PHILIPPINE ASSOCIATION, INC. CABLE LINE 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 Tournament March 19, 2013

Golf Tournament Participants

Mr. Ralph Casiño of Southern Cable Vision, Inc.

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, Exhibit Ribbon Hon. Sigrifrido Tinga; and PCTA Chairman, Mr. Elpidio Paras Cutting March 20, 2013 General Assembly and Elections March 20, 2013

PCTA - DOST MOA Signing

Hon. Gamaliel A. Cordoba, NTC Commissioner

Mr. Jude Turcuato, Fox International Channels

Mr. Pacito Manlangit,MSC

Mr. Elpidio Paras, PCTA Chairman

PCTA Elections In this issue

5 Keynote Address: Editor’s Note Mr. Eugenio “Gabby” Lopez III

Post Event Ariticle: PCTA Convention 2013 6 9

Anti-Cable TV and Cable Internet Tapping Act of 2013 R.A. No. 10515 10th Cablelympics 15

Strictly Technical 16 10 Place an AD on CABLE LINE Front Cover Php30,000*

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D I S C L A I M E R 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.

4 CABLE LINE | MAY - JUNE 2013 Editor’s Note 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 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 Amelita G. Ledesma on June 4 on the proposed Memorandum Circular on RA 10515 by the National 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!

Editor-in-Chief AMELITA G. LEDESMA Design and Layout SAM L. LANUZA Editorial Board ALLAN P. DUNGAO Circulation ELPIDIO M. PARAS ARLENE ALMAIDA C. TAN JOSE L. LOBREGAT BIENVENIDO L. SARILLA, JR. MARIA ROSALINA S. ODULIO Managing Editor and Advertising Manager ROSANNA B. MANALANSAN Publisher PHILIPPINE CABLE TELEVISION ASSOCIATION, INC. Editorial Assistant Unit 504 Taipan Place Condominium, F. Ortigas Jr. Road, Jennefer A. Mangussad Ortigas Center, Pasig City 1605, Phone: (632) 638-8541 • (632) 638-8544 • Fax : (632) 638-8542 Contributors Email: [email protected] • [email protected] Engr. allan mundina www.pcta.org.ph ENGR. PERE ESQUILLO CABLE BOSS ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

CABLE LINE | MAY - JUNE 2013 5 Dr. Francisco Colayco Mr. TJ Manotoc Sen. Gregorio Honasan II Hon. Sigfrido Tinga 21ST PCTA CONVENTION EMBRACES DIGITAL MINDSET by Anne B. Manalansan

Mr. Eugenio “Gabby” Lopez III

From Cebu City and back to Manila for its 21st edition, PCTA President Allan Dungao, and Convention Chairman Cedric Sazon Convention, held last March 19-22 at the SMX Convention doing the honors. Center, broke records for the number of delegates, the number of represented cable companies, and the number of exhibiting Forty-eight (48) companies led by Gold Sponsors Fox companies. Anchored on its theme, “Digital Now!” the Philippine International Channels (FIC), Cable Box Office Shows and Systems Cable Television Association (PCTA) pulled all stops to stage another (Cable Boss), Asian Cable Communications, Inc. (ACCION), SES, successful edition of the country’s biggest cable industry event. and Trinity Broadcasting Networks (TBN) showcased an impressive display of the latest programs, equipment, and technology available Adopting past convention’s schedule, the PCTA hosted aGolf to the cable TV industry. The Silver Sponsors of the event were Tournament in the morning of March 19 at Ayala Greenfield Golf France 24, HBO, Solar Entertainment, Solar TV, Euronews, and and Leisure Club. In the afternoon, a pre-convention session at SMX Channel News Asia. Convention Center was held wherein a compact line-up of topics geared towards both personal and business growth were discussed After the luncheon hosted by FIC, the PCTA signed a Memorandum by renowned speakers that include Mr. Howell Mabalot, Dr. of Agreement with the Department of Science and Technology Francisco Colayco, Mr. Jose Manuel Fernando, and Mr. TJ Manotoc. (DOST) affirming the PCTA members’ commitment to assist the DOST by hosting weather sensors in their respective area of operation To welcome the delegates, Creative Programs Inc. hosted a dinner that would provide on-time and accurate weather information to party in the evening at Buffet 101 while later on, Solar Entertainment the public thru the agency’s Project NOAH. PCTA President Dungao treated the delegates to drinks and entertainments at Oceana. and PAGASA-DOST Administrator, Dr. Nathaniel Servando signed the agreement with PCTA Chairman Paras and DOST-Project NOAH The formal Opening Ceremony took place in the morning of March Executive Director Dr. Mahar Lagmay, as witnesses. After the 20 with Mr. Eugenio Lopez III, Chairman of ABS-CBN Broadcasting signing, Dr. Lagmay presented a short video clip showing people Corporation, as the Keynote speaker. Also in attendance were being swept away by a knee-level flashflood, further underscoring special guests from the Legislature, Senator Gregorio Honasan the necessity of having disaster mitigation and prevention program and Representative Sigfrido Tinga, National Telecommunications for the country. Commission (NTC) Commissioner Gamaliel A. Cordoba, and Cable and Satellite Broadcasting Association of Asia (CASBAA) CEO, Mr. NTC Commissioner Gamaliel Cordoba entertained questions Christopher Slaughter, and Chief Policy Officer, Mr. John Medeiros. regarding regulatory issues and concerns from the delegates during the NTC Forum. He was also joined on stage by Broadcast Head Engr. The Exhibit Ribbon-cutting Ceremony followed right after with Alvin Blanco and Director Edgardo Cabarrios. Rep. Tinga, Mr. Lopez, Mr. Slaughter, PCTA Chairman Elpidio Paras, Continued on Page 7

6 CABLE LINE | MAY - JUNE 2013 PCTA CONVENTION | from Page 6...

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 System 5. Venancio Lo - Romblon Cable Corp. 6. Armando Merilleno - Cablelink and Holdings Corp. 7. Efren Jon Arayata Jr. - Corporation 8. 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 System 14. Lorlyn Velarde - First United Broadcasting Corp. 15. Romeo Zerrudo - Z-Energy CATV Network Inc.

Simultaneous sessions – one for Management and another The much-anticipated PCTA Fellowship Night was held one for Technical – were held on March 21 starting at 9 o’clock in the in the evening at One Esplanade. With Arabian Nights as theme, morning to discuss digitization and related matters. the delegates and guests were greeted at the entrance by lovely belly dancers while Middle Eastern mood music set the tone of During the Management session, panels of expert speakers the party. The crowd enjoyed the sumptuous dinner sponsored by discussed topics such as; Digital Transition is Here and Now! SES, while bar sponsor Creative Programs Inc. (CPI), kept the drinks wherein key industry stakeholders discussed their experiences flowing throughout the night. Viva Communications Inc. provided when they migrated to the digital platform; Cost Effective Ways to the night’s very entertaining line-up of dancers and singers that Go Digital wherein technology and equipment suppliers presented delighted all the attendees. Everyone stayed until the end of the their respective company’s offerings that would make the digital show for a chance to win one of several LED television sets, cellular transition affordable for cable operators; Programming Trends in phones, t-shirts, and a ladder which were raffled off. the Digital Age from a panel composed of programmer executives; and Satellite Interference from a panel of experts from Cable and On the last day of the Conference, a half-day Management Satellite Broadcast Association of Asia (CASBAA). Resource persons session featured presentations from Exset, ARRIS, PCT, and Samsung. also presented and discussed Technology Update on Broadband Simultaneously, the annual Cablelympics was also held, pitting 26 Services and Reinventing the TV Experience. technical personnel from different cable companies for a chance to win a medal and a cash prize. This year’s Cablelympics champion The Technical session, on the other hand, presented a line- is Mr. Dominique T. Cimagala of Morning Star Cable TV, with Mr. up of topics discussed by both local and foreign technology experts Manolo V. Umali of NVC Mahalika Cable Systems garnering 2nd Place touching on the broad aspect of digital technology to separate the and Mr. Anthony D. Gono of Asian Vision Cable Holdings, Inc. on 3rd facts from the myth, as well new technologies such as Over the Top Place. (OTT), TV Everywhere, Multi Screen, IPV4 preservation and IPV6 migration, business services over DOCSIS, and broadcast monitoring A total of 33 regular members and five affiliate members platform. The PCTA Technical Committee, led by Engr. Romeo Zerudo received this year’s Loyalty Awards for their continuous membership and Engr. Julian Ventura, also discussed the recent MOA signed by to the association. These companies are: the PCTA and IECEP, as well as provided updates on the TESDA NCII assessment being undertaken by the association. Continued on Page 8

CABLE LINE | MAY - JUNE 2013 7 PCTA CONVENTION | from Page 7...

REGULAR MEMBERS: Number of Years LUZON 1. Angeles City Cable Television Network, Inc. 20 2. Discovery Cable TV SERVICES 20 3. H.M. CATV, Inc. 20 Mr. Christian Motong of Cordova Cable TV 4. HM Cable Networks, Inc. 20 Network 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 Ms. Neng Delmacio of Pilipino Cable 15. Colorview CATV, Inc. - Iba & Masinloc, 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 Mr. Rene Gianan of Tri-Ex Engineering 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 Mr. Jose Lising of JML Cable Entertainment 1. Davao Cable World Network, Inc. 20 Network, INC. 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 Ms. Julieta Pabustan of Colorview CATV, INC. 5. TV5Monde 5

Mr. Jude Ariel Pambid of Pilipino Cable

8 CABLE LINE | MAY - JUNE 2013 “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.”

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

PCTA Chairman Elpi Paras, PCTA President room know, you never really retire from But most importantly, while much of their Allan Dungao, Convention Chair Cedric your business; you just spend less time in growth today coming from non-cabled Sazon, fellow members of the PCTA, ladies the office. I'm sure Nanding Morales and areas, it is only a matter of time before they and gentlemen, good morning. Philip Chien will agree with me. dedicate their full resources at competing head-on in our cabled markets. That means First of all, I would like to congratulate the Spending less time in the office means you, me and everyone else in this room, PCTA leadership for having the Cable Bill having more time to think about the has to consider the near term reality that finally passed into law. After nine years of business. And I think our industry is going we will be competing against an operator lobbying with Congress, it is a significant through some very significant changes- with capital, on a digital platform, with achievement for our industry to have this -changes that will determine what the the capability to offer discounted product important piece of legislation. I'm sure it competitive landscape will look like five bundles, and who is deliberately running will be a big help in managing our business years from now. after our customers. and in improving the quality of service we deliver to our customers. New competition is the first big wave to For all of us to stay competitive and to keep hit the pay TV business. Already, we've our businesses thriving, I would suggest On another note, it's hard to believe that seen how a giant like PLDT has come in that the PCTA consider two initiatives to we are celebrating twenty five years of the and directly attacked the cable business support the industry. PCTA. Sky has also been in the industry with campaigns like "Hindigital" and for twenty five years. And a sure sign of "Clearer than Cable". They have talked The first proposal is for the PCTA to how long we have been in the business is increasingly about expanding fiber in the help in the digitization of the smaller the fact that many of our long-time friends home both in Manila and in key regional cable operator. In this era of increasing have already passed on the management cities, ostensibly for broadband, but competition, where the phone companies of their companies to the next generation. ultimately IPTV deployments as well. As have decided to stake a claim in our pay I've seen RMJ passing on the reins to a telecoms company, it is inevitable that TV business, staying analog is no longer an Paco, I understand Elpi and Tony Selda they will pursue their triple play or quad option. We can ride the digital wave, or have asked their sons to play larger roles play agendas, offering the consumer a we can risk being carried away by it. in the business. I turned 60 years old last bundle of pay TV and wired/wireless data Our experience at Sky is that digitization year and have also retired from ABS and services. has been the single most important driver from Sky. But as the older people in this of the past three years' subscriber growth.

Continued on Page 18

CABLE LINE | MAY - JUNE 2013 9 R.A. No. 10515 Anti-Cable TV and Cable Internet Tapping Act of 2013 S. No. 3345 H. No. 709

Republic of the Philippines Congress of the Philippines

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 in Congress 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.

a)SEC. 3. CableDefinition Television of Terms. (CATV) - As usedService in this refers Act: to the transmission or delivery of video and audio signals

b)and programmingCable Internet for Servicea fee, through refers tofiber the optics, transmission coaxial or cable delivery and other of electronic technological signals means; for a fee, to provide and facilitate access to the worldwide web, for a fee, through a 9ATV transmission or delivery system/ network.

Continued on Page 11 10 CABLE LINE | MAY - JUNE 2013 c) Cable Television (CATV) System/Network refers to a facility engaged in the transmission or

technological means. delivery of video and audio signals and programming for a fee, through fiber optics, coaxial cable and other 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,

and regulations, to install, operate and maintain a CATV System/Network and is actually providing Cable Televisionwhich was (CATV)granted Service a Certificate to its ofsubscribers. Authority or Provisional Authority as provided under existing laws, rules

f) Cable Internet Service Provider refers to any person, natural or juridical, public or private, which

facilitate access to the worldwide web, for a fee, through a CATV transmission or delivery system/network andwas isissued actually a registration providing Cablecertificate Internet as provided Service to under its subscribers. existing laws, rules and regulations, to provide and

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

CATV System/Network or Cable Internet System/Network without the authority of the concerned CATV system or a cable internet system by tapping, making or causing to be made, any connection to an existing

b)Service record,Provider reproduce, or Cable Internet distribute, Service import Provider; or sell, any intercepted or received CATV System/Network

signals without the authority of the concerned CATV Service Provider or Cable Internet Service Provider; System/Network with knowledge that it is a result of any of acts enumerated in the paragraphs (a) or (b) c) use or receive any direct or indirect benefit from any CATV System/Network or Cable Internet

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

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

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

SECpublic 7. ofRules the andexistence Regulations. of this Act.- The National Telecommunications Commission, in consultation with CATV

CABLEand LINE Cable| MAY - JUNE Internet 2013 Service Providers and other affected parties, shall, within sixty (60)Continued days after on Page the 14 11 Management Sessions March 21 - 22, 2013

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

Mr. Joselino Galicia, Bongao Cable TV Network, Inc. Technical Sessions March 21, 2013 Mr. Rahul Nehra, EXSET Mr. Mickael Zeggagh

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

From L-R: Engr. Pere Esquillo, Atty. G2 Paderanga, Engr. Jules Ventura, Mr. Edwin Ko, Harmonic Mr. Edwin ko, Mr. Eric Patterson Mr. Mark Lee, SES Fellowship Night March 21, 2013

EXHIBIT conduct of public hearings which must commence within thirty (30) working days upon the effectivity of

of the provisions of this Act. this Act, issue the implementing rules and regulations to ensure the efficient and effective implementation 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.

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

hereby repealed, modified or amended accordingly. least two (2) newspapers of general circulation. SEC. 10. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its complete publication in at Approved,

Approved,

14 CABLE LINE | MAY - JUNE 2013 10th Cablelympics by Engr. Pere Esquillo

The 10th edition of Cablelympics was once again held at the SMX (3) problem-solving questions. The top three (3) who emerged were Convention Center last March 22, 2013 with twenty six (26) delegates Manolo Umali of NVC Mahalika Cable Systems, Anthony D. Gono participating to determine who will be this year’s champion. 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 members of the PCTA Technical committee namely, Engr. Jules the 1st place, 2nd place and 3rd place. Ventura of Cable Television Network, Inc., Engr. Allan Mundina of Satellite Cable Network, Inc., and PCTA in-house Engr. Pere Esquillo, At the Final Round, the three were presented with cable materials with the special participation of Engr. Neil Tagabi of Asian Vision and equipment which they need to assemble based on the block Cable Holdings, Inc. and Engr. Ronald Tuzon of , diagram and tools given to them. The finalists were judged on comprised the Panel of Judges. Quiz Masters of the Cablelympics workmanship & accuracy, and speed. Sky Cable Corporation were Engr. Joseph Arguelles of Asian Vision Cable Holdings, Inc. and provided the materials, equipment, and tools that were used during Engr. Pat Manlangit of MSC Cable Television Corporation. the competition.

At the Elimination Round, the participants were asked fifteen After all the points have been checked and tallied, the following questions, comprised of easy, average, and hard questions. The were declared winners of the 10th Cablelympics: ten (10) participants who topped the elimination round were Florante Pasco of St. Joseph Cable Visions, Inc., Manolo Umali 1st Prize : Dominique T. Cimagala - Morning Star Cable TV of NVC Mahalika Cable Systems, Inc., Mariel A. De Torres of NVC 2nd Prize : Manolo V. Umali – NVC Mahalika Cable Systems Maharlika Cable Systems, Inc., Anthony D. Gono of Asian Vision 3rd Prize : Anthony D. Gono – Asian Vision Cable Holdings, Cable Holdings, Inc., Manny T. Benito of RBC Cable Master System, Inc. Micaen A. Manalo of Cablelink and Holdings Corporation, Erwin F. Ventura Of ClusterAsia Corporation, Eleuterio C. Ungsod of Kalibo The winners each received a medal and cash prize, as well as a set of Cable TV Network, Inc., Yul G. Barcenilla of Palapag Cable TV MPC, tools and safety gadgets from Install All Enterprises. and Dominique T. Cimagala of Morning Star Cable TV. The semi- finalists received prizes from Amity Satellite, Inc. PCTA would also like to acknowledge Coast Cable Sales & Services, Inc. for their support. During the Semi-Final Round, the ten semi-finalists were given three

CABLE LINE | MAY - JUNE 2013 15 Strictly Technical. Strictly Technical

THE BASIC ARCHITECTURE OF A DIGITAL CATV HEADEND (Part II) by Engr. Allan C. Mundina

MULTIPLEX CONFIGURATION Depending 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. outputs, 4 separate scramblers will have to be installed, increasing the cost of digital headend vary substantially. For free-to-air (FTA) Channel channels no scramblers to be used and the output of the multiplexer Symbol Rates Transmission spacing is fed directly to a QAM modulator as shown in Fig. 3. (Msps) rate¹ (Mbps) (MHz) QAM MODULATORS 64-QAM 5.056941 30.341650 6 A single QAM modulator will modulate multiple channels. All modulation 6.952000 41.712000 8 channels within a single transport stream (e.g. 8 to 12 channels) 256-QAM 5.360537 42.884296 6 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 modulation 6.952000 55.616000 8 comparable with the cost of good quality analog modulators. The Table 1: Downstream transmission rates and bandwidths QAM modulator can be user configured for QAM 64 or QAM 256 modulation. NOTES:

1. The ‘transmission rate’ is the rate at which binary digits SATELLITE RECEIVER/ are transported. The rate at which useful information is IRD transmitted will always be less than this figure because of the SATELLITE existence in the signal of overhead Bits. In the downstream RECEIVER/ IRD QAM MUX SCRAMBLER signal path, the overhead accounts for approximately 10% of MODULATOR

the transmitted signal, and in the upstream signal path the SATELLITE RECEIVER/ figure is approximately 15%. IRD

TRANS- COMBINER MODULATOR SCRAMBLING FOR FTA CHANNELS DIGITAL OUTPUT For CAS requires that pay channels be scrambled and the subscriber's CATV DISTRIBUTION STB decodes/un-scrambles only the channels that they pay for. ANALOG INPUT DIGITAL OUTPUT Video MPEG Channel 1 Hence, a digital headend that carries pay channels will typically Audio Encoder

Video have to scramble the pay channels. MPEG Channel 2 Audio Encoder

Video QAM SCRAMBLER MPEG Channel 3 MODULATOR Audio Encoder ANALOG INPUT DIGITAL OUTPUT MULTIPLEXER Ethernet

DIGITAL CHANNEL Link Video Subscriber Management System (SMS) MPEG Channel 1 Video Electronic Program Guide (EPG) & Encoder MPEG Channel 20 Network Management System (NMS) Audio Encoder Audio Video MPEG Channel 2 Audio Encoder

Video QAM SCRAMBLER Fig. 4 A Complete Digital Headend MPEG Channel 3 MODULATOR Audio Encoder

MULTIPLEXER Ethernet DIGITAL CHANNEL Link TRANSMODULATORS Subscriber Management System (SMS) Video Electronic Program Guide (EPG) & Satellite transmissions use QPSK modulation. Cable TV transmission MPEG Channel 20 Network Management System (NMS) Encoder Audio 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 Fig. 3 Location of the scrambler in the digital headend. QPSK to QAM converted digital signals can be directly mixed at the final output of the digital headend. This is shown in Figure 4. Each multiplex output requires a separate scrambler. The cost of the scrambler can vary very widely depending on the scrambling IP DIGITAL SIGNALS system used. Note that if their multiplexer is configured with 4 In this entire article we have referred to the digital signal in the Continued on Page 18 16 CABLE LINE | MAY - JUNE 2013 Cable BOSS Crew with Finn and Jake of Adventure Time Cable BOSS Dominates the 2013 PCTA Convention by Billy C. Salcedo

An Affiliate receives his Outdoor Channel Sunvisor

Affiliates strike a pose with Nickelodeon Characters CB Team in Arrow Uniform

Stefan Jalbuena of Celebrity Cable TV receives Gift Certificate from Gerry's Grill A player wins an Arrow Hoodie

Cable BOSS once again asserted it's position in the Philippine Pay-TV graced the event. Industry as it participated in the recent PCTA Convention at SMX Concention Center, Pasay City on March 20-22, 2013. With it's fun The PCTA Convention also served as a platform for the launch of games & activities and exciting raffle items, Cable BOSS attracted new channels under Cable BOSS' distributorship namely, Da Vinci throngs of Cable Operators who attended the event. Channel, the educational channel for the whole family, Martial Arts TV which broadcasts a leading mix of MMA and Kickboxing from Partnering with Panasonic, Cable BOSS showcased its channels es- around the world alongside Classical Martial Arts, Hyper, the serious pecially its major sponsors namely Warner TV, DIVA Universal, Car- sports channel for the serious sports fans, Colours, a living magazine toon Network, Toonami, CNN, Outdoor Channel and Motorvision. channel designed to appeal to varying tastes of women across the The show kicked-off with the appearance of the most-loved charac- country and Motorvision TV, a channel dedicated to enthusiasts of ters of Nickelodeon: Dora the Explorer & Boots, Diego, Spongebob motorsport may they be on air, land and sea. Squarepants and Patrick. Photo ops were done simultaneously with the DIVA Universal on-the-spot Styling Contest where the partici- With it's ever-growing channel offerings and impeccable after sales pants get to flaunt their inner Fashion Star. For the guys, Cable BOSS service, Cable BOSS strengthen its position as the country's domi- had a Warner TV Arrow Game where winners received the coveted nant network distributor and media supplier. For more information Arrow Hoodies, and the Outdoor Channel Shooting Game where on Cable BOSS' programs and services, you may call us at (+632) 633 they vied for the exclusive Sun Visors and Coca-Cola Products. Cable 7361/ (+632) 6363521. You can also like us on FB: facebook.com/Ca- BOSS also gave away exciting prizes like Gift Certificates from Gerry's bleBOSSPhil and follow us on Twitter: @CableBOSSPhil for program Grill and RED Channel Samurai Umbrellas during its raffle portions. schedules and updates. The affiliates were also treated to cups of San Mig Coffee Brown, Chococino, Strong and White during the 3-day event. Finally, Finn One Great Source. All Great Networks. and Jake of Cartoon Network's top-rated show, Adventure Time also

CABLE LINE | MAY - JUNE 2013 17 KEYNOTE | from Page 9... Digital has allowed us to increase channel capacity, to give the cable TV service. But we have never been comfortable relying customer many subscription options, and to launch innovations on the telecom companies for our Internet bandwidth. They like High Definition, Personal Video Recorders, and ala carte are our competitors in this business and they have a vested pricing. If you compare our pre-digital versus post-digital interest in keeping our costs high. performance, we have doubled our annual sales volumes, and cut down disconnection rates by half. I would say that our industry will face the same challenges. For us to grow our broadband business, we have to rely on the But even at Sky, we are struggling to make these kinds of very companies we compete with. It's not a good place to be. investments in upgrading to digital for our smaller systems. It's Again, I would propose that the PCTA take the lead in creating a easy to justify these investments in systems of 10,000 subs or consortium of operators to try and secure internet connectivity more. It's not so easy to do for the smaller areas. directly from the international consortiums, without having to pass thru the local telcos. If we pool our requirements together, So I would propose that the PCTA take the lead in helping it may be enough for us to invest in having a direct connection, the smaller operators create digital consortiums. These and reduce our reliance on the telcos for bandwidth. consortiums would consist of operators in the same areas or in contiguous systems who would then agree to invest in a The inescapable fact is that we can no longer see ourselves shared digital head-end. The consortiums could also explore as just being cable tv operators. In much the same way, the connecting to this central head-end via fiber. These fiber telecom companies no longer see themselves as just telephone connections can eventually be used to create an interconnected providers. In this era of content and technology convergence, telecommunications network for cable TV customers. the big companies have decided that they are going to be in Hopefully, over time, many of us can be connected to each content and in pay TV. Together, our industry should have this other, and offer our customers unlimited VOIP calling over coax overwhelming response: if you decide to play in our backyard, to any other cable customer. That's another level of service for we are going to play in yours. us to compete against the telcos. But to stay competitive against these giants cannot be just The other heavy investment in digitization is driven by the cost a matter of conviction. We have to work together as an of the Set Top Boxes. Again, maybe the PCTA can take the lead industry so that we can harness our unity as a competitive in offering a central negotiating body that will try and secure advantage. I think the PCTA will have to shepherd us through the best volume discounts and unit pricing from an accredited these challenging times, and let us know what we can do as list of suppliers. If we can negotiate with all our volumes an industry to protect our members from increasing telco together, I'm sure we can drive down the digitization cost for all competition. I hope we can work together to ensure that operators. In Sky alone, as we've increased our sales volumes, another twenty years from today, we have healthy, thriving our box costs have come down by half over the past five years. 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 The other big driver of our growth is broadband or data can. revenues. We have been growing the business by over 30% a year over the past three years, mainly due to the superior Thank you. speeds of DOCSIS 3, and through creative packaging with our

STRICTLY TECHNICAL | from Page 16...

ASI digital format. While ASI is very widely used in most digital TV distribution networks typically use DVB-C STBs. A detailed headends worldwide, it is not the only option. The wide adoption review of IP digital streams is beyond the scope of this article of the internet had led to widespread use of the IP (Internet and may be covered in a separate article, sometime in the future. Protocol) digital data format. Encoders that support TS/IP output are now available in the market. If you choose to use this SUMMARY type of configuration, you no longer need a multiplexer instead you need to install a network manager between the QAM This article was intended to provide a quick and basic overview modulator (RF Gateway) and the TS/IP out of the encoders. of how a digital TV headend is configured. Even from this brief The network manager‘s function is to perform advanced video article, it is clear that the cable network needs to carefully consider processing, grooming and re-multiplexing of the signal. And also the features and costs for each digital headend building block and the network manager makes the easy integration point of the integrated to form a well-functioning headend. Although there is CAS. a lot of digital CATV headend equipment available in the market, each and every Cable Operator has the right to choose of the best The use of IP digital signals throughout the digital headend equipment for their system. Many members of the association enable IPTV to be also easily deployed from the same digital are already embracing the digital technology and I think more headend. However IPTV is usually deployed by telephone than willing to help in terms of giving pieces of advice regarding companies using digital modems and IPTV set top boxes. Cable their experiences to the new comers in this technology.

18 CABLE LINE | MAY - JUNE 2013 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, 2014 SMX Convention Center Pasay City