DDF Exclusive Airtel Xstream Box Hands On! Review

[karun kataria]

Do the xstream box volume buttons work while using installed apps?
Or the volume is controlled using tv volume remote?
I basically want to control volume using xstream box volume and not tv volume as i will be using a sound bar which will be connected to xstrem box and not tv.

 

[Optimus_Prime]

Below mentioned live tv channel working fine in amazon slik browser from Airtel xstream website (fire TV stick )

In infotainment category, DD India and BBC earth HD and SD,

In Music Category , Zing and Mix

In kid category Sony Yay

In Movies category , Max SD and HD, max 2, zee bollywood , B4U , Entertain , Dabaang, wow cinema , Zee Talkies , zee Cinema, Pix sd and HD , ktv, sony wah, Zee action , Zee Bangla Cinema

In Entertainment category, Zee tv HD and SD, &TV HD, sony SD and HD, pal, zee anmol, Big Mazik, dangal, Zee Marathi Sd and HD, Zee Yuva, zee Sarthak , Zee bangla SD and HD, sony aath , sony Marathi , AXN SD and HD and the channel from Zee south indian region (can't able to read language )

In sports category , Sony Ten 1, Ten 2 , Ten 3 (SD and HD) , Six HD, ESPN SD and HD .

It's clearly visible that channel from Zee and Sony only working

 

[Sri_ADTV]

HD channels PQ , AQ + All Apps PQ , AQ excellent
for me xstreambox > interent tv

 

[k2max6]

@k2max6 Please share casting experience too, like Casting downloaded videos (any lag or sound mismatch etc) and casting live tv from OTT or casting Airtel Xstream app. What apps or features are restricted in casting

Casting from OTT apps uses chromecast while for casting downloaded videos from phone uses miracast or screen mirroring.
- Chromecast
> Casting works seamlessly and the picture quality is good.
> No lag/sound/ lipsync issues
(Apps that support casting or not, are available on the box AFAIK so it would be far better to play directly on the xstream box.)
- Miracast
> Miracast aka Screen mirroring also works with slightly lower picture quality.There is a noticeable judder when mirroring downloaded videos from phone.Better to use a pen drive for video playback of downloaded videos.

For apps like the xstream app which don’t support casting , mirroring is the only option. Mirroring works and shows the app content as well as plays it, except for “LIVE TV” .

For live tv there are a few apps which can be sideloaded. They offer better picture quality and faster streaming.

Do the xstream box volume buttons work while using installed apps?
Or the volume is controlled using tv volume remote?
I basically want to control volume using xstream box volume and not tv volume as i will be using a sound bar which will be connected to xstrem box and not tv.

The volume buttons always work, whatever may be playing on tv.
As long as you don’t make the xstream box remote learn the tv volume buttons the volume would be controlled via the xstream box for both - apps and DTH. Tell the technician not to configure/ learn the buttons; they have a tendency to do so. Though you can make it learn the tv power button if you want.

 

[karun kataria]

Casting from OTT apps uses chromecast while for casting downloaded videos from phone uses miracast or screen mirroring.
- Chromecast
> Casting works seamlessly and the picture quality is good.
> No lag/sound/ lipsync issues
(Apps that support casting or not are available on the box AFAIK so it would be far better to play directly on the xstream box.)
- Miracast
> Miracast aka Screen mirroring also works with slightly lower picture quality.There is a noticeable judder when mirroring downloaded videos from phone.Better to use a pen drive for video playback of downloaded videos.

For apps like the xstream app which don’t support casting , mirroring is the only option. Mirroring works and shows the app content as well as plays it, except for “LIVE TV” .

For live tv there are a few apps which can be sideloaded. They offer better picture quality and faster streaming.


The volume buttons always work, whatever may be playing on tv.
As long as you don’t make the xstream box remote learn the tv volume buttons the volume would be controlled via the xstream box for both - apps and DTH. Tell the technician not to configure/ learn the buttons; they have a tendency to do so. Though you can make it learn the tv power button if you want.

Thanks

 

[yash_1]

Greetings k2max6,
Can you please support on two queries
1. Steps to sideloaded in Airtel Xstream Box
2. Few Apps for live tv which can be sideloaded, or directly install on Airtel Xstream Box

 

[unirockers]

1.Can we install apks from unknown sources?
2.Can we connect a pendrive to this?
3.Can we connect a network cable to it for internet?
4.Can we use the box fully without any dth recharge?

 

[k2max6]

Greetings k2max6,
Can you please support on two queries
1. Steps to sideloaded in Airtel Xstream Box
2. Few Apps for live tv which can be sideloaded, or directly install on Airtel Xstream Box

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.Can we install apks from unknown sources?
2.Can we connect a pendrive to this?
3.Can we connect a network cable to it for internet?
4.Can we use the box fully without any dth recharge?

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.

 

[yash_1]

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 Oreo TV. 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.

Thanks k2max6.. You are ROCK Star
Any suggestion on file manager.

 

[San_jay]

Thanks k2max6.. You are ROCK Star
Any suggestion on file manager.

ES file explorer