Oct 17, 2008 10:21 PM
11483 Views
(Updated Oct 28, 2008 08:30 AM)
I'd be the first person to share my experience with AIRTEL DIGITAL DTH, the recently launched Direct-To-Home service from AIRTEL. (While the commercial launch happened on 07 Oct 08, several persons I know have been using the service since the "soft launch" happened on 03 July 08). The Press Release for the launch is below this review - do go through same to get a detailed idea of the features etc.
SET-TOP BOX PURCHASE was done in less than 5 minutes on October 17, 2008 around 3pm after which I called the call centre (Toll free 1800-102-8080).
INSTALLATION APPOINTMENT was easily done over phone - the call centre agent (LAWRENCE DSOUZA) was extremely professional and courteous, taking me through the entire sales, usage, customer a/c generation process online. However I feel it was worth the 37 minutes spent on the call as this saved a lot of time in getting the services activated, later. The installation appointment was fixed for the following day, however the technical engineer arrived the SAME DAY OF PURCHASE - 17 Oct at 6:30 pm! Now if that is not prompt service then I dont know what is ! However the installation could not be completed, due to a power cut which occurred in my area that evening for almost 1½ hours. So the actual installation had to be fixed for the following day, October 18 2008 .
Like the previous day, the technical engineer arrived early (09:15 instead of the scheduled 10:00 hrs). Hope this enthusiasm remains with the Airtel Digital guys and is not an initial-launch-euphoria !
PROFESSIONAL STAFF - the two engineers (JAHANGIR & VINEET) were extremely skilled in what they had to do - complete end-to-end installation and alignment of the dish were done in 15 mins flat! I have seen a Dish TV engineer take 3.5 hours to get the basics in place (no signals being received) in Kolkata, last year. So this level of expertise was really a breath of fresh air!
ACTIVATION was done in 30 mins flat - the engineer had a GPRS enabled wide-screen Nokia E62, which allowed him to do an online activation (unlike TATA SKY and DISH TV engineers who dial heir call centre and wait in queue for an activation request which would happen in 2-6 hours - I have experienced both TATA SKY in 2007 and DISH TV in 2008).
PACKAGE selected -SOUTH TREAT- provides around 110 channels and 10 interactive services.
QUALITY OF RECEPTION is really great, as the entire video is MPEG4 based (unlike TATA SKY and DISH TV who rely on MPEG1/2 standards). Audio is crystal clear, with DVD quality sound.
RAIN PROOF - Airtel uses a slightly larger dish, with 2 satellie uploads - to prevent possible disruptions of picture signals during rain (which happens quite often with TATA SKY).
WORLD SPACE RADIO - an added advantage, as one can use the RF cable (audio & video in one plug as existing cable operators supply) and use the Left/Right connectors to connect the Set-top box to a music system. This allows one to use the WORLD SPACE RADIO service on a music system, without keeping the TV switched on (however to select the WS Radio one may need to use the TV screen and then switch if off, once channel selected). None of the other DTH Operators in India - TATA SKY, DISH TV, DD DIRECT, SUN DIRECT or RELIANCE BIG TV - offer a radio service (worth Rs 1800) free of cost.
So to end if you want professional service, quick activations, latest-technology video, disruption-free viewing, free satellite radio.... go for AIRTEL DIGITAL DTH service.
--------- AIRTEL PRESS RELEASE ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Airtel makes its television debut - Set to redefine home entertainment with Airtel digital TV.
-Airtel digital TV to be available in 62 cities in first phase
MPEG4 standard with DVB S2 technology offers high audio, video quality and ensures system in HD ready
For the first time a universal remote for both Set Top Box and TV to offer enhanced customer convenience
Wide range of channels and interactive applications
20% larger dish antenna offers better performance during rains
October 7, 2008: Bharti Airtel Limited today announced the launch of Airtel digital TV, its Direct-to-Home (DTH) Satellite TV service. Airtel digital TV, which is a perfect blend of latest technology, unique features, and great content, promises to redefine the digital home entertainment experience. The service will be available to customers through 21, 000 retail points including Airtel Relationship Centres in 62 cities across the country starting October 9, 2008.
On the occasion, Manoj Kohli, CEO and Jt. MD, Bharti Airtel, said, “Today we are starting a new chapter in our journey, one that adds a new dimension to our existing product portfolio and is a major step towards transforming Airtel from just a telecom brand to a lifestyle enabler. The launch of Airtel digital TV is the culmination of our three screens strategy, which is to be present across mobile phone, computer and TV screens.”
Atul Bindal, President, Telemedia Services, Bharti Airtel, added, “We believe that the Indian DTH segment offers immense growth potential going forward. Given our deep understanding of Indian customer, we believe that Airtel has created an excellent product offering. With added benefits of Airtel’s strong brand equity and wide distribution network, we are well placed to emerge as a leading player in this segment.”
Airtel digital TV uses the latest MPEG4 standard with DVB S2 technology, which translates into exceptional picture clarity and consistent high quality audio for the customer. This latest technology also enables delivery of more complex interactive content and is High Definition ready. Also, Airtel digital TV uses 20% larger dish antenna that offers better performance during rain.
Besides the latest technology, Airtel digital TV brings many firsts to the DTH segment in India:
Universal remote for both Set Top Box and TV that offers enhanced viewer convenience;
Highest Set Top Box memory enabling more interactive applications;
Exclusive content such as World space Radio;
Interactive applications such as iMatinee (Book cinema tickets), iTravel (Browse and book travel packages), iShop (Shop on TV for your favorite brands), iCity (Get your city’s information) and
Widgets (Update yourself on latest stock news). 8 screen
iNews, 2 / 4 screen iSports.
Amazing games with high quality graphics, refreshed every 6 weeks
Audio gain control for uniform audio levels across all channels
Simple and intuitive search
On screen account meter
Last viewed channel in case of power disruption/switch off
Low battery indicator on the screen
These great viewing experience and unique features are backed by 24x7 customer care available in 8 different languages and a team of 800 professionally trained service engineers.
