DTH connection - A viewer's view

Information era has given another gift as DTH (Direct To Home) to the common man. Few days ago me too got benefited with it. Among the two types of DTH, I have chosen the free for ever service rather than paid one. Earlier accustomed with a terrestrial antenna ( It was a prefect companion of our portable BW TV ) presently nearly 30 free to air channels are more than sufficient for us. Whenever I want to give rest to eyes, I switch on the digital radio on the same TV ( Now a flat CTV) become an excellent radio. Although I am not a perfect box sitter but would like to help those who want a user’s views on DTH.

Which one is better, the free dish or paid dish connection?

a) The dish is the same for both; the difference comes from the receiver. Those who can afford the paid channels ( some channels are really excellent) along with all FTA ( Free To Air) after buying prepaid monthly cash card (like your mobile card) with taxes, can prefer the paid DTH connection. Unlike us, those who are accustomed (addicted) with various soaps and serials shown through conventional cable network, the paid one can be the first preference.

b) The viewers like us who can get satisfied with FREE
News channels ( All DDs , Aaj Tak, Headlines today, BBC )
Entertainment ( Star UTSAV, DD Bharti, Smile TV, All DDs )
Spiritual channels ( Zee Zagran, Star UTSAV , Aastha to be added)
Sports ( DD sports)
Education ( DD Gyandarshan)
All regional DDs, Sun TV , etc..
13 digital radio channels for FREE for
If this menu is sufficient then sure go for a Free DTH.

What is the cost of free DTH installation?

The paid connection requires to pay Rs. 4000 for equipments and one year ( the period to make one addict ) free viewing of almost all channels. Later on monthly packages ranging from Rs. 150 to Rs 400 need to be bought to continue viewing.

The free DTH service require one time investment of around Rs. 2500.00 which includes Dish antenna, Set top Box, connecting cable and installation charges, free reception of FTA channels for life long. Comparing it with current cable subscription the amount is one years expense to the cable wallah ( Rs. 400 security money + Rs . 2040 ( Rs. 170 X 12 months ) =Rs. 2440 ). Leave the issue of signal problem.

The future of free DTH ?

Recent study on DTH viewers reveals that the free subscribers are much more than the paid viewers. Almost every month new channels are being added in FTA. More number of the cost conscious middle class shall make investment in it because of the low prices and less hassles. Naturally to get more viewers more channels shall be added at the current rate.

How safe are the free to air channels?

Free to air channels are absolutely safe “over the Indian sky” for family entertainment. It's a disciplined and controlled entertaintainment. It's far better than those cable wallah’s connections who are said to be showing the forbidden Russian channels in the late nights.

Trouble shooting?

First of all fix the dish (Its less than 1meter in diameter) such that it does not misses the exact aerial direction, half of your problem is solved. Slightly touching does not make any difference.
If some time you accidentally delete all the stored programs here is a precious trick. Set the TP value in set top box parameter using the remote to “12630” and give a auto search, all the channels will be searched and sorted for you. The TP value is median frequency of FTA channels over the Indian subcontinent.

How clear are the signals?

The picture is just like digital CD quality. The sound does not contain any noise. If your TV is digital, then that’s marriage with DTH is a “made for each other” example.

Any more questions are welcome!