The DTH on-screen codes interrupt service

Reader Ravi Agarwal isn’t very happy with the alphanumeric codes flashing on his television screen all the time

I have a DTH connection and am always faced with the problem of having to stare at an alphanumeric code with eight to nine characters appearing on screen from time to time. Initially, I thought that it was an initiative taken from the broadcasters to curb piracy. But then, another eight-digit code appeared on screen. This time it was from the service provider to curb piracy of its crystal clear digital signal. Both the codes kept changing their positions all over the screen, and many a times information such as cricket scores and statistics hid behind it.

Also, there’s a constant scroll line — which is nothing but an on-screen promotion of the DTH operator — blocking the information behind that line. I called up the helpline and was informed that the codes were meant to keep piracy of the beam in check and would continue doing so. The scroll line too would stay.

I would like to ask service providers and DTH operators that when customers pay for a service, shouldn’t they be getting unadulterated and undisturbed pictures and not suffer from piracy checks? It’s like getting a brand new car with an accelerator, which has been built to be jerky, so that it can keep a check on reckless driving and maintain speed limits. DTH operators should come up with an alternative way of keeping subscribers happy, and at the same time keep pirates at bay. Is that possible Mr Operator?