Big TV has finally been launched commercially. In case you are unaware, Big TV is a DTH (Direct to Home) service brought to you by Reliance ADAG (Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group). It arrives after much anticipation and wait of almost two years since they obtained the DTH license. Reliance obviously wanted to make it Big and much more exciting than any of the current DTH services presently available in India.

Doordarshan was one of the first to introduce DTH service in India which also consists of other major players like Tata and Star Group’s joint venture Tata Sky, Zee Network’s Dish TV and southern India’s biggie Sun TV. Both Tata Sky and Dish TV are the biggest competitors for Big TV in this space. Reliance, however, expects to gain one up through the use of latest technology like MPEG-4 as also used by Sun TV. Tata Sky and Dish TV still uses the older MPEG-2. Reliance believes new technology will ensure better picture and sound quality.

Whatever they do, they’ll have to back it up with top-notch customer service. In a toughly contested market like India, the brand which provides better service will come out top. To get themselves started, Reliance have announced a number of attractive launch packages to woo new users. The packages start from Rs. 2490 which includes cost for the STB (set Top Box) and installation charges of Rs. 1000 and also comes with 3 months subscription to their Premium Pack. The monthly packages for Big TV start at Rs. 100 only.

The other packages available are as under -

Choice 2490 - Rs. 2490 with Premium Pack (3 months) or Popular Pack (6 months)
Smart 2990 - Rs. 2990 with Premium Pack (6 months) or Popular Pack (12 months)
Smart 3990 - Rs. 3990 with Premium Pack (12 months) or Popular Pack (18 months)
MAX 4990 - Rs. 4990 with MAX Pack (12 months)

Packages for South Indian states like Kerala and Tamil Nadu are different from those for Rest of India. More details about the service and channel packages can be found on Big TV Official Website. Reliance expects to capture a significant market share within the next 12 months. Only time will tell how they perform and whether or not they live up to the hype and expectations of subscribers.