Update: Verismo informs us that the full settop and IPTV headend technology comes from Verismo and not just Internet videos. Satish Mugulavalli, Co-founder and Chief Architect, Verismo Networks, told MediaNama that ACT owns the pipe to the house and delivers all the services - Broadcast IPTV, VOD and Internet access over their own pipe, hence our argument that people who have Internet access will not subscribing to this does not hold: "the pricing for the full service is competitive and most providers charge this much for unlimited Internet access alone." Mugulavalli also doesn't believe that content from USB is an issue. "You can only record from the TV using the authorized PVR function of the box. This recording is DRM protected and cannot be played on another box from another subscriber let alone playing it on a PC." Original Story: India Value Fund Advisors funded Multi System Operator (MSO) Atria Convergence Technologies (ACT) has the launch of IPTV service in Bengaluru, in areas listed here. This is probably the first instance of a cable operator/MSO launching IPTV services - so far the domain has seen muted participation from telecom operators like MTNL, BSNL and Bharti Telemedia (Airtel). Access to 150 channels is priced at Rs. 299/month, while the set top box is available for Rs. 4999, though they're offering a discount of Rs. 2000 to the first 500 customers. The detailed pricing is available here. ACT will invest Rs. 450 crores in Phase 1 of their launch, which will see them expanding operations to parts of Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh…
