The television landscape has undergone a dramatic shift in recent years, with the rapid rise of Over-the-Top (OTT) streaming platforms challenging the dominance of traditional Direct-to-Home (DTH) satellite TV. As we enter 2025, the question on many minds is whether DTH TV remains relevant in the face of the streaming revolution.
In this article, we’ll compare DTH and OTT services, explore the current trends, and help you decide which option best suits your entertainment needs. We’ll also take a look at the best DTH service provider in India and the latest Airtel DTH channels list for 2025.
DTH vs OTT: Key Differences
| Feature | DTH (Direct-to-Home) | OTT (Over-the-Top) |
| Content Delivery | Satellite dish and set-top box | Public internet on any device |
| Infrastructure | Requires dish installation, weather-sensitive | Needs only an internet connection |
| Interactivity | Minimal, mostly linear scheduled TV | High, on-demand, personalised |
| Cost | Higher setup and maintenance costs | Lower distribution costs |
| Accessibility | Strong in rural/underserved areas | Ubiquitous where broadband exists |
| Content Variety | Channel packages, regional focus | Global content, originals |
| Multiscreen Experience | Limited | Seamless across devices |
| Personalization | Basic (limited to parental controls, etc.) | Advanced (AI-driven suggestions) |
DTH TV, which transmits channels via satellite, offers advantages like reliable, high-quality broadcasts without buffering, access to live events and local content, and a broad variety of scheduled programming. However, it has drawbacks such as high infrastructure costs, inflexible viewing, and limited interactivity.
In contrast, OTT platforms stream content over the internet, providing on-demand viewing, personalised recommendations, rapid content updates, and multi-device support at lower costs. The rise of affordable broadband has accelerated OTT adoption, especially in urban areas.
Relevance of Traditional TV in 2025
Despite the digital streaming boom, television remains relevant in 2025 for several reasons:
- Wide Usage: DTH and linear TV are still widely used, particularly in rural or less internet-connected regions.
- Bundled Offerings: The industry is seeing hybrid deals that combine linear TV (DTH/cable) with OTT subscriptions for broader reach.
- Innovations: Developments like Direct-to-Mobile (D2M) TV are expanding traditional TV’s reach beyond the home.
- Free TV: Free-to-air TV remains a stepping stone for lower-income households, even as affluent viewers shift to OTT.
While OTT subscriptions in India are projected to reach over 65 million by 2027, linear TV is expected to maintain a significant market share, driven by investments in content and delivery innovation.
When is DTH Most Relevant?
DTH is most relevant in scenarios where:
- Reliable, high-speed internet is not available
- Viewers prioritise live news, regional content, or value bundled channel packages
- Households prefer a communal viewing experience and real-time broadcasts
When Does OTT Excel?
OTT platforms are the preferred choice when:
- Users are in urban and well-connected areas
- Households seek on-demand, personalised content across multiple devices
- Younger demographics and tech-savvy users prioritise flexibility and global content libraries
Airtel DTH Channels List (2025)
Airtel Digital TV, one of India’s leading DTH providers, offers a wide range of channels across genres and languages. The typical categories include:
- Hindi Entertainment
- English Entertainment
- Movies
- Sports
- Kids
- News
- Regional (Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Bengali, Marathi, Odia, Punjabi, Gujarati, Assamese, etc.)
- Infotainment
- Music
Airtel offers customisable packs and à la carte options, enabling users to tailor their channel lineup according to their preferences.
While the rise of OTT platforms has undoubtedly disrupted the television landscape, traditional DTH TV remains relevant in 2025, particularly for live broadcasts, regional content, and areas with limited internet connectivity. OTT services excel in providing on-demand, personalised content across devices, making them the preferred choice for urban, tech-savvy audiences.
The future is likely to involve a complementary relationship between DTH and OTT, with providers offering bundled plans and hybrid set-top boxes. When choosing between the two, consider factors like your internet connectivity, content preferences, budget, and device ecosystem. Many households now opt for a basic DTH package alongside select OTT subscriptions for maximum choice and flexibility.
If you’re looking for a reliable DTH service with a wide range of channels, Airtel Digital TV is among the best DTH service providers, offering HD/4K content, smart features, and flexible plans to cater to diverse entertainment needs in the evolving TV landscape of 2025.
Reference
- https://www.uniqcast.com/ott-iptv/ott-dth-disruption
- https://www.ey.com/content/dam/ey-unified-site/ey-com/en-in/newsroom/2025/ey-shape-the-future-indian-media-and-entertainment-is-scripting-a-new-story.pdf
- https://nexgentechsolutions.com/ott-vs-traditional-tv-the-battle-of-viewership/
- https://evoca.tv/iptv-vs-ott/
- https://www.medianews4u.com/indias-ott-market-to-reach-144-mn-subscriptions-with-38-growth-by-2027-ficci-ey-report/
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog, including but not limited to prices, promotional offers, and other time-sensitive data, is accurate at the time of publication. These details are subject to change without prior notice. Readers are advised to check official sources or platforms for the most up-to-date information.