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.
CHANNELS
DTH 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 PLANS
Some 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.
INSTALLATION
Installation 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.
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.
Source: The Economic Times
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DTH India