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CABLE LINEPHILIPPINE CABLE TELEVISION ASSOCIATION, INC.

VOLUME 12ISSUE 5

SEPT - OCT 2012Headline: PCTA BOARD MEMBERS TOOK OATH

Inside: NC II National Competency Assessment and Certification Examination

The Official Newsletter of thePHILIPPINE CABLE TELEVISION ASSOCIATION, INC.

SEPT - OCT 2012 3

Editor’s NoteAmelita G. Ledesma

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.

D I S C L A I M E R

It is already the start of the “BER” months and we should be looking forward and pre-paring for a hopefully peaceful and joyous Christmas but advisories of more storms till the end of the year seem to dampen the spirit.

Experiences and stories of devastated lives and homes caused by the recent disas-ters (some areas are still in deep waters and many are still in evacuation centers) abound. Relief operations undertaken by government agencies, and well-meaning organizations and individuals give tem-porary alleviation. PCTA extended help to members who by themselves undertook their own relief operations in their areas (such as Laguna, Bulacan and Pampanga). But as often said and feared, ‘how can lives and opportunities be rebuilt?’ Productiv-

ity has been set back and efforts to move forward are stalled many times. Our country happens to be in the path of typhoons and so are our neighboring countries and there is nothing we can do about that. Added to that is the fact that the world is experiencing climate change.

What we can only do is to minimize the im-pact on us in ways that we can have control over- in our own home, offices, and com-munities. Let the government do its own big jobs on infrastructure and let us do our part in our own small but highly effective and long-lasting ways of influencing people’s mindset and behaviour.

God bless us all!

CABLE LINE

4 SEPT - OCT 2012

In spite of the inclement weather brought on by monsoon rain, the members of the PCTA board of directors trooped to the Coconut Palace in Pasay City

last August 6, 2012 to renew their oath of office with Vice President Jejomar C. Binay administering the oath.

The board members, led by President Allan Dungao (Satellite Cable Network, Inc.), include Vice Chairman Jose Lobregat (FUBC), Vice President-Visayas Atty. Goering Paderanga (Misamis CATV Network), Vice President-Mindanao Engr. Romeo Zerrudo (Zenergy CATV Network), Corporate Secretary Engr. Joseph Arguelles (Asian Vision Cable Holdings Inc.), Directors Lorlyn Garcia-Velarde

(Global Cable Inc.), Amelita Ledesma (Skycable), Arnel Merilleno (Cablelink and Holdings Inc.), Victoriano Sy Sr. (Marbel Services and TV System Inc.), and Cedric Sazon (Kalibo Cable TV Network Inc.). The other members of the board who were unable to attend due to other commitments were Chairman Engr. Elpidio Paras (Parasat Cable), Vice President-Luzon Dr. Venancio Lo (Romblon Cable Corp.), Treasurer Rodrigo Montinola (Skycable), and Director Antonio Selda (Wesfardell Cable Services).

After the induction ceremony, the group proceeded to have a simple dinner at the Golden Bay Restaurant to celebrate the occasion.

PCTA BOARD MEMBERS TOOK OATHby Anne B. Manalansan


SEPT - OCT 2012 5

The recent calamity that struck our country was really one that we will have a hard time forgetting in a long while. The non-stop rain brought on by monsoon wind brought destruction to large areas of Central and Southern Luzon in so short a time, allowing people enough time only to save their lives. When the rain finally stopped, reports on the destruction of properties, agriculture, and infrastructure came in and right away, we know that we really need to help.

Previously, the PCTA board had approved a budget for undertaking activities that will extend help to people in calamity-stricken areas, through the assistance of our member cable companies in those areas. It was therefore easy for us to decide what we are going to do. We prepared 300 packs of relief goods which we divided and distributed to three areas – one in Laguna and two in Pampanga. The relief goods in Laguna were endorsed to Mr. Boy Opiña of Royal Cablevision who is operating in Cabuyao and Sta. Rosa, Laguna, and in Pampanga, we endorsed them to Mr. Jess Nicdao of Sattlink Cable TV in Guagua and to Ms. Alma Talavera of Datalsat Cable TV in Apalit. Our association also distributed relief goods in an evacuation site in Pampanga where around 230 families are staying in tents provided by Shelter Box Foundation. Hopefully, our donation will really help those people as they start the process of rebuilding their lives.

-0-Last August 30, we attended the first hearing of

the proposed Cable Theft Bill conducted by the Senate Committee on Public Information and Mass Media. During the hearing, we requested the committee to fast track the procedure and ensure the passage of the bill into law. In our position paper, we also expressed our support to the bills authored by Senators Juan Ponce Enrile, Manny Villar, and Chiz Escudero, which contain our sentiments and concerns.

-0-Regarding the 25th anniversary of the PCTA, the

celebration party will take place on October 23 instead of October 10, and will still be held at the Sofitel Philippine

Plaza Hotel. -0-

Last August 23-24, the PCTA technical committee conducted technical seminars in Cagayan de Oro City, which is the first for this year. There will be others to be held in Kalibo, Aklan (Visayas); Quezon Province (South Luzon); and possibly Pampanga (North Luzon) within the year. The PCTA has been conducting the technical seminars for the past 17 years and since year 2000, at least three seminars were conducted every year. Kudos to Engr. Julian Ventura for his untiring work in making the technical seminar an institution in the cable industry.

Another project that we are looking into is the proposed memorandum of Agreement between PCTA and the Institute of Electronics and Communications Engineering Professionals (IECEP) wherein engineering practitioners will earn CPE points when they attend any of the PCTA technical seminars. If this pushes thru, the participation of ECEs and even students will enhance their knowledge about the cable TV industry.

In addition, our indefatigable technical committee chair, Engr. Zerrudo, has been tirelessly working on another important project that will benefit our technical personnel – the accreditation of technical personnel by TESDA. He was able to complete the first leg for Mindanao last July, and two more are scheduled to be held in Cebu City and Quezon Province soon. Our hats off to Engr. Zerrudo and the technical committee engineers for making this project a reality.

-0-I’m happy to inform everyone that the electronic

copy of the Cable Line is now available at the PCTA website, www.pcta.org.ph. We will still have the printed copy every two months but this latest development will ensure that all our members and other stakeholders of the cable TV industry will have access to Cable Line no matter where they are.

Of Natural Calamities and Other Matters

by Allan P. Dungao

CABLE LINE

6 SEPT - OCT 2012

“MVP: Telcos will be obsolete; Social Media is the Future”. This was the banner at Rappler.com, an emerging web based news platform which has lately been making waves among opinion makers and bloggers.

Is this the writing on the wall and the death knell for the wireline business of telcos?

Indeed, the face of traditional telecommunications is rapidly evolving from being an infrastructure and telephony services provider into a diverse conglomerate with interests in converged services, traditional print media, TV and radio broadcasting, film and content distribution and the rising star of social media.

Google, Skype, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube, are rapidly evolving social media giants of the web which now involve the use of “Over The Top” technologies, effectively bypassing the core businesses of telcos. Skype, Google Talk for example, enable anyone to communicate to the outside world using VOIP technology, without spending per minute charges, which have long been the “bread and butter” of phone companies.

In a recent survey made in the United States, major telcos like AT&T, Verizon, Sprint, have consistently been reporting declines in wireline voice services revenue. Although wireless voice (gsm) connections are still growing, revenue has plateaued as the players offer cut price promos for unlimited service nationwide. The revenue model for having long distance charges between states or regions is now a thing of the past, and everyone has accepted the reality that with the advent of the Internet, the world has grown smaller. Telcos are now gearing up for a massive shift to the next generation networks and trolling for acquisitions in the media space.

What has all these developments to do with Cable TV?

We have long been the dominant provider of content in the home television realm. For the last 20 years, channel capacity has grown from a mere dozen channels to over 150 different programs today. Many of our fellow cable operators have been contented with the Php300 or so, collected monthly from our subscribers. Unfortunately

this scenario has limited the capability of many to finance major upgrading of their outside infrastructure and deploy other value added services.

In fact, outside of Metro Manila and other key cities of the country, the ARPU (Annual Revenue Per User) has not even breached Php4,000 per subscriber. The only way for an operator to start charging extra for more content is to upgrade their networks for added bandwidth and to digitize their signals.

For those that have gambled early on by deploying cable modems and addressable systems, their increased revenue has allowed them to move into the digital era, thus increasing their potential to earn more.

With the deployment of high speed broadband internet and tiered video services using digital technology, Skycable has overcome its issues with program piracy and has finally started generating reasonable profit in the last five years. Due to its positive financials, Sky has taken on the opportunity of controlling the Metro Manila cable TV landscape by acquiring its nearest rival, Destiny Cable. It would be no surprise if in due time, another major acquisition will be in the offing, as future ARPU figures will surely be attainable.

Since the last decade, the PCTA has long espoused the upgrading of networks for two-way, the use of conditional access for increased ARPU, and the shift to digitization for more content capacity. Except for a few operators, our warnings have been largely been put on a low priority level. Of the 500+ operators nationwide, less than 20 have embraced digitization as of date, and less than 10% have actually deployed internet services on top of traditional video.

Sadly, until today, approximately 75% of cable operators nationwide are still unprepared to meet the standards expected for those going into two-way or triple play services. Overbuilding and the issuance of new PAs in some areas has exacerbated the problem of “too small a pie to share with others.”

If the telcos are now afraid of becoming obsolete; what

QUO Vadis... Cable Guys?by Engr. Elpidio M. Paras

Continued on page 7


SEPT - OCT 2012 7

more for us in the cable TV business?

We now see that there is a lot competition for eyeballs between television and the more portable social media which can now be accessed by handheld and laptop/notebook devices. The availability and affordability of the IPhone, IPad and Android based wireless devices has already made a dent in TV viewership.

Many of our Internet savvy youth are now more connected than ever. They are the ones who use Facebook the most, and the ones that burn up the internet by downloading the latest movies and series using file sharing sites. Even the ‘Baby Boomers’ like many of us, have found social media such as Twitter and Facebook more entertaining than traditional TV.

Overseas Filipinos now do not need to subscribe to TFC International, because the web is full of streaming media like PnoyTV and others, which offer time delayed programs like your favorite “Walang Hanggan” series for free (with annoying advertising, of course).

In the US, streaming services by Netflix, Hulu, Vudu, Sony and host of other content providers, have now become reliable competition for cable, since low cost streaming set top boxes have reached the mass market. Instead of subscribing to regular cable TV, millions have now shifted to On Demand streaming services, which only internet (IP) or web based infrastructure can efficiently deliver. When I was in New Jersey, I had the opportunity to sample Verizon’s FiOS service, which bundled with wired phone, wifi, cellular and HD TV in an affordable package which directly competed with Comcast and Cablevision. Verizon’s equipment included a modem, wifi router, PVR HD set top. Their aggressive foray into the content provisioning business has resulted in large numbers of cable subscribers shifting their loyalties to the telco.

Wifi speeds for regular residential use was an unheard of, 20Mbps, allowing my grandson to watch his favorite cartoons in his IPad. Simultaneously, my daughter had her IPhone turned on Facetime most of the time, doubling as some sort of CCTV, to watch over their business in Florida. All the while, I was using Skype to video conference with my staff in Cagayan de Oro and my wife was watching HD programs on the flat screen TV. The ability of a large corporation such as Verizon, to raise huge sums of cash, has now improved as more and more people find it more convenient to have one single bill for a host of services.

Quoting from Manny Pangilinan in his speech at the Asian

Carriers Conference recently,

“PLDT has a choice of staying as a utility, as a delivery system, as an infrastructure system… but simply being that, like a Meralco… That’s an option for us. The future of that is uncertain,” …We have to be something more than that. The next frontier lies in the media space….[We must] move firmly into the social media, social networking and internet space before they move into ours and eat our lunch.”

These not so comforting words from MVP just show that he has seen the opportunity where his diverse holdings will be supplying the power people consume to charge their phones, the network they use to access the internet, content and even the news that they pull up on their devices. He doesn’t think PLDT is going anywhere, he thinks it’s going everywhere. With his vast financial resources, he might just be able to pull it off.

With such a situation where the Telco will become viable competition for content, many of us cable TV operators should prepare for the worst. Already, we see Cignal TV for example, deploying more SD and HD content on their DTH platform at very competitive prices. We just saw a full page ad of PLDT’s fiber optic service deployment in selected areas in Metro Manila, where unheard of speeds of up to 100mbps can now be accessed by the consumer.

Where is Cable’s future?

Fortunately, until now our wired cable TV infrastructure still offers a huge potential for speedier internet and more channel capacity at a much lower capital cost than the Next generation networks the Telcos are slowly deploying in the country. By going to DOCSIS3.0 and channel bonding techniques, cable still has the edge in bringing up to 50mbps into the home , provided added spectrum can be released or reused as a result of shifting to Digital.

Another hurdle we have to overcome is the high cost of bandwidth connectivity to the Internet. While prices for bandwidth have gone down considerably from $1,000/mb in the 90s to around $100/mb lately; the major issue is that the link to the outside world is still being controlled by the telcos.In the United States, residential bandwidth of 20Mbps is regular service for around $30/month; we have yet to see Philippine homes having bandwidth beyond 2Mb. Sadly, most of us still experience inconsistency and reliability issues when it comes to bandwidth and connectivity.

Quo Vadis |From Page 6

Continued on page 12


SEPT - OCT 2012 9

The PCTA, through some of its member cable TV companies, recently conducted a reach-out activity aimed to alleviate the suffering of hundreds of

families affected by the monsoon rain that devastated Central and Southern Luzon areas, in conjunction with the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program of the association.

Led by PCTA president, Allan Dungao, and CSR committee chair, Amelita Ledesma, the organization

provided a total of 300 packs of relief goods consisting of mats, blankets, slippers, medicines, and toothbrushes to recipients of affected areas in Laguna and Pampanga, which were some of the worst-hit areas of the calamity.

The relief operations were conducted with the assistance of the cable TV companies that are operating in the areas, namely Royal Cablevision Corp. in Cabuyao, Laguna; Sattlink Cable TV in Guagua, Pampanga, and Datalsat Cable TV Network in Apalit, Pampanga.

PCTA EXTENDS HELPING HAND TO MONSOON RAIN VICTIMS

by Anne B. Manalansan

L-R: From PCTA, Arlene Tan, Anne Manalansan, President Allan Dungao, Mr. Jesus Nicdao of Satlink, and Director Lorlyn Garcia

PCTA Team at the Shelter Box tent community giving out relief goods.

L-R:From PCTA, Arlene Tan, Director Lorlyn Garcia, Vice Chairman Jomar Lobregat, Datalsat Cable TV Network, Inc. Staff, PCTA President Allan Dungao, and Anne Manalansan.

Vice Chairman Jose Lobregat handing goods to one of the families their.

CABLE LINE

10 SEPT - OCT 2012

This is the first time I will be heading the Internal Affairs committee since I first became a director of the PCTA in 2009. I have been the convention chairman in the past

3 years. One thing I see that is similar to my job as the former convention chairman and now the internal affairs committee chairman is the interaction between the PCTA members and myself.

Being the convention chairman, I was able to travel to a lot of cities and provinces in the country. And during those trips, I was able to meet a lot of the members of the association and have heard numerous stories about their systems and their operations. I was also able to hear about their grievances pertaining to their operations and dealings with the different government agencies that are directly or indirectly involved in the operations of a Cable TV system.

But not all that I heard were sad stories, I also learned a lot about the beginnings of the Cable TV industry and how they were able to put up their systems and how their operations, whether big or small, were able to contribute to the communities they were serving.

And these are very good stories.

And I want to hear more from other members whom I have not been able to interact with in my last 3 years in the association. I also would like to invite and welcome to the association those who are contemplating on joining us.

If I will be asked, what are the benefits of joining the association, what can or should I say? The answer is quite simple, there are a lot of things an operator can get from the association. Being a member of the PCTA will benefit not only the owners/operators, but including the employees as well.

Please take note that the PCTA is recognized both by the local government agencies and the international community. The PCTA has been representing the industry in all matters involving and concerning the industry, from the NTC to the Congress. The PCTA has been in the forefront when in comes to new technologies and programs.

As a member, the operator and its employees can learn a lot

from the technical seminars the technical committee has been conducting 3 to 4 times a year. And the PCTA doesn’t stop improving and finding new ways to impart the knowhow to our members. At this stage, the PCTA is looking at getting accreditation from the TESDA to train and certify our own members, that certification of which can be used in future employment, locally or abroad.

We also have our annual convention, as a matter of fact, this year 2012, we celebrated the 20th continuous staging of the PCTA convention in the 25 years of existence of the PCTA. During the conventions, we invite speakers who are experts in their own fields to impart knowledge to our delegates, to help us on how to monetize our current systems and to introduce us to new technologies.

The PCTA has been in the forefront of digital technology. Skycable, being the largest system in the PCTA membership and the leading cable operator, has digitized its operations well ahead of the others. And there are now a number of other members who are following suit. Some of them, like Engr. Elpi Paras, has tested and used digital headend systems for the last few years. He is a pioneer in digital systems and has been very helpful to those who are planning to migrate from analog headends to digital headends.

As far as the government agencies are concerned, the PCTA has a very good rapport with the NTC leadership. We have been in constant communication with the NTC in as far as regulations are concerned. And if we have concerns about our members’ operations, the PCTA is willing to assist the members. A perfect example is the PCTA’s stand against the commercial TVRO, the result of which was the NTC’s suspension of the issuance of CTVRO to pending applications.

The PCTA is also spearheading the lobbying at the Congress and the Senate regarding the Cable Theft Bill, which will benefit all cable TV operators nationwide. This is regarding the physical theft of materials and/or the signal, which result to illegal connections, which in turn is a loss in revenues to the operators.

The PCTA also raises concerns of the members to the programmers when the need arises, for example, the shortening of the commercial slots by the programmers. Advertisements

Committe Report: Internal Affairs

by Arnel A. Merilleno



SEPT - OCT 2012 11

The Philippine Cable TV Association (PCTA) in partnership with Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) held the First Cable

TV Installation NC II National Competency Assessment and Certification Examination last August 1 and 3, 2012 at Philippine Electronics and Communication Institute of Technology (PECIT) Assessment Center in Butuan City.

First of its kind in the country, the assessment for cable TV NC II and NC III for cable installers and technicians is an opportunity to demonstrate the wide range of skills and competencies these workers acquired during their many years of work experiences in cable TV industry. Both PCTA and TESDA believe that workers in cable TV industry also need National Certificate (NC) or Certificate of Competency (COC), a certification of a mastery of specific skills. The assessment examination was developed by a team of PCTA experienced cable TV professionals and TESDA assessors.

Engr. Romeo L. Zerrudo, PCTA Technical Chairman and the lone assessor appointed by TESDA to conduct the assessment on Cable TV NC II and NC III stressed that “Everyone involved in the examinations process is aware that this can be a difficult, demanding and stressful time for the examinees but a secure, calm and positive approach together with the ongoing strong support of families and employers can help them reach their goals and showcase their potentials.”

For this reason, PCTA and TESDA pledged to continue to focus on providing a high quality assessment service which operates openly and transparently for the benefit all of examinees.

In addition, Engr. Romeo Zerrudo was thankful for the assistance rendered by Director Elmer K. Talavera and

Ms. Nellie Llovido from Competency Assessment and Certification Office, OIC CARAGA Regional Director Engr. Edgar A. Sales who personally assigned Mr. Rommel Natad to be the regional officer in charge of the assessment program and Agusan del Norte Provincial Director Florencio Sunico Jr.

For two days, Engr. Zerrudo and Mr. Natad tirelessly conducted the written, oral and practical examinations. The practical examination requires an examinee to physically perform a set of skills like installation of electric pole, amplifiers and taps and other installation equipments in cable system. The technical chairman also added that all the examinees were all participants of PCTA regional training program and passed the written examination given after the said training.

This joint program of PCTA and TESDA was made possible through the commitment made by PCTA Chairman Elpidio M. Paras and PCTA President Allan P. Dungao, Secretary Joel J. Villanueva – Director General- TESDA and Atty. Teodoro C. Pascua- TESDA Deputy Director General in the development of the Filipino workforce with world-class competence and positive work values.

This is the outcome of many months of hard work on the part of PCTA Technical Committee members namely Engr. Jules Ventura, Engr. Joseph Arguelles, Engr. Allan Mundina, Engr. Lito Mapulon and Engr. Pere Esquillo. Seeing the results of the assessment, Engr. Zerrudo said, “This not only reflects the perseverance, dedication and commitment of the committee members but is also a tribute to give support and encouragement for the unsung heroes of the industry, the cable installers and technicians. In difficult economic times, this Certificate of Competency (COC) can be a gateway for these sixteen (16) NC II passers to further training, promotion and employment locally and internationally.”

First Cable TV Installation NC II National Competency Assessment

and Certification Examination held in Butuan City

by Engr. Romeo L. Zerrudo


CABLE LINE

12 SEPT - OCT 2012

No one in the cable business has yet the wherewithal and the guts to invest in an international gateway and a nationwide internet backbone to service operators.

Another asset that we cable operators have is our long standing relationship with program content providers. We have been able to keep the price of content to levels where we can also keep monthly fees lower than the telcos possibly can for the amount of channels being delivered. Where can you find cable operators charging barely Php300 for 60 channels?

It is not too late in the day for smaller cable operators to seriously consider merging to be able to achieve economies of scale in upgrading and interconnecting their outside plants. The huge initial investment incurred when digital headends and set top boxes are deployed, is now a thing of the past.

For the medium sized operators, triple play is still possible by partnering with the local telcos and additional content especially HD will be the drivers for new revenue. Surely, we will again see the major players in a buying mood for operators that have improved their financials via digital technology.

As we have been time and again saying… “Make the move to Digital now or just wait for your business to disappear.”

As a final word from blogger and IT Practitioner, Pablo Juan …

“I and my wife do not subscribe to cable anymore, we rarely use the TV (maybe the occasional news)… getting our daily dose of news mainly off the net. We’re still obviously the minority but it will get there, sooner rather than later.”

So there you are…

Cable TV Installation NC II Passers

First Batch – August 1, 2012

1. Jacinto Bonifacio L. Chua – Z-energy CATV Network Inc.

2. Joey Caesar S. De Jesus – Z-energy CATV Network Inc.

3. Emmanueling H. Obena - Z-energy CATV Network Inc.

4. Julius Caesar A. Mata – Z-energy CATV Network Inc.

5. Anacleto A. Vallejos – Z-energy CATV Network Inc.

Second Batch – August 3, 2012

6. Jerry A. Acinas – GEMSTAR CATV

7. Arnold A. Andura – GEMSTAR CATV

8. Greggy G. Barcos – Z-energy CATV Network Inc.

9. Marlon M. Catague - MORNING STAR CABLE TV

10. Dominique T. Cimagala – MORNING STAR CABLE TV

11. Alvin P. Coronel – Z-energy CATV Network Inc.

12. Henry M. Lumactod – MORNING STAR CABLE TV

13. Clarence L. Montero – TAGINDECO CATV

14. Ricky L. Namalada – MORNING STAR CABLE TV

15. Jhonyfer S. Panganoron – GEMSTAR CATV

16. Richard A. Gilo- Z-energy CATV Network Inc.

NC II | From page 11 Quo Vadis | From page 6

PCTA CONVENTION 2013D I G I T A L N O W !

SMX CONVENTION CENTERMall of Asia Complex, Pasay City

19 - 22 MARCH 2013

For more information contact the PCTA Secretariat at telephone numbers (632) 638 8541 / 42 / 44;

mobile number (63) 922 8447282 or email us at [email protected]


SEPT - OCT 2012 13

2012 - 2013 First Techinical Seminar held in Cagayan De Oro City

by Engr. Pere D. Esquillo

The Philippine Cable Television Association (PCTA), Inc., in cooperation with the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), held its first Technical Seminar

for Cable Installers and Cable Technicians for the fiscal year 2012-2013 last August 23 – 24, 2012. As expected, PCTA was welcomed with a great number of participants.

A total of 72, 35 in Level 1 and 37 in Level, participated in the two-day technical seminar, representating 21 companies: Banzalan Cable TV & Communication Services, Inc., Bukidnon Z5 Cable, Creative Programming, Inc. (CPI), Camiguin Island Cable TV Corp., Dapitan City Cable TV, Digos Cable TV Corporation, Green Valley Cablevision, Inc., Loreto Cable Television, Misamis

CATV Network, Inc., Morning Star Cable TV, Nabunturan Cable TV Network, NEWS MPC CATV, Parasat Cable TV, Inc., Skyline Community Network, Inc., Sibuguey Valley CATV Cooperative, Southern CableVision, Inc., Sultan Cable System, Inc., Unique Cable Network, Inc., Valencia Cable TV Network, Inc., Z-ENERGY CATV Network, and ZOOMSAT, Inc.

During the Opening Ceremony, Mr. Allan Dungao, PCTA President, warmly welcomed the participants and expressed PCTA’s appreciation for their continuous support, assuring them that PCTA will continue to provide such activity to update the technical personnel of the cable industry. Engr. Elpidio Paras , on the other hand, talked about the challenges the cable


CABLE LINE

14 SEPT - OCT 2012

An HFC network always utilizes a single mode fiber optics cables for the transport segment of the CATV Broadband network and coaxial cables for the distribution in the last

mile.

The transport segment of the HFC Network consist of optical transmission . At the Headend high power fiber optic transmitters are required to illuminate all outbound fiber strands leaving in many directions. Optical splitters at the output of the fiber optic transmitters are used to feed multiple fibers in the most economical configuration.The transport segment end at the fiber optical node location where the optical bandwidth is translated into electrical Radio Frequency (RF) bandwidth.

The distribution segment consist of coaxial cables with amplifiers, passives and multitaps for service to the subscriber. The subscriber receives the entire RF bandwidth in the forward direction. Special equipment such as Setup Box at the subscriber

premises is required to view television, receive a data stream or talk to a telephone.

In the return direction , a cable modem is used to locate the subscribers voice and data transmission in an RF frequency range suitable for return. In a sub-split system, this frequency range would be from 5 to 40 Mhz.

The entire forward and return band spectrum can be transmitted over the same coaxial cable to the fiber node location. This means that only one single drop wire is required for forward and return transmissions. This single-wire architecture stops at the fiber-node where a fiber-optic, low power transmitter is required to illuminate a separate fiber strand for the optical return to the fiber-optic receiver at the Headend. Again, the optical transmission is converted to electrical transmission and demodulated to its baseband format.

industry is facing. Mr. Cesar Boyocot, Administrative Supervisor of NTC, gave an inspirational speech which was centered on our spiritual needs. And to open the technical seminar proper, Engr. Romeo Zerrudo, PCTA Technical Committee Chairman, introduced the Technical Committee members while Engr. Julian Ventura, PCTA Technical Committee Co-Chairman, discussed the guidelines and regulations of the activity.

At the end of the two-day simultaneous seminars for cable installers (Level 1) and cable technicians (Level 2), participants were given a final assessment exam to measure and grade how they coped up with the discussions, results of which to be

compared with the results of the pre-assessment exam given at the onset of the technical seminars. For each level, participants who topped the exam were awarded and recognized. There were also group pictures for the participants together with the Technical Committee members.

For Level 1, 18 out of 35 passed the exam, while 17 out of 36 passed the exam for Level 2. Results and/or certifications will be forwarded to their respective company as soon as available. Congratulations to the participants who topped the final exams as follows:

Technical Seminar | From page 13

by Victoriano T. Sy, Sr.

THE CATV NETWORK DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM

Level 1 (Cable Installer):

Top 3

1. Zaldy M. Gumalang (Unique Cable Network, Inc.) – 88%

2. Elbertmar C. Pintac (Zenergy CATV Network) – 74%

3. Kris Anthony J. Luza (Camiguin Island Cable TV Corp.) –

74%

Level 2 (Cable Technician):

Top 4

1. Ramil M. Cabatingan (Southern CableVision, Inc.) – 86%

2. Ramelo B. Deala (Valencia Cable TV Network, Inc.) – 80%

3. Khengie M. Titong (Valencia Cable TV Network, Inc.) – 80%

4. Dominique T. Cimagala (Morning Star Cable TV) – 80%


SEPT - OCT 2012 15

Creative Programs, Inc. (CPI) once again concluded a successful roadshow in Mallberry Suites Business Hotel, Cagayan De Oro last July 26, 2012. It was attended by forty two (42) cable systems from Visayas and Mindanao. The roadshow provided discussions, workshops and fun activities on T.I.M.E. Management (Target, Interact, Motivate and Emphatize with subscribers) facilitated by Mr. Chris Mercado.

Special awards were given to Engr. Ami Perales and Mr. Art Dy of Toledo Cable TV for representing the cable system that traveled the farthest distance to participate in the roadshow. Tokens of appreciation were given to Engr. Allan Huertas and Mr. Roderick Ramon of Trinity Cable as the earliest to arrive at the event.

After the workshop, a sing-off videoke challenge was held with winning performances from Ms. Gretch Francisco of Southern Cable, who set the party mood with Dancing Queen; and Mr. Zo Pimentel of Bukidnon Z5 Cable who serenaded roadshow attendees with Maybe This Time. Sing-off challengers Mr. Randy Salvador of Busco CATV (Sometimes When We Touch), Ms. Linda Camponames of Zsacico CATV (Bridge Over Troubled

Water), Mr. Loy (Maging Sino Ka Man), and Ms. Neng (Sumayaw Sunod) gave the jury – composed of Mr. Jose Pimentel of Skyline Community Network, Engr. Ami Perales of Toledo Cable, and Engr. Elsie Fabella of Bislig Cable TV- a hard time identifying the best performer of the night.

The CPI Channel Distribution thank the following cable systems who supported the roadshow in Cagayan De Oro:

Trinity Cable * Zsacico Cable – Mahayag * Zsacico Cable – Dumingag * Zsacico Cable – Bonifacio * Zsacico Cable – Kidapawan * Zsacico Cable – Kabacan * Northweast Cable TV – Cabacan * Sultan Cable System, Inc. * News PMC Cable * Toledo Cable * Parasat Cable TV – Malaybalay * Parasat Cable TV – Cagayan De Oro * Parasat Cable TV – San Carlos * Valencia Cable * Greenvalley Cable * Bansalan Cable * Misamis Cable * Unique Cable – Tukuran * Unique Cable – Dumalinao * Unique Cable – Tangub * Zoomsat, Inc. * Southern Cable * Sibuguey Cable * Zenergy CATV – Placer * Zenergy CATV – Kitcharao * Zenergy CATV – Medina * Zenergy CATV – Talisayan * Zenergy CATV – Salay * Zenergy CATV – Butuan City * Gemstar CATV * Kismet Cable * WRS – CATV * Kimpco CATV * Cantilan Cable TV Net. * Bislig City CATV – Hinatuan * Busco CATV * P.I. Cable * Bukidnon Z5 Cable * Ginoog Cable * Skyline Community Network * Trento Z5 Global Link * DEARBCI Cable TV * Hinatuan Cable TV

Join CPI in the next Channel Distribution Roadshow in October at Anvaya Cove, Bataan. For queries, call (02) 4152272 or (02) 9295322.

See you there!

Success in Cagayan De Oro!

The wave was proof that it’s more fun in the Philippines’ cable industry.

Attendees of the CPI Channel Distribution Roadshow 2012 in Cagayan De Oro were all smiles for the class picture.

CPI Channel Distribution Roadshow 2012 – Cagayan De Oro sing off videoke challenge participants with ABS-CBN Cable Channels and Print Media Group Head of Business Development and Institutional Sales, Mark Yambot (far left), CPI Channel Distribution Head, Wowell Jingco (far right) and CPI Account Manager for Mindanao, Mr. Niel Dela Cruz (beside Mr. Jingco).

by Creative Programs, Inc.

CABLE LINE

16 SEPT - OCT 2012

First launched as Action TV in 1997, AXN bloomed in the midst of the Asian financial crisis when a young pay TV industry was budding across the Asia region.

15 years on, AXN has continued to grow and expand its footprint. It is today Asia’s No. 1 rated English general entertainment channel seen across the region in some 21 markets by more than 150 million viewers annually. In 2007, AXN HD, the high definition feed of the channel was also rolled out to offer a viewing experience to match. Now, AXN continues to be the flagship channel of SPT’s networks in Asia that reaches all key demographics that advertisers seek.

What draws thrill-seekers to AXN Asia time and again, cementing its position as the No.1 English general entertainment channel? We speak to the man who pioneered the AXN brand and whose foresight grew it to the entertainment powerhouse it is today – Mr Ricky Ow, Executive Vice President of Sony Pictures Television’s networks, Asia.

Congratulations on the 15th anniversary of AXN Asia! What have been the major milestones for AXN Asia in the last 15 years?

First and foremost, we are pleased that the AXN concept of ‘action and adventure’ has proven to give us a clear positioning that audiences across the region understand and love.

Our willingness to innovate proved critical when AXN became the first network to acquire and broadcast first-run US drama series, which were at that point in time, not at all popular among audiences in Asia. AXN popularized “first and exclusive” US dramas with shows such as the CSI franchise, 24 and Alias among others, airing them before free-to-air terrestrial networks.

Following the success of acquired content on AXN, we went on to pioneer regional original productions to further differentiate ourselves from the competition. AXN Asia became the first network outside of the US to adapt the multi award-winning The Amazing Race reality competition format and we have produced 4 very successful seasons of The Amazing Race Asia with the third receiving an International Emmy Award nomination. The last three seasons of The Amazing Race Asia did especially well in the Philippines, with Season two’s Marc and Rovilson clinching the 2nd place; Season 3’s Geoff and Tisha who came in third place and Season 4’s Richard Hardin and Richard Hererra who became the

pride of all pinoys by clinching the top spot.

AXN also worked with Japan-based ‘2007 Magician of the Year’ illusionist Cyril in two magic reality TV series, Cyril: Simply Magic and Cyril’s Family Vacation: Hawaii Edition, while adapting game show formats Cash Cab for Asia.

In the last year, AXN is also broadcasting world class productions coming from our global office in the form of drama series The Firm, as well as the highly anticipated Hannibal coming in the months ahead.

Over the last 15 years, we have put in tremendous efforts to innovate and wow our audiences, advertisers and pay-TV platform partners. In the next five years, we will be localizing AXN more, especially for markets where we have already achieved a desired reach, to engage audiences at a more locally relevant level.

In the Philippines, we already have a dedicated feed for the Philippines and have recently set up own office in Makati, Manila with our Philippines business now being headed by James Dumlao. With our own team on the ground, we hope to be able to offer our partners in the Philippines even faster and more customised service.

What differentiates AXN from other pay-TV channels out there in Asia?

AXN has always inspired the ‘wow’ and we have always believed in wowing our audiences. Right from the start, AXN wowed audiences with first-run US drama programming that could not be found anywhere else.

AXN was also among the first in Asia to broadcast reality series such as Survivor, Fear Factor and Who Dares Wins before the genre had turned mainstream and these shows proved to be big hit which helped turn reality into a staple of Asian viewers’ entertainment diet.

Likewise, AXN original productions such as The Amazing Race Asia, Cyril: Simply Magic and Cyril’s Family Vacation: Hawaii Edition were productions that no one had expected us to take on and these also captivated viewers.

All in all, it was about inspiring the wow that draws our audiences, partners and advertisers to AXN and keeps them coming back for more.

AXN Celebrates 15 Thrilling Years!



SEPT - OCT 2012 17

Where can we expect from AXN in the next 15 years?

We expect to see AXN continue in its dominant position in the region over the next 15 years, as well as more local AXN feeds emerging as we localize the channel further to connect with viewers, advertisers and partners in each market. Beyond that, we are looking forward to seeing the rest of SPT Networks, Asia brands including our other two English content channels beTV and SET and our two Asian content channels Animax and ONE are also doing well.

As with any anniversary, there’s always a celebration. What can we look forward to on and off-air?

There is an ongoing regional on- and off-air marketing campaign in celebration of ‘AXN - 15 Thrilling Years’ to reinforce the channel as the home of thrilling entertainment. In addition in each market, various local promotional activities are also being rolled out to engage, thank and reward our audiences, partners and advertisers for 15 great years with AXN.

In the Philippines, AXN has rewarded loyal fans with tickets to the latest blockbusters such as Bourne Legacy, Spiderman and Men in Black 3. Upcoming contests include ‘The Vocal Score’ challenge where viewers can send in clips of themselves singing for a chance to win fabulous prizes. We are also looking to initiate an ‘AXN University Challenge’ in October, where we seek to bring

the popular AXN Big Challenge from the malls to the colleges.

On the programming front, we premiered Cyril’s Family Vacation: Hawaii Edition and in its lead up, brought Cyril on a five-city promotional tour to thrill viewers with live performances in Singapore, Malaysia, Philippines, Indonesia and India.

In the months ahead, we will launch several shows very close to their US premieres. Upcoming titles which will launch within the same week of the US telecast are: Last Resort, an action thriller with elements of political intrigue and nuclear wars, hailed to be the best new show of the fall; and the third season of The Voice returning with Adam Levine, Christina Aguilera, Cee Lo Green and Blake Shelton, as well as exciting, new format changes. Fans of The Amazing Race will also be able to catch the Asia premiere within 24 hours of the US broadcast!

Also in the pipelines is Hannibal, the next global Sony Pictures Television production after the success of The Firm, which will reimagine the story of the young Hannibal Lecter before his notoriety as a serial killer. The star-studded cast include Casino Royale’s Mads Mikkelsen (who most recently won Best Actor at the 2012 Cannes Film Festival), King Arthur’s Hugh Dancy, CSI’s Lawrence Fishburne and Camelot’s Lara Jean Chorostecki.

AXN | From page 16

through the Cable TV channels are inevitable but it is the PCTA’s initiative to request the programmers to regulate the proliferation of the advertisements so that our subscribers can watch the programs with less interruptions.

These are just some of the benefits a member gets from the PCTA. Although the PCTA is working for the betterment of the whole industry, it is the members who get first hand information through the CABLELINE and the constant communication between the PCTA Secretariat and the members.

Most likely, those who will be reading this article are members of the PCTA already. It is the PCTA’s desire to increase its membership as we go to the digital era. Thus it is my request to our members to please inform your operator/friends to join our ranks and be one of the well-informed members of the industry.

Applying for membership is very easy. Just call the Secretariat and ask for the documentary requirements needed. Once

received, we will process your application immediately. Approval of applications is done during the board meeting held monthly at the PCTA office. Applicants will be notified immediately thereafter.

I hope to see you in one of the technical seminars or regional forums or in one of the local distributors’ roadshows in the next few months. If not, I hope to see you all in the next PCTA convention, which will be held at the SMX at the Mall of Asia on March 18-23, 2013.

And if you happen to see me, don’t hesitate to call my attention and let’s sit down and talk about your system and your concerns. It will be my pleasure to be meeting you all.

The Secretariat is open Mondays-Fridays from 9am to 5pm. You may contact us at 638-8544 during business hours for yours queries.

More power to you all and God bless.

Internal Affairs | From page 10

CABLE LINE

18 SEPT - OCT 2012

Last June 29, almost 150 delegates coming from more than 50 cable systems gathered in this year’s Luzon leg of Regional Programming Conference (RPC). The Hotel Vida at Clark Freeport Zone in Pampanga hosted the event for Omnicontent Management, Inc. (OMI) and FOX International Channels (FIC), with a FOX Crime – NatGeo Wild inspired theme Murder in the Woods.

OMI Vice President and COO Mr. Tim Bautista delivered his signature warm and light speech to welcome all the delegates. President of the Philippine Cable Television Association (PCTA) and Satellite Cable Network Engr. Allan Dungao expressed their support to OMI and FIC, as well as PCTA’s goal of strengthening the pay-TV industry. Director Azor Sitchon of National Telecommunications Commission – Pampanga also welcomed and commended the delegates for their participation.

FIC Affiliates and Distribution Head Ms. Gladys Jacinto opened the morning sessions with the latest and most promising FIC programming in the coming months and years. The OMI Sales Team, led by Danilo “Smokey” Mateo, Jr., presented the FIC buffet and kept the delegates up on their feet with their own question and answer portions. As part of OMI’s newest non-FIC channel partners, Mr. Vitto Lazatin and

Mr. Henrie Chavarria of Hyper and Colours respectively, also presented their latest offerings to the delegates.

To spice up the event, FIC Events Organizer Ms. Rockie Raqueno presented the facts for Murder in the Woods – a crime and mystery game for the delegates to investigate and solve. Character profiles, interviews, scene of the crime shots, and hard evidences were given to stir the sleuth-mind of the delegates.

Joining again this year is Professor Gina Dy from the De La Salle University. With a workshop theme of Tools for Business Efficiency, she focused on fund management and personal selling. At the end of the sessions, all delegates applied the concepts by exercising their acting skills via role-playing. For their exceptional performances, special FIC premium items were given to select delegates for the Best Actor, Best Actress, and Best Group Performance awards.

Capping off the busy day, OMI and FIC treated everybody in attendance to a sumptuous dinner and free-flowing drinks. Keen detective-delegates who successfully pinpointed the killer in the crime and mystery game were awarded exclusive gift items from Billabong.

RPC 2012 Kickoff at Clarkby Jools Maraya, OMI

OMI’s Latest Channel AdditionsOmnicontent Management, Incorporated (OMI) remains committed to bringing Pure Entertainment Channels with the inclusion of new channels to its formidable channel roster.

Featuring high performance sporting action from both the local and international scene, Hyper is the 24/7 serious sports channel for the serious sports fan.

Colours is a premium channel formatted like a living magazine. From cooking shows to health-advice episodes, Colours is the one-stop channel for all your lifestyle infotainment needs. Ginx TV is the world’s only international videogaming TV channel. It offers viewers round the clock access to entertaining shows including reviews, news, and information about games and the gaming world, all delivered with expertise and a sense of humor.

Travel Channel is the world’s leading international travel broadcaster. Our programming transports viewers to every corner of the globe, on backpacking adventures, eco-friendly tours, luxury getaways, culinary quests, and more!

Watch over 500 rugby games on Setanta Sports. It is a dedicated rugby channel covering rugby’s most high profile events including the RBS Six Nations, Super Rugby, The Rugby Championship, NRL, and more.

KidsCo is a global children’s channel that entertains the whole family with safe, non-violent, and light-hearted content. It provides quality entertainment by combining classic titles, first-run exclusives and original production.

Get all these exhilarating channels exclusively from OMI. Dial (632) 633 7358 for more channel inquiries.

CABLE lineEditor-in-Chief

AMELITA G. LEDESMA

Editorial BoardALLAN P. DUNGAOJOSE L. LOBREGATELPIDIO M. PARAS

Managing Editor and Advertising ManagerROSANNA B. MANALANSAN

Editorial AssistantJENNEFER A. MANGUSSAD

ContributorsVICTORIANO T. SY, SR.ROMEO L. ZERRUDO

ARNEL A. MERILLENOCABLE BOSS

CREATIVE PROGRAMS, INC.

Design and LayoutSAM L. LANUZA

CirculationARLENE ALMAIDA C. TAN

BIENVENIDO L. SARILLA, JR.MARIA ROSALINA A. SANTIAGO

Publisher PHILIPPINE CABLE TELEVISION ASSOCIATION, INC.

Unit 504 Taipan Place Condominium, F. Ortigas Jr. RoadOrtigas Center, 1605 Pasig City, Philippines

Phone: (632) 638-8541; (632) 638-8544Fax : (632) 638-8542

Email: [email protected] /[email protected]

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Advisory to PCTA MembersTo 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 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.

We regret however to inform that members who have a two-year overdue payment with the association will not be able to receive Cable Line.

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