Blog12 Best Set Top Boxes in India [August, 2024]
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With television still being the prime source of entertainment in Indian households today, choosing the right set-top box (STB) is an important decision. The set-top box brings satellite television signals into our homes along with access to various channels according to subscribed packages. India boasts of 5 major DTH operators and several smaller providers that offer set-top boxes bundled with dish antenna connectivity. Beyond this traditional delivery mechanism, we also have smart set-top boxes focused on streaming apps and IPTV. Then there are the free-to-air platforms that allow access to channels legally without expensive monthly subscriptions. With varied options now available to get TV content into our living rooms, selecting the ideal set-top box tailored to your preferences and budget merits some research. In this comprehensive blog, we have curated the top 15 set-top box options spanning DTH, FreeDish and Smart categories available in India as of 2024. Each STB is analysed across multiple parameters like monthly rental, channel packs, broadcasting quality, bundled incentives and more. We have also outlined the key factors you should evaluate when picking an STB while throwing light on the different types of set-top devices in the market today. Lastly a usage guide helps you optimise your viewing experience once you have the set-top box installed. Read on for assistance in getting the best STB deal matching your requirements. Upgrade your TV entertainment today!
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- TATA SKY HD Connection
- LRIPL Digital HD-MPEG4
- Tata Play HD Box
- Dishtv Set Top Box
- LRIPL LR777 MPEG-4 Set Top Box HD
- Airtel DigitalTV Dth Hd Set Top Box
- LRIPL Digital HD MPEG-4
- Dishtv Set Top Box
- Tata Play HD Box Dhamaka Offer
- d2h HD Set Top Box
- dishtv Set Top Box
- Airtel Digital TV Dth Hd Set Top Box
- dishtv Set Top Box
- Catvision FreeDish Set Top Box with WiFi
- Comparison for Best Set Top Box in India
- How to Choose the Best Set Top Box
- Types of Set Top Boxes
- Guide on Set Top Box Usage, Maintenance & Care
- FAQs about Best Set Top Box
- Conclusion: Which is the Best Set Top Box in India?
1. TATA SKY HD Connection
Description
The Tata Sky HD set-top box offers a high-quality viewing experience with support for 1080i HD resolution. It comes with a 1 month basic package and free installation, making it easy to get started with HD channels.
Key Features
- 1080i HD picture quality
- 1 month basic package included
- Free installation
- Access to many HD channels
- Universal remote control
Our Expert Opinion
Tata Sky is one of the leading DTH providers in India with good channel packages to choose from. The free 1 month basic pack and installation makes this an affordable option to experience many popular HD channels. The set-top box interface and remote are also user-friendly. Overall an excellent choice for HD channel viewing.
2. LRIPL Digital HD-MPEG4
Description
The LRIPL Digital HD set-top box supports MPEG4 transmission for better compression. It has built-in WiFi so you can connect to the internet without needing a separate WiFi dongle. As it’s a free-to-air box, there are no monthly subscription charges.
Key Features
- In-built 4G WiFi, no need for separate WiFi dongle
- MPEG4 video compression for HD channels
- Free-to-air, no monthly charges
- Media player & USB recording functions
- HDMI & composite AV outputs
Our Expert Opinion
This LRIPL DTH box stands out for its built-in WiFi connectivity and free-to-air access to channels. For cord-cutters who want to avoid monthly subscriptions, this set-top box paired with a dish antenna provides a cost-effective way to receive HD channels. The media features are also nice additions. Do note outdoor antenna installation is required.
3. Tata Play HD Box
Description
Tata Play has an attractive cashback offer on its HD set-top box. You pay an upfront fee of Rs. 3000 and get the same amount back as recharge balance. Installation is free. This allows you to use the balance towards monthly channel packs.
Key Features
- Full HD 1080p support
- Rs. 3000 cashback offer as recharge balance
- Built-in WiFi
- Universal remote control
- 1 year warranty
Our Expert Opinion
The cashback offer makes this Tata Play HD box great value-for-money. You can use the recharge balance towards your choice of monthly channel packs. Built-in WiFi eliminates the need for a separate WiFi dongle. Overall with the cashback, this is one of the most affordable ways to get an HD DTH connection. Highly recommended if you’re looking for a budget HD set-top box.
4. Dishtv Set Top Box
Description
This DishTV SD set-top box comes with a 1 month Budget Delight pack that offers a popular mix of Hindi channels. You also get 7 HD channels at no added cost. Installation is free.
Key Features
- 1 Month Budget Delight SD pack
- Free installation
- Access to 7 HD channels
- Star Plus, ZeeTV, Star Gold channels included
- DishTV interface and remote
Our Expert Opinion
For Hindi entertainment viewers on a budget, this DishTV SD box with included 1 month Budget Delight pack offers excellent value. You get most leading Hindi channels plus free access to 7 HD channels. The DishTV interface is easy to navigate with a comfortable remote control. Altogether a complete package for affordably enjoying your favorite Hindi channels in SD/HD quality.
5. LRIPL LR777 MPEG-4 Set Top Box HD
Description
The LRIPL LR777 supports MPEG-4 compression for improved HD transmission. It can be used with a free dish antenna to access unencrypted channels. Unique features include built-in WiFi, ability to record YouTube videos, and USB recording.
Key Features
- MPEG4 video compression
- Works with free dish antenna
- Built-in WiFi + external antenna provided
- Record videos from YouTube
- USB recording to external drives
- Media player for local files
Our Expert Opinion
This is an attractively priced set-top box with a very functional free dish antenna bundle. Ability to record YouTube videos directly makes it stand out. The LR777 also works well for watching unencrypted free-to-air channels. For budget home entertainment beyond traditional DTH, it’s a great package spanning satellite TV, internet videos and local media playback.
6. Airtel DigitalTV Dth Hd Set Top Box
Description
Airtel Digital TV’s HD set-top box comes bundled with a 1 month Entertainment pack subscription and free installation. It supports full HD 1080p resolution and includes a USB recording feature.
Key Features
- 1 Month Entertainment pack
- Free installation
- 1080p Full HD support
- USB recording to external drives
- Access to many HD channels
- Universal remote control
Our Expert Opinion
This Airtel Digital TV HD STB delivers a complete package with good channel selection via the 1 month Entertainment pack and free installation. Picture quality is excellent with full 1080p HD support. The USB recording function also comes handy for capturing your favorite shows. For a premium HD viewing experience from a reliable DTH brand, it’s a compelling choice.
7. LRIPL Digital HD MPEG-4
Description
The LRIPL Digital HD box supports free-to-air channels with no monthly charges. It has WiFi built-in for connecting to your home network. Video format is MPEG4 HD. Note that an external WiFi antenna is not bundled.
Key Features
- MPEG4 HD video support
- Free-to-air, no monthly fees
- Built-in WiFi connectivity
- External WiFi antenna not included
- Media features like USB playback
Our Expert Opinion
This DTH set-top box from LRIPL stands out for its no-frills free-to-air HD channel access augmented with WiFi features. You will however need to purchase a compatible WiFi antenna separately if you wish to use the wireless connectivity. Still for the price it’s a great cord-cutting option if you only want FTA HD channels and can set up your own outdoor satellite dish antenna.
8. Dishtv Set Top Box
Description
DishTV’s Family Saver Pack SD set-top box comes with 1 month subscription and free installation. It includes leading Hindi entertainment and movie channels like Sony Max, Star Plus, ZeeTV, Star Gold and more. You also get access to 7 HD channels at no extra fee.
Key Features
- 1 Month Family Saver Pack
- Free installation
- Sony Max, Star Plus, ZeeTV, Star Gold and more top Hindi channels
- 7 HD channels accessible at no added cost
Our Expert Opinion
The Family Saver Pack from DishTV is aimed at Hindi language viewers looking for leading entertainment and movie channels. With bundling of 1 month pack and installation plus free HD channels, it offers excellent value. The DishTV interface is also intuitive making channel navigation a breeze. For affordable Hindi language content, it’s one of the best budget DTH options.
9. d2h HD Set Top Box
Description
This d2h SD set-top box comes bundled with a 1 month Hindi Value Lite pack subscription and free installation. You get access to 7 HD channels at no added cost. Pack includes popular Hindi entertainment and movie channels like Sony Max, Star Gold, Colors and Star Plus.
Key Features
- 1 Month Hindi Value Lite Pack
- Free installation
- Access to 7 HD channels for free
- Sony Max, Star Gold, Colors, Star Plus channels
- d2h remote control and interface
Our Expert Opinion
For Hindi content viewers on budget, this is a nicely bundled STB package from d2h. The 1 month Value Lite pack has a good selection of entertainment and movie channels at a reasonable price. Access to additional HD channels for free is highly valuable. The d2h UI is smooth with a comfortable remote. Overall an affordable quality option for enjoying popular Hindi channels.
10. dishtv Set Top Box
Description
This DishTV set-top box comes with 1 month Royale Sports Kids SD pack with a mix of sports, Hindi entertainment and kids channels. Installation is free. You also get access to 7 HD channels at no extra cost including Star Plus HD, ZeeTV HD and Star Gold HD.
Key Features
- 1 Month Royale Sports Kids Pack
- Free installation
- Star Plus HD, ZeeTV HD, Star Gold HD and more top HD channels accessible
- Leading sports, Hindi entertainment and kids channels
Our Expert Opinion
The Royale Sports Kids pack caters well to a family audience with its blend of content spanning sports, Hindi channels and children’s entertainment. Getting HD access to Star Plus, ZeeTV, Star Gold etc. provides good value. For households with diverse viewing needs including live sports, this DishTV bundle serves quite nicely at an affordable price.
11. Airtel Digital TV Dth Hd Set Top Box
Description
Airtel Digital TV’s HD STB comes bundled with a 6 month Entertainment pack subscription with free standard installation. It supports full 1080p HD resolution and includes USB recording capability.
Key Features
- 6 Months Entertainment HD pack
- Free standard installation
- Full 1080p HD support
- USB recording to external hard drives
- Access to many HD entertainment channels
- Universal remote control
Our Expert Opinion
This Airtel Digital TV package offers excellent long-term value spread over 6 months. With a single upfront payment, you get a HD STB activated with an Entertainment pack that delivers plentiful HD entertainment channels. Full 1080p resolution provides stellar picture quality. Also useful is the USB recording feature to capture live content. Overall a great bundle to enjoy HD programming across genres.
12. Catvision FreeDish Set Top Box with WiFi
Description
Catvision offers a MPEG4 set-top box bundled with a free dish antenna to access unencrypted FreeDish DTH channels. The STB has built-in WiFi and supports recordings to USB drives. It provides access to 115+ free SD and HD channels.
Key Features
- MPEG4 FreeDish STB with Dish antenna
- Built-in WiFi connectivity
- USB recording capability
- Access 115+ free SD & HD channels
- No monthly subscription charges
Our Expert Opinion
Those looking to avoid expensive monthly DTH subscriptions should consider this bundle from Catvision providing free access to all FreeDish channels in SD and HD quality. Useful additions are the integrated WiFi and ability to record to USB drives. With one-time hardware investment, you can enjoy 100+ channels for free legally. Excellent value if you want to reduce monthly expenses but still access a variety of content.
Comparison for Best Set Top Box in India
| Product | Key Features | Monthly Rental |
|---|---|---|
| Tata Sky HD | 1080i, 1 Month Basic Pack, Free Installation | Yes |
| LRIPL MPEG4 HD WiFi | In-built WiFi, FTA, USB Recording | No |
| Tata Play | Cashback, Free Install, WiFi | Yes |
| Dish TV Budget Delight Pack | 1 Month Pack, Free Install, 7 HD Channels | Yes |
| LRIPL LR777 | WiFi, YouTube Recording, Media Features | No |
| Airtel Digital TV HD | 1 Month Pack, 1080p, USB Recording | Yes |
| LRIPL MPEG4 HD WiFi | FTA, In-built WiFi, Media Features | No |
| Dish TV Family Saver Pack | 1 Month Pack, Sony Max & Hindi channels, 7 HD Channels | Yes |
| d2h Value Lite Pack | 1 Month Pack, 7 Free HD Channels, Sony Max & Hindi channels | Yes |
| Dish TV Sports Kids Pack | 1 Month Pack, Star Plus HD & other top HD channels | Yes |
| Airtel Digital TV 6 Months Pack | 6 Months Pack, 1080p, USB Recording | Yes |
| Catvision FreeDish | 115+ Free SD & HD Channels, In-built WiFi, USB Recording | No |
How to Choose the Best Set Top Box
Here are key factors to consider when choosing a set-top box for your needs: 1. Broadcasting Quality Determine video resolution and compression – SD, HD or 4K along with MPEG2 or MPEG4/H.264 compression. Higher quality requires more bandwidth. 2. Monthly Rental Costs Compare channel pack prices across DTH operators. Also consider free-to-air boxes with one-time cost. 3. Features Compare recording ability, bundled subscriptions, smart functionality etc. Set-top + dish antenna bundles provide better value. 4. Brand & Support Established DTH brands have better support networks. Check warranty terms as well.
Types of Set Top Boxes
1. SD, HD and 4K Boxes Varying by supported broadcasting quality – SD for Standard Definition, HD for High Definition upto 1080p and 4K for Ultra HD 2160p resolution. 2. Smart Set-Top Boxes Have inbuilt apps for streaming services, web access etc. tend to be more expensive. Useful if you need an all-in-one entertainment portal. 3. Recorder Set-Top Boxes Allow recording live TV broadcasts onto a connected USB hard drive. Creates your own video library. 4. Internet-Enabled Have built-in WiFi or Ethernet allowing connectivity with streaming services. Require high speed broadband connections.
Guide on Set Top Box Usage, Maintenance & Care
Usage Tips
- Toggle power button on remote instead of physically unplugging device
- Periodically check signal quality from settings menu
- Disable unwanted notifications from settings
- Use child locks to block adult/age-restricted content
Maintenance
- Clean STB exterior gently with dry cloth
- Ensure wires & connections are not damaged/loose
- Keep the device in open space for ventilation
- Replace remote batteries when low
Care
- Handle device and cables with care
- Protect from moisture, food spillage
- Ensure wires don’t pose tripping hazard
- Use surge protector/UPS for power fluctuations
FAQs about Best Set Top Box
Q. Which DTH provider offers the most HD channels in India?
A. Currently Tata Play (formerly Tata Sky) offers the maximum number of HD channels among DTH operators at over 100+ HD channels spanning movies, entertainment, sports etc.
Q. What video resolution do I need for HD channels – 720p or 1080p?
A. A minimum resolution of 720p is adequate for viewing HD channels from DTH and cable providers. Resolution of 1080p will provide enhanced detail, though bandwidth requirements will be higher.
Q. Which set-top box brand is the most reliable in India?
A. Tata Sky and Airtel Digital TV have the best rated customer service among DTH operators. Their set-top boxes have proven to be very reliable with few issues reported. Both brands have wide service networks to attend to any technical issues.
Q. How do I access FreeDish channels legally without paying monthly fees?
A. Government provider FreeDish offers over 100+ channels via satellite that are free to air. By using a compatible MPEG4 set-top box and installing your own dish antenna, you can access these FreeDish channels legally at zero monthly cost after the initial hardware investment.
Q. Can I connect multiple TV sets to a single DTH connection?
A. Yes, DTH allows connecting multiple TVs to the same set-top box using RF coaxial cable splitters. So with a single dish antenna and STB, you can distribute the DTH signal to multiple TV displays. Multi-TV connection accessories are widely available.
Q. Is a 4K set-top box necessary for getting best picture quality?
A. Not really, as Indian DTH and cable networks still don’t support 4K transmission. Even their HD feeds max out at 1080i or 720p resolution. So 1080p HD set-top box is adequate for best display quality currently. Getting a 4K STB may be overkill now until 4K broadcast support is introduced.
Q. Which set top box is best?
A. Based on the analysis done in this blog, here are some of the best set top boxes in India currently:
- Tata Play and Airtel Digital TV HD combo deals – For premium viewing experience especially for Hindi entertainment and movies
- Tata Play HD STBs – Have excellent affordability due to their cashback incentives
- Catvision FreeDish Set Top Box – Best for low cost channel access without monthly fees
- DishTV Family Saver Pack SD Set Top Box – Affordable access to leading Hindi entertainment channels
- LRIPL LR777 MPEG4 HD Set Top Box – Good blend of satellite TV and internet video features
Q. Which set top box is best for 4k tv?
A. Currently, Indian DTH and Cable networks still don’t support 4K transmission. Their HD feeds also max out at 1080i or 720p resolution. So having a 1080p full HD set top box is more than adequate even for 4K TV displays. Getting a 4K STB may be overkill now until 4K broadcast support is introduced by DTH operators.
Q. Which set top box is best and cheap?
A. The Catvision FreeDish Set Top Box is one of the best and cheapest options. For a one-time hardware investment, you get access to 115+ free SD and HD channels from DD FreeDish legally without any monthly rental. Useful features like built-in WiFi and USB recording make it even more valuable.
Q. Which is best set top box?
A. There is no single best set-top box. The ideal one ultimately depends on your preferences regarding desired channels, monthly rental budgets, broadcasting quality needs and functionality like recording/smart features. By evaluating products across these parameters as done in this blog, you can determine the most suitable match.
Q. Which is the best set top box?
A. Refer to the comparison table in this blog to see a condensed view of popular set-top boxes available and their key traits. Leading options span across criteria like Premium HD Viewing (Tata Sky, Airtel Digital TV), Affordability (Tata Play Cashback Deals), Access to Hindi Entertainment Channels (DishTV Packs) and Low Monthly Rentals (Catvision FreeDish). Evaluate as per your priorities to decide the best STB for your usage.
Conclusion: Which is the Best Set Top Box in India?
The ideal set-top box ultimately depends on your preferences regarding desired channels, monthly rental budgets, broadcasting quality needs and functionality like recording/smart features. FreeDish options like the Catvision FreeDish Set Top Box work very well for low cost channel access sacrificing some variety. The Tata Play and Airtel Digital TV HD combo deals provide reliable premium viewing experiences especially for Hindi entertainment and movies. For their cashback incentives, the Tata Play HD STBs currently have the best affordability. Evaluate channel pack composition carefully and bundle options before picking the perfect match. While traditional DTH STBs retain their dominance for now, keep an eye out for hybrid Smart STBs with integrated streaming and IPTV to provide a unified entertainment gateway cutting across DTH, OTT apps and personal media libraries.
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