News is coming in that Airtel has launched their HD DVR set top box in India at a price tag of INR 4890. The recorder has 320 GB of hard disk space which will let you record up to 550 hours of SD content. The recorder features are similar to that of TataSky+ HD and is available to be ordered online, call center or retail outlets.
The have an upgrade offer for their SD customers under which they can upgrade to the new HD DVR STB by paying INR 3990. Unfortunately, this offer is not available to HD or SD DVR customers.
Also, Star’s AsliHD channels are not yet available on Airtel. Coupled with high price compared to TataSky+ HD with more recording space, this looks like a lame move by Airtel yet again.
No images have been revealed as of now. We will update this post once we get a hold of any.
You can buy the new STB online here.
UPDATE: You can check out the features on the new microsite here. Continue reading for pics and specification.
As per the microsite & the press release, the DVR is 3D ready, however, you will need a 3D TV to watch the 3D content whenever it is available on Airtel. It also supports 1080p resolution, however, since we only have 1080i HD transmission as of now, it will work in 1080i mode until Airtel starts 1080p transmission. I guess 1080p is required for 3D and that is why it is supported. Also worth mentioning is that the device is Dolby Digital Plus ready and supports up to 7.1 channels.
Airtel currently offers National Geographic HD, Discovery HD World & Movies Now in HD.
Here are some pics:
Here is the list of ports on the DVR:
- 2 USB ports – 1 in rear panel, 1 in side panel
- Left & Right RCA Audio output.
- Digital S/PDIF Optical, to connect to your Home Theater
- Composite Video output
- HDMI
- Component Video output
- RF Out
- LAN/Ethernet Port
- DC Inlet
- Two Satellite Signal Input
- Smart Card Slot
- PCMCIA module
[via airtel.in & saveondish]
