Re: TELEVISION INVENTION AND DEVELOPMENTS PART 2(Continued from Part 1
Rajaram Krishnamurthy
I A dish antenna is required for direct-to-home (DTH) satellite TV, but you don't need one if you prefer to watch television using an active internet connection, smart TV apps, or local terrestrial broadcasting.
When You NEED a Dish Antenna
- Rural & Remote Viewing: DTH dishes are necessary in areas with unstable or no high-speed internet.
- Reliable Live TV: Traditional satellite connections provide consistent, uninterrupted live television without using your home's data plan.
- Zero-Recharge Options: Services like DD Free Dish require a one-time hardware purchase of around ₹2,000 for a set-top box and dish antenna, with zero monthly recurring charges.
When You DO NOT Need a Dish Antenna
- Smart TVs & Streaming Boxes: You can use apps and OTT platforms like Netflix, Hotstar, or Prime Video with just an active Wi-Fi connection.
- Internet Protocol Television (IPTV): Many modern service providers in India offer set-top boxes that deliver live TV channels strictly via broadband rather than satellite signals.
- Free-to-Air Internet Boxes: Specialized set-top boxes exist that allow you to watch free satellite channels using internet streams instead of a physical dish
- Could you tell me what your current setup is (e.g., whether you have a Smart TV, a reliable internet connection, or live in an apartment where installing a dish is difficult)? I can give you a tailored recommendation on how to best configure your TV.
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II Watch 250+ TV Channels Without a Dish Antenna – Introducing the SOLID HDS2X-6309
In today's digital world, satellite TV is no longer the only way to enjoy your favorite television channels. With the latest SOLID HDS2X-6309 Free-to-Air MPEG4 HEVC H.265 Digital Set-Top Box, you can now watch 250+ TV channels without connecting a dish antenna, using only an internet connection.
How Does It Work?
The SOLID HDS2X-6309 comes with the SolidTVBox App, an internet-based streaming platform built directly into the set-top box. Once the box is connected to your home Wi-Fi or internet network, you can access a wide range of live TV channels through the app.
Key Benefits
✅ Watch 250+ live TV channels using the internet
✅ No dish antenna required for app-based channel viewing
✅ Built-in Wi-Fi for easy internet connectivity
✅ Access entertainment, news, movies, music, devotional, and regional channels
✅ User-friendly interface for smooth navigation
✅ Enjoy TV anywhere with a stable internet connection
Traditional Satellite TV + Internet TV in One Device
The SOLID HDS2X-6309 is designed to offer the best of both worlds:
Connect a dish antenna and enjoy Free-to-Air satellite channels.
Or connect to the internet and stream channels through the SolidTVBox App.
This flexibility makes it an ideal choice for users who want more viewing options without installing additional equipment.
Easy Setup
Connect the SOLID HDS2X-6309 to your TV.
Connect the box to your Wi-Fi network.
Open the Solid TV Box App.
Start watching 250+ TV channels instantly.
Why Choose the SOLID HDS2X-6309?
The latest HEVC H.265 technology ensures efficient performance while the built-in Wi-Fi and internet TV features make it a modern entertainment solution for every home. Whether you want satellite channels or internet-based live TV, this set-top box delivers both in a single device.
Experience the Future of Television
With the SOLID HDS2X-6309, you are no longer limited to a dish antenna. Simply connect to the internet and enjoy 250+ TV channels through the Solid TV Box App, bringing entertainment directly to your screen.
Upgrade your TV experience today with the SOLID HDS2X-6309 Free-to-Air Digital Set-Top Box.
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III OTT vs. DTH: Which is Smarter for Your Home in 2025?
The battle for your TV screen is on. Let's break down the real pros and cons of traditional DTH vs. modern streaming.
For years, the satellite dish was a permanent fixture on nearly every Indian roof. But with the explosion of high-speed fiber internet, a new question has emerged: should you stick with your DTH connection or make the switch to OTT streaming? The answer depends entirely on your viewing habits and your internet connection. Let's compare.
Understanding the Contenders
DTH (Direct-to-Home)
This is traditional satellite TV. It uses a dish to receive live TV channels. It's a reliable workhorse for watching scheduled programs but offers very little flexibility.
Best For: Watching live regional channels, news, and sports without needing an internet connection.
Biggest Weakness: Completely inflexible. You watch what's on, when it's on. It's also useless during heavy rain.
OTT (Over-the-Top)
This is on-demand streaming through apps like **Netflix, Hotstar, and Prime Video**. It leverages your internet connection to give you a massive library of content you can watch anytime.
Best For: Binge-watching exclusive series, watching movies on-demand, and enjoying content on any device (TV, phone, tablet).
Biggest Weakness: It doesn't typically include the full range of live local TV channels.
Head-to-Head Comparison
Factor OTT Streaming DTH Satellite
Content Control Total Control (On-Demand) NO Control (Scheduled)
Device Flexibility Any Device (TV, Phone, Laptop) TV Only
Live TV Channels Limited (Requires IPTV Add-on) Yes, Full Range
Internet Required? Yes (High-Speed \
Fiber Recommended) No The Verdict: You
Don't Have to Choose Anymore
For years, the choice was a compromise: live channels with DTH or on-demand content with OTT. Today, that compromise is over. The ultimate modern entertainment setup combines the best of all worlds:
A powerful **Fiber Broadband** connection as the foundation.
A bundle of your favorite **OTT apps** for movies and series.
An **IPTV** add-on that delivers all your live DTH channels over the internet, eliminating the need for a dish.
This all-in-one approach gives you complete control, flexibility, and value, turning your smart TV into a true entertainment powerhouse.
Build Your Perfect Entertainment Package.
Combine high-speed internet with the best of OTT and live TV. Our local experts can help you design the perfect bundle for your family.
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IV About Free Dish
DD Free Dish DTH service is owned and operated by Public Service Broadcaster Prasar Bharati. It was launched in December, 2004. DD Free Dish is the only Free-to-Air (FTA) Direct-To-Home (DTH) Service where there is no monthly subscription fee from the viewers. It is very affordable for all as it requires only a small one time investment of about Rs. 2000/- for purchasing of Set-to-Box (STB) and small sized Dish Antenna with accessories. The unique free to air model has made DD Free Dish the largest DTH platform.
Policy
Amendment no.1 dated 9th January, 2026 to E-Auction Methodology for Allotment of Slots of DD Free Dish Platform to Private Satellite TV channels 2025.
E-Auction Methodology for Allotment of Slots of DD Free Dish Platform to Private Satellite TV channels 2025
Procedure for Allotment /Change of LCN of private TV channels of DD Free Dish 2025
Notification
Results of Mid-Year (99th) e-Auction of MPEG-4 Slots of DD Free Dish
Notice inviting applications for allotment of vacant MPEG-4 slots of DD Free Dish for the period from 05.06.2026 to 31.03.2027 through Mid-yeay 99th online e-auction.
Notice Inviting Applications for Allotment of Vacant MPEG-2 Slots on DD Free Dish Platform for the Period from 29.05.2026 to 31.03.2027 on pro-rata basis through 98th Online e- auction Process
Advanced EPS Services data descriptor details for Electronic Program Guide, LCN, Genre, and Landing Page information on DD Free Dish Platform
Results of 8th Annual (97th) e-Auction of MPEG-4 Slots of DD Free
Notice Inviting Applications for Allotment of Vacant MPEG-4 Slots on DD Free Dish Platform for the Period from 01.04.2026 to 31.03.2027 through 8TH Annual (97TH) online e- auction process
Results of 8th Annual (94th) e-Auction of MPEG-2 Slots of DD Free Dish
Notice Inviting Applications for Allotment of Vacant MPEG-2 Slots on DD Free Dish Platform for the Period from 01.04.2026 to 31.03.2027 through 8th Annual (94th) Online e- auction Process
List of successful channels of 95th and 96th e-Auctions of DD Free Dish, DTH Platform for the period 01.02.2026 to 31.03.2026
Notice Inviting Applications for Allotment of Vacant MPEG-2 Slots on DD Free Dish Platform for the Period from 01.02.2026 to 31.03.2026 through 95th Online e- auction Process
Notice Inviting Applications for Allotment of Vacant MPEG-4 Slots on DD Free Dish Platform for the Period from 01.02.2026 to 31.03.2026 through 96th Online e- auction Process
List of successful channels of 93rd allotment process of MPEG-4 Slots for Regional Language Channels on DD Free Dish Platform on pilot basis up to 31.03.2026
Notice inviting Applications for On-boarding of Un-represented / Under-represented Regional Language Channels on vacant MPEG-4 Slots of TS# 7/ TS#8 streams on DD Free Dish Platform, Free of Cost on pilot basis upto 31.03.2026 only
Result of Mid-year 92nd e-auction of MPEG-4 slots of DD Free Dish
Notice inviting applications for allotment of vacant MPEG-4 slots of DD Free Dish for the period from 07.11.2025 to 31.03.2026 through 92nd online e-auction
List of discontinued TV channels from DD Free Dish MPEG-2/MPEG-4 Slots in 2025-26 upto October 2025
Notice Inviting Applications for Allotment of Vacant MPEG-2 Slots on DD Free Dish Platform for the Period from 27.09.2025 to 31.03.2026 on pro-rata basis
List of successful channels of 90th e-auction of MPEG-2 slots of DD Free Dish
Extension Notice for Inviting Applications for 90TH e-Auction for Allotment of vacant MPEG-2 Slots on DD Free Dish Platform for the Period from 29.08.2025 to 31.03.2026 on pro rata basis
Notice Inviting Applications for Allotment of Vacant MPEG-2 Slots on DD Free Dish Platform for the Period from 29.08.2025 to 31.03.2026 on pro-rata basis
List of successful channels of 89th e-auction of MPEG-4 slots of DD Free Dish
Notice inviting applications for allotment of vacant MPEG-4 slots of DD Free Dish for the period from 11.07.2025 to 31.03.2026 through 89th online e-auction
List of successful channels of 88th e-auction of MPEG-4 slots of DD Free Dish
Notice inviting applications for allotment of vacant MPEG-4 slots of DD Free Dish for the period from 13.06.2025 to 31.03.2026 through 88th online e-auction
List of successful channels of 87th e-auction of MPEG-2 slots of DD Free Dish
Extension of Notice Inviting Applications for Allotment of Vacant MPEG-2 Slots on DD Free Dish Platform for the Period from 28.05.2025 to 31.03.2026
Notice Inviting Applications for Allotment of Vacant MPEG-2 Slots on DD Free Dish Platform for the Period from 20.05.2025 to 31.03.2026
List of successful channels of 7th annual (86th) e-auction of MPEG-4 slots of DD Free Dish
Notice Inviting Applications for on-boarding News & Current Affairs, National Hindi, satellite TV channels on Prasar Bharati’s OTT Platform, WAVES.
List of successful channels of 7th annual (85th) e-auction of MPEG-2 slots of DD Free Dish conducted from 10.02.2025-14.02.2025.
Notice Inviting Applications for Allotment of Vacant MPEG-4 Slots on DD Free Dish Platform for the Period from 01.04.2025 to 31.03.2026.
Notice inviting applications for allotment of vacant MPEG-2 slots of DD Free Dish Platform for the period from 01.04.2025to 31.03.2026 through 7th annual e-auction (85th e-auction) process.
DD Free Dish Helpline
1800114554 (Toll Free)
011-25806200 (From 08:00 AM to 08:PM)
Frequently asked questions on DD Free Dish
Q. 1 What is DD Free Dish?
Ans. DD Free Dish is India’s first and one and only Free-to-Air (FTA) Direct-To-Home (DTH) Service from Prasar Bharati.
Q. 2 What is Free-to-Air (FTA) DTH?
Ans. Normally all over the world DTH operators charge activation charges as well as monthly subscription charges depending upon the channels/Bouquet to be viewed by subscriber. DD Free Dish is a unique Free-to-Air (FTA) DTH platform in which the subscriber is not charged any activation and monthly subscription charges.
Q. 3 When was the DD Free Dish service started?
Ans. DD Free Dish is an approved scheme of the Government of India being implemented through Prasar Bharati. The Cabinet approval of the scheme was obtained on 19.11.2003. DD Free Dish service was formally inaugurated by Honourable Prime Minister of India on 16.12.2004.
Q. 4 What is the reach of DD Free Dish?
Ans. DD Free is available throughout the country except in Andaman & Nicobar Islands. It reaches even to those places where Terrestrial or cable TV is not available like border, remote & tribal areas.
A separate 10 channel DTH service in C-Band has been provided by Prasar Bharati exclusively for Andaman & Nicobar Islands, which is also Free- To-Air.
As per 2023 Market estimates more than 4.50 Crore Household watch DD Free Dish
Q. 5 What are the advantages of DD Free Dish over cable connection?
Ans. DD Free Dish ensures excellent Picture Quality for all the channels in the bouquet. There is no intermediary as one gets the signals directly from the broadcasters. There are no recurring charges to be paid by subscribers to view any of the programs. Unlike other private DTH operators, DD Free Dish is free for life time and does not charge any monthly or annual subscription fee from the viewers for complete bouquet including HD Channels of the DD Free Dish channels. To view channels of DD Free Dish platform, you have to buy a DD Free Dish Set Top Box and dish with accessories which can be got from open market .The complete set may be approx Rs. 2000/- depending on the type of Set-Top-Box. The complete DD Free Dish Receive System consists of a Set-Top-Box, small sized Dish Antenna LNBC, RF cable and other accessories.
Q. 6 Will DD Free Dish Signal be available in remote villages, where no TV tower is installed ?
Ans. Yes, the DD Free Dish signal is made available through satellite and doesn’t require any tower or cable for its distribution.
Q.7 What is the composition of DD Free Dish bouquet?
Ans. DD Free Dish bouquet has a rich bouquet of Doordarshan TV channels, Private TV Channels in various Genres including GEC, Movies, Music, Sports, News & Current affairs, Devotional / Spritual / Ayush etc. in diverse Indian Languages and English plus Educational channels and Radio channels of All India Radio.
Q.8 Can DD Free Dish be viewed without disconnecting existing cable connection?
Ans. Most of the TVs have multiple AV or HDMI input mode. Cable connection can be viewed in one AV or HDMI input mode and DTH channels can be viewed in another AV or HDMI input Mode by choosing the AV option from the remote of your TV set. DTH channels can be changed using TV STB remote control.
Q 9. Once the Dish &Set Top Box are installed, will it be possible to receive all channels or I have to pay to see Private TV channels?
Ans. DD Free Dish platform is free and viewers are not required to pay to view any channels of DD Free Dish platform including private TV channels. The channels available in the bouquet can be received once the receive equipment is installed.
Q. 10 If there are more than one TV set in one house; will all TV sets require separate STBs/Dishes to receive DD Free Dish?
Q 11. If one shifts his residence or moves to some other city, can he continue to use the same STB and the Dish to receive DD Free Dish?
Ans. Yes, one can carry the equipment anywhere in India and continue to enjoy DD Free Dish after installing the dish at the new location through a local installer.
Q 12.Will the reception be affected by rains/snowfall?
Ans. Yes, for each TV, a separate STB will be required.
Ans. Though provision exists to take care that the signal remains strong during rains/snowfall, yet heavy rains may result into temporary outage in the DTH signal.
Q 13.Where can the Dish be installed?
Ans. Dish can be installed on the rooftop or on the wall surface facing clear south. Viewers can take help of local installers who do installations on chargeable basis
Q 14.Are any Audio (Radio) channels also available in DD Free Dish?
Ans. Yes, at present there are 48 Radio channels available in the bouquet
Q 15. Is Prasar Bharati marketing/selling/appointing dealers for the Receive Equipment?
Ans. No. Prasar Bharati does not market any DD Free Dish STB directly. DD Free Dish STB and associated equipment is readily available in any local open market. These are also available all the major online e- market platform.
Q 16. Subscription Fee etc.?
Ans. It is clarified that no subscription fee is required to be paid to anybody for receiving the DD Free Dish signal. The service is totally free and the only expenditure involved is on one time purchase of Receive Equipment, which is available in the open market on nominal cost.
Q 17. What is the cost of the Receive Equipment for DD Free Dish?
Ans. The indicative price of a Receive System (consisting of Set Top Box, Dish Antenna, LNB , cable and other associated accessories) may be less than Rs.2000.It may however vary with the make of equipment and will also depend upon the local taxes/prevailing custom duty, etc.
Q.18 What are the items of receive equipment of DD Free Dish?
Ans. The receive equipment of DD free Dish contains following equipment/accessories:
Dish Antenna
Set-Top-Box with remote
RF Cable (to connect Set-Top-Box and Dish Antenna)
Q 19. Can the receive System be installed by the viewer himself?
Ans. Detailed procedure for installation is given in the website. However, it is advisable to take the help of skilled technical person for the installation of the system.
Q 20. What are the channels available on the DD FREE DISH platform?
Ans. DD Free Dish bouquet has a rich mix of Doordarshan TV Channels, Parliament TV channels, Private TV Channels and Educational TV channels. Popular General Entertainment, News, Music, Movies Devotional Regional TV Channels are part of the Private TV channel bouquet. In addition, there are 48 radio channels of Akashvani. The details of the channel list presently on DD Free Dish is available on the website, http://prasarbharati.gov.in/
Q 21. Are you providing any value added service like Internet etc. over your DTH platform?
Ans. No, presently no such service is being provided.
Q 22. Channel name in TV channel list is different than the Actual TV program shown? in that case what shall I do ?
Ans. In FTA STBs the change in program (TV channel) is detected but the change of name of channel is not stored automatically. In such cases, the required change of information can be stored by re-scanning the STB.
Q 23. How to update the changes in TV channel tuning manually?
Ans: The procedure to update the changes in program name varies from make to make of STBs. Follow the procedure mentioned in the installation manual supplied along-with the STB. However, as broad guidelines the steps involved are as indicated in the example given hereunder:
Example-1.
Following are the steps to be followed to scan or search the channels on DD Free Dish DTH bouquet.
Press ‘Menu’ Button on Remote of DD Free Dish Set-Top-Box Go to ‘Installation’ or ‘Setup Programme’ Fill the details as below
9500 Ksps
|
Satellite’ |
GSAT- 15 |
|
‘T P Frequency’ |
11090 MHz |
|
‘LNB Frequency’ |
09750 MHz |
|
‘Symbol rate’ 2 |
|
|
‘Polarization’ |
V |
|
‘22K’ OFF |
OFF |
|
‘Search mode’ |
FTA |
|
‘Disc. Equal’. |
Off |
After filling the above values go to ‘Search’ Press ‘OK’
The new TV and Radio services will be displayed.
For other frequencies and related parameters refer to table below.
Note:-The above-mentioned steps may be in different order in some of the STBs. In case there is any difficulty, viewers are advised to contact the nearest STB dealer. The different transponder frequency, LNB frequency, symbol rate etc. required to tune to the STBs for all the channels available in the DD Free Dish are summarized as below: –
|
Sl.No. |
Transponder Frequency (MHz) |
Polarization |
Symbol Rate (Ksps) |
FEC |
LNB Frequency (MHz) |
22K |
Disc. Equal |
|
1. |
11090 |
V |
29500 |
3/4 |
09750 |
OFF |
OFF |
|
2. |
11170 |
V |
29500 |
3/4 |
09750 |
OFF |
OFF |
|
3. |
11470 |
V |
29500 |
3/4 |
10600 |
OFF |
OFF |
|
4. |
11510 |
V |
29500 |
3/4 |
10600 |
OFF |
OFF |
|
5. |
11550 |
V |
29500 |
3/4 |
10600 |
OFF |
OFF |
|
6. |
11630 |
V |
30000 |
3/5 |
10600 |
OFF |
OFF |
|
7. |
11550 |
H |
29500 |
3/4 |
10600 |
OFF |
OFF |
|
8. |
11670 |
V |
29500 |
3/4 |
10600 |
OFF |
OFF |
|
9. |
11590 |
V |
29500 |
3/4 |
10600 |
OFF |
OFF |
Q. 24 How to delete TV channel programme in STB manually?
Ans. The procedure to delete TV Channel programme in the TV channel list varies from
make to make of STBs. Follow the procedure mentioned in the installation manual supplied
along-with the STB.
EXAMPLE 2.
Following are the steps to be followed to delete channels in TV channel list:
Go to ‘Edit Programme’
Select- ‘Delete Option’
Select the channel, using up down key.
Press ‘OK’
Please Note: Some low cost Set Top Boxes having limited storage capacity may not store all
the channels, so viewers having such boxes are advised to delete the pre-stored channels
using “Delete Option” in “Edit Programme Menu” before going for AUTO SCAN Option for
returning their Set Top Boxes. For Manual/Auto scan is required to select FREE/FTA
channels only.
Q 25: i) How private TV channels are placed on DD Free Dish? i) Addition of some of some of the channels on DD Free Dish like- Kids, sports, Bengali, Tamil. ii) How private TV channels are placed DD Free Dish: iii) Availability of some of paid channels like- colours, star plus, Star Sports etc
Ans: Prasar Bharati allots slot on DD Free Dish toprivate TV channels through a competitive and transparent process of e-auction on annual basis.
Any private TV channel,permitted by Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, may participate in the e-auction allotment process and submit bid to get a slot allotted for carrying the channel on DD Free Dish. The allotment is done for one year at a time.
Hence, only private TV channels which participate in bidding process remain successful bidders are shown on DD Free Dish. Kids, sports, Bengali &Tamil or any other channel which are permitted from Ministry of Information and Broadcasting , Govt of India are free to participate in auction to come on DD Free Dish.
Q 26: Is it possible to update latest channels list on phone through SMS
Ans: This facility is presently not available in DD Free Dish. The updated channels list remains available on website http://prasarbharati.gov.in.
Q 27: MPEG-2 and MPEG -4 both STBs are available in market which one should I prefer.
MPEG-4, as at very nominal cost difference you will get host of advantages. MPEG-4 STB not only receives all the FTA channels available on MPEG-2 STB but in addition it will also receive Channels available on MPEG-4. There are HD channels already available on MPEG-4 STB giving much better quality of reception. In future also there is possibility of enhancing channels available on MPEG-4. Also there are various Educational channels available on MPEG-4 STB which also are expected to increase.
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V https://youtu.be/u9NzNpoMhu0 FREE TV WITHOUT ANYTHING!!
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K RAJARAM IRS 25626
--TELEVISION INVENTION AND DEVELOPMENTS
PART 2(Continued from Part 1
Terrestrial television transmission
Most of us may be recollecting the days we erected an antenna on roof top or ground above the level of trees. Roof top mostly required only one pole firmly fitted. The pole was using a GI pipe of 2 inches diameter. Above which the antenna was fitted. If the transmission was close these antennas could be to a lesser level also.
If antenna was erected from the ground, one more pipe fitted above it having 1.5 inches diameter, fitted by welding after inserting to the bottom pipe for about a feet. These antennas which appeared like cross arms above the pole in a tapering model is called Yagi-uta- antenna
Terrestrial television transmission (often called Over-The-Air or OTA broadcasting) is the traditional method of delivering TV signals using Earth-based radio towers. Broadcasters transmit video and audio via VHF or UHF waves to a rooftop or indoor antenna(Portable TV sets)
Broadcasting: TV stations encode their video and audio data onto electromagnetic carrier waves and broadcast them from ground-based transmission towers.
Reception: These radio waves travel through the air and are picked up by a local receiving antenna at your home or on a portable device.
Line of Sight: Because these waves travel by "line of sight," terrestrial signals are generally limited by the horizon, usually covering a radius of about 40 to 60 miles (64 to 97 km) depending on tower height and terrain.
Earlier transmission was Analog legacy format that used continuous radio waves. It has largely been switched off in most countries.
Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT): The modern standard (such as the DVB-T2 standard used by public broadcasters like India's Doordarshan).
DTT converts the signal into data, which allows for High Definition (HD) video, multiple channels on a single frequency, and resistance to interference.
Equipment Needed for DTT-Integrated Digital TV Modern flat-screen TVs that come with built-in digital tuners to process OTA signals.
The terrestrial transmission continued for a long period, till the appearance of cable TV.
When terrestrial transmission changed to cable TV
The transition from terrestrial broadcasting to satellite and cable television in India occurred in the early 1990s, triggered by a combination of a global conflict and sweeping domestic economic reforms.
Prior to this shift, television was exclusively free-to-air terrestrial transmission handled entirely by the government-owned Doordarshan, requiring a traditional outdoor antenna to capture signals.
Before 1990, "cable TV" was a highly localized, unofficial phenomenon where enterprising individuals ran wires across apartment buildings to replay rented video cassettes of movies.
This cable we had to insert in to antenna, removing the cable from terrestrial transmission. Some movies were transmitted at particular time.
However, when the Gulf War broke out in 1990, affluent Indian households grew eager for real-time international news.
Local operators began installing large C-band dish antennas to capture live CNN international satellite feeds, distributing them via cables to urban neighborhoods.
The Private Satellite Boom (1991–1992)
The shift turned into a mainstream revolution following India's economic liberalisation in 1991 under Prime Minister Narasimha Rao.
December 1991: The Hong Kong-based Star TV network launched a satellite beam over India, introducing five new non-governmental channels including MTV, Star Plus, and BBC.
October 1992: Zee TV was launched as India’s very first privately owned, Hindi-language satellite channel.
The choice shifted from a single terrestrial channel to a multi-channel universe almost overnight. Cable penetration grew exponentially across urban India:
By 1995: ~18 million cable TV homes were there in India
Asianet commenced as a Cable TV
In Trivandrum Asia net commenced its cable TV in 1992. Most of us changed the tuner circuit in the TV so that more channels could be seen. First time set up box and remote came. Instead of setup box one could use channel converter also. We could transfer the cable TV anywhere in Kerala where Asianet transmission was there.
Asianet commenced its cable TV services in Kerala in 1992, offering analog cable television to subscribers across the state. The company grew its distribution network and subsequently launched its flagship private Malayalam satellite channel, Asianet, on August 30, 1993.
The Launch (1992): Incorporated as Asianet Satellite Communications Limited, the company signed a landmark commercial agreement with the Kerala State Electricity Board to draw copper coaxial cables across electricity poles for wide-scale distribution.
Early Expansion: It operated as a Multi-System Operator (MSO), partnering with local cable operators (LCOs) to broadcast up to 80 analog channels from over 50 control rooms across Kerala.
Transition to Digital (2006): By the end of 2006, the platform began its digital transformation by installing Set-Top Boxes (STBs) at customer locations and broadcasting over 100 encrypted digital channels from Kochi.
High Definition Service: Continuing its technological updates, the network eventually introduced High Definition (HD) cable television service
Government Regulation (1994–1995)
Realizing that thousands of local cable operators were laying wires completely unregulated, the government stepped in by passing the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act in 1995.
This mandated the registration of cable operators and introduced strict programming and advertisement codes.
Sumangali cable Vision in Tamilnadu
Kalanithi Maran, established Sumangali Cable Vision (SCV), which became the first massive, dominant Multi-System Operator (MSO) in Tamil Nadu. While small, localized neighbourhood cable operators existed in the early 1990s, SCV was the first to centralize and monopolize the state's cable distribution networks
How the cable TV worked- Use of large Dish antennas
Actually all the cable TV distributers used large antennas in roof tops in different directions to collect the TV signals. These signals processed and send through cable TV.
Early cable TV operators—specifically Multi-System Operators (MSOs) and head end operators—used large satellite dish antennas oriented in different directions to collect television signals.
Here is exactly how that process worked:
1. Capturing the Signals (The Satellite Dishes)Different Satellites:
Television networks broadcast their channels via different geostationary satellites orbiting Earth (such as INSAT, Asiasat, or Intelsat).
Different Orientations: Because these satellites are parked at different orbital positions above the equator, a cable control room (known as a head end) had to point individual, large C-band dish antennas in different directions (azimuth and elevation angles) to line up with each specific satellite.
The "Dish Farm": A typical cable head end facility featured an open yard filled with multiple massive dishes (often 8 to 12 feet in diameter) to pull down channels from various satellite networks simultaneously.
Processing the Signals at the Head end
Once the dishes captured the raw radio frequencies from space, the equipment inside the control room processed them:
Down-Conversion: High-frequency satellite signals (C-band or Ku-band) were captured by the LNB (Low-Noise Block down converter) on the dish and sent down via cables as lower intermediate frequencies.
Decoding & Tuning: Satellite receivers (Integrated Receiver-Decoders or IRDs) tuned into specific transponders to extract individual television channels. For pay channels, these receivers used authorization smart cards to decrypt the encrypted feeds.
Modulation: The extracted video and audio signals were then modulated onto specific VHF or UHF radio frequency channels. Each TV channel was assigned its own unique frequency slot
Distribution to Homes
Combining: All the individual modulated channel frequencies were mixed together into a single composite RF signal using a combiner.
Transmission: This combined signal was boosted using amplifiers and sent out through a network of physical fiber-optic and copper coaxial cables.
The End User: This single cable plugged directly into the back of your television set (in the analog days) or into a digital Set-Top Box, allowing you to flip through dozens of channels using your remote.
End of cable TV and starting of TVs collecting signals from Dish antenna on roof top
DTH and Digital Addressable Systems2003–2004:
The landscape shifted again with the birth of Direct-to-Home (DTH) satellite television, which removed the local cable operator middleman. Doordarshan launched DD Direct Plus (now DD Free Dish) in 2003, followed by private operators like Dish TV and Tata Sky in 2004, allowing households to catch satellite signals directly using their own mini dish antennas.2011–2015: The Indian government mandated a complete transition from old, local analog cable signals to Digital Addressable Systems (DAS) via set-top boxes, standardizing high-quality digital transmission nationwide.
Door Darshan Dish TV
In 2007’s many shops had setup boxes and dish to receive all Doordarshan channels in Chennai. In addition many private channels also could be obtained. There were no monthly charges. Only installation charges.
While I had one Tata sky dish, I had another doordarshan dish also during 2007’s.
Now all Private dishes are also adding Doordarshan channels, technicians are rare in Chennai to tune doordarshan. Ofcourse one can install getting a suitable technician.
How to get it anyway:
If you still want to install it in Chennai (e.g., to watch DD Sports or national educational channels):Buy the Hardware: You can purchase an unbranded MPEG-4 DVB-S2 Set-Top Box and a 60cm dish online via major e-commerce platforms or from specialized satellite dealers in markets like Richie Street, Chennai.
Alignment: Have a local technician point the dish antenna directly facing Clear South-East towards the GSAT-15 satellite at 93.5°E
I will continue in next posting
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