1. Which set top box offers the best audio quality?
TATA play has the best audio quality with Dolby 7.1 surround sound.
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Summary:
Set Top boxes have evolved and are now able to access apps, OTT content, browse the internet, etc. You name it and it can do it. Make the best of your viewing experience with these 7 set top boxes.
A collective watching experience is always something to cherish. Favourite movies and TV shows hold an emotional value, and having an uninterrupted watching experience is always good. Set-top boxes are a good way of experiencing that. Set-top boxes have come a long way from their initial days. They are still a good option to watch the regular channels with minimal ads, some set-top boxes now support OTT platforms, streaming and Internet connectivity. This makes them a good option for people who want the best of both worlds.
In this article, we go over the best set-top boxes along with their subscriptions. We have tried listing all three types of picture quality, namely Standard Definition (SD), High Definition (HD), and Ultra HD (4K). Let's take a look at the list.
1. Catvision FreeDish Set Top Box with WiFi
To start the list, we have the Catvision FreeDish set top box with WiFi. This set-top box comes with multiple features like 115+ channels of movies, entertainment, news, sports, etc. The Tubio app allows you to cast your Android or iOS smartphone to the TV. You can enjoy services like YouTube and Daily Motion on your TV. The full HD resolution provides good picture quality, improving the watching experience. You can also record your movies and TV shows for later on the USB PVR.
Specifications
| Pros | Cons |
| Good picture quality | Relies on WIFI, good connection required |
| Multiple channel options to watch |
2. Airtel DTH HD Set Top Box
With the Airtel DTH HD set top box, you get 1 month of entertainment pack straight out of the box. It brings theatre-like watching experience to your homes with the HD premium quality video and Dolby 5.1 surround sound. The connection also allows you to pause, record and play live TV, so that you don't miss out on any action. Furthermore, you can customize your plan with 550+ channels to choose from.
Specifications
| Pros | Cons |
| Excellent picture quality | Channels are pricier than competitive services |
| Free Entertainment pack for the first month |
3. d2h HD Set Top Box
D2H offers both SD and HD services. The set top box comes with a remote control with two batteries, an antenna, a power adapter, an LNBF, and an HDMI or AV cable. You can operate the set top box with a smart remote installed on your mobile. It also hosts radio frequency technology. d2H set top boxes are one of the due to their warranty plan. The set top box has a five-year warranty along with a one-year visit guarantee, the remote, power adapter, and LNBF all have one-year warranties.
Specifications
| Pros | Cons |
| Multiple remote-control options | Subscription plans can be expensive |
| Both SD and HD | |
| Tons of regional channels |
4. DishTV HD Set Top Box
DishTV HD Set Top Box hosts an impressive a1080i resolution. This gives you 5x improved picture clarity and surround sound. The set-top box comes with a five-year warranty. This set top box has a stereophonic sound and a high-range remote. Additional features include 'Add Reminders', 'Add Favourite Channels', 'Multilingual channels', etc. Not only that, but they also have round-the-clock customer service, and support for regional languages.
Specifications
| Pros | Cons |
| Multiple affordable subscription plans | Charges applied for DishSMRT Stick and accessories |
| Good picture quality | |
| Universal Remote |
5. Tata Play HD Box
Tata Play HD Set Top Box raises the bar for television viewing with its excellent visual quality, outstanding surround sound, amazingly vibrant colours, and crisper images. The 16:9 aspect ratio and 1080i resolution provide a superior viewing experience. The TV programmes are produced with 7.1 surround sound. Tata play allows you to pay for the stuff they must see, which also includes excellent regional programming. There are numerous ways for the user to recharge a set-top box.
Specifications
| Pros | Cons |
| Genuine HD | HD plans are pricey |
| Multiple recharge options | |
| 7.1 surround sound |
6. Catvision FreeDish Set Top Box
Catvision's FreeDish Set Top Box with Wi-Fi is a cutting-edge, high-performance gadget. With the DD Free Dish Set Top Box service, you have free access to 115+ channels of movies, entertainment, news, and sports. This set top box allows for SD/HD and Wi-Fi streaming, and it works with a satellite dish. Using the potent Tubio software, you can watch videos from OTT platforms like YouTube, Daily Motion, Instagram Reels, and others on your Android or iOS mobile device. You can also record shows to watch later with a USB PVR.
Specifications
| Pros | Cons |
| You can record shows | Limited channels on the free version |
| Connects with Wi Fi | |
| 1080p resolution |
7. Airtel Xstream
This set top box is truly a versatile gadget. It is one of the best set top boxes as it lets you enjoy 5000+ apps and games on the big screen by converting your TV into a smart TV. You can access the Google Play Store, YouTube, and Netflix all with a simple voice command. It includes a Voice remote powered by Google Assistant, you can control your TV while exploring your favourite content. With high-definition 4K picture quality (1080i resolution) and a 5.1 Dolby Surround System, you're in for a treat.
Airtel Xstream also lets you create your personalised package with 550+ channels of your choosing, and quickly switch between TV, OTT, and YouTube. With this set top box you get access to Amazon Prime, Sony LIV & 10+ more top OTT apps. You can use your smartphone as a remote and gamepad to embrace modern entertainment.
Specifications
| Pros | Cons |
| Bluetooth Connectivity | You need a smart TV to access voice control |
| Voice control | |
| Built-in Chromecast | |
| Powered by the latest Android Pie |
3 Best features
| Product | Feature 1 | Feature 2 | Feature 3 |
| Catvision Free Dish Set Top Box with Wifi | Variety of channels | Excellent picture quality | Can cast Android and iOS smartphones |
| Airtel DTH HD Set Top Box | Record & Play | Dolby 5.1 surround sound | Premium Video Quality (1080i resolution) |
| d2h HD Set Top Box | Multiple remote-control options | 5x picture clarity | 5.1 Dolby surround sound |
| DishTV HD Set Top Box | Compatible with Smart TV | stereophonic sound | high range remote |
| Tata Play HD Box | 7.1 surround sound | Good picture quality | Good customer service |
| Catvision FreeDish Set Top Box | Connects with Wi Fi | SD/HD | Record and watch |
| Airtel Xstream | 4K picture quality (1080i resolution) and 5.1 Dolby Surround System | Voice Control | Bluetooth connectivity |
Best value for money
We choose the DishTV HD Set Top Box for this category. All of the set top boxes listed above are impressive and the best set top boxes. However, when you look at the specs of this product and the price point as well as the subscription plan, we believe it's the best value for your money. The impressive a1080i resolution and surround sound coupled with a few unique features put it on top.
Best overall set top box
The Airtel Xstream Set Top Box leaps and bounds ahead of any set top bx available on the market today. It runs on the latest Android 9.0 and has some impressive features that you will not find in this price range. Not only can you watch traditional cable TV, but you can also stream OTT content. What makes it the best overall in this list of best set top boxes is the voice control powered by Google Assistant. This set top box is the future of at-home viewing with its HD picture quality and superior sound quality. Bring the theatre home with Airtel Xstream, one of the best set top boxes in 2022.
How to find the perfect set top box?
The best set top boxes should meet some of the basic criteria but also host some additional features at a reasonable price.
Firstly, choosing between a standard Set-Top Box and an Android Set-Top Box should be your priority. As you have seen, with the Airtel Xstream Set Top Boxes have improved and developed into intelligent and versatile devices. On Smart or Android set top boxes, you can perform a variety of tasks that you can perform on your smartphone. These tasks include browsing the internet, streaming OTT content, playing games, and more. Therefore, begin by deciding whether you want a smart set top box or a standard set top box.
Secondly, a set-top box is only useful if it can assist you in finding the content you want to watch. It can be difficult to find a plan that works for you. So, check out multiple service providers before settling on one.
Lastly, your budget is an important factor to consider. Some are highly expensive and some are affordable ones with great features. If you go for a standard definition set top box you get DVD picture quality and CD quality sound. On the other hand, a high-definition set top box gives you 1080p resolution with Dolby 5.1 surround sound. We suggest you don't compromise on picture quality but also keep in mind your necessities and usage.
Products price list
| S.no | Product | Price |
| 1. | Catvision Free Dish Set Top Box with Wifi | ₹1,550 |
| 2. | Airtel DTH HD Set Top Box | ₹1,009 |
| 3. | d2h HD Set Top Box | ₹1,118 |
| 4. | DishTV HD Set Top Box | ₹1,619 |
| 5. | Tata Play HD Box | ₹3,780 |
| 6. | Catvision FreeDish Set Top Box with WiFi | ₹1,550 |
| 7. | Airtel Xstream | ₹1,864 |
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TATA play has the best audio quality with Dolby 7.1 surround sound.
It is better to buy an HD set top box because all HD programmes require the use of a particular set-top box that receives high-definition signals and transmits them to the display screen via an HDMI connection.
The cost of Full HD and UHD set-top boxes is nearly equal, it is advisable to select a 4K set-top box if you do not yet own a 4K TV. Check out smart set top boxes for your 4K TV for an enhanced viewing experience.
All HD programmes are viewed through the use of a particular set-top box that receives high-definition signals and transmits them to the display screen via an HDMI connection. Unfortunately, when viewed on an SD set-top box or a standard TV, HD channels in SD TV will appear in normal quality.
All the advantages of the SD set-top box are included in the Tata Sky HD set-top box. Additionally, it offers 1080i resolution and 16:9 aspect ratio for a better watching experience. It supports 5.1 Dolby Digital Surround and Plus Surround for sound quality.
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