I was looking for an option to record and view at my leisure like TiVo and the only available option in India is tatasky+. I have a 46" Samsung LCD TV with full HD.
Booking Experience:
As of this writing on July/30/09, they offered 0% EMI and I opted for 18 months EMI. This is applicable only if you have HDFC or ICICI credit card. When the sales rep asked me to input the credit card information using their secure payment method, he asked me to input the full amount which is Rs 9999. I was under the impression that the EMI bill will come from Tatasky. But I got suspicion once I input all the information - bang! I got SMS from HDFC stating that Tatasky has charged the full amount. When I called up the callcenter, they told me that bank would offer the EMI and they don’t have any document that explains the process. That is a kind of let down for me. If I don’t use the card for any other purpose then I understand but with the mix of regular use and the EMI, I am not sure how that would work. I shall update this posting after I see how the billing works.
Installation Experience:
The installer called within couple of hours and offered the same day evening slot and as usual the installer arrived couple of hours late. I clearly told him that I would need couple of meters extra cable near the table as I would like to do casing to conceal the cable at a latter date. He left 1 feet extra and I was again let down. I noted this observation in their activation slip and requested rewiring in case if I run short of the cable. I shall update this what happens if at all I need rewiring.
Picture Quality:
I have also subscribed to Airtel and its set top box does not offer Component Video output where as plus box has it. The picture quality is far superior to Airtel as it output DVD quality in most of the channels. However, I found the AXN quality is no good.
Audio:
They have provided coaxial cable but not sure any of the broadcast carry 5.1 surround sound. Hmm. when that is going to happen?
Plus: I love the ability to record live TV and FF/REW options and has the ability to set recording of 100 programs and skip through all the mind numbing commercials which treat you like a mentally retarded person and make sure they would implant "ear worm"(without your consent the ad would play in the back of your mind). This is a huge deal to me as I can cut down 1/3rd of viewing time for most of the programs that I am interested in. Wish there is an option to record the program that gets telecasted on the same time of the day/week. A decade ago VCR could do that but not this?
Favorites: Nice thing about it is all your favorite channels are lined up after 900 but hold on to your horses to 20.
Wish list: Ability to query for a particular program is not there.
Summary: If you wish to take control on when to watch what and don’t mind burning few thousands for the freedom, then this is it! You have no choice but paying slightly more on subscription fees for the convenience.
03/Aug/09 update: Received HDFC card statement and they have only charged EMI. However, the total amount is taken away from the credit limit which is perfectly fine by me.