DTH is defined as the reception of satellite programmes with a personal dish in an individual home.
DTH does not compete with CAS. Cable TV and DTH are two methods of delivery of television content. CAS is integral to both the systems in delivering pay channels.
Cable TV is through cable networks and DTH is wireless, reaching direct to the consumer through a small dish and a set-top box. Although the government has ensured that free-to-air channels on cable are delivered to the consumer without a set-top box, DTH signals cannot be received without the set-top box.
India currently has 6 major DTH service providers and a total of over 5 million subscriber households. Dish TV(a ZEE TV subsidiary), Tata Sky, South India Media Giant Sun Network owned 'Sun direct DTH', Reliance owned BIG TV, Bharti Airtel's DTH Service 'Airtel Digital TV' and the public sector DD Direct Plus.
Next in the lineup are Indian white goods giant Videocon's DTH service (Brand name 'Videocon D2H'), is lined up to be launched within F/Y 2008-2009.
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