Tata Play takes the lead becoming the first DTH operator with over 100 HD channels

Tata Play, India’s largest content distribution platform, has achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first Direct-to-Home (DTH) player in the country to offer a selection of 100+ high-definition (HD) channels. This development follows Tata Play’s recent success in deploying the nation’s first demand-driven satellite, GSAT-24, securing the platform the largest satellite bandwidth in India.

In an effort to cater to a diverse audience, Tata Play’s 100+ HD channels span across 17 genres, covering both Hindi Speaking Markets (HSM) markets and key regional markets such as Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, and Odia.

Adding to its channel portfolio, Tata Play has integrated all 44 Doordarshan channels, marking a substantial increase in offerings after a 50 percent augmentation in satellite bandwidth. Currently operating on an impressive 36 transponders, Tata Play stands out as the DTH service provider with the highest number of transponders in the country.

This satellite upgrade resulted in a 50% increase in channel offerings from the provider, spiking from 600 channels to 900 channels. Tata Play is currently offering a total of 103 HD channels to its customers, the highest for any DTH provider in the country. Its closest competitor ADTV has 88 HD channels. 

The new additions to Tata Play include Sun Bangla HD, Sun Marathi HD, DD National HD, DD India HD, &xplor HD, Zee Picchar HD, and more. This expansion reflects Tata Play’s commitment to providing a diverse range of content, ensuring subscribers have access to an extensive selection of high-quality channels across various genres and languages.

Harit Nagpal, the Managing Director and CEO of Tata Play, expressed his satisfaction with these developments, stating, “We’ve always been committed to meeting the infotainment needs of our subscribers by delivering superior picture and sound quality. We now encourage broadcasters to create more HD channels for us to offer our viewers.”

Central to this achievement is the GSAT-24 satellite, a 4-tonne-class, 24-Ku band communication satellite leased entirely by Tata Play from the Indian Space Research Organization’s (ISRO) arm, NewSpace India Limited. Operational since August 2023, GSAT-24 was launched by the French company Arianespace on June 22nd, 2022. With a planned mission duration of 15 years, GSAT-24 significantly enhances Tata Play’s satellite capabilities, providing an enhanced viewing experience for its subscribers.