Thread: Set top Boxes

Are the set top boxes for DTH services the same, or have they been designed individually for their own provider?

If they are designed for their own provider, how do they differ, have they been locked?

the STB of one operator would not work with another operator. as in case of most CDMA mobiles.

ok, sorry to act a bit dumb, but why is that so?

Originally Posted by Preeti_20

ok, sorry to act a bit dumb, but why is that so?

Probably because The customer won't be change their service provider.....

exactly.
they want to put a stronghold around your neck and then squeeze you for money.

thats to retain the customer so that once he purchases he will not switch to other operator, ya the STB's are designed in such a way that it cant read any other Smart Card.

I am having dish tv. As I have not renewed, as the channels which required is not in their package.
Now I wanted to gift it to my maid, as they can view free channels. Is it possible for us to view free dth channels in the same dish & STB without using Viewing Card of DishTV.
The another question is: is it possible to use another Viewing Card in the Dish TV STB, if nos how can it possible.

No. Neither your maid nor anyone can watch the FTA (free-to-air) channels. The FTA channels are given free of cost when you subscribe to any paid package.

Secondly, if you gift the Dish+STB to anyone, the connection must be transferred to their name ideally. Else you continue to be the owner/liable person for the connection. Consider like you buy a mobile phone + SIM in your name and give it to someone for using. Now in case of cell phone this is much dangerous - the service could be misused and you may land up in trouble - even jail.

In case of DTH, there is much less problem. But for the sake of safety and cleanliness of the affair, you should transfer the connection to the concerned person.

This is happening only in India though. According to TRAI, there should be portability amost setop box so that consumer can opt for another service provider, if he feels so.

In middle east, there are mainly three players, Etisalat, Du and Pehla. The good thing is you can by set top box locally, and insert the VC by any of those service providers and pair it with your box and you are done! This is the best!!
In India, these service providers are like mosquitios, they just wanna suck the last drop of it!!

In most other countries, the STB is usually free - but there is a minimum one year subscription condition.

Originally Posted by Preeti_20

Are the set top boxes for DTH services the same, or have they been designed individually for their own provider?

If they are designed for their own provider, how do they differ, have they been locked?

The wait is over. Now, STB's are portable., at least when it comes to Dish TV services.
http://www.indiabroadband.net/dish-t...operators.html (Freedom to choose DTH Operators)

The channel package though is not convincing.