Top DTH Providers & The Cheapest Set-top Box In India

Updated on
min reading

When we think about ‘cheap’ we often perceive fewer features and low quality. However, due to the increasing popularity of DTH in India, many DTH providers are offering the best set-top box at cheap prices.

So, if you’re looking for the cheapest set-top box in India that not only is affordable but also comes with multiple features and high quality, we’ve got you covered! However, before we get to the most affordable set-top boxes, let’s first get a better understanding of the top DTH providers.

List of The Top DTH Providers In India

There are multiple DTH providers in India that offer set-top boxes at affordable prices and multiple features. Check out the top DTH providers and a brief overview about them below:

DishTV

DishTV was India's first direct-to-home (DTH) service, debuting in October 2003. It launched alongside Zee Network's television networks. Gradually, other TV channels were introduced. DishTV began its satellite television network by using the Insat 4B satellite, located at 93.5 degrees east, and then added the NSS6 satellite, located at 95 degrees east.

At 100.5 degrees east, Dish TV uses Asiasat 5 satellites. That is why it is often referred to as India's largest DTH provider. It implies that DishTV is India's only DTH provider that broadcasts across three satellites.

DishTV began by offering 50 or more television channels, but it currently offers over 600 channels and services. You may personalize your watching experience by choosing from a variety of subscription packages and set-top box offers.

DD Free Dish

In December 2004, Prasar Bharati introduced DD Free dish, a free DTH network with 33 channels. Mr Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the Hon'ble Prime Minister of India, launched the service. It has a capacity of 104 standard definition tv stations and 40 radio stations at the moment. On GSAT-15 at 93.5°E, DD Free Dish is accessible in Ku-Band Transponder. This Ku-Band DTH service covers the whole Indian area with satellite direct broadcast reception (besides Andaman & Nicobar Islands).

Watching channels on DD Free Dish is entirely free, as Doordarshan does not charge users a monthly membership fee for the whole bouquet of DD Free Dish channels, making the system very cost-effective. It just needs a one-time purchase of a Dish Receive System that includes a Set-Top-Box as well as a small-sized Dish Antenna plus LNB.

Tata Sky

Tata Sky is the result of a partnership between Tata Sons with 21st Century Fox, Inc. Tata Sky is India's premier Direct to Home network operator, providing a variety of interactive services, having been founded in 2001 and launching Tata Sky DTH services in 2006. Tata Sky was the first in India to introduce a variety of goods and services that revolutionized the watching experience for subscribers.

This DTH provider was the first to introduce customizable packages and ala-carte channel alternatives and interactive features such as the Hindi programming guide, Video on Demand, and DIY video library, among others.

Tata Sky has the most complete channel and platform coverage lineup, with films, news, entertainment, and sports channels available. Tata Sky now has 600+ TV channels covering SD and HD stations.

It was among the first DTH operators in India to offer 4K Ultra HD set-top boxes and the first satellite TV service to offer Video on Demand, allowing customers to view movies and TV episodes anytime they wished.

Sun Direct DTH

Sun Direct is India's most prestigious Direct-to-Home (DTH) provider. If you want to watch as many South Indian TV channels as possible, the Sun Direct DTH is the way to go. Sun Direct DTH offers local programming in South Indian languages, as well as interactive and unique features.

The DTH provider has recently upgraded its technology from MPEG-2 to MPEG-4, and it is now employing HEVC to deliver the best video and audio quality in India.

Sun Direct is India's first DTH service to use HEVC technology, which allows TV channels to have sharper visual quality.

Airtel Digital TV

Bharti Airtel also owns and operates Airtel Digital TV, India's premier DTH (Direct to Home) service.

On-demand services on set-boxes from Airtel Digital TV DTH include a collection of movies, TV shows, and other programming in English and different Indian languages. Engaging services like iDarshan, iMusicspace, iKidsworld and games are also available through Airtel Digital TV.

This DTH provider also now offers 500+ channels with excellent image and sound quality. By offering pay-TV channels, free-to-air TV channels, as well as interactive services, Airtel Digital TV converts ordinary television into more of an entertainment area.

Airtel digital TV broadcasts its channels through the SES 7 satellite, which is located at 108.2 degrees east.

Videocon D2H (D2h)

D2H is India's premier DTH service, as well as the country's fastest-growing direct-to-home service.

Dish TV India and d2h recently combined their operations, resulting in the nation's top DTH network operator, with around 30 million subscribers. Dish TV Videocon Limited is currently the company's name.

D2H uses the ST-2 satellite, which is located at 88 degrees east, to provide its services. For its Television stations, d2h uses MPEG-4 video quality with DVB-S2 technology, which provides high compressing for video for improved picture quality and sound.

One of the sophisticated capabilities of D2H set-top boxes is the ability to conceal Television networks that are not included in your subscription package. Using the favourite option and the conceal function, you may design your own TV channel list based on your preferences.

A Comparison of The Cheapest DTH Set-Top Boxes In India

Now that you have an overview of the top DTH providers in India, we’ve given a comparison of the cheapest DTH set-top box prices. Please note, the set-top boxes are listed in ascending order, starting from the cheapest.

DTH Set-Up Box Product Features Price
Tata Sky HD Box
  • 6:9 aspect ratio, Cinema surround sound
  • 1080i Resolution
  • HD set-top connection included in the box
  • 1-year comprehensive warranty on Set-Top Box
₹699
Dish TV SD Box
  • You can avail a free subscription of 1 month to the Super Family Hindi SD pack with this set-top bo
  • Package includes SD Set Top Box
  • Free Standard Installation and Demo
  • Lifetime Warranty (worth Rs.1000) on Set-Top Box
₹790
DishTV HD Box
  • This HD box is available all over India and offers engaging channel packs for a month.
₹900
Videocon D2H HD Box
  • First Radio Frequency Remote for DTH connections in India
  • Rewind/Forward
  • Pause Live TV, Mark- Skip- Watch
  • 1080i resolution, 16:9 aspect ratio
  • Dolby digital sound quality
₹990
Videocon D2H SD Set Top Box
  • Customise your pack based on the channels that are offered by the DTH provider
  • Device Type: High Definition
  • 1080i resolution, 16:9 aspect ratio
  • Dolby digital sound quality
₹1,290
Airtel DigitalTV HD Set top Box
  • Type: HD
  • Duration: 1 Month
  • Language: All India
₹1,300
DishTV Nxt HD+ Recorder Set Top Box
  • 1 Month Subscription Superfamily HD pack
  • 10 Meter Installation Wire Free
  • DishTV NXT HD D50004 HD model
  • 1-year on-site warranty
₹1,399
Airtel SD Set Top Box
  • 1 month Pack free for the first month
  • Enjoy Super Quality viewing
  • An Authorised Airtel Technician will be accountable for the delivery and installation of the DTH connection.
₹1,453
Tata Sky SD Box
  • Get a high definition experience with 1080i resolution
  • Create a special pack that matches your requirement based on the channels available
  • The installation will be done by an authorized tata sky technician
  • Aspect Ratio: 16:9
  • Easy recharge options
₹1,549
Airtel HD Recording Set Top Box
  • An authorised Airtel Technician is responsible for delivery and installation of your DTH connection
  • One Month HD Pack Included
  • Universal Remote with Recording Feature
₹1,653
Tata Sky Binge+ Android Set Top Box
  • One month of subscription comes free with this set-top box.
  • One remote manages everything, so you don’t need separate HDMI ports or a remote to browse through the content
  • Compatible with all TVs, you can use Tata Sky Binge+ on 4K television as well
  • 1-year comprehensive warranty on Set-Top Box
  • Post Activation of Services
  • Broadband connection & WI-FI router is mandatory
₹1,880
Airtel Xstream Box
  • Type: 4K HD
  • Duration: 1 Month
  • Language: All India
₹2,499

Conclusion

Now that you know the best set-top boxes that are not only affordable but filled with features as well, get your preferred DTH connection today! For more tips and tricks about DTH providers, keep reading Selectra!