4 Best Set-Top Boxes In India: Reviews & Buyer’s Guide

September 28, 2020

| by HomeExpert

The set-top box is widely used today in every home today as it has been made mandatory after digitization. Also, it ensures that all family members remain entertained by watching their favorite shows and news on TV anytime. So, let us see some of the best set-top boxes that can be installed at home.

Is it Mandatory to Install a Full HD Set-Top Box?

People having a full HD flat panel TV should buy a full HD set-top box. It doesn’t cost more than the conventional set-top box but extra charges have to be paid for watching HD channels. You should get this set-top box even when you have plans of getting full HD TV in the near future so that you can watch various HD TV programs, live videos, and musical content without having to upgrade the set-top box later.

Best Set-Top Boxes in India

1. TATA SKY HD

You can enjoy a high definition experience with vivid colors and sharper images using this set-top box that has 1080i resolution. The subscribed pack can be modified easily with the help of the Tata Sky app. In the first month, you get a free basic package after installation.

Features:

Dimension: 6.5 x 5.5 x 4.5 cm;
Weight: 22 Kilograms
Aspect Ratio: 16:9
Connector: HDMI
Resolution: 1080p Full HD
Warranty: 1 Year
Color: Black

Pros

Better installation service.
Dolby digital sound and good picture quality.
It offers all the standard channels in 13 Indian languages.

Cons

Some lag while swapping between channels.

Rating: 4.8/5

Check Price

2. Airtel Digital TV HD Set Top Box

This set-top box provides you access to more than 50 HD channels. The technicians will come for the installation of the product. It comes with a value lite pack.

Features:

Dimension: 60 x 60 x 60 cm
Weight: 22 Kilograms
Resolution: 1080p Full HD
Connector: HDMI
Aspect Ratio: 16:9
Warranty: 1 Year
Color: Black

Pros

It can be installed easily and in less time.
High-quality sound experience.
It lets you record any show.

Cons

The user interface could have been better.

Rating: 4.8/5

Check Price

3. Dish TV NXT HD with 1 Month Super Family Pack

This set-top box comes with a 1-month subscription. There are over 50 HD channels, ensuring complete entertainment. Thus you can have uninterrupted entertainment with full clarity.

Features:

Dimensions: 60 x 60 x 60 cm
Weight: 22 Kg
Resolution: 1080p Full HD
Aspect Ratio: 16:9
Connector: HDMI
Warranty: 1 Year

Pros

A sufficiently long cable of 10m is provided here.
Quick and easy installation.
It has an advanced recording feature.
Surround sound listening for an amazing experience.

Cons

The user interface is not good.

Rating: 4.5/5

Check Price

4. Videocon D2H HD Digital Set Top Box

This digital setup box is loaded with many features and supports a full HD resolution of 1080p. It comes with a 1-month gold pack. MPEG4 compression technology is used in it. You can do a time-based recording in it.

Features:

Dimension: 220 x 220 x 220 cm
Weight: 22 Kg
Resolution: 1080p Full HD
Aspect Ratio: 16:9
Connector: HDMI
Warranty: 1 Year

Pros

Feature loaded remote control.
It lets you do an unlimited recording.
The cable provided with it is 10 m long.
Good after-sale service for quick installation.
Option to remove unwanted ads.

Cons

Low signal reception.

Rating: 4.3/5

Check Price

Set Top Box Buying Guide – How To Buy The Best Set-Top Box in India?

Here are the things you must keep in mind while buying a set-top box:

1. Portability:

Check if your operator provides the option of switching over to the network through a Conditional Access Module (CAM) card which can be inserted into the existing set-top box’s card slot. Once this is done, the antenna has to be realigned and the set-top box has to be tuned to the frequency of dish TV.

2. Packages:

Check various package plans offered by the company from which you are getting the set-top box. It should include all the channels that are frequently matched by you and your family. Also, check the ease with which you can add or remove a channel in the plan.

3. Storage:

A setup box with internal storage is needed when you intend to have a device that can store all music, video, and movies for playing them later on your TV screen. With it, you can even transfer all your bigger files into the drives in the set-top box.

4. Support to File Formats:

In a set-top box supporting storage, it is essential to check if it supports various file formats to make sure that you can play them easily. It is important because most of the set-top boxes do not even recognize the AVI file type.

Our review of various types of set-top boxes available in India and buying guide, you can easily select the best one in your budget. A wise selection of a good device will make your investment worth it.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Which is the most cost-effective set-top box in India?

Ans: DD Direct Plus is the cheapest set-top box among various available options.

2. Do all set-top boxes support all file formats?

Ans: No, you need to check properly the formats supported by a set-top box because only certain formats are compatible with some brands.

3. Can I upgrade a non-HD set-top box to an HD set-top box later?

Ans: Yes, this can be done by paying an extra charge.

Related Posts: