Dish TV has a unique offering for its subscribers called DishSMRT Stick. This stick is very identical to the d2h Magic stick that was announced by Dish TV India for D2h subscribers a couple of days ago. The functionality of both these sticks is similar as they come bundled with OTT apps allowing users to stream content from OTT services through Dish TV or D2h Set-Top Box. Yes, you heard it right. DishSMRT Stick can also be connected to the Dish TV Set-Top Box and the setup process is very easy, which we have detailed below. DishSMRT Stick is available at a price of Rs 599 for Dish TV customers right now, whereas the d2h Magic stick is available at just Rs 399 for D2h customers as part of the introductory offer. Similar to d2h Magic, DishSMRT also comes pre-installed with Watcho TV app allowing users to watch Live TV through the internet along with Catch Up TV service.
DishSMRT Stick Details
The first thing that Dish TV subscribers will have to do in order to access OTT content on their set-top box is to buy the DishSMRT Stick. The DishSMRT Stick is available for Rs 599, and it is a small dongle which plugs into your set-top box. The DishSMRT Stick dongle establishes internet connection and links the Dish TV STB to the network so that the users can stream OTT content on the screen. To establish an internet connection and to start watching shows online firstly, you will have to plug in the DishSMRT Stick into your set-top box. Next, you will have to connect the dongle to a Wi-Fi network, or a mobile hotspot network would also do. Next up, use the menu to select the network and then type in the password to connect.
Lastly, you will have to select App Zone from the on-screen menu and go on to set up the DishSMRT Stick. After the installation, the Dish TV subscribers will be able to access Hungama Play, ZEE5, SonyLIV and other content like online videos. Along with this, Dish TV has also noted that it will bring other content services onboard soon like Alt Balaji and VOOT.
DishSMRT Stick Availability
The next obvious question that you would have is how does a Dish TV subscriber avails this service. For that, currently, Dish TV has a straight forward process. You will have to visit the Dish TV official website, and over there you will be required to leave your contact details, and after that, a Dish TV representative will contact you. Another thing that Dish TV subscribers should note is that the DishSMRT Stick is only compatible with Dish NXT HD set-top box. The company also provides a 6-month warranty on its DishSMRT Stick, and also there are no installation charges.
DishSMRT vs d2h Magic: What's Different?
As mentioned at the start, Dish TV India also introduced a similar solution for D2h customers as well, but it comes with a different name called d2h Magic Stick. Similar to DishSMRT Stick, the d2h Magic comes bundled with OTT apps like Watcho, ZEE5, HOOQ, Hungama Play, SonyLIV and so on. Right now, both the services lack popular OTT apps- Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, and it's unknown whether Dish TV is planning to bring them or not. Also, Watcho app allows Dish TV and D2h customers to watch Live TV on the internet from over 100 channels. Watcho app is still in nascent stages, but it's quickly gaining momentum and there are some original shows as well.
