Would You Prefer Netflix And Amazon Prime Video Over DTH Today

Following the recent directive by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) that states that it would be a benefit for content consumers on Cable TV and DTH as far as selecting/viewing desired channels and getting a fair price for subscription is concerned, there has definitely been talks by the general everyday subscribers about switching to content streaming services, via the internet, such as Netflix, Hotstar, Amazon Prime Video and more. With confusions, mainly in the pricing and selection options, still existing, it seems on paper that switching over to subscriptions of content streaming services would theoretically be the right decision.

DTH versus Content Streaming Services via the web

Services such as Amazon Prime Video and Netflix do offer relatively increased entertainment options through membership. Now, the biggest benefit these offer is the increased ad-free viewing experiences that makes it easy to consume desired content without the bothersome advertisements. Nowadays, many of these services let users unlock a plethora of exclusive deals as far as purchases (of related services) are concerned.

Also, with content creators targeting content streaming platforms more and more, consumption of this content in a timely manner has now become a trend. For instance, the blockbuster movie KGF was available on Amazon Prime much before its premiere on cable television and DTH. Renowned filmmakers across all industries in India are also increasingly producing movies/web series exclusive to content streamers.

Would these be enough to turn the user tide from DTH/cable tv towards the web?

DTH today requires a mandatory base pack subscription, constituting a set-top box, that is priced at Rs 130 offering free-to-air channels. For other channels, a purchase/recharge is required. TRAI’s new regulations require subscribers to choose their appropriate packs over the mandatory base pack which means Rs 130 + the cost of channels being subscribed to on an individual basis. HD channels naturally cost more.

Why can’t I change my mind TRAI?

Prior to the new TRAI ruling, DTH operators normally offered channels in packages which means that you could watch any channel at any given point in time even if you hadn’t subscribed to a particular channel. This was sort of an all-inclusive concept. Now, with specific subscriptions, viewing other channels (content) involves shelling out money again.

With the new ruling, it means that it there would be no package system meaning you would need a new subscription again to watch newer channels. Here, you would need to approach subscriptions with a virtually fixed mind and these potentially lay emphasis on “needs” more than “wants”.

Content subscription services seemingly solve this problem as there is a package of content offered whenever you subscribe to any service. We are not being skeptical about DTH here, but even streaming services have started offering variety as far as content is concerned. The former still holds sway with the “breaking” content stuff such as news; but with genuinieness being the criteria, can we trust our news sources to offer accurate and correct “facts”? Wouldn’t entertainment-only be a far better option rather than consume and be influenced by incorrect facts? This is for you to decide.

DTH vs Subscription to Content Streamers - Who wins?

The judges, in this scenario, are you. It is truly a misconception to state that DTH would be dead, but we think that it is now time for both TRAI and the operators to check on the likes (and wants, more than needs, for the millennials) of subscribers; today, the web is constantly transforming peoples’ lives, hence it is desirable to make the win-win for all a reality - for both cable service providers as well as content streaming services.

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