No more divide or paying extra between Standard (SD) and (high definition) HD channels. One of India’s top DTH provider DishTV announced “HD for All” initiative. Under this initiative, the company will offer HD channel access for all its users.
DishTV has also launched its next-generation HD Set-top Box (STB) called ‘DishNXT HD’. These STBs are now HD-enabled by default, eliminating the SD-HD divide. So, basically every new connection with DishTV, users will get HD-enabled STB. The initiative further follows the recent launch of ‘Mera Apna Pack’ that allowed customers to choose their favourite HD channel for just Rs 17. It’s in line with the regulator TRAI, who want the DTH providers to give customers the ultimate choice of choosing their content or channels.
“HD space has been fast evolving, making significant in-roads into Indian households. With a sharp focus on HD, this move aims at bridging the gap between the SD and HD subscribers and taking away the inhibitions involved in switching from SD to HD,” commented Mr Anil Dua, Group Chief Executive Officer, DishTV. “Our endeavor is to increase affinity with our audiences by providing them HD viewing experience. This launch of ‘HD for all initiative’ and also the new DishNXT HD STB will lead to a rapid rise in HD consumption. It will also encourage subsequent upgradation to full HD experience, thereby expanding overall HD viewership and boosting our revenues,” he added.
Talking about the features of DishNXT HD STB, it can offer five times better HD picture quality, 5.1 Surround Sound, streamlined user interface, multilingual support, extra recording options and universal remote for Set-Top-Box and TV. As for HD channel packs, customers can choose them for as little as at Rs 169 per month.