Each DTH operator is now trying to entice new customers with set top boxes at various prices, different channel packages, recorders and HD channels. Karan Bajaj & Hitesh Raj Bhagat decode the jargon to help you choose
With the festive season around the corner, one of the most popular purchases remains a flat panel television. HD TVs are becoming cheaper (32-inch LCD TVs now start as low as 21,000) and consumers with HD TVs also need a TV service that offers better features and performance as compared to regular cable. This is where DTH comes in — with increased competition in this space, number of features, HD channels, interacticity and better services are now a given. Currently, there are 6 major opertaors that offer DTH services — Airtel, Reliance Big TV, DishTV, Sun Direct, Tata Sky and Videocon D2H. There is no simple way to determine which is better for you – many of them offer similar services and performance. However, you can choose between operators on the basis of entry price point, various channel packages, monthly costs, multi-room discounts and HD services. Read on to find out more.
SHOULD YOU GO HD?If you already have (or are planning to get) an HDready or full HD flat panel TV, it makes perfect sense to opt for an HD set top box. For starters, the HD boxes don’t cost too much more — though you do have to pay extra to get the HD channels. The HD set top boxes usually connect to the TV using HDMI — a single digital cable for both video and audio output. This simplifies the setup and reduces cable mess too. You’ll also find a lot of HD content now — from movies to educational programs, music videos and live events — lots of content is broadcast in HD with digital surround sound for optimum quality. Something to watch out for is actual HD versus ‘upscaled’ HD. Upscaled channels will still show some artifacts and blockiness — only actual HD channels have ‘HD’ written in the on-screen channel name.
...OR 3D?Currently, four of the six operators offer 3D-ready set top boxes (see table). The feature is heavily overrated because of the lack of actual 3D content. To watch channels in 3D, you will need a 3D TV too, which is why these set top boxes are promoted as the ideal companion for the new lot of 3D TVs. Videocon offers one active channel that broadcasts 3D content all the time. Rest have none. Usually, content is upscaled — conversion of 2D to 3D, which most 3D TVs offer anyway. Bottom line, don’t get swayed by claims of a 3D-ready box — The 3D feature should not be the deciding factor, instead, look at the image/audio quality, channel packages, set top box prices & multi-room options.
DTH PORTABILITY?Although rumours of DTH portability have been doing the rounds since 2008, it is only become possible now. DishTV is the only operator offering the option to switch over to the DishTV network by opting for the ‘Dish Freedom’ pack. Dish Freedom is a Conditional Access Module (CAM) card that can be inserted into the card slot of any existing set-top box. After that, you will need to get your existing antenna realigned and the set top box tuned to the DishTV frequency. The Dish Freedom CAM device costs 990 up front, with a 450 yearly recharge. The downside is that you will not get access to all DishTV channels. With basic set top boxes of most operators priced at just a few hundred extra, this scheme will have few takers.
CHANNELSDTH operators may try to entice consumers by advertising a large number of available channels. As attractive as this sounds, consider these points first -
1: Which channels are free (or included in the basic package) and how often does the operator add new channels?
2: How many regional channels are included in the advertised number and are you interested in watching these?
3: How many HD and interactive channels are available in the mix?
Bottom line is, the total number of channels on offer matters little if the channels you really want to watch are not available.
PACKAGE PLANSSome operators offer ‘cherry picking’ or a-la-carte selection of channels, however, channel packages still provide a better deal on a per month basis.
1: Which package offers the channels that are relevant for you?
2: How much extra will you have to pay for sports/lifestyle pacakges?
3: How easily and how often can you switch between plans? If a new channel is added, will it automatically get added to your existing package? Keep in mind that basic packages do not include sports/movies/lifestyle/HD channels — you will need to pay extra for these on a monthly basis.
INSTALLATIONInstallation charges should be clarified at the time of booking/purchasing a connection.
1: Is the operator charging extra for installation after purchase?
2: What the turnaround time after an installation request has been made? 3: Does the installation cover the cost of coax cable and clips? How much will you have to pay per metre of cable? 4: How much does it cost to relocate a connection (even from one floor to another)?
Keep in mind that the dish antenna needs an unobstructed view of the sky in order to get the best signal.
With the festive season around the corner, one of the most popular purchases remains a flat panel television. HD TVs are becoming cheaper (32-inch LCD TVs now start as low as 21,000) and consumers with HD TVs also need a TV service that offers better features and performance as compared to regular cable. This is where DTH comes in — with increased competition in this space, number of features, HD channels, interacticity and better services are now a given. Currently, there are 6 major opertaors that offer DTH services — Airtel, Reliance Big TV, DishTV, Sun Direct, Tata Sky and Videocon D2H. There is no simple way to determine which is better for you – many of them offer similar services and performance. However, you can choose between operators on the basis of entry price point, various channel packages, monthly costs, multi-room discounts and HD services. Read on to find out more.
SHOULD YOU GO HD?If you already have (or are planning to get) an HDready or full HD flat panel TV, it makes perfect sense to opt for an HD set top box. For starters, the HD boxes don’t cost too much more — though you do have to pay extra to get the HD channels. The HD set top boxes usually connect to the TV using HDMI — a single digital cable for both video and audio output. This simplifies the setup and reduces cable mess too. You’ll also find a lot of HD content now — from movies to educational programs, music videos and live events — lots of content is broadcast in HD with digital surround sound for optimum quality. Something to watch out for is actual HD versus ‘upscaled’ HD. Upscaled channels will still show some artifacts and blockiness — only actual HD channels have ‘HD’ written in the on-screen channel name.
...OR 3D?Currently, four of the six operators offer 3D-ready set top boxes (see table). The feature is heavily overrated because of the lack of actual 3D content. To watch channels in 3D, you will need a 3D TV too, which is why these set top boxes are promoted as the ideal companion for the new lot of 3D TVs. Videocon offers one active channel that broadcasts 3D content all the time. Rest have none. Usually, content is upscaled — conversion of 2D to 3D, which most 3D TVs offer anyway. Bottom line, don’t get swayed by claims of a 3D-ready box — The 3D feature should not be the deciding factor, instead, look at the image/audio quality, channel packages, set top box prices & multi-room options.
DTH PORTABILITY?Although rumours of DTH portability have been doing the rounds since 2008, it is only become possible now. DishTV is the only operator offering the option to switch over to the DishTV network by opting for the ‘Dish Freedom’ pack. Dish Freedom is a Conditional Access Module (CAM) card that can be inserted into the card slot of any existing set-top box. After that, you will need to get your existing antenna realigned and the set top box tuned to the DishTV frequency. The Dish Freedom CAM device costs 990 up front, with a 450 yearly recharge. The downside is that you will not get access to all DishTV channels. With basic set top boxes of most operators priced at just a few hundred extra, this scheme will have few takers.
CHANNELSDTH operators may try to entice consumers by advertising a large number of available channels. As attractive as this sounds, consider these points first -
1: Which channels are free (or included in the basic package) and how often does the operator add new channels?
2: How many regional channels are included in the advertised number and are you interested in watching these?
3: How many HD and interactive channels are available in the mix?
Bottom line is, the total number of channels on offer matters little if the channels you really want to watch are not available.
PACKAGE PLANSSome operators offer ‘cherry picking’ or a-la-carte selection of channels, however, channel packages still provide a better deal on a per month basis.
1: Which package offers the channels that are relevant for you?
2: How much extra will you have to pay for sports/lifestyle pacakges?
3: How easily and how often can you switch between plans? If a new channel is added, will it automatically get added to your existing package? Keep in mind that basic packages do not include sports/movies/lifestyle/HD channels — you will need to pay extra for these on a monthly basis.
INSTALLATIONInstallation charges should be clarified at the time of booking/purchasing a connection.
1: Is the operator charging extra for installation after purchase?
2: What the turnaround time after an installation request has been made? 3: Does the installation cover the cost of coax cable and clips? How much will you have to pay per metre of cable? 4: How much does it cost to relocate a connection (even from one floor to another)?
Keep in mind that the dish antenna needs an unobstructed view of the sky in order to get the best signal.
