Tips to select best DTH (Direct to home television) services

The advent of many DTH in India, the cost of the DTH is considerably reduced a lot. But at the same time we may be in confusion that which DTH will fulfil and satisfy our needs. Here is the way for you.

What is DTH?

DTH stands for Direct-To-Home television

Before going further I think it would do well to have a clear concept about satellite communication TV. The satellite communication TV is non-other than the DTH. It receives signal from the satellite and gives it to our Dish fitted in the top of our house. Then the signal from the Dish is decoded by the Set top box connected via cable (insulated wire). From the set top box we can retrieve our desired channels. This put an end to the intermediates like cable TV operators. So we can enjoy with uninterrupted service even if there is power cut in the cable TV station. One more advantage is the fast relay. The telecasting speed of the DTH is more than what we are getting from the cable TV operators.

Advantages of DTH services

1.Digital Picture quality
2.Dolby Audio. Cable TV does not even come near
3.Information Bar showing current and future program details
4.Special features
4.Advanced payment options (online).
5.Always Available (as long as there is electricity in your house and the set top box is working and there is no rain)

For buying a DTH, we have to concentrate on many factors. Which is the best dth service provider in India. How do you compare between the different dth service providers in India.

Here are the list of parameters to consider.

Quality of the customer service

Toll-free helpline

Channel packaging

Obviously, Cost

Set-top box Quality

User-friendliness of the EPG

Language options (if you are not comfortable with English)

Interactive applications (if you want more than channel surfing)

Hidden costs (maintenance, installation and other charges)

Let discuss one by one.

Broadcasting Quality of DTH

It's the first and foremost point that hit on the mind when we think about DTH. The quality must be best rather than better. For this it is advisable to have a demo with the retailer from whom you want to buy. And if you have source from your neighbours, just ask them about their experience in their product. There are many compression techniques available in DTH. Some of them are MPEG-2, MPEG-4. It is not necessary to buy a MPEG-4 technology. For ordinary CRT's and Flatron it is enough to have MPEG-2 technology.

Pre- and post-sales support of DTH services

It is must to enquire about the retailer from where you are buying the product. The installation must be perfect and so it will not cause problem soon. And if we have any problem after installation like changing the home, check whether the workers from the retailer will support or not. From our experience it is found that AIRTEL has good customer care support while installation and after installation too.

Quality and user-friendliness of the STB

While buying the DTH and having demo try to spent some time with your set top box. And don't forget to surf your remote and switch channels. Check the feel of the buttons and make sure the remote is easy to hold. Some providers now offer remotes as a value-add, but these often control only two devices and are a bit clunky to use.

Recharging option of DTH

It would do well to ask about the recharge options and facilities about the product. Since some of the recharges may not available in remote villages like Videocon. In this aspect Sun DTH Supports a lot in recharging. Check for the available options—online transactions, prepaid vouchers, auto-debit, phone banking, etc are a few methods.

Interactive channels and services of DTH

It is important for people who place their importance for other things rather than the telecasted programs by the Channels like SUN, STAR. Most of the DTH service providers provide many options for interactive channels like cooking, astrology, sports, shopping, news, investments, etc. which usually only offer a limited number of choices of segments that you can watch whenever you want. One of the important thing to say about AIRTEL is you can even book e-tickets and pizza's at a single click from your remote.

Hidden Cost of DTH

Most dealers usually don't reveal the hidden costs incurred when buying a DTH service, which might include basics such as service tax, extra activation fees, installation charges, rental, etc. So ask your retailer about it in detail.

Now a days most of the DTH services provide many options for recording and pause. So see the memory of the recording capability.

Which one can I buy?

The available DTH in market are
1. Dish TV
2. AIRTEL DTH
3. Big TV
4. Sun direct
5. Tatasky
6. Videocond2h