VIDEOCON DTH HD vs AIRTEL DTH HD

[Soumyadeep Dutta]

Guys ,
I have Sony 40inch LCD TV.I want to buy HD connection but am confused between Videocon HD vs Airtel HD. Hows Videocons HD quality and sound?Airtel i have seen in one of my friends place and how is the after sales service.Please help in buying

 

[mrmash]

I have had the opportunity to use the interface of Sun DTH, Dish TV, Videocon and Airtel as well. Personally I use Tata Sky HD+. Interface wise Tata Sky is the best IMO. I feel the HD is pretty good on Tata Sky. But cannot speak about the others on HD as the ones I had used were SD ones.

 

[ithehappy]

I personally seen the two, side by side, and no offence I won't go call Videocon's DTH service as HD (it just looked like a cropped SD to my eyes, bloody articrafts everywhere). ADTV is WAY better than VD2H IMHO, thus I went for it, and for past nine months I am happy, very happy with the picture quality, and to be honest with price too, when compared with Tata Sky and all. I find the packaging of TS just stupendous! And ADTV's UI is decent too, TS is better, but I can't complaint anything about ADTV other than the stupid and rapid BAT updates pop up especially in the middle of the screen and in middle of a game. I can't speak for the sound, as I do not watch any shows / movies on it at all, but on some HD channels I have seen it's mentioned as DD, but not always.
And their CC just sucks. Just some idiots sitting there, average IQ of around 60 max. But I found the service via Twitter very fast. In past nine months, I needed to contact them once (and that's too just because my recharge wasn't processed, not anything hardware wise) and I believe that CC won't be needed in long run, other than in case of a natural calamity like a big storm or something.

So in short, if money matters (for me it doesn't, but it matters when for same PQ and less channels I pay more, a lot more, which is the case with Tata Sky, that's just dumb to me) and you need a good PQ DTH serive, ADTV. If you are not interested about paying whatever been asked, Tata Sky. If you need to use every cent of your hard earned money, Videocon. But again, I emphasize the HD PQ is NOWHERE near as of TS or ADTV. I don't care what that Dino guy tries to advertise about Videocon and childishly claim it's PQ is better than TS / ADTV, I have seen both of them personally and eyes don't lie and that guy is an idiot and rightfully banned from literally all the DTH forums.

PS : Forgot to mention about one more important thing, if that concerns you of course, the disk size of TS and ADTV is bigger than D2H's, and the connection restores back within 15 minutes in case of sudden lightning and rain for them, but with D2H it's just crap. Connection stability should be given a thought, as DTHs (almost all of them) un-stability in poor weather is the biggest gripe of them.

 

[Soumyadeep Dutta]

I have had the opportunity to use the interface of Sun DTH, Dish TV, Videocon and Airtel as well. Personally I use Tata Sky HD+. Interface wise Tata Sky is the best IMO. I feel the HD is pretty good on Tata Sky. But cannot speak about the others on HD as the ones I had used were SD ones.

Thanks MrMash for replying.

 

[Soumyadeep Dutta]

I personally seen the two, side by side, and no offence I won't go call Videocon's DTH service as HD (it just looked like a cropped SD to my eyes, bloody articrafts everywhere). ADTV is WAY better than VD2H IMHO, thus I went for it, and for past nine months I am happy, very happy with the picture quality, and to be honest with price too, when compared with Tata Sky and all. I find the packaging of TS just stupendous! And ADTV's UI is decent too, TS is better, but I can't complaint anything about ADTV other than the stupid and rapid BAT updates pop up especially in the middle of the screen and in middle of a game. I can't speak for the sound, as I do not watch any shows / movies on it at all, but on some HD channels I have seen it's mentioned as DD, but not always.
And their CC just sucks. Just some idiots sitting there, average IQ of around 60 max. But I found the service via Twitter very fast. In past nine months, I needed to contact them once (and that's too just because my recharge wasn't processed, not anything hardware wise) and I believe that CC won't be needed in long run, other than in case of a natural calamity like a big storm or something.

So in short, if money matters (for me it doesn't, but it matters when for same PQ and less channels I pay more, a lot more, which is the case with Tata Sky, that's just dumb to me) and you need a good PQ DTH serive, ADTV. If you are not interested about paying whatever been asked, Tata Sky. If you need to use every cent of your hard earned money, Videocon. But again, I emphasize the HD PQ is NOWHERE near as of TS or ADTV. I don't care what that Dino guy tries to advertise about Videocon and childishly claim it's PQ is better than TS / ADTV, I have seen both of them personally and eyes don't lie and that guy is an idiot and rightfully banned from literally all the DTH forums.

PS : Forgot to mention about one more important thing, if that concerns you of course, the disk size of TS and ADTV is bigger than D2H's, and the connection restores back within 15 minutes in case of sudden lightning and rain for them, but with D2H it's just crap. Connection stability should be given a thought, as DTHs (almost all of them) un-stability in poor weather is the biggest gripe of them.

Thank you very much for the reply.Nothing to say.Excellent explanation.

 

[Soumyadeep Dutta]

I personally seen the two, side by side, and no offence I won't go call Videocon's DTH service as HD (it just looked like a cropped SD to my eyes, bloody articrafts everywhere). ADTV is WAY better than VD2H IMHO, thus I went for it, and for past nine months I am happy, very happy with the picture quality, and to be honest with price too, when compared with Tata Sky and all. I find the packaging of TS just stupendous! And ADTV's UI is decent too, TS is better, but I can't complaint anything about ADTV other than the stupid and rapid BAT updates pop up especially in the middle of the screen and in middle of a game. I can't speak for the sound, as I do not watch any shows / movies on it at all, but on some HD channels I have seen it's mentioned as DD, but not always.
And their CC just sucks. Just some idiots sitting there, average IQ of around 60 max. But I found the service via Twitter very fast. In past nine months, I needed to contact them once (and that's too just because my recharge wasn't processed, not anything hardware wise) and I believe that CC won't be needed in long run, other than in case of a natural calamity like a big storm or something.

So in short, if money matters (for me it doesn't, but it matters when for same PQ and less channels I pay more, a lot more, which is the case with Tata Sky, that's just dumb to me) and you need a good PQ DTH serive, ADTV. If you are not interested about paying whatever been asked, Tata Sky. If you need to use every cent of your hard earned money, Videocon. But again, I emphasize the HD PQ is NOWHERE near as of TS or ADTV. I don't care what that Dino guy tries to advertise about Videocon and childishly claim it's PQ is better than TS / ADTV, I have seen both of them personally and eyes don't lie and that guy is an idiot and rightfully banned from literally all the DTH forums.

PS : Forgot to mention about one more important thing, if that concerns you of course, the disk size of TS and ADTV is bigger than D2H's, and the connection restores back within 15 minutes in case of sudden lightning and rain for them, but with D2H it's just crap. Connection stability should be given a thought, as DTHs (almost all of them) un-stability in poor weather is the biggest gripe of them.

Today I visited one electronic shop as i requested Videocon for one demo. You are absolutely correct after seeing the picture quality of the D2h i was surprised.My local cables HD is much better than D2h. On that shop I have also tested the picture quality of TS and its much better than d2h but on large screen mainly 55" i can see the dots(whatever u say). The seller told me go for Tata Sky, because their package cost is much lower than Airtel and the service also has been improved. TS is providing some extra HD channels like Life Ok which is absent in Airtel. So now will i go for TS?Still asking

 

[ithehappy]

Well if package pricing isn't a problem then go with TS. But it's news to me that TS package price is "lower" than AirTel. It's the exact opposite. About extra HD channels, I don't know, I only have 11 HD channels out of 18 of AirTel's, I only have sports HD and English HD channels (and few other Hindi HD channels, which I never watch), and that's more than enough for me. It depends on what channel you want to see. I watch only sports, and sometimes English movie channels and for that purpose ADTV is more than enough for me.

 

[Soumyadeep Dutta]

Well if package pricing isn't a problem then go with TS. But it's news to me that TS package price is "lower" than AirTel. It's the exact opposite. About extra HD channels, I don't know, I only have 11 HD channels out of 18 of AirTel's, I only have sports HD and English HD channels (and few other Hindi HD channels, which I never watch), and that's more than enough for me. It depends on what channel you want to see. I watch only sports, and sometimes English movie channels and for that purpose ADTV is more than enough for me.

Thanks for replying. As you have used both TS and Airtel, can you just tell me whose service is best?Post purchase.Regarding packages.I have read many blogs and Consumers are saying that TS a thief,reply very lately against any complaint,etc almost same with Airtel

 

[mrmash]

Regarding tata sky, its better to go for their yearly packages. And also I guess you can compare their package prices online to make a better informed decision. Earlier tata sky used to charge 100/- as HD fees and broadcast all HD channels irrespective of whether the particular channel in SD was in your package or not. But nowadays they charge HD access fee and broadcasts HD version of only those channels which are already in your subscription package.

 

[Soumyadeep Dutta]

Regarding tata sky, its better to go for their yearly packages. And also I guess you can compare their package prices online to make a better informed decision. Earlier tata sky used to charge 100/- as HD fees and broadcast all HD channels irrespective of whether the particular channel in SD was in your package or not. But nowadays they charge HD access fee and broadcasts HD version of only those channels which are already in your subscription package.

Ok.Thanks.I want all the 18 HD channels and they are asking 125 p.m. as HD access fee .But with every Dhamal mix,sports pack they have some mentioned HD channels which i dont understand.Can i go for full HD channels with a subscription pack?How is the after sales service ?the most important thing the quality of HD(Airtel or Tata Sky)?Which one you suggest?

 

[mrmash]

I cannot comment on quality of Airtel HD as I havent seen it. But Tata Sky HD looks pretty good. I think @ithehappy would be able to better guide you in regards to HD quality comparison on both Airtel and Tata Sky. And please call Tata Sky customer service and get everything cleared out at first regarding HD channels because as far as I know you need to have the SD channel subscribed in order to watch it in HD. And there are some channels which dont have their SD counterparts, you will have to subscribe to them separately. But if money isn't an issue you can go for their Annual Mega Pack (I think thats the name) for a fee of ~5800/- (if I am remembering it correctly). This will give you access to all channels and will future proof you as you will not be affected by any price increase and new channels will get added automatically to your package. They now have 4 versions of Mega pack too, I think. So select according to your need. And remember these mega packs won't include any special channels that are listed under the special category.
As far as after sales service goes, my experience has been excellent. In about six years of using tata sky there has hardly ever been the need to call them, but whenever I have called they have been prompt to respond by helping out in whatever way was needed.

 

[6pack]

That 5800 annual fee does not include HD access. For HD access, its 125pm or 1500 pa. Total of 7300/- per year if you want HD. Mind blowing rates from TataSky.

 

[Soumyadeep Dutta]

That 5800 annual fee does not include HD access. For HD access, its 125pm or 1500 pa. Total of 7300/- per year if you want HD. Mind blowing rates from TataSky.

Yes you are right.Thanks for the reply.But I have booked Airtel HD.Y? First i visited one electronic shop,its one of the largest in kolkata.They have airtel hd, tatasky hd, videocon d2h hd and dish tv hd on display.I have checked each and every brand very minutely,as per the quality Airtel HD is number one,then Tata Sky. Videocon d2h and dishtv are horrible.Second thing which i was totally surprised to see that between airtel, tata sky and videocon d2h, airtel receiving signal is much stronger than tata sky then comes Videocon. Yesterday i was watching india vs bangladesh match, in airtel the player already batted the bowl,in tata sky bowler is in the mid way of his run,in videocon bowler is about to run.(Hope you got my point,may b some mistakes in language,sorry for that). But according to package Airtel is little bit cheap.For most of the channel if i go for Mega(cost 370+HD 175)=545 and in Tata Sky if you want the same amount of channel you have to opt for Grand Sports Pack(Cost 450+HD 125)=575.In Airtel you dont have to go for Ultra cus all the rubbish info channel is there. Once again I thank everyone without your support i wont be able to buy DTH(a good one quality wise).

 

[6pack]

Second thing which i was totally surprised to see that between airtel, tata sky and videocon d2h, airtel receiving signal is much stronger than tata sky then comes Videocon. Yesterday i was watching india vs bangladesh match, in airtel the player already batted the bowl,in tata sky bowler is in the mid way of his run,in videocon bowler is about to run.(Hope you got my point,may b some mistakes in language,sorry for that).

Yes this one or two second difference is visible in many channels.
That is because of time lag between the satellites these companies use and their ground stations. If all of them were using the same satellite, you would see hardly any difference.
Congrats on the buy. Enjoy your AHD!!