How often have you worked the TV remote, surfing for something good to watch and given up in resignation? How many times did you wish you could watch some show from home, some great desi program without adding to your cable bills or installing a dish antenna? If you are anything like me, so many many times!

When at my desk, working long hours at the computer, I decide to take a break and watch the latest Tamil or Telugu blockbuster. Right there, right at that moment!
Well, NUM TV lets one have that pleasure. No long-term sign ups unless one wants to, one can even be a walk in customer and watch as you pay.

NumTV.com is one of the largest 24-hour live online multilingual entertainment portal for international Asians.
One can even enjoy the current coverage of the Chennai Carnatic Music Festival on Jaya TV and Num Tamil here, in this country!
Numtv.com comprises a collection of interesting channels classifying into Television, Radio, Print, Films and stage. With 5 live online televisions on the agenda numtv.com offers full-fledged entertainment whenever the user beckons its service at any time and at any part of the world.
We chatted with Karthiq Subramaniam( Q to his friends), Marketing Consultant for NUM TV in the US and he enlightened and educated us about this revolutionary, cost effective way to enjoy your favorite shows.

Lokvani: Tell us something about yourself. What is your background and how did you become associated with Num TV?
Kartiq: I am a Chennai lad, a cricket fanatic, and an active social worker with Rotary International. I possess a keen interest in conceptualizing and organizing events.
I was a Corporate Law Consultant back in India (B.A, LLB, ACS). Then I got my MBA from Umass.
Num TV was an exciting concept and a very good platform to kick start my marketing/advertising career. I should thank Mr.Udeep Bogullu, head of Numtv.com for having confidence in my abilities.
I also do freelance mortgage consulting for a company in Woburn.
From being a Law Consultant to a Marketing Consultant was a big transition but a lot more challenging and fun. Being multi-faceted and having various talents helped.

Lokvani: Is NUM TV much easier/ how is it different from subscribing to cable or installing a dish antenna?
Kartiq: Numtv is easy, considering the fact that, all you need is a computer and a cable connection. Log in to www.numtv.com, register for free, see the free programs and then choose the package you desire.
No equipments to purchase or install. The only issue is the system compatibility. Since it is live streaming the computer has to be set according to our instructions. Numtv works across almost all Windows and Mac systems.

Lokvani: How expensive is it? Will one have to sign a long-term contract? Is it binding?
Kartiq: Subscribers get up to 6 channels for $10 per month. The packages have been designed to have variety in them. As an example – the Vissa Telugu Package, which costs $10 per month, comprises of Vissa Telugu, Num Telugu, SS Music, CMM Hindi, Splash Kids and Num Tamil.
No contracts…but customers can subscriber monthly, quarterly, halfyearly and annually.

Lokvani: How many subscribers do you have worldwide? And do you see a lot more people availing of this in the near future?
Kartiq: We have around 450000 registered users in the US. Registered users are those who have registered to watch some free programs and also include our subscribers.
The number fluctuates on a monthly basis.
We are working on different distribution channels in order to reach more customers on a grass root level. In the US we plan to promote through Cable/DSL operators in a large scale, where we would act as the content providers. We are working with a lot of Indian associations; we provide discounts and revenue sharing options. We have already tied up with www.telugupeople.com and www.themavericks.net. We are open to any other innovative methods of distribution, cross promotions and advertising.

Lokvani: How does one see it on TV? Can the programs be viewed even if you don’t connect it to a TV? Can it be viewed on the computer screen?
Kartiq: All the programs can be viewed on a computer screen. To view it on the TV, customers need an AV Cord or a S-Video output depending on the computer/TV. All these cables are available at Bestbuy/Circtuicity. Some of our customers have moved their computers near the TV and are permanently connected to the TV for anytime viewing. It is like switching on the TV – go to our website, log in and click on the channel, if the programs are not the ones you wish to watch…click on another channel and start watching.

Lokvani: Suppose I wish to see a program that I had seen advertised on your site but I miss the broadcast. How can I see it again?
Kartiq: All our programs are archived for 2 weeks. So you can access two weeks programs at your convenience.

Lokvani: If one wants to watch only a select few shows and not subscribe to the entire package, then what?
Kartiq: Yes, you can be a walk in customer. You can pay $1 and watch 4 hours of any channel of your choice.

Lokvani: Just $1? That is an incredible offer? No cable company offers that!
Karthiq : That is what makes Num TV unique and totally great!

Lokvani: Suppose I want a pal to see the show that I am enjoying, how can I invite him/her to watch it?
Kartiq: We do not have such a feature right now. But we have launched the Business Partner program where in a subscriber can earn 10% for every new subscriber her sources. Subscribers can sign up for the business partner program in the channels page. Also you can ask your friend to register for free and watch the free programs that we offer.

Lokvani: Is this the future of TV programming? Are you planning any new services? (Do you have any promotional plans for the readers of Lokvani?
Kartiq: Yes absolutely. Considering the cost effectiveness of this model on a long run we think this would challenge other conventional business models. But the web streaming technology has to evolve a lot and standardization of systems, networks etc has to take place for this to happen. With the pace at which computer science is evolving these days, this is absolutely possible.

Lokvani : Considering that this a new service that you are providing, have you had any complaints from customers?
Kartiq: There were some unhappy customers in the market who expressed some dissatisfaction with our services through common forums. This has given us some negative publicity. There was a period when we were not able to show the promised channels. Hence it was reasonable for them to be angry. We have written back to all those customers and in fact even provided them two weeks free subscription. So if in case some one is not happy with our service or has had a previous bad experience I request them to call me or write to me. I will be glad to dispel your doubts and concerns.

Other services we offer:
Religion, music and dance, travel and tourism, cricket, kids section, games, e-learn, healthcare, beauty and fashion and kitchen – all available on free registration.
We have various other services in our website. One important service being application software rentals, where in application software will be available for customers to rent for a brief period. We are still working on this section and will be optimizing this service soon.

Contact Kartiq Subramanian at 5082645601/kartiq@penta-media.com for all trade, advertising and discount enquiries.

Pentamedia Graphics Limited is a giant player in the world of Animation, Graphics and Special effects industry. With a turnover of around US$ 90 Million, the company has achieved a phenomenal growth and its contribution in the field of Films, Television and Computers is an ongoing testimony to its performance. The company is ranked #3 in the world by the Roncarelli Report of the Global Animation Industry.

|