Tune iInto 500 TV channels by year-end

CHENNAI: The Tamil Nadu Arasu Cable TV (TACTV) will provide 500 channels for its consumers in the Metropolitan Area when it starts its services by year-end. Of the 500 channels, 20 will be high definition. The TACTV will provide consumers with the set top boxes needed to receive the digital signals at a reasonable price. An official release on Friday said Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa has directed that sufficient funds be earmarked to start the services in Chennai soon. Though the Centre made it compulsory to digitise cable TV services in all metros by June 30, 2012, the State has written to the Centre urging it to extend the deadline to December 31, 2012. Operators registered with the TACTV should register the number of set top boxes required for them on www.arasucable.com by May 31, 2012.