Airtel Internet TV reviews pointers appreciated

[yakherder]

I currently have a LED TV connected to my Airtel DTH and chromecast for my media needs. My big problem is that my tv has no audio out (of any kind), a big oversight on my part. I used to use my 2.0 setup for the DTH but could'nt for any streaming with the chromecast. Tried localcast etc. but the experience was not good.
So the current Airtel Internet TV looks very appealing especially since it has audio out (optical etc), comes with chromecast inbuilt and is priced well. For Rs. 8,000/- you get a HD/SD annual plan and if u factor in the current Airtel DTH infinity plans Rs. 5,500/-, then the box costs only Rs. 2,500/- and comes with Neflix (1 month), dolby digital and 4K.
Had earlier thought of going the hdmi audio extractor route but was not convinced of the quality of the cheaper units and the more expensive ones did'nt make sense.
Would appreciate it if anyone could point me to some in depth reviews, first hand experiences, pointers etc.
Thanks.

 

[sam9s]

Your TV does not even have a Headphone jack .??? thats almost impossible. Plus why ain't chromecast not working I could not get it. At first look, Just for Audio out and chromecast spending 8K on another STB, seems a bit waste. Again this is at first look only, I am yet to understand exactly what the problem is here.

 

[yakherder]

I think I would know by now if it had a headphone jack.:sad: My problem is the Chromecast does not have an audio out. Simple enough I hope.
Leads still appreciated. If u read the post u would have realised that the cost of the stb is not really 8 k. Also since I'm already a DTH consumer there is scope of further reduction . Thanks anyways.

 

[sam9s]

I don't factor plan cost in the STB cost, but if you have already decided to go Airtel way, ....just do it ..

 

[VRavichandar]

How does it compare with what Reliance - Jio is planning?

 

[yakherder]

No news on the Jio box and going with my personal experience on the Jio mobile network (data speeds highly erratic) I'm not so sure it would be worth it.
Airtel reps called and said I can have box only as an ugrade since I already have an active annual plan for 4 thousand. Still looks like a good deal and on par pricewise with the fire stick/chromecast.

Only doubt is overall UI experience and Kodi support. Anyone managed to get Kodi on this ? Not many detailed reviews on the net. Though chip seems dated.

Still undecided between this and a dedicated streamer off Ali express maybe.

 

[ItsMe]

Why you need an audio out from a chromecast? Can you please explain?
I have 2 chromecasts, one is used with my AV receiver and giving me HD pic+ 5.1 surround sound. Second one is used with another TV, mainly to watch TV series. I am happy with both setups

 

[psinghal]

No news on the Jio box and going with my personal experience on the Jio mobile network (data speeds highly erratic) I'm not so sure it would be worth it.
Airtel reps called and said I can have box only as an ugrade since I already have an active annual plan for 4 thousand. Still looks like a good deal and on par pricewise with the fire stick/chromecast.

Only doubt is overall UI experience and Kodi support. Anyone managed to get Kodi on this ? Not many detailed reviews on the net. Though chip seems dated.

Still undecided between this and a dedicated streamer off Ali express maybe.

How much did Airtel ask for an upgrade?

Sent from my Le X526 using Tapatalk

 

[yakherder]

Bout 4 thousand if i remember correctly.

 

[AtheK]

I got this, it's pretty decent. Amazon prime and hotstar apps are missing, will try sideloading them.

I have a odd problem though, the HDMI port of the TV seems to be underpowered or something. I have a 20 ft HDMI cable through which i connect my projector, airtel does not send signal to the source. With tata sky i never had this problem, it is sending signal without any issue through a 6ft cable but refuses to budge with 20ft cable, i tried lower resolutions too, same issue. My xbox works fine on the same cable, so cable is not an issue.

 

[yakherder]

Adding this bit for people using Chromecast and Kodi. So Localcast now directly links with Kodi i.e. if i play anything off Kodi it is directly cast to the chromecast (no need for screen mirroring, hacks etc.). Just an aside for those not already aware.

This is a very convenient set up especially since I always have a tablet or phone lying around with Kodi setup.

Decided not to go with the Airtel box for now since its not worth it only for the audio out and since you need to be an active subscriber to use it. Thanks everyone.

 

[indy70]

Adding this bit for people using Chromecast and Kodi. So Localcast now directly links with Kodi i.e. if i play anything off Kodi it is directly cast to the chromecast (no need for screen mirroring, hacks etc.). Just an aside for those not already aware.

This is a very convenient set up especially since I always have a tablet or phone lying around with Kodi setup.

Decided not to go with the Airtel box for now since its not worth it only for the audio out and since you need to be an active subscriber to use it. Thanks everyone.

Smart choice. It is actually a trap as the box is useless without subscription. You will be chained to it. Fire TV stick is a better thing to buy. Wait to see what Jio has to offer or others too. There is nothing leaps and bounds happening on Satellite TV area, it is stuck for a while now. In fact, they will soon lose the game with Smart TV and high bandwidth internet connection and programs that you can watch whenever you like at your pace. You don't need to be stuck with whatever crap comes out of the channels at a particular time especially with annoying repeated ads.