10-29-2008, 04:31 PM
Hello all... firstly, let me introduce myself... Raj from Mumbai.. previous Tata Sky owner, now with Airtel Digital TV.
I had been using Tata Sky since a week after it launched and was pretty satisfied with the service. However, when Airtel launched DTH service, I was keen on having Airtel, with its repute for excellent service and very pleasant personal experiences with the company's products like cellular service and broadband service... After a quick demonstration, I bought it and after using it for about 2 weeks, here are my inputs...
Hardware: Pretty Good
The look of STB is sleek and very hip. The remort bears a bit standard old TV look, but it very light weight and easy to maneuver. Navigation is fast and on the lines of Tata Sky, and the universal facility is a respite from having to lug around 2 remorts. Havent yet had the time to test the USB (sorry!) Overall, pretty good.
Interface: Excellent
The interface or the software is a BIG plus. Its simplicity and convenience is astounding. Its something on the lines of what Tata Sky had earlier on their "HOME" menu.. But this one doesnt hang and has a great response time.
Picture quality: Excellent
I was thrilled with the quality. Tata Sky was good, but this seems slightly better on my 60 inch Projection LCD TV (Bravia, Sony). Impressive.
Sound quality: Pretty Good
I wouldnt claim that this a big plus, but the audio is on par with the Tata Sky I owned previously. Worldspace feature is awesome, although I have the individual equipment for Worldspace and pay separately for that, its a huge plus for those who dont. They'll miss Radio Jhankaar (The Most Hip Hindi Channel on Worldspace) but the mere inclusion of 10 other channels at a slight more cost is a rewarding bargain.
Additional features: Pretty good
I'll be frank on this one, I havent really had the time to through all the iShop and such features, but I've been through the iNews section and some other stuff and I have to say that it does seem very attractive and efficient. I'm guessing that they'll be adding a couple of features to it soon and I hope they're still as good.
Installation: Swift!
I purchased the unit on the 14th, tuesday afternoon at around 4:00 and got an installation slot at 6:00pm the very next day. The installation was done in less than an hour (10mt distance from terrace to the TV) and the package was immediately activated.
Manpower: Friendly.
Two guys, dressed in Red Tees and Navy Blue trousers came in 10 mins late (which is forgivable). However, the guys got to work immediately. They had good, high quality, efficient tools and were well versed with thier Job Description. After installation, the senior guy gave a small demo (considering we were familiar with Tata Sky) and enthusiatically answered questions and queries (More from my folks, rather than me!) They were patient and friendly people and also left their numbers, in case we needed any assitance after getting to know the product better.
Overall Report:
The big change from Tata Sky to Airtel Digital TV was a doubtful thought on the lines that, it might not live upto the expectations. However, I'm glad to inform, that its absolutely satisfactory. All my doubts have vanished. Airtel DTH in all aspects has a very good product to offer. I am very pleased to have made this change.
Hopefully, my review helps some guys looking to subscribe to this service.
P.S: Mr. Channel, Dish and the other affiliated people here, I love the work you've done here and the centralised discussions on various DTH services is very helpful. Great Job Guys! Keep it up.
I had been using Tata Sky since a week after it launched and was pretty satisfied with the service. However, when Airtel launched DTH service, I was keen on having Airtel, with its repute for excellent service and very pleasant personal experiences with the company's products like cellular service and broadband service... After a quick demonstration, I bought it and after using it for about 2 weeks, here are my inputs...
Hardware: Pretty Good
The look of STB is sleek and very hip. The remort bears a bit standard old TV look, but it very light weight and easy to maneuver. Navigation is fast and on the lines of Tata Sky, and the universal facility is a respite from having to lug around 2 remorts. Havent yet had the time to test the USB (sorry!) Overall, pretty good.
Interface: Excellent
The interface or the software is a BIG plus. Its simplicity and convenience is astounding. Its something on the lines of what Tata Sky had earlier on their "HOME" menu.. But this one doesnt hang and has a great response time.
Picture quality: Excellent
I was thrilled with the quality. Tata Sky was good, but this seems slightly better on my 60 inch Projection LCD TV (Bravia, Sony). Impressive.
Sound quality: Pretty Good
I wouldnt claim that this a big plus, but the audio is on par with the Tata Sky I owned previously. Worldspace feature is awesome, although I have the individual equipment for Worldspace and pay separately for that, its a huge plus for those who dont. They'll miss Radio Jhankaar (The Most Hip Hindi Channel on Worldspace) but the mere inclusion of 10 other channels at a slight more cost is a rewarding bargain.
Additional features: Pretty good
I'll be frank on this one, I havent really had the time to through all the iShop and such features, but I've been through the iNews section and some other stuff and I have to say that it does seem very attractive and efficient. I'm guessing that they'll be adding a couple of features to it soon and I hope they're still as good.
Installation: Swift!
I purchased the unit on the 14th, tuesday afternoon at around 4:00 and got an installation slot at 6:00pm the very next day. The installation was done in less than an hour (10mt distance from terrace to the TV) and the package was immediately activated.
Manpower: Friendly.
Two guys, dressed in Red Tees and Navy Blue trousers came in 10 mins late (which is forgivable). However, the guys got to work immediately. They had good, high quality, efficient tools and were well versed with thier Job Description. After installation, the senior guy gave a small demo (considering we were familiar with Tata Sky) and enthusiatically answered questions and queries (More from my folks, rather than me!) They were patient and friendly people and also left their numbers, in case we needed any assitance after getting to know the product better.
Overall Report:
The big change from Tata Sky to Airtel Digital TV was a doubtful thought on the lines that, it might not live upto the expectations. However, I'm glad to inform, that its absolutely satisfactory. All my doubts have vanished. Airtel DTH in all aspects has a very good product to offer. I am very pleased to have made this change.
Hopefully, my review helps some guys looking to subscribe to this service.
P.S: Mr. Channel, Dish and the other affiliated people here, I love the work you've done here and the centralised discussions on various DTH services is very helpful. Great Job Guys! Keep it up.
