Innovation / Technology
Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited (ZEEL) and its services are available today in over 170 countries via highly advanced networking facilities and technology tie-ups with satellite and cable system operators. This places Zee ahead of any other South Asian broadcast network in terms of availability and local content ingestion.
Zee has been at the forefront in the use of satellite networking, secure encryption, subscriber management services & call centre technologies. Zee introduced encryption to India in year 2000 with Mediaguard (a Canal Plus Technology) Encryption System. In 2004, Zee moved to a more advanced and secure encryption Conax 7.0 with Smartcard Pairing technology. Conax is now used by ZEEL for its content delivery network across the Globe.
ZEEL delivers its content via an optimized network of earth stations and managed data services for optimized delivery worldwide. The teleport at Noida operated by Dish TV, an Essel Group company is one of the largest Teleports in Asia.
The Teleport is designed for both contribution links to global markets of Europe, Africa, Russia and the Americas, as also Cable distribution in Asia, ME and Africa. ZEEL channels are now delivered through all major global DTH platforms such as Dish Network, Sky UK, Hotbird (Europe), Multichoice (Africa) and ADD (Middle East), Astro (Malaysia and Indonesia) amongst others. The Teleport at Noida operates on Asiasat 3S, IS-10,Insat 4A,IS-906 satellites in addition to satellites for DTH and Digital Cables. The Teleport Content delivery networks are complimented by a Subscriber Management System for Global Operations as also for customers in India.
ZEEL also has a Playout facility at Singapore where it uses the Teleport facilities of Singtel. This playout centre now handles channels such as Zee Cafe, Trendz and Studio for India in addition to customization of channels for the APAC markets. It also handles Veria HD, the first HD channel launched by ZEEL.
ZEEL now provides channels specific to regions which are either dubbed (such as Zee TV Russia) or with subtitles (French, English, Bhasa (Indonesia) etc.). Multiple language subtitling is also provided for greater viewer satisfaction. All Zee Network channels meant for International delivery are specific to the country and region and comply with local advertising and content regulations. In addition, Zee Network channels can be configured with local advertising using the Cue tone facilities provided in the playout system. Some of the regional channels in the Zee Network are played from playouts located in the regions such as at Hyderabad and Bengaloru to maximize local content. These centres are linked with high speed leased lines to the playout centre at Noida.