'Set-top boxes are fine'

The information and broadcasting ministry has said the set-top boxes imported by cable network companies met the stipulated quality standards set by the government.

The statement said the technology used for the manufacturing of the set-top boxes was not available in India and the boxes imported by the cable network companies were also subjected to random checking of their technical specifications by Broadcast Engineering Consultants India Limited (BECIL).

"The set-top boxes have been imported directly by different cable network operators from manufacturers, namely Hundon (Korea) and Konax (Norway) by Siticable, Humax (Korea) by Hathway, Nagravision by Hindujas, and C-Net (China) by Trinity," the statement said.

According to the statement, a team of engineers from BECIL was sent to Korea to inspect the manufacturing facilities and to report on quality control measures undertaken by the manufactures.

Reacting to news items, quoting Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dixit, that said set-top boxes of inferior technology were being imported, the I&B ministry said the statements of the chief minister were unwarranted and did not represent the factual position.

The statement also adds it is totally incorrect to say that the ministry of information and broadcasting has no plan of action or that it is confused about its approach.