Airtel Xstream VS Airtel Internet TV: A Comparison
As users are watching content online, there has been a sudden surge in viewership of OTT platforms, as compared to cable TV. Many brands like Airtel have introduced the concept of the smart stick, which helps users watch online content on their TV. But, with Airtel DTH, you would not need a firestick or any external device to connect to your TV. So, if you’re confused about Airtel Xstream Vs Airtel Internet TV, we’ll provide an in-depth comparison that can help!
The Difference Between Airtel TV & Airtel Xstream
As an Android TV box, the Airtel Xstream Box is powered by the Android operating system. As a result, you’ll be able to download and watch videos from any OTT platform of your choice using this app.
There is an HD set-top box that links to the dish antenna in order to watch Internet TV. If you don’t have an internet connection, you can’t access it. The built-in Chromecast allows us to stream material from other devices and even cast their displays. Playing games downloaded from the Google Play Store may also be done on Airtel Internet TV.
Airtel TV Vs Airtel Xstream: An Overview
The idea of both Airtel TV and Airtel Xstream is to provide unlimited entertainment to the customers. However, there are a few differences in how they work.
Airtel TV
Airtel TV uses state-of-the-art technology and comes with built-in Netflix, Chromecast, and YouTube. It is powered by Android TV, and you can get access to thousands of Android apps. You do not require a dongle, firestick, or a dish for this TV.
The Airtel Internet TV box comes 4K ready, Dolby Atmos support for which you will require the necessary set up to get the experience. The TV also has HDMI 2.0, Optical SPDIF audio out, one USB (3.0) port in the front and one in the back (2.0), Bluetooth 4.1, Wi-fi 802.11ac, and an Ethernet port.
It supports MPEG-2, MPEG-4, MP-4, MP4, MOV, MKV, H.265, H.264, MC, VC-1, VP9, WMV, AVI, FLV, and 3GP. The device has an 8GB internal storage which is expandable upto 128GB. You can also use the microSD card slot.
Airtel Xstream
The Airtel Xstream Box combines satellite TV and over-the-top (OTT) programming. Customers have the option of selecting from over 500 TV stations. It also gives you access to the Airtel Xstream app as well as other OTT services like Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, Zee5, Hooq, Hoi Choi, ShemaroomMe, and Curiosity Stream. Users also have access to the Wynk Music library, which has over 6 million songs.
The set-top box runs Android 9.0 and lets users install popular apps like Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, and YouTube. The smart set-top box includes Wi-Fi, a built-in Chromecast, and Bluetooth connectivity. Voice search is supported with the universal remote.
Airtel Xstream Box vs Airtel Digital TV: Pricing Plans
Airtel is known for offering competitive prices, however, their pricing packaging for Xstream and Airtel TV vary greatly.
Airtel TV
Here are the plans and channel lists available:
| Price | Validity | Offering |
|---|---|---|
| Rs. 4,999 | 3 months of content plan | All SD and HD channels |
| Rs. 7999 | 365 days subscription | All SD and HD channels |
You do not necessarily require Airtel 4G or wired broadband, any internet with a speed of a minimum of 4 MBPS will work. Moreover, if you are using Airtel Broadband, then you will receive an additional 10GB of data per month.
You won’t get free internet with the device to access the online apps. To access all the online goodness, you simply have to connect the TV to the internet through Wifi, or by plugging in the ethernet cable.
Airtel Xstream
To use Airtel Xstream, you need to purchase a set-top box, which costs ₹3,600, but is currently on discount on the Airtel website and is available for ₹2,150. Along with the box, you can select the plan of your choice from the options given below:
| Price | Validity | Offering |
|---|---|---|
| Rs. 384 | 1 month | 90 channels |
| Rs. 462 | 1 month | 135 channels |
Moreover, as Airtel Xsteam offers access to OTT platforms as well, you can choose from the following add-ons:
| Price | Offering |
|---|---|
| FREE | Free Xstream Subscription for 30 Days with Airtel Black and for 90 Days with Others |
| Rs. 899 | Free Xstream Subscription (as above) + Disney plus Hotstar Super for 365 Days |
| Rs. 999 | Free Xstream Subscription (as above) + Disney plus Hotstar Super and Zee5 for 365 Days |
| Rs. 1499 | Amazon Prime for 12 months |
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Airtel TV vs Airtel Xstream: Features & Functionalities
Both Airtel TV and Airtel Xstream are known for offering unlimited entertainment, however, the features and functionalities of both differ.
Airtel TV
Below are the features and functions of this setup.
1. TV
If compared to airtel Digital TV, the internet TV has a similar remote as Airtel Digital TVs remote. The setup box of the Internet TV is a little shorter and wider in comparison to the Digital TV. The main TV has no buttons except for a power button.
The smart card goes into a slot on the right side of the device rather than the back of the device. Since the TV has just LED indicators and no extra buttons, it is fully operated on the remote. The remote has a red airtel button, which opens up the navigation menu, it is also the first thing that is shown after the device is started.
2. Remote
The remote of Airtel Internet TV’s set-top box has a voice search button. This button allows you to voice command the TV to search for a specific channel/ recording/ series. This is very handy if you don’t want to search through the entire menu or do not remember its number.
You can also use this feature on the android apps on your TV.
The four-way navigation keypad in the center of the device can be used in Games and browse which content is displayed on which channel without tapping on it.
If you have the latest version of the remote with a trackpad, you can use that to go from one channel to the other, swipe up and down, and navigate on the screen. The Back button can go back to a previous menu page or channel. It can also be used to switch to Live TV from Chromecast.
3. UI
The UI of Airtel Internet TV is pretty easy to understand and use. As soon as you start the device, you see a few apps on the top of the screen on a carousel. You can see a description of a current show/movie, what’s coming up next, as you browse through one channel to the other. The menu option has 10 options in a clear listicle format for easy navigation.
4. TV Guide
TV Guide is where you will get all your TV channels sorted by genre (Movies, Entertainment, Infotainment), along with an app section that shows Netflix, Airtel Movies, and Airtel Games.
Under “Favorites” you can make a list of your favorite channels. Airtel Movies and games are not connected to the television, Google play store, or Netflix and have a separate subscription.
You can customize your profile under “My Profile” and add multiple users with their separate profiles, much like Netflix. You can view your previously recorded shows, and scheduled recordings in the menu option.
5. Netflix
Netflix works pretty much the same as it would on the web. It uses its own keypad for searching and typing on the screen. You can use the voice search feature of the remote in this app.
6. Chromecast
The built-in Chromecast, Mirroring, lets you stream content from any app on your phone, tablet, desktop, or laptop that has a cast feature. You can cast content easily via the settings option.
If you are watching TV and connect to casting, it will automatically switch to Chromecast mode. If you disconnect the cast it will automatically switch to the previous screen. You can also switch screens by pressing the back button, and if you press the Live button, you will be switched to the Live TV.
7. Android home
Powered by Android TV, the Airtel Internet TV allows access to the Android interface by pressing the White Circle button. Once you press on it, you can see Google Play Music, Play Movies, YouTube as well as broadcast television’s program guide on the top of the screen.
You can navigate and search for content on these apps through the voice search or use the on-screen keyboard. You will first have to launch the Android TV experience and then launch YouTube to watch YouTube videos online.
8. Games
The Gamepad app is a virtual gamepad that can be used to play games on the Internet TV. It is launched by Airtel for Android and iOS and can be used as a virtual remote for the set-top box. You can use it on TV or Android mode for typing on-screen, and more.
9. Settings
The Settings menu has Aspect Ratio, Parental Lock, Device Resolution, IP, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi. For more setting options, you can go to “Android Settings”.
If you are currently using Airtel DTH and want to upgrade your Airtel TV box, you will get an additional Rs.1000 off.
Airtel Xstream
Here are some of the most prominent features and functionalities of Airtel Xstream:
- Use the Airtel Xstream App to Binge
One of the hybrid-set-top box’s selling points is its support for OTT apps. Airtel has collaborated with OTT platforms such as ZEE, ShemarooMe, Hungama Play, Hooq, and others to provide consumers with access to over 10,000 movies and TV series in 13 languages. In addition, the telco recently teamed with Lionsgate to deliver Hollywood films via Lionsgate Play to India. You have access to Netflix, ZEE5, and Amazon Prime Video, but you must pay extra for them.
- Voice Control
The set-top box is powered by Android 9 Pie and includes Google Assistant functionality. The remote is voice-enabled, which means you may ask the Assistant to perform various things such as changing volume and channels, playing songs and movies, and so on.
- The App Store
Because it runs on Android, you also have access to the Google Play Store. The shop contains over 5,000 programs, games, and other items that may be downloaded. Google Play Movies, Google Play Games, and Google Play Music are also supported. You can get Spotify, Google Chrome, and other apps.
- Chromecast Built-in
You may mirror the material on the smartphone screen to the TV using the built-in Chromecast functionality. This might range from video games to images and videos. Apps such as Amazon Prime Video allow you to cast movies and TV shows from your phone to your big screen TV.
- Make Your Smartphone a Remote
You can now use your smartphone as a remote control by downloading the Smart Remote App. This allows you to use your phone as a gamepad to play games. You may also use the phone as a remote to control the set-top box.
Airtel Digital TV to Xstream: How To Upgrade
Airtel Digital TV customers will have two options for upgrading to Xstream: purchase the Xstream Box 4K or the Xstream Stick, both of which cost Rs 3,999. To clarify, the business is now offering its DTH subscribers a special price of Rs 2,249 to upgrade to the 4K TV box.
Except for the TV channels, the Airtel Xstream Stick will offer the same features as the Xstream box for Rs 999 per year. The first 30 days of the subscription are free. Those who want to watch TV channels will also require a DTH set-top box and an active internet connection. In this case, it’s recommended to get a new Airtel DTH connection.
Airtel Xstream Vs Digital TV: Which Is Better?
Airtel Internet TV is a great device if you stream content online and watch DTH regularly. The in-built apps have good functionality and have useful features like voice search, mirroring, etc.
It is beneficial for those who would love to stream Netflix and other apps on a large screen. Keep in mind, a subscription for apps is not included in the cost of the set-top box. The prices are reasonable for what they offer, and the existing Airtel customers can benefit from their offers.