One of our users, Vivek, asked this question:
“Why am I getting only the first 70–80 channels in the FreeDTH app on my Smart TV?”
If you are also facing the same issue while using the FreeDTH app with your DD Free Dish set-top box, here is the simple answer.
When you enable the SAT>IP feature on your compatible Free-to-Air set-top box, the set-top box starts sharing TV channels over your local Wi-Fi or LAN network.
The FreeDTH app receives those locally shared channels and shows them on your Smart TV, Android TV, or mobile device.
FreeDTH does not provide these channels through unauthorised internet streaming. The app only shows the TV channels shared by your own compatible set-top box on your local network.
Because the stream is coming from your own set-top box over the local network, normal internet data is not required for watching these channels. You also do not need any login or account for this feature.
Now the main question is -
why are only 70 or 80 channels showing?
This is not a fixed limitation of the FreeDTH app. The number of channels mainly depends on your set-top box hardware, RAM, firmware, and the way SAT>IP is implemented by the manufacturer.
Some low-cost FTA set-top boxes may share only a limited number of channels. On some other compatible boxes, users may get more than 100 or even 150 channels through SAT>IP.
So if another user is getting more channels than you, it does not always mean there is a problem with your FreeDTH app. If your set-top box is sharing only the first 70 or 80 channels, you can try one simple method.
Open the channel list on your DD Free Dish set-top box and move your favourite channels to the beginning of the channel list.
For example, if your box is sharing only the first 80 saved channels, move the channels you watch most often into those first positions.
After that, refresh or restart SAT>IP and check the FreeDTH app again.
This may help you watch your favourite DD Free Dish channels on your Smart TV or mobile without using another set-top box. But please remember that this method does not work on every set-top box.
Some set-top boxes share channels according to the saved channel list, while some boxes may share channels according to the transponder or frequency available through the tuner.
So moving channels may work on one receiver but may not make any difference on another. It all depends on the set-top box hardware and firmware.
Is FreeDTH an IPTV app?
No. FreeDTH does not work like an unauthorized IPTV service. It works as a local network client and receives TV channels shared by your own compatible SAT>IP-enabled set-top box.
Your set-top box and the device running the FreeDTH app normally need to be connected to the same local network.
Frequently Asked Questions -
How many channels can FreeDTH show?
There is no fixed limit of 70 or 80 channels in the FreeDTH app. The number of channels depends on how many channels your set-top box can share through SAT>IP.
Why is FreeDTH showing fewer channels than my set-top box?
Your set-top box may have hundreds of saved channels, but its SAT>IP feature may share only a limited number of them.
Can FreeDTH show more than 100 channels?
Yes. Some compatible set-top boxes can share more than 100 or even 150 channels through SAT>IP.
Does FreeDTH use internet data?
If the channels are coming from your own set-top box through SAT>IP on your local Wi-Fi or LAN network, normal internet streaming is not required.
Can I watch DD Free Dish channels on Smart TV using FreeDTH?
Yes, if your FTA set-top box supports SAT>IP and both devices are connected to the same local network.
Can I change which channels appear in FreeDTH?
On some set-top boxes, yes. You can try moving your favourite channels to the beginning of the saved channel list.
Do I need another set-top box for every TV?
Not always. If your existing compatible set-top box can share channels through SAT>IP, you may be able to watch those channels on another supported device using the FreeDTH app.