Charndet Phrommanee, managing director of Media Touch, launched My TV as a satellite channel two years ago and is now ready to offer cable programming.

New cable provider My TV aims to be the 'free' first choice for viewers

Small-screen fans tired of the fare offered by traditional cable providers can now opt for a different menu thanks to new cable service My TV.

"My TV isn't just another choice for viewers," says Charndet Phrommanee, managing director of Media Touch. "Most people switch over to cable when there's nothing to watch on free TV. We aim to make My TV a first choice, just like free TV."

Two years ago, Charndet launched the successful mobile-service programme "Than Loke Mue Thue" on satellite channel MVTV 8. Now, having looked at user surveys conducted by the Poly Satellite Industry and the Thailand Cable TV Association, he's turning his attention to cable.

According to the research, three million families have installed C-Band satellite dishes while 3.54 million families subscribe to 458 cable operators.

Affordable satellite dishes

"The cost of the C-Band dish has dropped dramatically, going from Bt30,000 a few years ago to Bt6,000 or less. The market's opened up. But the smaller service providers cannot offer a wide variety of programmes because of the high production costs."

My TV has invested Bt70 million in content plus another Bt20 million in promotion.

The 24-hour channel's programmes feature Korean, Chinese and Western series, movies and documentaries, including shows like "Pink House" as well as talk shows, travel and food programmes and music spots.

"We have to manage our time slots that they suit viewers. Most importantly, we must be careful not to schedule our highlights at prime time on free TV," he says.

XTRA

Going global

>> My TV is free-to-air to all viewers who already have a C-Band dish. The dish costs Bt6,000.

>> MVTV broadcasts via satellite to Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Taiwan.