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Some
FAQs regarding DTH which you always wanted to know
and didn't know who to ask...
How is DTH (Direct to Home) service different from
existing cable TV service?
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Set-Top-Box
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DTH
is an encrypted transmission that travels to the consumer
directly through a satellite. DTH transmission is
received directly by the consumer at his end through
a small dish antenna. The encrypted transmission is
decoded by a Set-Top-Box (STB) unlike regular cable
connection.
Will DTH be an alternative to CAS-enabled cable
TV service?
DTH too is nothing but a form of Conditional access
system, the only difference is that CAS as we commonly
know is still delivered through ground infrastructure
and DTH travels through satellite. Both the services
have co-existed world over and grown. CAS is the basic
form of addressablity where as DTH is as 'flexible'
as it can get because one is
not connected to the ground infrastructure.
What
are the hardware investments that a subscriber has
to make for availing of DTH service?
The basic components of a DTH service are a STB and
a dish antenna. Where an entry level DTH STB will
cost in the region of Rs 7,000 (including taxes and
installation cost at consumers end) a high end STB
with value added features like PVR (Personal Video
Recorder), PSTN connectivity, Gamming console, channel
management system, etc. will be in the region of Rs
15,000.
Will
I be able to see all the channels I currently get
through my cable system?
Yes of course you will be able to see most of
the channels and also a lot of niche channels. The
bottom-line is DTH is a neutral distribution platform
for all.
If
I have more than one TV set at my home, do I need
to put two dish antennae and pay double subscription
per month?
For multiple connections in the same premises
can use the same connection but every TV set will
need to have an individual STB.
Can
I simultaneously go for DTH and CAS-enabled cable
system?
Yes you can. CAS and DTH are independent distribution
platforms. One comes to you through ground network
and the other through Satellite.
Can
the CAS set top box be used for DTH?
No these are different STB's.
If
I shift house from one city to another, do I have
to change my hardware or make fresh investments?
DTH is a National service and the STBs enable
a viewer to change service providers without changing
the STB.
I
have heard that DTH service quality gets affected
by rain and humid conditions
DTH transmission happens on high power Ku Band
signals and the quality and strength of transmission
is much stronger than the transmission that one receives
these days. There could be some effect in exceptionally
stormy weather.
How
about value-added services? Will there be two-way
interactivity or other services like Internet access
and telephony?
A High End DTH box will support features like PSTN
connectivity, Gaming, Personal Video Recorder etc.
Just as I continue to use the same cell phone irrespective
of the service provider, are set top box and dish
antennae of various DTH service providers interoperable.
That's a touchy issue. Open architecture of DTH
boxes are interoperable and are supposed to comply
with
BIS / Government of India specifications.
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