Set-top Box in India - Reviews and Comparison 2021

Price of the package and cost of the channels is the foremost consideration while choosing a set-top box. Comparing the most basic models and the most basic packages across various service providers can be a great starting point. Most packages range from ₹ 99 to ₹ 900. Once you choose the package, look for the channels that are included in the package. Most service providers give an option to add a few more channels to the package based on your interest by paying a minimal charge.

Also, it is significant to have an idea about the subscription cost of HD channels in the package and how is it affecting your pocket compared to the regular SD channels.

While choosing a set-top box for your TV, there are two considerations that you should keep in mind and they are as follows:

• Type of the set-top box

• Compatibility of your set-top box with your TV

Talking of the types, the set-top box is classified in 3 categories- SD set-top box, HD set-top box and 4K set-top box. If you have a regular tube TV at home, then the SD set-top box may be the best fit for you. If you have an LED or LCD TV which supports High-Definition (HD) picture quality then you can elevate to an HD set-top box. Alternatively, if you have a TV with a 4K (Ultra-HD) picture quality, then you can comfortably take a giant leap and go for a 4K (Ultra-HD) set-top box.

It is also important to look for certain user-friendly add-ons like a USB port, recording feature in a set-top box.

Set-top boxes generally come with a 1-year warranty and maximum service providers tend to have similar terms. However, it is still worthy to explore a bit and go for a DTH service provider which offers maintenance services and extended warranty.

A significant point to consider while purchasing a set-top box is the maintenance services and after-sales service of the DTH service provider brands.

An electronic programme guide in a set-top box is basically a navigation guide that helps the user explore and navigate through channels. It is imperative to understand how user-friendly it is and how switching between the channels is seamless in a programme guide.

Few of the top brands of set-top boxes in India include Reliance Jio, Airtel Digital TV, DishTV and Tata sky. Certain brands such as Hathway, EMT are also providing DTH Services.

The price of the package totally relies on the type of set-top box you use and the packages you purchase. The local STB providers may offer some price variations whereas big players such as Tata Sky, Dish Tv etc are providing packages which are more or less of similar pricing.

The main distinction between the SD and HD picture quality set-top box lies in their capacity and programming that displays either standard definition (SD) or high definition (HD) digital television feeds. An SD set-top box can only access standard definition channels, while an HD set-top box can display both standard definition (SD) and high definition (HD) channels.

In simpler terms, HD set-top boxes can receive more channels and can also be attached to PC monitors to use them as HDTV displays.

A Low Noise Block (LNB) downconverter is receiving device placed on satellite dishes used for satellite TV reception. It collects the radio waves and turns them into a signal which is transmitted through a cable to the set-top box or receiver. 

MPEG-4 is a method that defines the compression of audio and visual (AV) digital data. It's also widely used for compressing of the AV data for web (streaming media), CD distribution, voice (telephone videophone) and broadcast television applications.

• Connect the Ethernet cable to a port on your modem/router (these ports usually are yellow coloured) and the other end of the cable is to be connected to the back of the set-top box.

• Connect the supplied RCA black coloured cable (if your TV is HD or HD ready, you can use an HDMI cable, put the HDMI Cable in HDMI input suitably).

HD Sst-Top Box Settings

• Connect one end of the HDMI/RCA cable into the back of the set-top box and the other one to a power port.

• If you don't have an HD or HD ready TV, then use the three plug cable, and plug it into the red/yellow/white connectors respectively into the corresponding sockets of the TV (connect the plugs to the same colour sockets). Plugin the other end of the cable into the SD Video socket of your set-top box.

• Connect the set-top box to the power plug using an adaptor, plug the other end into the set-top box itself.

• Turn on the TV. Select the HDMI channel that you connected to, the set-top box will then start the start-up process.

• Keep the set-Top box at a decent height which is away from the reach of the children.

• Keep checking the cables and cords attached to the set-top box and check if they are properly inserted in case you are facing issues frequently.

• Due to natural phenomena such as rainfall and lightning, the signals of your TV tend to get disrupted. However, in case of frequent signal and network issues, it's recommended that you should get in touch with the service personnel.

The Dish TV set-top box is among the market leaders and one of the first to create a real buzz about the set-top box in the Indian market. Dish TV offers two variations in set-top boxes, namely, a standard set-top box and a high definition set-top box.

Dish TV set-top box comes with multilingual support, which means that you can watch your favourite shows in your preferred language.

The NXT HD set-top box has a stereo sound, where the recorded sounds are mixed so that some elements of the sound are combined on the right side and a few elements combine on the left side. Simply put, it offers a more balanced sound quality.

The set-top box even offers a wide range of regional channels to view and users can also add their preferred channels.

Finally, this Dish TV set-top box provides high resolution and superb sound quality which makes it an even more sought after options by the buyers.

Similar to the DishTV, the Airtel Digital Set-Top box has also been a long-time competitor in the sphere of digital receivers. Airtel Digital TV has a range of HD and SD channels on the set-top box and Airtel has given some really interesting and exciting offers to its users.

Covering a wide range of popular mainstream and regional channels, Airtel has come up with premium English movie channels included in their packs.

Additionally, this set-top box has a recording feature that enables to record your favourite serials and programs to be watched later at your own convenience.

For the installation of this set-top box, Airtel provides a free installation service through an Airtel technician.

Introducing excellent picture quality, colours, sharp image and sound quality, Tata sky set Top Box has aced a whole new dimension. With a 16:9 aspect ratio and 1080i resolution, it guarantees great viewing experience and additionally offers good image and video quality.

24/7 customer support, 13-language, 1-year warranty, multiple recharge options and relocation facility for your device are just a few of the noteworthy characteristics of this set-top box.

The user has authority in access to many of the recharge gateways to get the box back to work. The user gets recharge vouchers or can use credit/ debit card for the same. The Tata Sky mobile site also has an option to recharge the set-top box.

The TATA SKY set-top box even offer regional channel options and you can select the packages of your choice consisting of the channels you want to watch. 

Videocon HD digital set-top box is yet another top-notch set-top box offering high-quality picture and impressive viewing experience. 

With this D2H box, you have access to an array of interactive services including Active games, Active Music etc. A multilingual guide and a mosaic feature help in selecting the channels based on language or niche. Moreover, the HD set-top box has a recording feature to record your favourite programmes automatically and it can also forward or rewind up to 64X.

Featuring the capacity to pause live TV shows, it offers to fix a standard time for recording the TV shows of your choice. 

This set-top box comes with free installation service from the manufacturer.

Dish TV has gained tremendous popularity among the Indian masses and literally redefined the approach of the Indian audiences. Therefore, you shouldn't be surprised to discover multiple Dish TV variants which are almost equally popular.

The Dish TV Hindi HD Set Top Box  is also bearing the pride of its legacy and is a perfect combo to give you and your family a full-fledged dose of entertainment! Plus, tons of amenities that are provided by dish such as 24X7 Care are enough to double the delight for you!

Loaded with 5 times better picture clarity and surround sound, Dishtv has a widespread service network, across the length and breadth of the country aided with regional language support, easy recharge options, and digital picture quality.

This best value pack has 67+ HD Channels and a wide range of active services. Alongside this, the offer pack includes DishNXT HD set-top box, 1-month subscription of Super Family HD Pack, lifetime warranty (worth 1000) on set-top box, remote, STB adapter, antenna (ODU), HDMI cable / AV lead, HD signal receiver (LNBF), and 10 m antenna cable with standard installation and demo.

Airtel is also a premium competitor in the set-top box market with a wide base of happy and satisfied customers and is known for widely popular and affordable offerings.

This Airtel HD set-top box comes with 1-month HD pack consisting of 126 SD channels and 50 HD channels. The set-top box accompanies an HDMI cable, dish antenna, remote LNB and a 10-meter cable.

This isn’t it, the brand offers free standard installation but, for any accessory like connector, booster, bracket, which is not a part of the standard installation, separate charges apply.

This High Definition device has an MPEG4 Compression Technology,

With an amazing Dolby Sound and a Full HD resolution, Airtel gives you an opportunity to get ahead in your experience with TV and entertainment. Again following its trend of popular yet affordable packs, Airtel has devised this pack catering a large number of viewers population in the country.

It has a 1080p (Full HD) video and has an MPEG4 Compression Technology. The company offers a range of DTH packs for a connection and also multiple TV connections through a single dish, which is a great add on.

The pack also includes an HDMI cable, remote, dish antenna, LNB, and a wire up to 10 meters. Checkout reviews and comparison of best fire TV sticks, best 55-inches LED TV, best projector for home, best OLED TV, best music systems in India.