Sun Direct

Sun Direct is an Indian subscription based satellite television service provider, owned by Sun Group. It was launched in December 2007. It transmits digital satellite television and audio to households in India. Sun Direct uses MPEG-4 digital compression, transmitting HD Channels and SD Channels on MEASAT-3 at 91.5°E. Sun Direct Max, an Android set-top-box from Sun Direct, which supports 4K with Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos is expected to launch on June 2024.

History
Sun Direct is a joint venture between the Astro Group of Malaysia and the SUN Group of India. Sun Group entered into an MoU with the Astro group on 27 January 1997, when Aircel was not in existence. But, since the government of India did not allow the use of KU band transponders for DTH services, the project was put on hold, the firm said in a statement. After the DTH policy was announced by the government in December 2007, Astro picked up a 20% stake in Sun Direct TV. The stake was valued at approximately $115 million. Sun Direct TV was registered on 16 February 2005. However, the failed launch of Sun Direct INSAT 4C resulted in Sun Direct's lack of transponders, delaying the launch. The service was finally launched on 18 January 2008, after availability of transponders from Indian National Satellite System.

In December 2009, Sun Direct was launched in Mumbai, the country's financial capital, and announced its pan- India launch. By 2009 it became the leading DTH provider with 3 million subscribers.

INSAT-4B glitch and satellite change
On 7 July 2010, a power glitch in the Indian National Satellite System satellite turned down the DTH system partly and SUN Direct announced that the service would be free till all the services were restored. Partial service was restored on Indian National Satellite System Sun Direct with 193 channels. Meanwhile, SUN Direct is now transmitting 173 channels on MEASAT-3 for an uninterrupted transition of Sun Direct customers from the Indian National Satellite System at 93.5°E. to MEASAT-3 at 91.5°E.

As of 2017, Sun Direct uses eight transponders equally split between MEASAT-3 and GSAT-15, with three being added in that year itself. HD channels are being beamed from the four transponders on GSAT-15.

Sun Direct Max
Sun Direct Max (Also known as Sun Direct Max 4K) is an Android set-top-box from Sun Direct, which supports 4K with Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos is expected to launch on June 2024. It is based on Android 12. It includes access to OTT apps, gaming apps, casting functionality, and a voice-controlled remote, making it a well-rounded entertainment device. It's launching price is ₹1995.

Sun Direct GO
In 2023, the company announced the forthcoming launch of Sun Direct GO, a subscription video on-demand and over-the-top streaming service. The platform was expected to offer a variety of content, including movies, TV shows, web series, live TV channels, and original content on a variety of devices, including smartphones, tablets, laptops, smart TVs and streaming devices.