A day after the conditional access system was introduced in Chennai, less than 10 per cent of over 11 lakh (1.1 million) cable TV subscribers had installed the set-top boxes -- only through which pay channels could be viewed.

"Although the number of persons seeking demonstrations of STBs on Monday was encouraging, the actual number that purchased the boxes is small," sources in the city's two multi-system operators -- Sumangali Cable Vision and Hathway Cable TV Distributors -- told PTI on Tuesday.

SCV had sold about 1,500 STBs on Monday.

The MSOs squarely blamed the Centre and the private TV channels for not announcing the rates for individual channels or bouquets. The firms hoped that the sales of STBs would rise considerably over the next few days after people were paid their salaries.

To a question, the sources said the firms were well equipped to meet any demand for STBs. "With CAS not being implemented in Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata, STBs kept aside for these metros could be used here," they said.

The MSOs and cable operators, after a meeting on Monday, have sent a memorandum to the information and broadcasting ministry and the broadcasters to come out with the rates.