Dish TV Bets Big on Smart TVs & OTT

Dish TV is actively diversifying its business model to counteract a sharp decrease in its subscriber base. The company recently introduced 'VZY', a comprehensive connected entertainment ecosystem that integrates 24 OTT applications with live television channels on a single platform. This initiative includes a hardware-focused strategy with the launch of VZY-branded connected smart TVs.

Manoj डोभाल, CEO and executive director of Dish TV, stated that these smart TVs will come with pre-installed subscriptions to the VZY OTT app, linear TV, and DTH services. While the DTH business currently accounts for 90-95% of revenue, Dish TV anticipates a growing share from its non-DTH and connected entertainment ventures.

This strategic shift is prompted by a more than 35% year-on-year drop in subscription revenue to ₹886 crore in FY26. This decline is attributed to heightened competition from OTT platforms, evolving consumer viewing preferences, and inflationary pressures. To bolster its DTH subscriber numbers, Dish TV recently rolled out regional language channel packs for South India, starting at ₹149 per month.

Dish TV aims to cater to all segments of India's television market, from free-to-air households to hybrid users. The company is also seeking regulatory parity, having approached the Kerala High Court to ensure fair competition between its services and Prasar Bharati's DD Free Dish platform.