Recently Dish TV India launches an entirely new range of ‘Smart Connected Devices’ Known as Dish SMRT Hub and Dish SMRT Kit
When it comes to choosing DTH operators, one of the names that is one the tip of the customers oftentimes is Dish TV. Until a few days back, Dish TV was also the top DTH provider in the country by subscriber count and hence the subscriber market share, until it was superseded by Tata Sky. However, that doesn’t mean that Dish TV has put down its weapons in the DTH industry.
The DTH operator is facing the problem of quitting subscribers who are leaving their DTH connections altogether and to combat this, and it is making a lot of efforts on the consumer front so that it can retain its customers in a better way. Strengthening its technology product portfolio, Dish TV, the world’s largest single-country DTH Company, recently launched a complete range of smart devices, an internet-enabled Android-based HD Set Top Box and Voice-enabled Alexa Built-in smart kit.
Eliminating the hassle of switching between linear TV and OTT apps, the latest offerings from Dish TV India effectively aim to combine the two through a single entertainment device. This new technologically advanced offering – an internet-enabled Android-based HD Set Top Box ‘Dish SMRT Hub’ is available at a price of INR 3999 for new subscribers & INR 2499 for existing subscribers
Dish SMRT Hub
Dish SMRT Hub is an Android HD set-top box that runs on the Android TV operating system by Google. The devices are using Android TV™ 9.0 and have been designed to deliver the best in class picture quality and sound to the viewers. It will also offer access to the Google Play Store and Google Assistant allowing the users to download and stream content from all popular OTT platforms. The new offerings from Dish TV India will support all popular OTT platforms like Watcho, Amazon Prime Video, Zee5, Voot, ALTBalaji and YouTube, etc.
With built-in Google Assistant & Chromecast and superior Dolby audio, the Android HD set-top box extends the ultimate cinematic experience to viewers in the comfort of their homes. A user can stream content from any device directly to the TV screen without any lag. Now Users can download thousands of apps and Play games right on their TV without needing an additional gaming console.
Adding to the seamless experience, the Dish SMRT Hub further allows users to operate and control the device using simple voice commands. Available with native support for video content OTT platforms, the Integrated Google assistant converts this box into a smart home hub, enabling the users to control their smart homes with a single remote.
The Android-based set-top box will work on any television and support OTT platforms Watcho, ZEE5, Amazon Prime Video, Voot, ALTBalaji and YouTube to name a few.
Dish SMRT Kit
Dish SMRT Kit – the voice-enabled kit with a dongle and remote powered by Amazon Alexa are priced at INR 1199 and available for existing DishTV subscribers. This allows subscribers to access popular OTT Apps and thousands of Alexa skills on their existing set-top boxes. The Dish SMRT Kit with Alexa-powered remote control will help users seamlessly bridge the gap between real-time TV content and the best of engaging content available online.
The super-affordable Dish SMRT Kit comprising Wi-Fi dongle, a Bluetooth and a sleek looking Alexa-enabled remote control, provides access to thousands of Alexa skills. These skills will help users to use voice as an intuitive and preferred mode of interaction on their set-top boxes to book cabs, get the latest news, information & recipes, set reminders fo their favorite programs, get recommendations on trending programs, access their account details, register ‘call me’ request, discover movies, sports & music and also control smart home devices just through voice commands.
To get started, customers will need to set up the smart kits with their Amazon account. Once set up, customers can simply say – ‘Alexa, tell me the news’, ‘Alexa, what’s the cricket score?’ OR ‘Alexa, play the latest Bollywood songs’, to enjoy a voice-controlled experience.
Further, DishTV has tied-up with HANDAN, who is a manufacturing partner for DishTV, worked extensively on this project to bring in voice functionality in DishTV STB’s.
Commenting on the launch of these new products, Mr. Anil Dua, Executive Director & Group CEO, Dish TV India Limited, said,
We are delighted to launch the most advanced Android-powered Set-Top Box and the Alexa Built-in smart kit for DishTV customers and this is a significant milestone for Dish TV India. The Dish SMRT Hub is a customized device that allows users to have uninterrupted video streaming and access to TV content. It is capable of delivering superior viewing experience owing to its immersive features like in-built Google Assistant, Chromecast and myriad other smart features.
The Dish SMRT Kit is a big addon to our current STB’s and with this, our customers can enjoy the ease of using voice commands for accessing information through Alexa for all their needs. With these launches, DishTV is making a strong statement of providing best-in-class technology and experience to its customers.
Recently, Dish TV India Limited had also introduced SMRT Stick, allowing users to stream content from OTT services through Dish TV set-top box. Additionally, focusing on premium short format content, the company forayed into OTT space earlier this year by launching its own OTT platform, ‘Watcho’. With this DishTV takes another step towards providing entertainment across linear and online sources on any screen for customers across all segments.
