DDF Exclusive Airtel Xstream Box Hands On! Review

[k2max6]

Update - Didn’t have any microSD card earlier so couldn’t test it. Luckily found one 16gb microSD card in a drawer. Inserted the microSD card in the slot and set it to use as system. Now it is showing as shared internal storage.
Tip - it has to be inserted with topside down,

 

[Optimus_Prime]

@k2max6 bro,
Is there any wynk music app in this box ?

 

[narender reddy]

Bro, in my xtream box pics resolution showing only 4k . Is it default for 4k tv..

 

[bigbyte]

Thanks a lot.
Here you go -

Thanks a lot fir posting the screenshots. It gives the accurate idea about the hardware of this box.

I must say that I am disappointed with Airtel as even after 3 years they launched new box with almost nil improvement in hardware. I checked the Geekbench listing of this box and compared it with earlier box. The new box has hardly 10% improvement in hardware performance over Airtel internet TV box. What it means that with time and as more apps are installed this box will also become laggy like old box.

Airtel could have launched the box with modern STB optimized chipsets like Amlogic S905X3 or others. Quad core processor with at 4gb RAM, 16 gb in built storage, Bluetooth 5.0 are absolute minimum these days. Amlogic S905X3 box are being sold for similar price point on Chinese e-com sites.

 

[k2max6]

@k2max6 bro,
Is there any wynk music app in this box ?

Nope. ( Strange)
Gaana, Spotify and Google play music are available.

Bro, in my xtream box pics resolution showing only 4k . Is it default for 4k tv..

If you have a 4K tv it will default to 4k, thats how it is supposed to be. DTH HD channels are upscaled as well as the HD OTT content.
You can play 4k content from netflix and prime video.

 

[DonJon]

Thanks a lot fir posting the screenshots. It gives the accurate idea about the hardware of this box.

I must say that I am disappointed with Airtel as even after 3 years they launched new box with almost nil improvement in hardware. I checked the Geekbench listing of this box and compared it with earlier box. The new box has hardly 10% improvement in hardware performance over Airtel internet TV box. What it means that with time and as more apps are installed this box will also become laggy like old box.

Airtel could have launched the box with modern STB optimized chipsets like Amlogic S905X3 or others. Quad core processor with at 4gb RAM, 16 gb in built storage, Bluetooth 5.0 are absolute minimum these days. Amlogic S905X3 box are being sold for similar price point on Chinese e-com sites.

1) @k2max6 bro , Can you check by installing 25+ apps including casual games and OTT apps... can you share your experience on lag or sluggishness.
2) Can we install apps on MicroSD as Internal Storage ? If yes then how is the experience ( speed and lag ) of apps installed on MicroSD.

 

[Z51333]

Thanks a lot fir posting the screenshots. It gives the accurate idea about the hardware of this box.

I must say that I am disappointed with Airtel as even after 3 years they launched new box with almost nil improvement in hardware. I checked the Geekbench listing of this box and compared it with earlier box. The new box has hardly 10% improvement in hardware performance over Airtel internet TV box. What it means that with time and as more apps are installed this box will also become laggy like old box.

Airtel could have launched the box with modern STB optimized chipsets like Amlogic S905X3 or others. Quad core processor with at 4gb RAM, 16 gb in built storage, Bluetooth 5.0 are absolute minimum these days. Amlogic S905X3 box are being sold for similar price point on Chinese e-com sites.

Thing is you need a manufacturer that can manage and launch hybrid boxes (DVB-S2, IPTV, OTT), as well as chipsets with all the security needed (CAS).
And Broadcom are currently the best, and Technicolor exclusively launches with Broadcom.

S905X3 is good for OTT only STB.

 

[DonJon]

@k2max6 Also can we Connect Laptop wireless display to TV via Xstream?

 

[goodlord]

1.
a) Download the apk of the app on your pc. Copy it to a pendrive.
b) Go to google play store and install any file manager.
c) Connect the pendrive; Open the file manager and then open external storage in it. Locate the apk file where you stored. Open it.
It will ask for additional permission and open a settings windows. Allow it using the on screen toggle.
d) Click on install again. Done

2. Someone suggested me to test a Live TV app. I did , it works. Other than this all apps are chargeable for instance Zee5, Sony LIV and hotstar ofcourse for Zee/Sony/Star group channels respectively. (Zee5 as a separate app access is free with airtel thanks)

1. Yes
2. Yes (2 USB ports)
3. Yes ( to provide internet to box not the other way)
4. No , as per Airtel. But haven’t tested as the balance has to go low for the test to work. That being said the OTT content still works if it is unable to receive DTH signals as long as internet is there.

On point 4, how can OTT apps work when the box gets locked? I mean, what is the use of the OTT apps working if you can't access the box because it is locked?

 

[k2max6]

On point 4, how can OTT apps work when the box gets locked? I mean, what is the use of the OTT apps working if you can't access the box because it is locked?

I think you misunderstood. As I said the box still works i.e the OTT content still works in case of no DTH signal. I never said it gets locked. I said the box may stop working completely or the DTH part only in case of no balance , but will have to wait a few days till the time my balance runs out and I can test the theory.
Airtel does however expect you to recharge your DTH account , this being an hybrid set top box.