Aug 02, 2020 05:27 PM
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(Updated Aug 03, 2020 12:58 PM)
In short: Don’t upgrade to Xtreme box. HD DVR is the best Airtel DTH has got for now. Why? Read on…
Xtreme Box ad impressed me with its 4K and Dolby Atoms capability, with added OTT content, all in same device. I upraded to it as I can get DTH and OTT, all in one device. But, to my surprise, the device has the following problems:
Audio issues:
Airtel Xtreme box has a major flaw with the audio output. Irrespective of the input signal, this box is converting every channel audio into 5.1 signal, without sending the original telecasted audio format.
SD Channels: Instead of stereo output, Xstreme box, converts the signal to 5.1. But, in actual, only the front 2 speakers play sound and rest all speakers are mute. Only the signal is 5.1 without audio in rear channels, so my AVR assumes its 5.1 and plays it as it is, only in front 2 speakers. My AVR can upscale a stereo audio into 5.1 effect, but, as the input it’s receiving is faulty 5.1, my AVR isn't able to upscale the signal to 5.1.
HD Channels: for Dolby Digital and higher format audio, the signal is 5.1, but the rear speakers are just replicating the front stereo audio, and not playing the actual surround sounds.
Important of all, the main reason why I opted for Xstreme box is for OTT platforms like Amazon prime and Netflix:
Netflix audio is OK. But, Amazon Prime signal shows 5.1, but the audio isn't played in rear speakers.
Picture Issues:
After switching on Xtreme box, my TV screen blinks repeatedly. I'll have to power off and then on few times to correct the display. But, I’ve noticed that the picture quality of the Xtreme box is better compared to my HD DVR.
I tried all the different audio settings suggested, but to no avail.
I have checked online if its with my box only. But I see there are forums online which are discussing the same issue since 2019 without any resolution from airtel side. It seems the device design is faulty as its converting every audio signal, irrespective of input audio, stereo or dolby into 5.1 with muting 3 speakers. This is confirmed by Airtel's senior technician.
Finally, after repeated emails, calls and escalations, I returned Xtreme box and got back my old HD DVR. Though all the Customer care and visiting technicians were absolutely annoying and illiterate about the HD audio issues, the TSM(Territory Service Manager), Hyd has been of immense help, who patiently understood my issue and helped in downgrading and revoking my free recording topup.
Pros of HD DVR over Xtreme Box:
HD DVR has inbuilt hard disk with recording feature. Record one channel, while you watch another channel. This is very helpful, you can schedule to record a program in your absence. You can fast forward the ads and watch only the program, thus saving time. Xtereme box hasn’t yet enabled recording feature and can be done only with external USB drive.
Favourite List. HD DVR has 4 users profiles with ability to store 15 channels in each. So, you don’t have to remember the channel numbers. Browse through only your subscribed channels. Though changing to other user is difficult, but as of now its best the airtel has got. Xtreme box has no facility to store your subscribed channels. So you’ll have to remember the 3 digit channel number for every subscribed channel in your pack or will have to deal with browsing through all unsubscribed channels to reach your channel. I felt atleast in their android app, they’ll have a feature to save favourites. But surprisingly, they didn’t.
Free recording topup for life. All other HD boxes of Airtel has external USB drive for recording and you’ll have to pay Rs.33/month for enabling recording feature. Its only HD DVR with inbuilt hard disk for which recording top up is free for life.
