Airtel Digital TV today launched Internet TV, which is an Android TV box that is developed by LG that also offers 500 satellite TV channels. Airtel says that this is the first India’s first Hybrid DTH Set-top box. It comes pre-loaded with Netflix, YouTube, Google Play Music, Google Play Games, Airtel Movies and more apps. Since there is Google Play, you can install more apps and games. It is also compatible with Dolby Surround Sound Audio.
It has Wi-Fi 802.11ac 2×2 MIMO (2.4/5.0 GHz), Bluetooth 4.1 LE, comes with Bluetooth-based remote control and also has Google voice search feature so that you can search for content by simply telling the remote and choose from a variety of content sources. It has a Ethernet port, HDMI 2.0 with HDCP2.2, USB 3.0 and USB 2.0.
It supports 4K content from Netflix and other sources, lets live TV shows to be paused, recorded or even rewind. You can store or play content from microSD card or USB. Android TV lets you Cast movies & TV shows and more – from Android, iOS, Mac, Windows or Chromebook easily.
You can also connect physical game controllers, or even smartphones as a game pad with Internet TV.
Airtel Internet TV requires a broadband or a 4G hotspot connection. Airtel recommends a minimum speed of 4 Mbps for a smooth online experience. It also has a regular Airtel Digital TV dish antenna to receive TV channels.
Airtel Internet TV is priced at Rs. 4999 with 3 month Digital TV subscription. As a limited period offer Rs. 7999 offers one year subscription with all HD and SD channels, 3 months Eros Now subscription and 1 month Netflix trail.
Existing Airtel Digital TV customers can also upgrade their existing STBs to ‘Internet TV’ STB at Rs. 3,999 so that your existing DTH box will be replaced by Airtel Internet TV box. Airtel is offering upto 25GB additional data for home Airtel broadband customers when they register for myHOME on MyAirtel app.
After free preview period, All SD channels will be available at Rs. 500 per month. All HD and SD channels at Rs. 700 per month or it can be taken through HD MyPack.
It is available exclusively on Amazon.in starting today in select cities and will be available via Airtel Digital TV touch points – retail stores,website, contact centers soon.
Commenting on the launch, Sunil Taldar, CEO & Director – DTH, Bharti Airtel said:
Growing broadband penetration is driving the popularity of online content, particularly in urban homes, and with Airtel ‘Internet TV’ we are bringing world-class content from the web and much more to the TV screen. This latest innovation has been designed keeping in mind the needs of Indian homes and it bridges the gap between online and offline worlds to enable an end to end entertainment experience with the convenience of a single device.
We will continue to add exciting content platforms to Airtel ‘Internet TV’ and invite customers to experience this innovative offering.
Reed Hastings, Co-founder and CEO of Netflix, said:
India is one of the most important and vibrant countries in the world and we are delighted to be teaming up with Airtel to make it much easier for consumers to enjoy Netflix. In the months and years to come, we look forward to bringing our Indian members more compelling stories from all over the world, an ever-improving viewing experience and incredible joy.