Apr 17, 2008 04:43 PM
17691 Views
(Updated Apr 17, 2008 04:48 PM)
After repeated followups finally I got this BSNL(IOL) IPTV installed, they took nearly 21/2 months from the date I registered.
Good things first.
Installation charges have been reduced from Rs 850&to 600 odd.
No monthly rental until they increase the channels to 150. Later it will be 150Rs per month
No rental for STB for same the above reason. Later it will be 100Rs per month if we didn't buy the STB.
Currently I am able to see 80 channels, you can get the list in their website.
I am yet to have my first bill, but this is what they have told me.
Now the bad part where they need to work a lot to improve.
It takes hell lot of time to change channels, anywhere between 2 seconds to 10 seconds, keeps varying.
IOL says it's normal and&we can't do anything about it.
Image freezes some time(Much more than my Tatasky does)
Quality of the picture is poorer than DTH(Tatasky)
During scenes where there is fast movement of change in picture, you will see pixels. this could be because of bandwidth throttling.
The STB(Set top box) takes nearly 1 1/2 minute to boot some times 1 minute.(Tatasky does boot in less than 15 seconds)
this will matter&especially where there are&power cuts, even&for few &seconds.&you will get frustrated seeing the STB taking your time.
There is no option to connect the IPTV to your laptop, all they give is a cheap STB named Amino which you can plug to a TV.(AV out and S-Video out)
I ended up buying a Pinnacle PCTV-50e USB2 external TV Card for Rs 3, 150)
I could have saved if the STB had some interface or software.
Remote has many buttons but of no use( They might introduce those features in future)
No program guide / info on current programs.(They are very well managed in Tatasky)
Some of the TV channels are in mono audio.
VOD, movies on demand seems to be very limited in numbers and are quite old.
No language options.(In Tatasky one can alternate between Hindi and English for many channels)
All in all I feel&it's not the right time to try BSNL IPTV, one should wait for reliance IPTV, I was amazed with the features, check it out https://rcom.co.in/iptv/index.html
I went for this thinking to say good bye to Tatasky for it's premium prices, but now I feel it's worth the money I am paying, it has never failed for nearly 2 years of my subscription, crystal clear picture and voice, language options, program guide and program info, efficient customer care, online access.
Now I have to find out how to surrender back this IPTV:) I am sure it won't be as&easy as I booked it&:)
I might be made to run from pillar to post:)
Will update this review as I get more inputs till they take it back.
