Focus Group

Participants of the Focus Group

Hassan Sami- 25
Umair Mahmood- 27
Sardar Hassan Imam-33
Rubab Gardezi-37
Ahsan Jamil-24

Focus Group Discussion

Question # 1: Have you used SMART TV?
Answer: All of the participants were SMART TV users.

Question # 2: Which feature of the SMART TV do you use?

Answer: All participants unanimously agreed that the best feature of the SMART TV is
recording. They all use it most frequently for recording cartoon for their kids, English TV
dramas, talk shows, sports event etc. This option helps them to follow their favorite programs
even in their busy schedules. Forward is mostly used during commercial breaks and rewind
something good is to be re-watched.
Question # 3: Do you enjoy watching television more after installing SMART TV?
Answer: They agreed that SMART TV makes them enjoy watching television more as they can
watch their favorite programmes easily. One of the participants claimed at this life stage i.e.
while working you cannot adjust your life according to the television schedules thus the
recording features gives the best solution to watch television.
Question # 4: Do you follow your programmes more regularly?
Answer: One of the participants explained that he enjoys watching sports and in his busy
schedule the recording feature helps record and watch the match. It also saves time as he uses the

fast-forward feature as well. He also added that through a package you can use internet on the
television which has better speed and downloading. Another participant highlighted that SMART
TV has added updated movies on its server which gives accessibility to new and latest movies
without the hassle of purchasing or downloading them. Couple of participants highlighted a
problem that as PTCL provides both SMART TV and broadband internet so when the server of
the PTCL is down then you cannot access TV or internet which causes frustration.
Question # 5: Is the reception and quality of SMART TV better?
Answer: All participants agreed that reception quality of SMART TV is very good as it operates
on fiber optics where as normal cable operators use the normal transmission technology. One of
the participants pointed out that SMART TV offers best quality in the most reasonable price that
is offered to almost all social classes. While grading the competition, one of the participants
concluded that PTCL and Wateen are at par where as WorldCall is lower in terms of quality.
They also suggested that like Indian companies PTCL should offer better quality for the people
who can afford it and also packages for the channels. Package flexibility should be offered.
Question # 6: Has your viewing habit changed due to SMART TV?
Answer: Majority of participants agreed that due to recording option their viewing habits have
increased. It helps you save money and get better quality in lesser amount. You can also enjoy
the bigger and better quality. They also suggested that the modem batteries should last longer so
that people can record all day long even during loadshedding. They all agreed that parental
guidance is also a very good feature helps blocking the channels that are not suitable for the
children viewing.
Question # 7: Has SMART TV helped you to spend more time with your family?
Answer: One of the respondents said that SMART TV provides them with more family time. But
one of them disagreed that family time is fixed and TV does not interfere. But as a cricket buff
family time becomes more fun as they all watch matches together. One of the participants shared
that he used to sacrifice family time to watch his favorite programmes before but now he can
record and watch them later.
Question # 8: Is the interface of SMART TV user-friendly?

Answer: One of the participants pointed out that as compared to international competition the
interface is not at all user-friendly. But considering it as the first mover in Pakistan it has done a
fine job but has a long way to go. Another participant disagreed that within 6-8 months they have
made it easier to use with pictorial presentation and simple English. Still he agreed that it can be
improved. Another participant exclaimed that there are very few international channels like in
Dish TV moreover users should be allowed to pick their own channels.
Question # 9: Who influenced you to use SMART TV?
Answer: PTCL employees visited the homes and offered the services. The added advantage with
PTCL is that the landline connect, SMART TV and broadband is offered by one service provider.
Online bill payment is an excellent advantage. They can capture a lot of market if they offer
services parallel to TATA Sky and Dish TV.
Question # 10: Would you recommend SMART TV to others?
Answer: All participants exclaimed that they will definitely recommend it to others.
Major Findings of Focus Group

All participants unanimously agreed that the best feature of the SMART TV is recording.
SMART TV makes them enjoy watching television more.
Users follow their favorite programmes regularly due to SMART TV
Users agreed that the reception quality of SMART TV is better than normal cable
Most of the users watch more television due to SMART TV
Family time is nor positively neither negatively affected due to SMART TV
Most of the users agreed that the interface of SMART TV is simple but could be

improved
PTCL employees helps promoting the SMART TV
All users would recommend SMART TV to other
When PTCL service is down it adds to the frustration as there is no TV or internet
SMART TV should offer flexibility in the packages of channels
Loadshedding factor should be considered and technically SMART TV should be

improved to local requirement

Services and interface should be improved and bring it at par with international
competition