfortable Atmosphere in Your Restaurant

Creating an inviting and comfortable atmosphere in any restaurant is essential for success. Customers often form their first impression of the restaurant based on its ambiance, and if it isn’t pleasant or enjoyable, they are less likely to come back. It’s important to consider all aspects that can make up a positive dining experience — from the decor to the music playing in your establishment to the service you provide. Here are some strategies that will help you create an atmosphere that customers won’t forget.
Decor:
The key to creating a cozy environment is by designing decor that reflects your restaurant’s style and promotes relaxation. Think about what kind of mood you want customers to feel when they enter your restaurant — from the lighting to the art on the walls to the decorations that adorn your tables. Depending on the cuisine you serve and the atmosphere you want to create, consider investing in muted tones or warm colors for a calming effect or bright and vibrant shades for an energetic vibe.
Music:
The music playing in your restaurant can make all the difference. Too loud music can be overwhelming and uncomfortable, while music that’s too quiet won’t create an inviting atmosphere at all. Consider investing in a music player for restaurant so you can control what music is played and when it starts and stops. You should also consider whether you want to provide live or recorded music. Live music will usually give customers a sense of authenticity and provide them with something to enjoy during their meal, while pre-recorded songs can help set the background without being distracting.
Service:
Your service can be just as important as the ambiance in creating a memorable experience. Make sure your staff is well-trained, friendly, and attentive to guests’ needs. Ensure they understand your restaurant’s standards and expectations — from proper table setting etiquette to how glasses should be filled. Customers greatly appreciate being treated with respect and kindness, so make sure your waitstaff is not only efficient but also shows genuine care for their customer’s satisfaction.
Atmosphere:
Creating the perfect atmosphere requires more than just the decor, music, and service — it also includes small touches that will make your restaurant stand out. For instance, consider offering complimentary snacks or appetizers to customers while they wait for their meals to arrive. You can also provide warm towels after meals as a sign of endearment and appreciation. Additionally, choosing linens with exquisite patterns or using fresh flowers on each table will add even more charm to your restaurant’s atmosphere.
Business
Turn Your Passion into a Career: How to Make Money Doing What You Love

Many dreams of turning their hobby, passion, or creative outlet into a career. It’s a beautiful idea, but it can take time to figure out where to start. Here’s a guide on successfully turning your hobby into a career.
Do Your Research
Before you turn your hobby into a business, please research and find out what the industry looks like, your potential customers and their needs. Next, consider your strengths, skills, and knowledge and decide how to use them in this new venture. Finally, consider what makes you unique in the industry and how you can market yourself.
Take A Strong Career Test
A Strong Career Test can help you identify your ideal job and the type of environment you would flourish in. In addition, knowing this information can give you an idea of what kind of business to start and whether it’s something you’d be passionate about.
Think About Finances and Legalities
Once you have an idea of what you want to do, consider the financial aspect – are there any costs associated with getting started? What sort of budget will you need? Will there be any tax implications? It’s also essential to think about the legal side of things – if necessary, consult with a lawyer specializing in business law so that you understand all the regulations associated with starting up and protecting your intellectual property rights.
Create a Business Plan
Now that you have researched and considered the legalities and finances involved, create a business plan that outlines all this information. Make sure it includes short-term and long-term objectives to keep track of your progress over time. Be realistic when setting targets for yourself – don’t aim too high at first because this could set you up for failure if it doesn’t pan out. Also, consider whether or not there is potential for growth or expansion once your business gets off the ground. This may include marketing strategies such as social media campaigns or investing in advertising materials such as brochures or flyers.
Start Networking
Networking is essential when launching any new business; it’s about building relationships with people who may be interested in your offer. Start by reaching out to family, friends, and acquaintances who may already know about your business or service offering; they may even be willing to share it with others! Additionally, join online groups related to your area of expertise – these are great places for exchanging ideas with like-minded people and potentially finding potential customers/collaborators/mentors/partners, etc. Finally, attend events such as trade shows or conferences where relevant topics are discussed – these are ideal opportunities for making connections within the industry that could prove beneficial down the line!
Turning your hobby into a career is no small task, but it can be approached thoughtfully and strategically! Please research the industry thoroughly before beginning to understand its nuances; familiarize yourself with the legalities of running a business; create a viable yet ambitious business plan; network extensively (both online & offline). And never give up! With dedication & hard work, anything is possible.
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