Indian DTH operators unveil ‘smart’ set-top boxes


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Rebecca Hawkes

| 08 February 2016




Videocon d2h and Tata Sky are to add Internet browsing capabilities to their next-generation set-top boxes (STBs) to provide their direct-to-home (DTH) subscribers in India with smart TV functionality.



The pay-TV operators claim their new STBs will convert subscribers’ existing LED TVs into smart TVs, enabling not only the reception of 500 channels in HD or SD, but also deliver video-on-demand (VOD) and other over-the-top (OTT) applications. The STBs will also provide social network browsing capabilities to the TV screen.

“Our HD smart set-top box offers exceptional features like Internet-based apps, USB recording, HD quality viewing and reverse path which enable customers to create a unique viewing experience and also stay connected. The customer benefits from an enriched viewing experience through a new user interface allowing seamless navigation,” said Anil Khera, CEO, Videocon d2h.

Tata Sky CEO Harit Nagpal said: “We don’t look at ourselves as a DTH operator. We are a content distribution platform. The scope of that is defined by what content, which medium, what screen the subscriber wants. That is the level of convergence that Tata Sky is looking at achieving.”

Tata Sky plans to launch its connected set-top boxes in the next few months, without additional charge for subscribers.