A hybrid set-top box that works with your regular DTH and comes packed with a host of internet-based services. That’s the new Airtel Internet TV from India’s top telecom operator Airtel that combines the operators DTH, broadband, and internet-based services.
Airtel Internet TV is a hybrid set-top box that powered by Google’s Android TV Platform. With the device, you have complete access to normal linear DTH TV contents along with seamless switching to online media content. For example, you can watch normal TV content from DTH and can easily switch to a TV show running on Netflix, YouTube or Airtel Movies.
Airtel Internet TV set-top box
Airtel Internet TV is a hybrid set-top box that runs on Google’s Android TV platform. The device is powered by a dual-core ARM B15 BCM7252S processor coupled with 2GB of RAM. The device supports 4K (4096×276 at 60 fps) video playback. For audio, the device supports 7.1 and 5.1 surround sound from Dolby Atmos audio. For storing your apps and video recordings the device carries 8GB of internal storage. However, you can easily expand the storage up to 128GB using microSD card or up to 2TB via external portable hard disk.
As for connectivity, the Airtel Internet TV set-top box got Wi-Fi 802.11ac 2×2 MIMO 2.4/5.0 GHz and Bluetooth 4.1 options. Along with it, you also get a number of HDMI, USB 3.0, Audio in and out and microSD slot. One advanced feature packed with the remote is the built-in Google Voice Search. You can simply click on the mic icon on the remote, say ‘Ok Google‘ and ask to do various tasks. Like switching channels, playing a movie from Netflix or recording a show.
As the device is built on Android TV platform, you have access to android TV-specific apps and games from Google Play store. Like the Gamepad App allows you to use your smartphone as a controller to play games installed on TV. You can pause-Live TV shows and watch it later without ads. It also comes built-in with Chromecast support, so you can stream your videos and other media content from mobile, PC or web directly to your TV.
Airtel Internet TV Tariff and Plans
Coming to the actual plan and tariff details, Airtel Internet TV comes with access to more than 500 HD and SD TV channels. You also get premium access to Airtel movies, Eros Now and Netflix on a trial basis. Currently, Airtel Internet TV comes with two pricing option Rs 4999 and Rs 7999. You can either purchase the product from Airtel website or from Amazon India.
With the Rs 4999 Airtel Internet TV option you get the set-top box, access to all HD and SD channels for 3 months, Eros Now premium subscription for 3 months and one month trial to Netflix. Whereas if you pay Rs 7999, you get 12 months access to all HD and SD channels on DTH along with all the benefits from Rs 4999 option. If you are an Airtel broadband customer, you can get up to 25 GB free data usage by registering to MyAirtel app.
The Airtel Internet TV requires either a wired or Wi-Fi broadband internet connection or a 4G hotspot. Airtel recommends a minimum broadband speed of 4 Mbps for a smooth streaming experience. There is no additional data consumption if you are watching DTH channels. But if you are using any internet based services or watching videos online then you will incur data charges as per your data plan.
Airtel Internet TV Features
- Android TV-powered Hybrid set-top box.
- Access to regular DTH services with HD and SD channels.
- Access to internet based services such as YouTube, Netflix, Airtel Movies and more.
- 4K video playback support.
- 7.1 and 5.1 surround sound from Dolby Atmos audio.
- App and Games from Google Play store.
- Inbuilt 4K Chromecast support to stream content from your laptop, tablet or mobile phone directly to your TV.
- Inbuilt Wi-Fi and Bluetooth feature.
- Play, pause and record Live TV channels.
Do note that a regular Airtel Digital TV dish antenna will also be part of the Airtel Internet TV connection. If you are already an Airtel Digital TV subscriber, you can upgrade your existing STBs to Airtel Internet TV STB.