I have been waiting from a long time for Reliance and Airtel to launch the DTH services as I was sure these 2 guys would revolutionize the DTH market. Once launched, I had to decide on whom to go with...while it was clear that Airtel would always offer excellent product with great customer service, Reliance would always target the mass crowd by offering mouth-watering price. The reason I chose BIG TV against Airtel or any other service was because of the excellent pricing - it worked out much cheaper than the current price am paying for the cable service (Rs. 240x12 months = 2880 per year) while BIG tv was available at Rs.1990 in Bangalore.
I knew service would be poor but then I thought once installation is done, frequent support from customer service would not be required for DTH service. So I got prepared mentally to let the installation happen at its own pace. Once I paid for started kit, the person said it would take 2 weeks time in Koramangala area. It was fine with me, as I kept the cable service until BIG tv was installed. Surprisingly the service engineer came and installed within 2 days. That was a shock to me after reading all the reviews that installation would take a long long time.
While once installed, the picture quality and sound quality was superb (as expected) with Mpeg4 technology. On the other hand the user interface could have been much more intuitive and simpler so that my mom and dad also could operate easily.
Well the only disappointment is that I received a Rs 500 recharge voucher with the starter kit. The service guy updated the code during installation and took it away with him saying the balance would reflect in a day or two. Now when I call customer service he says I cannot use that amount for watching any movie or order any new channel. I think its a dirty trick played. But then discounting that part I still felt its the cheapest service available (incl regular cable service).
Overall experience is I feel its great value for money with the technology and quality product offered.
I have always been an Airtel fan, be it mobile connection, landline or broadband connection for my home. This is my first experience with Reliance service and so far its been good and satisfying.