Tata Sky could be planning to launch an Android-powered set-top box named Tata Sky Binge+ soon for the entertainment seekers. The box had been rumoured to launch in September along with Amazon Prime app onboard.
According to Android TV Guide, this set-top box is codenamed as ‘Pearl S’ and manufactured by Technicolor. It is expected to ship with the latest Android 9 out of the box and powered by 1.8 GHz Broadcom BCM72604 B processor. It will have 2 GB of RAM and 8 GB of internal storage paired with Broadcom VideoCore V HW GPU.
Tata Sky will use Accedo for the user interface on this box. Certifications hint that this STB will be a Hybrid Terrestrial & OTT, with 4K codec support. This box will come with Amazon Prime Video pre-installed and Tata Sky may introduce free subscriptions to OTT platforms as the launch offer.
The hardware is the same as the Xstream Smart Box but with different design as both devices are made by Technicolor. Airtel one has 2 sat tuners where the Tata only 1. Xstream Smart Box external design has been done by the Technicolor Team whereas the Tata Sky Binge+ has been done by the Tata team. They will look different but will have the same RAM, same chips, same design inside. UI for the Airtel is still done by Tata Elxsi. Tata Elxsi also did Internet TV one and the ACT 4K box.
Since new TRAI tariff regime people are complaining of increased monthly DTH or Cable TV bills and the same is also reflected in TRP charts which show a decline in viewership of many Genres. Viewers these days don’t have time, they want On-Demand, Interruption-Free experience without Ads which they don’t get on TV channels.
With cheap data prices and rapid expansion of high-speed broadband connection, people are now switching from DTH to online platforms to watch their favourite content. Android TV box will target these consumers and help Tata Sky in the era of cord-cutting.
Good news and interested to know more about it.
Good news! Then this one is tough competitive for Airtel Xtreme box. Abhinav Sir, if we buy this box , we want internet or not in home?
Yes it will directly compete with Airtel Xstream box. Internet is required for OTT and other online apps but Live TV may work through dish even without internet connection.
Not that of a tough of a competition as Tata Sky is still providing a single tuner in 2019. Airtel also has an edge when it’s comes to content with their Airtel Thanks program. Even if one doesn’t opted’s for any DTH plan. On Xstream box one can still watch live TV via the internet using a browser on Airtel Xstream’s website for free atleast for first year. Meanwhile a subscription with NCF of Rs. 153 atleast needed to stream Tata Sky’s live TV from it’s website. At this rate only way Tata Sky can succeed with a bundle or discount Hotstar Premium plan. No use of owning an android box without OTT content. Most aren’t interested in paying for both DTH and OTT at same time. Only way to succeed is to bundled or discounted OTT service along with DTH. Airtel has an unfair edge over Tata Sky by being a telecom operator. They could bundle plans like Prime Video and Airtel Thanks with mobile plan. Same thing Tata cannot do.