Thread: Sun Direct launches HD services in India

Sun Direct Pvt Ltd, the leading direct-to-home (DTH) service provider is all set to redefine the television viewing in the country. Sun Direct today created history by launching the first ever High Definition (HD) broadcast on DTH platform in India.

Speaking on the occasion, Tony D'Silva, COO of Sun Direct said, "We believe that in the constantly changing viewer-ship dynamics and taste, to keep the viewer continuously happy and engaged we need to offer them new and exciting options and HD is another first from the Sun Direct stable. HD is a visual delight and we are extremely happy to launch the world class services for our audience in India.”

Adding another feather to the cap Sun Direct has crossed the three million subscriber base since its launch in December 2007. Sun Direct caters to every segment of the viewer ship through its innovative content packaging.

"Another landmark achievement for us is crossing the three million mark subscriber base by March 2009, as committed earlier; this achievement qualifies us to be the No 2 service DTH provider. In the coming fiscal year we look forward to occupy the pole position. We have added more customers than any other DTH player in the last one year and in the coming days we will be adding more innovative features, services and channels in our offerings," added D'Silva.

HDTV is considered as one of the world's best digital broadcast platforms with a higher resolution than traditional television system. The images and pictures appear more clear and sharp and sound quality is also enhanced. HDTV will improve the viewer experience by about five times over a regular television.

The Commonwealth Games next year will unveil this next generation of television viewing in India as the same will be telecast in HD and it will be a viewer’s delight. Various international channels and content providers have been queued up for obtaining mandatory statuary compliance for broadcasting HD in India.

Sun Direct offers the biggest spread of 41 add-on packages ranging from Rs 6 to Rs 300 per month of the most viewed channels. Sun Direct offers a basic package of over 130+ channels in digital clarity with DVD quality pictures and sound for a introductory offer of Rs 499*(five months subscription at just Rs 99/-* month) - (*Taxes Extra),along with free Dish and Set top box, excluding installation charges.

· First DTH player to launch MPEG 4 Technology
· First DTH service to launch HD (High Definition) TV.
· First DTH service to provide FREE customer premises equipments (set top box and dish)
· First DTH service to provide 41 add on packages
· First DTH player to achieve 3 million subscribers in approximately 1 year

Sun Direct offers a total of 200+ channels and has all the most viewed and new channels broadcasted in the country. The packages are customized in such a way that the subscriber pays only for what they watch. Sun Direct has also recently introduced International channels in all their basic packs.

This is good news. Today's newpapers were full of one page ad's. After visiting the website (Sun Direct HD), I tried to find the technical details:

• STB will be Rs. 10 K (Rs. 9,999).
• You will have to opt for other base packages
• Two channels (one for Tamil movies and one for Telegu) will be shown on HD.
• Each will cost Rs. 100 pm.
• An English movie channel is also on cards and there is a talk with Discovery and National Geographic.
• No mention on whether it is normal HD (720 p/i) or Full HD (1080 p/i).

At this moment, this is an expensive affair; but I guess those who purchased 50K+ TV's will not mind paying this amount.

My advice is wait and watch. Prices will head south. Rs. 100 per channel per month is just too expensive.

There so called "HD" channels are TS at 5.37Mbps as compared to UK and American stations which are h264 1080i TS at 18Mbps and 1080i MPG at 12 Mbps respectively.:001_tt2:

these are 720p and not 1080p. I hope they get HBO or some good movie channel in HD as i do not know tamil or telegu. Any way to connect these to PC??(sry wrong thread)

Originally Posted by rajan1311

these are 720p and not 1080p. I hope they get HBO or some good movie channel in HD as i do not know tamil or telegu. Any way to connect these to PC??(sry wrong thread)

@rajan1311, Glad to note that you are able to post and problem sorted out.

720p is better than nothing. But channel cost of Rs. 100 pm is horribly expensive.

Did they mention that their HD channels are in 720p??

@Rajan , Yes u can easily hook it up to your pc.

Accoring to SUN DTH all the channels are available & the clarity is good.

Originally Posted by anurdh65

Accoring to SUN DTH all the channels are available & the clarity is good.

You have completely missed the point on HD. HD has two formats - 720i/720p or 1080i/p. 1080p is known as True HD or Full HD.