Discussion Hathway Digital General Discussion Thread

[gamewcw]

Anish Pai

Thanks a lot for updating both the channel lists.
So you got your New STB finally or is it from your friend?

And yes, I've been using the FDI (Hathway+Sonali) services since May 2009 when they introduced the Cisco STB. But it wasn't clear who's really controlling FDI. If it was Hathway, they would've brought the package system. But, Sonali Cable seems to be in control here in Goa as we have 'base pack = all channels' system.

So, looking at both Old & New STB channel lists in Post #1, right now we are basically getting the same channels (besides the scrambled channels) but in a 'better' STB.
For comparison, the Old STB also has EPG for 7 days, Channel categorization by genre and Favorite list.
The additional features in New STB are HDMI, MPEG-4 & USB recording(which, I assume from you, is not a pre-packaged feature and will likely be activated after user registration & future software updates.)

All this is good, but is it worth paying Rs.2000 more for? Remember, we already paid Rs.1000/1500 when we subscribed to this digital service.

(Plus, I'm still suspicious about the random scrambling of channels on Old STB. If it was a STB incompatibility issue, then all channels would have been affected. But, they have selectively scrambled channels.)

But, since DAS will be in effect anyway, they should just give the New STB as a replacement and cover the costs gradually by adding it in monthly rent like EMI. Of course, it's one and the same, but people will likely accept the STB this way. After all, we know how messy and frustrating their service has been in previous years. If I'm not wrong, even you had filed a consumer complaint against FDI Sonali Cable.

Anyways, I'm hoping to see some some screen-shots & review of the New STB here. (Any Model name/no. for it?)

 

[NinadG]

I think cable ops should replace the STB free of cost if he is changing the MSO from his end...because customer is tied with cable op & already invested in STB.....

 

[vvk]

What about CVR group Telugu channels?

 

[TtTtTt2]

Is the Cisco STB has any secret code to edit the All Channels favorite or any trick to find any missing channel that the STB didn't show in All channel list?

 

[Anish Pai]

gamewcw, my friend has got the new STB.I am yet to get it.

There is no HDMI port. Its a MPEG4 SD STB. HD STB will be coming later this year.

Well as we have in the past spoken about this, hathway is indeed controlling FDI but through Sonali cable. In a different name that is FDI. Like how GTPL is in Gujarat. hence there is no Packages started yet as we fall in the phase 3 of digitization. Now hathway can either completely take over FDI or continue to run it thru Sonali.

Once Digitization is complete DAS Packages will start. Now coming to why channels are being locked/scrambled in old STB: this is what I think, the company wants to shift all its customer to new service, that is the new STB. Hence they are locking channels in phases, and after a few months we can say that all channels in old STB will be locked, and it will be unusable and will be incompatible. Another is that old STB is MPEG 2 while new STB is MPEG 4. For DAS to be implemented the STB needs a smart card system which is not available in old stb HDC1000C, hence they want all subscribers to change to new stb and service. My LCO told me that within 6 months the old STB will stop functioning.

So now you also will have to buy the new STB as soon as possible.

 

[bhaskarkilli]

What about CVR group Telugu channels?

hathway only knows..

 

[Anish Pai]

Today is 2nd Aug, have Sony channels gone A la carte ??? Are all getting Sony channels

 

[gamewcw]

The New STB is here:
Some features and Highlights of new STB:
1. STB is small is size, same like Tata Sky Mini/Hathway Mini STB
2. NDS firmware
3. Channels are categorized as per types/genres
4. USB recording
5. HDMI
6. EPG for 7 days (WOI)
7. MPEG 4 Technology
8. More features and Info yet to receive

Anish Pai
You had mentioned HDMI as a feature in the above post earlier. (Thanks for the correction, now).
I was wondering if HDMI transmission improves PQ/AQ of SD channels. But, I guess we'll have to settle for Composite cable.

So, I'm more or less clear now about the FDI ownership & their DAS implementation strategy. But, I'm not in a hurry to order the New STB. My LCO will bring it to me anyway before the Old STB is phased out.

 

[Anish Pai]

gamewcw
I suggest you order it straight away as I feel that if u wait till year end, then there might be stock issues, or increase in price, or some other issues. So now is a good time to exchange.

Also I am happy that you have joined this forum, as I have another person with a FDI connection. Pls come online more often and keep updating about FDI and other services.

 

[gamewcw]

Since, its a Sticky and channel list thread , i am moving all these conversation to Discussion - Hathway Digital General Discussion Thread | Entertainment Forum India : DTH , Technology and Entertainment Forum

IndianMascot
Well, I'm a new user, so obviously can't message anyone here yet.

Is it possible to keep all that previous conversation with Anish Pai in both the threads?
Most of that conversation which was moved was specifically about Hathway FDI Cable (Goa).
Currently, there are only 3 users of this service active on this forum.
If any more FDI Cable users visit dthforum, then it'll be easier for them to find all the info. in this thread. And, we won't have to explain everything again like Anish Pai had to do for me.

We'll make sure to inform everyone about any major updates from Goa & other relevant info. in the Hathway General Discussion Thread.