Which package to choose - Airtel or Tata Sky?

[Akshay Dwivedi]

I'm currently in Bangalore and am confused as to which HD package I should choose:

1. Airtel Mega Pack (HD+)
2. Tata Sky Supreme Sports Kids Pack HD

Can someone tell me the pros and cons of both options? How are the set top boxes as compared to each other?

 

[Sushubh]

airtel is probably worth avoiding. decide between videocon and Tata Sky. tata sky is supposed to have better quality. videocon is supposed to be cheaper with more HD channels.

 

[Akshay Dwivedi]

You mean the videocon platinum HD pack?

Also, my TV has only component input, not HDMI...

 

[Sushubh]

not sure if component input is good enough. but generally speaking, if you want more channels, videocon is the way to go.

 

[x720]

Don't take airtel. CC is pretty bad.

 

[Akshay Dwivedi]

One thing which discourages me from getting Tata Sky is that the Grand Sports pack does not include any of the "Ten" sports channels, and also the HD access fees...

 

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[Akshay Dwivedi]

Okay so I've finally purchased Airtel HD+ connection but its set top box does not have component output, it has only HDMI output. Will I be able to upgrade from HD+ to HD recorder set top box? Because I've already made the one time payment and my TV does not have HDMI input...

 

[uberjon]

Did you ask them?
Pity, if I had seen this thread earlier, I would have told you that there is no use going for HD without HDMI.

 

[Sushubh]

I thought component supported HD? Or was it composite?

 

[uberjon]

Component supports only 720p/1080i. Composite is the AV cable.
Anyway, (I think) HD signals are only supported through HDMI. My Tata Sky STB has only 1 composite & 1 HDMI port. Don't know if the (video) composite port is blocked on HD boxes.

 

[v1rus]

Isn't the best available HD signal from set top boxes is 720p?

 

[Sushubh]

1080i :-D

 

[uberjon]

This is probably true for almost all HD channels.

 

[Akshay Dwivedi]

What should I do now? I've payed Rs. 5690 for a whole year... Is it possible for me to downgrade to SD? Airtel are asking for Rs. 3000+ to upgrade the STB from HD+ to HD Recorder (DVR)

 

[Akshay Dwivedi]

I just spoke to Airtel customer care and they're saying that a downgrade is not possible. An upgrade from HD+ to HD Recorder STB will cost me Rs. 3990...