With the deadline for digitisation in India less than two months away, 68 per cent viewers have switched to digital television. The information and broadcasting (I&B) ministry held a review of progress of the four metro cities — Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai — that are expected to complete the digitisation process by October 31st.

A ministry statement said the highest number of STBs had been installed in Mumbai, where 95 per cent of TV households had gone digital. Kolkata came second with 67 per cent, then Delhi with 53 per cent while Chennai reported 49 per cent penetration.

Officials said installation of STBs in cable TV homes was one of the most crucial pre-conditions for the digital switchover and with just six weeks remaining, the ministry was constantly reviewing progress.

The I&B ministry has also launched a publicity campaign to spread awareness about the benefits of digitisation which will allow greater choice of channels and better quality at competitive pricing to viewers.

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