The DTH industry is no longer the DTH-only industry. There has been an amalgamation of digital services and the satellite TV services which have changed how the users are consuming entertainment these days. There is a population who is watching TV channels and another population which is consuming content online, and then there are most people like yours and ourselves who are likely doing both. For subscribers like these, Tata Sky has introduced the Tata Sky Binge service. This subscription-based service is a convenient way for Tata Sky subscribers to avail OTT applications and video-on-demand content alongside their Tata Sky subscription. But, lately, there has been a lot of competition in the market from other operators like Airtel Digital TV in the form of Xstream Box, ACT Stream TV 4K, Jio’s new 4K set-top box and more. So, the question is, does the Tata Sky Binge service fare better than these offerings? Let’s analyse.
The Hybrid Set-Top Box Dilemma
While the new offerings like Airtel Xstream Box and Jio Set-Top Box are hybrid set-top boxes, Tata Sky Binge depends on a special edition of Amazon Fire TV Stick which goes into the HDMI port your TV. This means that the subscribers would be forced to use a separate remote for their OTT content and the satellite TV channel. This is unlike what happens in hybrid STBs, and also you would not be able to use ethernet with your Tata Sky Binge connection which you would be able to use with a smart set-top box.
The Subscription-Based Model of Tata Sky Binge
Another unique way in which Tata Sky Binge sets itself apart from other market offerings is the subscription model. This means that subscribers will have to pay Rs 249 per month to enjoy Tata Sky Binge which includes a complimentary subscription to a handful of apps. The subscribers will also get Amazon Prime subscription for three months after which it will be charged at Rs 129 per month. Other subscriptions like ZEE5, Hotstar and more will be bundled with Tata Sky Binge.
Bundled Subscriptions
However, there is also Airtel Xstream Box which offers Netflix for three months and Amazon Prime, ZEE5 and Airtel Xstream App subscription bundled with the subscription. This is one competition from where Tata Sky Binge where the service lags behind a bit.
Summarising, it can be said that for Tata Sky subscribers, the Binge service is a convenient way to stream OTT content on their TV screens. The service offers a subscription-based model to the customers to access OTT content on specific platforms. As compared to other offerings in the market like the DishSMRT Stick and D2h Magic Stick, the Tata Sky Binge is a better service owing to the Amazon Fire Stick and the other services that it bundles. However, the service is a little behind in some features when compared to hybrid set-top boxes available right now.
