STAR Vijay to go free-to-air

In the aftermath of CAS, when all pay TV channels were blocked off by cable operators save for viewers who had a set-top-box, the STAR group has decided to convert its Tamil pay channel STAR Vijay into an free-to-air channel in Chennai. Thus STAR Vijay will join the ranks of all other Tamil cable and satellite channels that are already free.

Vijay fans can heave a sign of relief as this move means that STAR Vijay will be back in their drawing rooms now. Indeed, for the avid watchers of Vijay TV, the blackout came at the wrong time as the popular reality serial Kathai Alla Nijam, which highlights real-life stories and is anchored by Tamil actress Lakshmi, has become a big hit with TV viewers.

Alongside, to spur the sale of set-top boxes in the city, Sumangali Cable Vision, the Sun Network-promoted multi-system operator, has decided to offer pay channel bouquets free-of-cost for the month of September.