DTH VS Cable TV Set-top box, what?s the difference between the two?

Posted by Renu Mathur on May 26th, 2017

Indian citizens have been switching to set top boxes ever since the process of digitization has begun. While many people do what their friends and relatives have done, and don’t actually care but it is important to know what you’re signing up for. After all, TV viewing is a great part of our life. The options that were available were DTH which stands for Direct to home or Cable TV set top box. And to know the difference between the two is helpful. So, if you’ve ever wondered what’s the difference between Digital Cable TV & DTH, here’s an entire article that will compare the two which will help you in understanding the difference between Digital Cable TV & DTH:

• The cost of Set Top Box:

       DTH: As the name suggests it’s a box which sits on top to a TV set. These TV set-top boxes          for DTH from leading companies cost around INR 1500-1600/- which includes installation            charges.

       Digital Cable TV: While set top boxes for a cable TV cost around INR 800 to 1000/- which            includes installation charges.

• The cost of Packages:

       DTH: Starts from about INR 200 being the cheapest package

       Digital Cable TV: INR 200-250 for a good package.

• Disturbance by bad weather:

       DTH: Rains and DTH do not get along.  In heavy rains set top boxes just will not function            and this holds true even if there is no rain and juts lots of clouds.

       Digital Cable TV: No problems at all!

• Due to power cut-off: 

       DTH: Power cut-offs don’t affect DTH, you can continue watching the DTH as your signals            are coming from a satellite and not a local cable operator.

       Digital Cable TV: These are generally affected by cut-offs.

• Managing packages:

       DTH: All DTH operators have a 24/7 customer care service from where you can take help or        simply manage your packages on their website yourself.

       Digital Cable TV: These operators often don’t have a customer care or a website.

• Picture Quality:

       DTH: Very good compared to the Digital Cable TV.

       Digital Cable TV: decent but not as good as DTH.

• Sound Quality: This is more of less the same with both options.

We hope these parameters have helped you figure the difference between the two.