NEW DELHI: A long time in the offing, high-definition broadcast has finally invited itself upon India. Suddenly, we have not one but four bright options to choose from!
Tata Sky HD
Prompt and efficient with service and installation, Tata Sky makes up for its lack of content by putting a smile on your face. Channels currently on air include Discovery HD World, Nat Geo HD and stray movies on their own Showcase HD platform.
Star Plus HD and Star Movies HD are next in line to be upscaled to 1080i. Best value for money offering right now.
Price: Rs 2599
Verdict: Best for – service and VFM
Sun HD
Early birds get the worm, as they say. In this case, the worm is becoming more of a health hazard for Sun TV. The most expensive package here it offers two more regional HD channels and Colors HD (upscaled) over the standard fare Nat Geo HD and Discovery HD World. Still, it doesn’t help its performance-per rupee rating. Only if you speak Tamil…
Price: Rs 9990
Verdict: Best for choice of channels
Airtel HD
The weakest of the current crop offers only Nat Geo HD and select events on ESPN HD as channels that will give you an eye-opening experience. They promise to add new channels “very soon” so we shall preserve our drool for another time. But with Dolby Digital Plus as their preferred 5.1 codec, we can only wait for better things from Airtel.
Price: Rs 2940
Verdict: Best for curbing HD channel surfing
Dish TruHD
Not the most responsive when it comes to service, Dish TV earns brownie points with ample package options. It offers channels like Discovery HD World, Nat Geo HD, Zee TV HD and Zee Cinema HD.
Cricket a’la carte is served up by Ten Sports. As an added bonus, they will also buy back your old standard-def box if you’re an existing subscriber.
Price: Rs 2990
Verdict: Best for HD channel surfing