Prime Minister Manmohan Singh [ Images ] on Thursday launched DD Direct Plus, India's [ Images ] first free direct-to-home broadcast service, hailing it as a "landmark event" in the history of broadcasting and communication of the country.

Noting that the ambitious Rs 160 crore (Rs 1.6 billion) DTH project by Prasar Bharati was the first of its kind by any public broadcaster in the world, he said that it was a "very important step forward in the emotional integration of our people".

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Information and Broadcasting Minister S Jaipal Reddy [ Images ], who also spoke, said that the service which would enable people in all parts of the country to receive 33 TV and 12 AIR channels, will usher in entertainment revolution for the common man.