I unfortunately live in the only city in India that has managed to implement the CAS system. There has been no opposition because by and far, most of Chennai understands Tamil and so, are content paying the rupees eighty or hundred with which they get all their regional channels. It is also a convenient ploy at keeping villain Hindi channels at bay. Most people from outside the state end up saying, "Sahara hi hamara sahara hai."
Because there is little else in this city to keep an 'outsider' like me engaged, I decided to buy an SCV set top box. What followed was an endless nightmare. Five channels had no sound, a few channels had sound but no visuals... yadda yadda yadda. As if to compound problems, my local cable operator gave me a blank stare every time I explained the situation to him in the most minimalistic English possible. To add insult to injury, I had to travel ten kilometres to pay my subscription fees.
So, when Tata Sky announced its plans, I felt like Sita about to escape the clutches of Ravan. With just a couple of days into my new found freedom, I am ready to liberate all ye similar tortured souls. Hold on to your computer chairs while I take you to nirvana.
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How do I buy my SkyTv?
This is extremely simple. You can buy it from a local dealer or through their website https://tatasky.com. There is no difference in price although some dealers may charge you 2% extra for a credit card transaction (mine did.). The cost of the set is Rs 3000 plus Rs 1000 for the installation charges. They have a scheme going on now wherein they waive your first three months'(85 days to be precise) subscription fee! After making your payment, you can carry home your set top box and the activation card. For information on buying from the internet, you may have to refer to another review.
Now that you have the box with you, call up the customer support number on the set top box to fix up an installation date. The numbers are given below.
From MTNL/BSNL lines: 1-860-425-6633
From other lines: Western India: 020 - 6600 6633
Northern India: 0172 - 6600 6633
Southern & Eastern India: 040 - 6600 6633
You will be greeted by the customer desk who will get you started in no time. Keep your box in front of you before you make the call because you will be required to provide some details that are printed on it. After you are through with dictating your numbers, you will be given a customer ID for all future references. Note that down. Finally, you get to choose the date for your installation. The earliest date I could get was seven days away. That was a Friday and so, I chose a day later when I was more likely to be at home. The lady dutifully gave me a job number just in case. I noted all these digits down on the set top cover box to avoid any which-where-hunting later.
Did the SkyTV guys keep their promise?
Because my TV viewing is very limited, the one-week long wait did not seem all that bad. Meanwhile, I disposed off the SCV dabba for a meager Rs 1000. A day before the installation, the customer support lady called to confirm hether I am good with the date. Fifteen minutes before the given hour, the installation guys knocked at my door. As usual, they started off in Tamil and so, had to request them to speak in English. "Would Hindi be OK instead,?" they asked. In all these years in Chennai, this is the first time I have been asked such a question. Grinning from ear to ear I said that would be wonderful!
Just when I thought that things were going great, the electricity conked out. No problem, the guys assured me; they had a generator. If I was shocked enough to drop dead, I did not show it at least. Within an hour and a half, despite some intermittent rain, they had installed the dish, got the cable neatly into my house, and given me all the information that I need to use my new possession. Was I dreaming or what?! I had to fill in some form and that gave me one more number to deal with. This, they said, will be needed to activate my subscription. They refused the tip saying that it was against company policy but politely accepted my thank you. It will take me a few more days to recover-what wonderful professionalism!
How do I activate my subscription?
Within 24 hours of installation, you will get a prompt on your TV screen for activation. Enter the number on your scratch card and the number on the application form that you filled, and you are good for the next three months!
So, what channels do I get for this amount?
Quite a few actually, and almost all that I will ever need. For the list of TV channels, refer to their website https://tatasky.com. In a nutshell, you get all your favorites: HBO, Star Movies, National Geo, Discovery, History, NDTV, Zee, Sony, Star etc. The options are limited only for the regional channels. You get around 4 regional channels each. A word about their website: It is one of those rare ones where you just get enough and all the information you will need.
What happens after the free period?
Currently, TataSky doesn't have any classification of their channels but going by the application, they will be dividing them into a Basic and Premium package. Even after that, I do not expect the premium package to cost more than Rs 300. More importantly, you can recharge your subscription through the internet or your cell phone.
So, how is the clarity?
Excellent. Compared to my earlier set top box, there are no jerky movements, no digital scratching, no noise etc. I also had to tone down the volume because the audio is crystal clear. What else? All the channels are conveniently classified already into Movies, Music, Education etc. You can choose to set your own favorite channels, reminders and all those frills.
What about the dial-a-movie feature?
If you were expecting that they will play you any movie you want, prepare to be dissappointed. The movies will be chosen by them and for viewing, you will have to call them up and fix up a time. The amount will be charged to your account.
I heard something about the active channels...?
Oh those! Nothing much really. I tried the Active News feature. Four news channels are displayed simultaneously although you can hear only one of them. This way, you get to watch more than one channel; doesn't work for me though. There is something called Active Games but I am yet to get to that one.
What's the hitch?
Nothing much really. The remote is kind of big and unwieldy if I really want to complain.
So, do you recco SkyTV?
After all this gushing, you think I will ask you to hold on? Rush to your nearest dealer man!
