The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has set new quality standards for digital television reception, video surveillance systems (VSS), and USB Type-C chargers, according to the government.
The Consumer Affairs Ministery said the first on the list is the Indian standard IS 18112:2022 specification for digital television receivers with built-in satellite tuners.
"TVs manufactured as per this Indian standard would enable reception of free-to-air TV and radio channels just by connecting a dish antenna with LNB mounted on a suitable place, at roof top/side wall of a building," it said.
Adherence to these new standards will facilitate the transmission of more information about government initiatives, educational content (from Doordarshan), schemes, and a repository of Indian culture programs so that the same can reach a larger part of the population and benefit them.
At this moment, TV viewers have to buy a set-top box in order to view different free and paid channels. The set-top box is also needed to facilitate the reception of free-to-air channels that are transmitted by Doordarshan. This applies to non-encrypted channels too. Now, Doordarshan is trying to phase out analog transmission. The free-to-air channels will be broadcasted by using digital satellite transmission by Doordarshan itself.
"To enable the reception of these free-to-air channels without use of set top box, there is a need for television receivers with in-built suitable satellite tuner," the ministry added.
The second standard that has been published is Indian Standard (IS/IEC 62680-1-3:2022). This applies to USB Type-C receptacles, plugs, and cables, and adopts the existing global standard IEC 62680-1- 3:2022.
This will result in reducing the total number of chargers per consumers, and people will not have to buy different chargers for different devices. This will also help with reducing e-waste and ensure sustainable development.
The third standard that has been published is IS 16910 series of Indian standards for "Video Surveillance Systems (VSS)". This adopts the International Standard IEC 62676 series.
This standard offers guidelines for components of a VSS system, including interfaces, camera devices, system requirements, and tests that check the quality of the camera.