DTH
Videocon d2h to launch Wi-Fi enabled smart HD STBs
MUMBAI: Direct to home (DTH) platform Videocon d2h is planning to launch HD Smart set-top-box (connected set top box), which converts existing LED TVs into a Smart TV besides showing more than 500 channels & services in High Definition (HD) and Standard Definition (SD).
While the DTH tech in it brings television channels in SD and HD, the connected STB allows one to browse content from Twitter, Facebook, Daily Motion, video on demand sites, OTT apps, news, weather etc through applications residing on the STB.
The HD Smart STB will work as a tool for personalisation, engagement and new customer experiences and with internet connectivity, one can convert one’s TV into a smart TV using it.
With this new launch, Videocon d2h has taken a step towards providing an advanced product that delivers next generation solutions as part of the idea of Internet of Things (IoT). The feature of unlimited external recording is also available, by plugging in an external storage device for recording programs.
The HD Smart STB can be connected to the home network of mobile internet, wifi or cable broadband connection to enable data streaming.
Through the Daily Motion app, one can watch the latest videos trending. Additionally, users can also connect with their social media page to tweet and post updates.
Videocon d2h executive chairman Saurabh Dhoot said, “We are proud to announce the launch of this breakthrough technology in the DTH space. This launch of gen-next HD Smart Set Top Box demonstrates our unrivalled expertise and innovation in creation, delivery and execution of technologically advanced products. This product promises to make your existing TV into a smart TV and ensure connectivity with the world. We are enabling convergence of TV, DTH & internet all in one place.”
Videocon d2h CEO Anil Khera added, “We aim to empower people with our connected set top boxes. Our HD Smart Set Top Box offers exceptional features like internet based apps, USB recording, HD quality viewing and reverse path which enable customers to create a unique viewing experience and also stay connected. The customer benefits from an enriched viewing experience through a new user interface allowing seamless navigation.”
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.
