Here we have first and exclusive review of India’s first HD Service provide Sun Direct HD. So far you read Airtel Digital TV and Videocon D2H review but now ShaswatPatel.com brings you Sun Direct HD Review which is written by Sree who is proud owner on Sun Direct HD. nce you get your favorite channel like Discovery on HD, you might get some lapel pins promoting this service to your friends too. The clarity and details in HD gives amazing feeling. One must experience it to believe.
Installation
I have taken Sun Direct HD subscription in August 2009. At that time they have installed and activated with in a day with regular SD Dish. And again they came to me in January 2010 with a Big Dish(Double to the regular Dish) and installed again. After one week They changed my old HD STB with a new SAMSUNG HD STB.
Sun Direct HD STB
Sun Direct HD STB
Picture quality
Picture quality of SUN Network channels like SUN, GEMINI, KTV, SUN Music, Gemini Music, Teja, Surya etc is very good when compared with Big TV or TataSky(As I used earlier). I didn’t find any pixels in these channels even in fast moving scenes. I am very very happy with the quality of these channels. But other regional channels like ETV, Zee telugu, etc are not showing that much quality of Big TV or TataSky. And remaining Hindi and English channels are having the same quality of other DTHs.
HD Channels:
In the beginning They have provided only 2 HD channels. 1 was Regional movies and another was NGC HD. And the quality of the HD channels is awesome.
Now SD is telecasting 6 HD channels.
1. Tamil HD service – 1080i with 5.1 dolby digital sound and 16:9 wide screen
2. Telugu HD Service – 1080i with 5.1 dolby digital sound and 16:9 wide screen
Regional HD in Sun Direct HD
Regional 2 HD
3. NGC HD – 1080i with 5.1 dolby digital sound and 16:9 wide screen
Nat Geo HD
Nat Geo HD
4. Colors HD – Upscaled to HD with Mono sound and 4:3 screen
Color HD
5. SUN TV HD – Upscaled to HD with Mono sound and 4:3 screen
Sun HD
6. Discovery HD – 1080i with 5.1 dolby digital sound and 16:9 wide screen
Discovery HD
Discovery HD
Discovery HD
Discovery HD
Discovery HD
Discovery HD
Discovery HD
Audio Quality
Audio quality is very good compared with Big TV and TS. There is no hissing sound. When we connected it to a HT, it is giving experience like a theater for HD channels.
Software
Really Sun Direct HD STB has a good software. The channel changing is very fast. And there is no hanging problem and no heating problem and no picture freezing. Menu display is very nice and u can’t get this type of display in any other DTH. Because the STB is from SAMSUNG so they designed menus like SMASUNG LCD TVs. One thing I can say “When we operating the STB, we can feel like we are using a high quality and valuable system”.
USB Port
STB has the USB port and it is absolutely working for MP3 and JPEG picture viewing.
Remote
It Looks very cute. This has the same shape and buttons as SAMSUNG LCD TVs. It is common remote for both SAMSUNG LCD TV and STB.
HD Logo
Very cute Logo. It wont disturb at all. Previously SUN Direct water mark was appear in the middle of the HD regional movie channel. Now they removed this water mark and HD logo is appearing at right bottom of all HD channels and it is cute. Normal SD channels didn’t have any SD logo except 4 to 5 channels.
Sun Direct HD
Overall
I am very much satisfied with Sun Direct HD STB and I am watching only HD channels in my SAMSUNG 26’’ LCD TV as there is a very big difference in the quality of HD channels and SD channels. I never felt that I spent more for HD. I am enjoying HD content.
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Does this one have support for recording/PVR,
Anything in the software supporting recording to Usb ?
Well at the moment, Sun Direct HD STB doesn’t providing any support to recording like PVR system hence they have no support system for USB too! It may possible they introduce this option in future when HD Market open little bit.
great one sree!!
Please provide picture of dish too
Thanks rick
DTH service providers have no business putting their logo watermark on any channel. Only we fools in India accept such nonsense and on then actually consider the logo, “cute”. Bottom line is, any such logo is obnoxious.
Yes in India TRAI have no control on DTH even none of DTH operators following their guidelines but TRAI is just making rules and forgot to take care it.
Sree:
Great to see real HD in India. I am plaaning on moving to India for good and was planning on taking my NTSC TVs but had read all the challenges with PAL to NTSC conversion. Looks like HD STB will sort out this problem. Quick question. Did you use the HDMI or component cable to connect STB to receiver/ TV?
Thanks
AB
Hello AB!
Thanks for your comments! Yes Sun Direct HD STB will solved your problems for PAL to NTSC Conversion. Samsung STB have HDMI output and your TV should have HDMI input to use it.
Hello Shaswat,
Thanks for sharing your experience with sundirect-HD. With regard to your reply to NTSC-PAL issue fix, I have below info saying NSTC and PAL still matters with HDTV.
http://hometheater.about.com/od/televisionbasics/qt/ntscpalframes.htm
I have my SONY Bravia 46″(with 4 HDMI inputs) from the USA.. but currently using the converter but the pic quality is not great. So I’m really curious to know just by using HDMI output from sundirect STB is goin to fix these NTSC based TVs.?
Any insight in this would be really helpful for many ppl like me..:-)
Thanks in advance !
I am also looking for a set top box which supports NTSC format Samsung LED tv, which I recently brought from US.
@Partha – Can you let me know the convertor which you are using ?
And you can use Dish TV VGA set top box through which you can connect with the TV’s VGA port.
Anyway the output from VGA port is not that good.. there are lot of Digital TVs in the market, but dont know whether Set top box supports NTSC format.
I am sure that AIRTEL is not supporting NTSC.
Hi Sree,
I am thinking of taking Sundirect HD connection. But heard their customer service is very bad. What is your experience?
Thanks.
Latest Feedback on SUNDIRECT HD: with Sony 40″ V5500 Model.
Installed on 14-Mar-2010.
HD Picture Quality : Generally Good thro HDMI Cable. I have compared the clarity with 720p .mkv video ( played from Laptop thro HDMI ).
the quality is upto 90% that of direct Laptop playback. The 1080i doesnot show any improvement in Quality. However the overall HD channels are worth watching.
IPL 2010 HD is really good, clear & sharo with all minute details ( Crecket Fans to note ).
Volume control adjustment thro STB remote for Tamil HD & Telugu HD channels are not effective.
STB should have been with 2 HDMI out ports for connecting both TV & 5.1 Audio System in addition to optical port.
USB play could have been extended to all video formats including .mkv I hope they come up with software update.
They should have more albums of Tamil & telugu HD songs. They are just repeating and we get bored in 3 days.
SUN DIRECT HD atleast should have proper service backup for the money they charge.
I see the same team with same attitude of Sun Direct. This is major threat to their brand shortly.
If any one needs any information, let me know.
Thanks Amaresa for sharing your information.
Now the toughest question, Is it really worth to pay the extra extra money to get few channels in almost HD quality?
I have a 32 inch lcd, how much difference would be there, also my tv is only 720p.
I have a good support from Sun direct technicians as I am HD subscriber. I have their mobile nos. So when I call them they immediately responding.
For Mayank.
720P is more than adequate and excellent picture quality for 32′ TV. Generally,1080p ( called Full HD ) will be available from 40′ & above only.
Sun HD has 720P & 1080I ( Note: It is not 1080P ).
The picture quality is almost same.
In my view, It is worth to go for HD if
you are movie lover, Enjoy natural scenery and love under underwater scenes. and upcourse cricket lover.
All the above are lively !!!.
Please note : you may stop watching regular channels once you start HD !!!
Thr is feedback of one user using SD HD on 52 inch lcd tv on SOD.Just chk tht out.
To those folks that say they have taken their big screen TV from the US, How did you take it? Any recommended carriers?
Hi Nat,
I’m using “CMD-HDX98 converter” from world-import.com.. Their website claims this is the best one but it’s actually not. The quality is not upto the mark.
But somewhere I read in sundirect STB manual that sundirect comes with both PAL and NTSC output. I will have to check it, anyway.
Hope this helps!
Does it have optical out for connecting to 5.1 receiver?
In the picture above I could see a port left side of HDMI looks like Optical TOSLINK port. I just wanted a confirmation.
Thanks for the great review!
Volume control of HD channels thru remote control will not effect if “digital volume control” option is off in the settings. To on the same, Goto Menu->Audio settings-> Digital Volume control->on. This will solve your problem
Did you guys get any luck with the NTSC US TV.
I just got Sun HD a month back and i really enjoy the HD channels.I have almost stopped watching other sd channels , Hd is awesome but the thing is they have to increase hd channels….Though i dont understand Tamil I love watching their video songs….I think its worth 10K….
NTSC US TV ? What does this mean ?
As far we know,NTSC / PAL relates to composite ( or ) component ( or )RF Video.
HDMI 1.3 doesnot have such definitions as it is pure pixel & audio/ digital signal.
My TV is from Singapore ( Sony KDL40V5500 – Full HD )and SundirectHD works perfectly with HDMI
For Krish :
Optical port for Audio output is present in STB.
For Sree:
Volume control of HD channels doesnot work only for 2 HD channels ( Tamil HD & Telugu HD ).
For other HD channels ( including IPL-HD ) the Volume Control works.
Anyone noticed this ?
I have given solution for this audio control problem on 25th March.
March 25, 2010 at 3:41 pm
Volume control of HD channels thru remote control will not effect if “digital volume control” option is off in the settings. To on the same, Goto Menu->Audio settings-> Digital Volume control->on. This will solve your problem
Sun Direct HD service totally Sucks
Very immature. I keep getting E-48-32 (No Signal. Check Cable) code every 10 minutes. Even after several complaints, this problem is not yet fixed. They say it is their network problem or they say it is a unique problem just for me. No kidding the service sucks.
Never recommend anybody for SUN DIRECT. Very Poor Customer Service.
For Sree
Yes, I observed the solution. The issue with the solution restricts Dolby Digital Audio. You get only Stereo.
This could be the software bug.
Hello Partha/Nat,
Did any 1 of you got answers for the Sun Direct supporting NTSC Tv’s. if so please let me know.
I brought a TV from US and now planning to buy a converter for it. I was about to put an order for “Com World CMD-RF1080p” but after reading your feedback, i’m in confusion. Can you guys guide me if you have a solution for this.
Regards,
how i get 5.1 dolby digital sound effect.
what device we need to connect with STB [co-axial/optical output]
whether normal 5.1 hometheatre is enough to get 5.1 dolby digital sound effect.
pls send ur reply a.s.a.p
Mr. Raj, I am also facing the same problem (NO SIGNAL) after 8 pm(When IPL Starts)have you got any solution? where r u from? I am from Ahmedabad.
Hello Buddies,
Did any 1 of you got answers for the Sun Direct supporting NTSC Tv’s. if so please let me know.
I brought a TV from US and now planning to buy a converter for it. But most of the shop owners recommend me to go for Old SUN direct STB box, since the box have NTSC and PAL converter on default. my question is , i have SONY 32 inch Bravia HD LCD TV which is from US. i would like to go for SUN Direct HD Box.but the sun office tech people told . Can you me to go for pal converter since tge sun HD not support for NTSC format. guys guide me if you have a solution for this
Muurgan b
Hi dudes,
Can anyone pls tell that which type of port available for sound output in SUN HD STB.
@Murugan, NTSC/PAL belongs to analog transmission we dont worry about that types in HD LCD tvs which is pure digital…Upto my understanding ur HD TV will work in HDMI port with SUN HD STB. Friends, pls comment if u find any wrong information..
For Senthil
how i get 5.1 dolby digital sound effect.
what device we need to connect with STB [co-axial/optical output]
Ans : Optical Output.
As alternate to STB, You may connect HDMI to TV & Optical output of TV to Home theatre.
whether normal 5.1 hometheatre is enough to get 5.1 dolby digital sound effect.
Ans : No.
Many 5.1 Home theatres doesnot have optical input. So, check the Manual / website of the model before you buy.
Dear All
SUN DIRECT HD Subscriber please let me know is it worth to take Sun Direct HD or should wait for others to launch
Hello Vishal,
Let me tell you first, news are suggesting Airtel, BIG TV and Dish TV is going to launch their HD service around commonwealth games but as from my experience I have doubt on their launching by in 2010 we would see Airtel will surly launch HD Service by around October.
New service provides wouldn’t provide cheaper offer as like Sun HD providing right now. So if you really want to go for HD DTH Service then go now to Sun DTH as they are offering good discount if you provide other DTH STB.
Hello Buddies
Today I have installed SUN direct HD STB, but no use it’s not working for my SONY LCD US TV. This is NTSC mode. Now I am planning to change the SONY LCD TV software to PAL mode (INDIA)
Any one has idea about the SONY Firmware software to change
Regards
Has anyone tried to connect the Audio Video Out or RF Out of a SUN DIRECT HD Tv Set Top Box to any device [ Multi Media Projector, TV Tuner Card , Ordinary TV with no HDMI Input ? ] I have tried it and was disappointed to find neither Video nor Audio. Contacting SUN state Headquarter says that SUN Direct will ONLY give HDMI output at least for the time being. How far is it true?
The same problem is with me. I too tried to connect the normal TV with AV OUT from Sundirect HD, but nothing is coming on the screen. DO we get an converter of HDMI to AV?
@Murugan,
Did you use any convertor from Sun HD STB to TV? try using cmd-hdx98.. I’m in chennai.
Reach me out at parthi500@yahoo.com to proceed further.
Thanks !
reqerd how to connent stb in lapotop
I HAVE TWO TVS AT HOME..CAN I CONNECT THE TWO TV’S WITH ONE CONNECTION?
Well you have to need two STB to watch two TV so you have to take Multi-connection offer if you want to watch on two TVs.
I have sony 32 Inch LCD TV Ex 400 and Sony 510 Home theater system. I stay in Nagpur (Maharashtra). The dish is big as compared to others, The pod on the dish is from Sharp Electronics Company. The person coming to install told me that to get best quality, the wire coming from Dish to tv should not have any sharp bends. The HD channels are good. I have hardly seen any SD channel since NGC and Discovery HD has started. Even the telgu video channel is good. I dont understan the language but enjoy the colors and music quality.
I have connected the Samsung settop box to TV via HDMI and have taken the audio out from TV to home theater via RCA cables (2 cables). I will be connecting home theater via the SPDIF port given on STB. The other ports (RCA) for Video and audio are dummy and do not work. You will need HDMI for video (and audio) and SPDIF cable just in case you have that facility.
does it have a component video output
I have the sun direct connection. But the set-top box malfunctions every 3-4 months and it has to be replaced. The set top box warrenty was valid for one year and now the distributer charges me for the set top box every time. The sun direct service is a crap
Hi everybody,
The SUN HD DTH service is VERY VERY poor. I keep getting E-48-32 (No Signal. Check Cable) code while viewing the HD channels. I have complained to them manytimes and each time they say they wil send somebody, but its been Two (2) months now and even after umpteen calls, nobody has attended to this problem from SUN HD DTH and the issue still remains unresolved.
I have got a Sun HD – I find that they have blocked the RCA out port so that we cannot use it on regular TV. I find this totally unacceptable as there are only a handful of HD channels at the moment. When Sun customer care was contacted they said that RCA has been disabled and we cannot use this. Wonder why? I have got the HD box as future proof but looks like its a big mistake I have made
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