The broader public, or final users, are provided with the direct-to-home (DTH) television broadcast service. The direct-to-home (DTH) television broadcast service is made available to the broader public, or final users.
This service strives to inform the public about events or crises taking place all across the world at affordable charges to promise that residents can get the information.
We are aware that DTH service usage is most popular in India, making India the first country in the world to use this service. This comprehensive guide on how to pick the finest DTH in India based on your needs and tastes should be helpful to all DTH consumers.
An encoder, modulator, multiplexer, broadcasting centre, satellite, and DTH receivers make up a network of DTH.
Ku-band transponders must be leased from the satellite by a DTH service provider. The multiplexer combines these signals when the encoder has converted the audio, video, and data signals into a digital representation. A tiny dish antenna and set-top boxes to decode and go through different channels will be provided at the user’s end. Receiving dishes on the user’s end can have a 45 cm diameter maximum.
Now that this service is available, why not personalize it based on your interests and, of course, your budget? The reason for these DTH services is their availability facility.
Advantages of DTH (Direct to Home) Operators in India:
A satellite link is used for direct-to-home (DTH) service. We can receive direct television services at home using DTH service, no matter where we are in the country. There is no territorial division in the country. A cable TV connection is not relevant because DTH is a satellite-based service. With DTH service, anyone can get a high-quality digital television feed. DTH is quite useful in remote areas where the television signal is of poor quality.
DTH provides us with the best audio and visual quality. With DTH service, we may select the channel programming we wish to watch. While DTH users can choose their own bundle or channel, traditional cable TV companies only give us services with a selection of their own channels.
DTH service’s main benefit is that it only needs one channel, buyers from having to buy new televisions with other channels. We can change the channel by making use of the set-top box for the DTH service. The subscription fee may be paid online using a credit card, a rechargeable voucher, or net banking. There are different and many service providers in India, including DDFree, Reliance Jio, Dish TV, Sun TV, Den Networks, and others.
Please read the entire article so that you can make an informed and knowledgeable decision on the best DTH (Direct-To-Home) in India that will meet your demands.
Let’s go to finding a solution to our problem without wasting too much time. How can we select the best DTH provider in India for our needs?
A list of the top 10 DTH service providers in India is provided. A comprehensive guide that will help you determine and select the best DTH in India by removing all the uncertainty about your DTH service providers in India.
1. DD FREE DISH | Doordarshan – Prasar Bharati
Since December 2004, Prasar Bharati has given DD Free Dish DTH, formerly known as FREE FISH or DD Direct+. There is a FREE DTH service available all over India. Given that it provides a free service, this DTH comes in first. Even better, the package plan has no monthly fee and gives news, a few daily soap operas, and regional networks in addition to the necessary channels. In this situation, using the DTH service just requires paying the fee for the first FREE DISH setup.
Isn’t that the most effective approach to gaining customers? True, it is!
Anyone may easily purchase the entire DD Free Dish setup, which includes the Dish Antenna, Set-top Box (STB), and Remote, at the local market or online for an affordable price.
The channels are broadcast directly through satellites, thus no local cable provider is needed to access this service.
There will be no other sort of STB necessary for getting this service; only a Free to Air (FTA) type STB will be relevant.
However, you may need a MPEG-4/HD set-top box to view the HD channel in the DD Free Dish; alternatively, you’ll need an iCAS SD set-top box approved by Doordarshan to receive encrypted TV channels, but it does not support the HD channel.
It relies on the user’s decision. The cost of set-top boxes varies based on the model and use, from $500 to $1500. One of the top DTHs in India is DD Bharti, which offers a free service.
DD FREE DISH is without a doubt the best DTH in India with so many free subscriptions and the least expensive set-top box in the category. You can determine whether you want this service in your home based on the characteristics listed below. To learn more about DD-free dishes, visit their official website:
| Official Website | Doordarshan – Prasar Bharati |
| Channels | 106 |
| SD Channels | 106 |
| HD Channels | 01 |
| Active users | More than 30 Million |
| Contact Number | 01123114006 |
2. RELIANCE JIO DTH
Currently, Reliance JIO DTH, which debuted on December 27, 2015, is the most widely used DTH provider. The aim is to provide their clients with high-quality services.
The Reliance Group’s Jio DTH service, which is ranked as the second-best DTH in India on our list, is so because of the features and promotions it gives. Who wouldn’t want high-speed broadband service and full HD channels in addition to their DTH service?
We all know that whenever Reliance introduces a new service or product, it always does it with an Amazing OFFER that causes a big commotion in the marketplace. In this phase, the business has introduced a “Jio Welcome Offer” for brand-new subscribers to the service, which includes a three-month free trial.
You may be concerned that, in contrast to other established and well-known DTH providers, this service does not now surround you, but if it does not, it will in a few months or even a little longer.
According to reports, the Jio DTH service has only recently started in a few major cities. However, reservations for the same have already started. However, you can always have the patience to wait for something unique and beneficial.
The difference between this DTH service and the other DTH services on the market is that using a broadband connection, which includes the router and the set-top box, is all you need to use the Jio DTH services instead of using an antenna to receive the signals.
As a result, you have access to channels that provides online streaming in 4k HD quality while watching TV and high-speed internet at speeds of around 1 GBps (1000 MBps). HD-quality games will also be supported by the gadgets of the service company.
| Official Website | https://www.jio.com/ |
| Channels | 300+ |
| SD Channels | 100+ |
| HD Channels | 200+ |
| Active users | More than 20 Million |
| Contact Number |
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3. TATA PLAY (Formerly TATA SKY)
Based on specific data, Tata Play, formerly regarded as TATA Sky, has been named the top DTH provider in 2019 and is one of the greatest DTH brands in India. Twenty-First Century Fox and Tata Sons jointly launched it in 2006.
After operating for more than 15 years, Tata Sky has announced that it will change its name to Tata Play. According to the company, which claims to have millions of users, its business currently provides fibre-to-home broadband and Binge services in addition to DTH.
The company’s new name reflects the wider variety of products and services it now provides. 23 million connections and 23 million active subscribers now use Tata Sky.
Additionally, the business announced that it would support Netflix, which is a major relief for its customers. Users won’t need to hunt for substitute Netflix streaming services starting tomorrow because the well-known OTT program will be accessible. The service presently supports the majority of well-known video streaming services, including Amazon Prime, Disney+ Hotstar, Voot, and others.
The fact that it was the first to provide the option of channel customization in the form of “choose and pay” packs tailored to the user’s preferences and to give its customers 4K set-top boxes has helped it build a commendable customer base.
The Personal Video Recorder (PVR), which has unique capabilities so that you may pause records, as well as rewind your Live TV screen, remote record facility, and more, has helped Tata Sky grow in popularity and become the current finest DTH in India.
In addition, Tata Sky was the first to introduce interactive television series services including Tata Sky Fun Learn courses, Dance Studio, Smart Games, Vedic Maths, Cooking, Comedy, Music, Fitness, and much more.
The HD Tata Sky set-top box costs approximately $1,499/-. (the new customers of Tata Sky DTH service have to only purchase the HD set-top box)
Below is the table which illustrates the tata sky plan:
| Official Website | Tataplay |
| Channels | 652 |
| SD channels | 498 |
| HD channels | 91 |
| Network fee | 153/- (including tax per month – single connection) |
| Paid Channel | 200 SD/100 HD |
| Starting Pack Amount | 36-40/- per month |
| Contact Number | 18002086633 | [email protected] |
| Active users | Over 22 million |
4. AIRTEL DIGITAL TV
In October 2008, Bharti Airtel began operations as Airtel Digital TV. In the world of DTH service providers, it is a well-known brand.
This service allows channel customization based on the interests of the customer, and as a result, the cost varies.
Different pack types and channel numbers are given based on the states or regions.
On-demand services from Airtel Digital TV are available on linked boxes and feature a selection of films, TV shows, and other programs in both English and several Indian languages. Additionally, it provides interactive services including games, darshan, a kid’s world, and a music space.
Moreover, The set-top box provides high-quality videos, and Dolby surrounds sound audio, and video recording capabilities, among other features.
The Airtel Digital TV set-top box is available for purchase starting at $1750.
Here are some details about Airtel digital TV to look at while deciding
| Official Website | Airtel DTH |
| Channels | 563 |
| SD channels | 428 |
| HD channels | 72 |
| Network fee | 153/- including taxes per month (single connection) |
| Paid Channel | 200 SD/100 HD |
| Starting Pack Amount | Approx 153/- per month |
| Contact Number | 1800-103-6065 | [email protected] |
| Active users | Over 16.3 million |
5. DISH TV
Dish TV was launched by the Zee Group in October 2003. It is the parent business of D2H, which we will examine shortly, and Zing Digital, a regional content telecasting brand. However, the Zee Group and the Videocon Group currently jointly operate it.
Dish TV India’s subsidiary Zing Digital was established in January 2015 to offer access to the regional channel for South India. Currently, the service is available in West Bengal, Kerala, and Odisha.
Being the industry pioneer, Dish TV has amassed a sizable client base. This growth is also attributable to the company’s wide selection of set-top boxes, such as the DISH HD + with Recorder, Digital Set-Top-Box with Recorder, and others that enhance the viewers’ streaming experience.
Dish TV, the biggest direct-to-home entertainment brand in Asia, is a pioneer in the field of digital entertainment. Dish TV, a division of Dish TV India Limited, has been named India’s Most Trusted DTH Brand for four years running thanks to its cutting-edge services and ground-breaking features.
| Official website | Dishtv.in |
| Channels | 100+ |
| SD channels | Approx. 100 |
| HD channels | 15 |
| Network fee | 153/- including taxes per month(Single Connection) |
| Paid Channels | Up to 200 SD/100 HD |
| Starting Amount Pack | Approx 127/- per month |
| Participated Users | over 23 million |
| Contact Number | 095017 95017 | [email protected] |
6. d2h
A well-known DTH service provider in India, Videocon d2h was the first in its industry to introduce a 4K Ultra HD channel. This was called India’s top DTH at the time.
Additionally, d2h has won various prestigious awards in this field, including “India’s Best Brand 2014 by Economic Times,” and “Asia’s Most Promising DTH Brand” in 2013, 2014, and 2015, among others. However, in September 2018, this organization amalgamated with the Dish TV DTH service.
Movies Active, Movies Active HD, Dance Active, Bhakti Active, Ibadat Active, Cooking Active, Music Active & Evergreen Classic are just a few of the services that D2H gives to its consumers.
It just introduced a d2h Stream set-top box for turning your old TV into a smart one. D2h gives additional sorts of set-top boxes of this nature, including Digital, Digital HD, and HD RF set-top boxes (with a magic stick variant also).
Depending on the quality kind of the digital set-top box and the subscription perks included with it, the price ranges from $1,499 to $6,050.
Before selecting a DTH service for your home, you should take into account the following information. Alternatively, you can visit their official website at the address provided below.
| Official Website | D2H |
| Channels | 650 |
| SD channels | 326 |
| HD channels | 61 |
| Network fee | 153/- including tax per month (Single connection) |
| Paid Channels | Up to 200 SD/100 HD |
| Starting Pack Amount | Approx 190/- per month |
| Active users | Over 19 million |
| Contact Details | +91-9115691156 | [email protected] |
7. SUN DIRECT
Sun Direct promotes Regional Language Entertainment to Indians, and features a total of 465 channels and services at the moment, in addition to many other ongoing services. The first and top service provider to introduce HD Counterpart is the Sun Direct Operator.
With effect from December 2007, Sun Direct is the DTH service provider focusing primarily on the interests of the southern section of the county while also featuring a wide range of regional languages, like Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, Gujarati, Punjabi, and so on.
For streaming standard definition and high definition television, Sun Direct features two different types of set-top boxes: Sun Direct SD+ and Sun Direct HD+.
When it comes to regional language entertainment, SUN DIRECT is one of the greatest DTH providers in India. The Sun Direct SD+ set-top box costs $1,799, while the Sun Direct HD+ set-top box costs $1,999.
Read the information below to get a general thought or idea of the services that are offered.
| Official Website | Sun direct |
| Channels | 180 |
| SD channels | 115 |
| HD channels | 63 |
| Network fee | 153/- including taxes per month (single connection) |
| Paid Channels | Up to 200 SD/100 HD |
| Starting Pack Amount | Approx 168/- per month |
| Active users | Over 16 million |
| Contact Number | 044-44676767 | [email protected] |
8. Zing Digital
A provider of direct-to-home television is Zing Digital. It is a Dish TV India firm that started featuring access to regional language channel packs in January 2015. West Bengal, Odisha, and Kerala are the present locations where the service is given.
You may tailor your favourite channels and access the entertainment section made particularly for you by using the language button!
Zing Digital stands apart from the competition due to our dedication to providing you with a full TV viewing experience that includes the most regional entertainment possible. With us, you’ll never run out of possibilities.
Priced at $1,499, the Zing Digital set-top box
9. Independent Dish TV
Reliance Big TV, formerly called Independent Dish TV, was an Indian DTH service. This was established in 2008 and up until 2018 was called a Reliance Communications subsidiary.
This was formerly called Reliance Big TV, and in just three months, it had surpassed 1 million subscribers. This was mostly caused by a lack of rival service providers in the market.
This service was renamed and given the name Reliance Digital TV. In March 2018, Independent Dish TV unveiled a DTH pre-booking service. Client payments and preorders were taken care of, but the service connections which are important were not set up.
After launching the DTH service, the Pantel Technologies & Veecon Media group changed the company’s name to Independent TV.
10. DEN Network
An Indian firm that distributes cable television is called DEN Networks Limited. It was bought by Reliance Industries in 2018 along with Hathway and is owned by Sameer Manchanda. Along with Hathway and InCablenet, it was one of the top three cable distributors in India in 2003.
The DEN Cable TV Network is India’s biggest provider of cable TV entertainment. DEN Network gives DEN Cable TV, DEN Internet, DEN set-top box, and DEN TV+ to over 25.5 million customers in 433 cities all over the 13 states (online Mobile TV).
Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Haryana, Kerala, West Bengal, Jharkhand, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttarakhand are the 13 states that are eligible for a DEN Cable TV connection.
By knowing and checking the official website www.dennetworks.com or connecting your local cable provider, you can get the DEN Cable TV Connection. Share your name, contact information, and email address with them.
According to the revised TRAI Regulations, a fee of Rs 130 + GST is necessary for the first 100 minutes of free-to-air programming (FTA). After that, the customer must pay Rs 20 in-network fees for every 25 channels (paid and free).
Based on your choice of a Set-Top Box, the PLAN and STB fees, which may range from 800 to 1999, are applied.
CONCLUSION
Our top 10 list of Indian DTH providers. This ranking may occasionally fluctuate as new competitors enter the market and more seasoned competitors raise their game. We have discussed the top ten DTH service providers in India, but we still want to know which one you prefer.
Here is a detailed guide to assist you in picking the best DTH in India out of all the options. We hope that it has pushed you to decide which kind is best for you.
This essay has all the key details you need to simplify this complex process for you. So, enjoy watching TV with your DTH provider and never be judgmental!
Everyone should make use of DTH since it is a great service that allows us all to take advantage of the most recent technological advancements.
Article proofread & published by Gauri Malhotra.
