TrueVisions

TrueVisions Group Co., Ltd. is the largest provider of cable and satellite television in Thailand. It is a subsidiary of the business division of True Corporation.

Prior to February 2007, the company was variously known as United Broadcasting Corporation (UBC), United Television Cable Network (UTV) or International Broadcasting Corporation (IBC).

History

International Broadcasting Corporation (1989 – 1998)

Before the establishment of IBC, Thailand had five television networks (3, 5, 7, 9, 11). The company was founded in 1985 with Thaksin Shinawatra presenting a proposal for a cable television project. The IBC project also received consultancy from an America's Clearview International,[1] which, in its assessment of a cable television service for Tonga in 1983, was already planning something similar in Thailand.[2]

Products

location country	Thailand

homepage	https://truevisions.co.th/

Personal Video Recording System

In July 2008, TrueVisions launched its PVR (Personal-Digital Video Recording) system. The TrueVisions PVR set-top box included a 140 GB hard drive for recording. It was sold separately with an extra monthly fee.[15]

HD set-top box

In October 2011, TrueVisions launched an HD descrambler and all-in-one set-top box called "HD Plus" following the launch of its HDTV service. The HD Plus was manufactured by Samsung and Humax. HD Plus also has the PVR feature which recorded using an external eSATA hard drive. On September 22, 2014, the extra monthly fee for PVR was removed for customers with premium packages.[16][17]

High-definition channels

In November 2007, TrueVisions started testing its high definition (HD) broadcasts and its new HD PVR set-top box. The system was also demonstrated at the Bangkok ICT Expo.[18] In 2010, TrueVisions offered customers with premium subscriptions three HD channels (HBO and two sports channels) for an extra payment. The original HD set-top box did not have a DVR function. In 2011, TrueVisions offered CATV customer eight new HD channels, and a new combined HD and PVR set-top box. This coincided with extension of fibre optic cable networks to some provincial areas.[19] On July 16, 2012, TrueVisions expanded their HD offerings to seventeen channels, making all HD channels available to both DSTV and CATV subscribers.[20] In September 2016, TrueVisions offered fifty-six HD channels.

3D broadcasts

In 2008, TrueVisions tested 3D broadcasts, showing short European-made vignettes filmed using the Pulfrich effect. In 2009, segments of Academy Fantasia were broadcast live using the Pulfrich effect.[21] Since 2013, the True Film HD channel has aired selected movies in a Side-By-Side 3D format.[22]

4K UHD

On May 18, 2018, TrueVisions announced it will broadcast most of the 2018 FIFA World Cup live matches in UHD on a new dedicated 4K channel.[23]

TrueID TV

The "TrueID TV" service offers more viewing options. Customers can view their subscribed channels (but not all channels) on any mobile device. Functions include "on demand" and "picture quality".

former names	United Broadcasting Corporation (UBC) UBC-True
type	Subsidiary
founded	July 1, 1998
area served	Southeast Asia
key people	Soopakij Chearavanont (chairman) Suphachai Chearavanont (CEO)
industry	Pay television Mass media
products	Digital satellite and cable TV
parent	True Corporation
location city	118/1 Tipco Building, Rama XI Road, Sam Sen Nai, Phyathai, Bangkok 10400

History

International Broadcasting Corporation (1989 – 1998)

UTV Cable Network (1993 – 1998)

Merger with United Broadcasting Corporation (1998-2006)

UBC-True (2006 – 2007)

TrueVisions (2007 – present)

Subscribers