Colors begins UK video and audio testing

India’s leading Hindi entertainment channel, Colors, from the Viacom-18 stable has begun its trade testing on Sky Digital ahead of its official UK/Europe launch.

The tests are currently showing programmes from the Colors library. Whilst the audio is not fully in sync with the visuals, this will be rectified in days to come.

Since its launch in India in July 2008, Colors became the first Hindi channel to end STAR Plus’ reign after eight years on top. It rocketed inside the top three Hindi entertainment channels in India after only two weeks of its launch.

Popular shows like ‘Balika Vadhu’, ‘Bigg Boss’, ‘Uttaran’ and ‘Na Aana Is Des Mein Laado’ have attributed in the success of the channel.

Earlier this week, BizAsia.co.uk confirmed that Colors will be distributed by Multi Screen Media’s (parent company of Sony Entertainment Television Asia) VIEWASIA. Colors will become the eighth channel in the bouquet to be offered to subscribers.

It is not clear when Colors will officially launch on the Sky Digital EPG but it is likely that bosses will launch its service simultaneously with its US feed, next month. In the US, Colors will be known as Aapka Colors due to another service already being there of the name, Colors.

Multi Screen Media will be holding a press conference to officially announce the launch of Colors in the UK and the addition to its VIEWASIA package in the coming weeks.

In the UK, Colors will launch on Sky Digital EPG 829 – the former slot of 9XM, which ceased broadcasting last month. Colors purchased the slot from INX Media (parent company of 9X and 9XM).

For viewers who wish to view the video tests of Colors, follow the steps below to tune into the old 9XM channel label:

-> Using your Sky Digi remote, go to Services Menu
-> System Setup (4)
-> Add Channels (4)
-> Enter frequency: 11.427 (V), FEC: 2/3, SR: 27500
-> Find Channels and Press SELECT
-> Highlight “9XM” service and press Yellow button.
-> Return to Services Menu
-> Other Channels (6) on STB / (8) on Sky+
-> “9XM” should be listed and available