CHANDIGARH: Cable TV and DTH operators are set to become a passé with the Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) planning to launch the Internet Protocol (IP) TV services in the region by next month. With this Chandigarh will become first city in the country to start such a service.

Internet Protocol is a system that provides digital TV service which works with the broad band connection. The trial for the same has already begun.

With this one can watch the TV channels on their television set as well as on computer just like cable TV.

While one has to shell out about Rs 250 or more for the cable TV (which shows approximately 75-100 channels) and that too with not much clarity, the BSNL claims it will be providing channels with much better picture quality.

Talking to the Pioneer, Naresh Sharma, General Manager Telecom, BSNL said, "We are trying our level best to start the facility by next month," and added, "after Chandigarh, we will start this facility in other states too."

He claimed that they will provide 100 TV channels with digital clarity and that the viewer would be able to watch the programmes they missed and also the repeat telecast of the recorded programmes.

"They will also be able to watch video on demand," Sharma mentioned and added, "Consumers will get this facility on telephone which has broadband connection."

"A consumer could buy a set top box worth Rs 4000 from the market or can also borrow it by paying a rent of Rs 150 per month to BSNL", he clarified.

Sharma also claimed that IP TV will be cheaper in comparison to cable and DTH and avowed that people opting for this service will get 20 per cent discount every month.

He hopes that the company will definitely