DTH
Rule the world of entertainment with ‘d2h Magic’ streaming device
MUMBAI: Dish TV India Limited, the world’s largest single-country DTH Company, has launched a one of its kind content streaming solution ‘d2h Magic’ allowing customers to access digital video streaming and OTT apps on their existing d2h set top box. ‘d2h Magic’ will seamlessly bridge the gap between real-time TV content and best of the engaging content available on Internet. It will enable customers to watch catch-up TV shows, original web-series and video content across popular digital platforms and OTT streaming apps such as ZEE5, Watcho, ALTBalaji and Hungama Play in English, Hindi and Regional languages.
‘d2h Magic’ will be available in all major cities. The introductory price of d2h magic is INR 399 with a nominal subscription price of INR 25 plus taxes per month post three months free preview period. The device comes with a huge library of digital videos and access to free content across other apps, giving its customers an easy access to all the engaging content with a complete immersive experience of watching it on a large TV screen in the comfort of their home. The users will be able to watch cooking recipes from famous chefs, make-up and styling tutorials, Yoga and fitness videos, and videos of their favorite online artists and creators. For Kids there will be a dedicated selection of rhymes, learning and educational videos, arts and craft videos and much more.
Commenting on the launch of this new device, Mr. Anil Dua, Executive Director and Group Chief Executive Officer, Dish TV India Limited, said, “We are delighted to announce the launch of d2h Magic. It will empower our customers to enjoy internet-based content as well as Live TV using one remote in an immersive manner on their TV sets. At Dish TV India Ltd, we believe in bringing the latest technology and innovation to our customers. d2h magic is yet another step in this direction.”
To access this service, the subscribers are required to connect their latest d2h set-top box to available Wi-Fi network or mobile hotspot through ‘d2h Magic’ device, which is connected into USB port of set-top box. The device will be available with a single remote control for everything and unified interface.
To order d2h Magic, customers can visit d2h’s website (https://www.d2h.com) or call at 1800 1370 111 for further details.
DTH
DD Free Dish e-auction revenue dips to Rs 642 crore as slot sales fall
Revenue dips as revised norms reshape bidding in 94th round
NEW DELHI: Prasar Bharati’s DD Free Dish has closed its 8th annual, and 94th overall, e-auction for MPEG-2 slots with total collections of Rs 642 crore for the period April 1, 2026 to March 31, 2027.
That is lower than last year’s Rs 780 crore haul, with 55 slots sold compared with 61 in FY25–26. The softer topline reflects both a slimmer inventory and a recalibrated auction framework.
This was the first auction conducted after amendments to the e-auction methodology, including tighter eligibility norms and a revised reserve price structure for MPEG-2 slots. The stated aim was greater transparency and more serious participation. The immediate outcome appears to be more measured bidding in certain categories.
Day one set the tone. Eight slots were sold, six in the premium Bucket A+ and two in Bucket A. The strong early action in A+, which typically houses Hindi GECs and movie channels, reaffirmed the enduring appeal of mass Hindi programming on the platform.
Among the broadcasters securing slots in the initial rounds were Zee Entertainment Enterprises, Sony Pictures Networks India, Viacom18’s Colors network, Sun Network and Shemaroo Entertainment. Their continued presence signals that, despite the pull of digital platforms, Free Dish remains a strategic must have for legacy networks chasing scale in price sensitive markets.
The final bouquet of 55 channels leans heavily towards Hindi news, movies, devotional fare, Bhojpuri and regional programming.
In Hindi news, familiar heavyweights such as Aaj Tak, ABP News, India TV, News18 India, Republic Bharat and Zee News made the cut. Entertainment and movie offerings include Colors Rishtey, Star Utsav, Dangal TV, Sony Pal, Shemaroo TV, Goldmines, B4U Movies and Zee Biskope. Devotional viewers will find Aastha, Sanskar and Sadhna Gold among the selected channels.
Regional representation includes Sun Marathi, Fakt Marathi, PTC Punjabi and GTC Punjabi.
Equally telling were the absences. Broadcasters such as Big Magic, Filamchi Bhojpuri, India News, Bharat Express, Movieplex Maithili, TV9 Marathi, Shemaroo Marathibana, Zee Chitra Mandir and Satsang did not participate. The pullback is particularly visible across Marathi, Bhojpuri, Maithili and spiritual programming. Industry observers point to the revised reserve prices, tighter eligibility norms and a reassessment of commercial viability as possible factors.
DD Free Dish continues to beam into over 40 million homes, largely in rural and semi urban India. For advertisers and broadcasters alike, it offers efficient access to Bharat markets where pay TV penetration remains uneven and OTT subscriptions are limited.
The moderation in revenue this year may be read as a pause rather than a retreat. Fewer slots, a reworked auction playbook and evolving broadcaster strategies have clearly shaped outcomes. Yet premium Hindi entertainment retains its pull, and the platform’s mass reach remains hard to ignore.
As the FY26–27 line-up settles in, the mix of winners and walkaways will define the private satellite channel landscape on DD Free Dish for the year ahead.
