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

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.

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!