Best DTH In India: A Comparison & How To Choose

Updated on
min reading
top-dth-provider

Direct-to-home (DTH) refers to a special kind of satellite television service that transmits programs directly to a subscriber's house, regardless of the location within a country. Wireless technology allows different television programs to be transmitted from satellite directly to a viewer who has subscribed to this service through satellite signals. The subscriber needs to install a Set-Top Box and a Dish Antenna.

List of Top DTH Providers in India

The largest DTH operator: Tata Play has the biggest market share of 33.23%, followed by Airtel DTH (Bharat Telemedia) at 26.24%. Dish TV’s market share holds at 22.10%, while Sun Direct TV also increased its market share to 18.43%. Let us help you make an informed decision by providing data that will give you information about the top DTH providers in India, which include Tata Sky, Videocon d2h, Sun Direct, Airtel DTH, Dish TV and DD Free Dish.

Dish TV

Dish TV, one of the first DTH providers in India, is owned by Zee TV, one of India's most popular channels. It has been named India's Most Trusted DTH Brand for four years running, thanks to its cutting-edge services and ground-breaking features.

Table below gives the basic details about Dish TV
Official websitewww.dishtv.in
Number of channels100+
Number of SD channelsApprox. 100
Number of HD channels15
Compulsory network fee153/- including taxes per month (Single Connection)
Channels under network feeUp to 200 SD/100 HD
Minimum base packApprox 127/- per month
Number of usersOver 23 million
Contact Details095017 95017 | [email protected]

Airtel DTH

In 2008, Airtel launched its DTH service in India. This service allows customers to customize Airtel DTH channels like Airtel DTH 199, Airtel DTH 219, and Airtel DTH 285 depending on their interests and so the price value also changes accordingly. The set-top box provides high-quality videos and Dolby surround sound audio features, as well as video recording capabilities.

Below are some details about Airtel digital TV to look at while deciding
Official websitewww.airtel.in
Number of channels563
Number of SD channels428
Number of HD channels72
Compulsory network fee153/- including taxes per month (Single Connection)
Channels under network feeUp to 200 SD/100 HD
Minimum base packApprox 153/- per month
Number of users17.86 million
Contact Details1800-103-6065 | [email protected]

Tata Play

Tata Play Limited, a joint venture between Tata Sons and TFCF Corporation, is India's leading content distribution platform providing Pay TV and OTT services. The company launched its services in 2006 and has made entertainment further convenient with the introduction of its Binge Combos—an inventive bundled offering that brings the best of broadcast channels and OTT apps in one integrated pack for its subscribers. You can check the Tata Sky channels list to get more details.

The following table shows the data that might help you to decide to buy DTH provider
Official websitewww.tataplay.com
Number of channels652
Number of SD channels498
Number of HD channels91
Compulsory network fee153/- including taxes per month (Single Connection)
Channels under network feeUp to 200 SD/100 HD
Minimum base pack36-40/- per month
Number of users23.44 million
Contact Details18002086633 |[email protected]

DD FREE DISH | DD Direct Plus

DD Free Dish DTH (DD Direct+) is a service provided by Prasar Bharati (India's public broadcaster). It is a free digital television package offered throughout India. The only cost that you incur is the installation fee, which is very low. DD Direct Plus also boasts private channels like B4U Movies, 9XM and BU Music, among others. You might require an MPEG-4/HD set-top box to view the HD channel in the DD Free Dish.

The following table describes some facts about the DD Free Dish DTH which you should consider in this process:
Official websitewww.prasarbharati.gov.in/doordarshan/
Number of channels106
Number of SD channels106
Number of HD channels01
Number of users40.0 million
Contact Details of DD Free Dish DTH01123114006

RELIANCE JIO DTH

Jio DTH service by Reliance Group offers high-speed broadband and DTH services along with Full HD channels. The difference between this DTH service and other available services is that to avail of the Jio DTH service you don't need an antenna for receiving signals; rather, you need a broadband connection which includes a router and set-top box.

The following table describes some main points about the Jio DTH. These figures and facts are not yet officially announced, rather are just speculated:
Official websitehttps://www.jio.com
Number of channels300+
Number of SD channels100+
Number of HD channels200+
Number of usersMore than 20 million
Contact Details of Jio DTH1800-88-99999

D2H

The Videocon d2h is a popular DTH service provider in India, and it was the first to launch a 4K Ultra HD channel. The company provides its customers with its own services like Movies Active, Movies Active HD, Dance Active, Bhakti Active and Ibadat Active. It has also launched a d2h Stream set-top box used to upgrade your television to one that's smart with others like Digital set-top box, Digital HD set-top box and HD RF set-top box. Check D2H channel list to know the details for HD and SD types.

Here are some facts to check upon while deciding on the DTH service provider for your home:
Official websitewww.d2h.com
Number of channels650
Number of SD channels326
Number of HD channels61
Compulsory network fee153/- including taxes per month (Single Connection)
Channels under network feeUp to 200 SD/100 HD
Minimum base packApprox 190/- per month
Number of usersOver 19 million
Contact Details+91-9115691156 | [email protected]

SUN DIRECT

Launched in 2007, Sun Direct is a Sun Network division of a Chennai-based service provider that provides two different types of set-top boxes: Sun Direct SD+ and Sun Direct HD+. The former targets southern India and regional language channels featuring a wide range of languages, like Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, Gujarati, Punjabi and others at Sun Direct Channel list.

Read the below-written details to have an overview of the facilities provided
Official websitewww.sundirect.in
Number of channels180
Number of SD channels115
Number of HD channels63
Compulsory network fee153/- including taxes per month (Single Connection)
Channels under network feeUp to 200 SD/100 HD
Minimum base packApprox 168/- per month
Number of usersOver 16 million
Contact Details044-44676767 | [email protected]

Zing Digital

Zing Digital, a subsidiary of Dish TV, was launched in 2015 and provides its services at nominal cost on regional content. The company operates in Kerala, West Bengal and Odisha. Using the language button, you may personalize your favorite channels and enter the entertainment zone created just for you! They provide the maximum regional entertainment options—ensuring that you will never run out of options with us! The price of the Zing Digital set-top box-is ₹1,499/-,

DTH Best Monthly Plans and Prices

Choosing a great DTH service provider is a priority. It is important to know the different DTH Set-top boxes available with each DTH provider. The model you select should be compatible with the TV equipment. You should compare is how many channels and other benefits you are getting at a particular price. Does the provider offer entertainment channel plans? Do they offer DTH news channel plans? A simple breakdown in given in the table below:

A Comparison of DTH Providers In India Based On Price
Name of DTH providerInstallation chargesBasic Set-top box chargesPackage starts from
Airtel HDFreeRs 1,590Rs 158 per month
Dish TVRs 200Rs 999Rs 165 per month
Sun DirectFreeRs 1,339Rs 133 per month
Tata SkyRs 400Rs 999Rs 150 per month
VideoconFreeRs 1,690Rs 150 per month

The figures in the table are subject to change, depending on new subscriptions and channel additions/ deductions.

DTH with Best Sound Quality

Tata Sky offers the best sound quality and picture clarity. With Dolby Digital Surround Sound (Tata+ HD) brings home theater experience. The TV shows are recorded and engineered in 7.1 Surround Sound and 16:9 Aspect Ratio.

Best DHT Service Providers in India: Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the largest DTH operator in India?

Tata Sky has recorded the highest DTH market share in India with 22.4 million subscribers.

Do rains affect DTH services in India? If yes, then which DTH provider is least affected?

Yes, DTH services do get affected with rain. But still the best in this situation comes out to be Tata Play. If you face any signal issues, then you have the Tata sky live TV app for backup.

Is Tata Sky installation free?

The standard installation is free with Tata Sky. If you book online, you get delivery and installation within 24 hours to 48 hours. This includes one-year warranty too.

Which DTH is best in monthly plan?

Airtel Digital TV's My Sports HD pack is one of the best DTH plans available in the market. You get a total of 359 channels which includes 46 HD channels, 76 popular channels and rest SD channels. Price of this pack is Rs 493 per month.

Which DTH has best sound quality?

The best sound quality is provided by Tata Sky.

Which DTH provider is best for 4K TV?

Tata Sky gives you a fabulous experience with its future ready Ultra HD 4K. Videocon d2h is comes second when it comes to the 4K race. Airtel DTH offers Airtel Xstream to subscribers for 4K picture quality.

Which Android DTH is best?

Tata Sky Binge+ is India's second-generation hybrid DTH set-top box based on the Google Android TV platform. This Android-based set-top box has 2GB RAM and 8GB internal memory and can stream both linear channels (broadcasted via satellite) and over-the-top content (OTT).

Did you find this information useful? 100% of the 1 votes found the information useful.