Airtel digitalTV [HD] – Launch Note/FAQ’s

1. What is Airtel digitalTV [HD]?

a) High Definition [HD] TV signals pack in 5 TIMES MORE pixels (the dots that make
up a picture on the TV screen) than your normal standard definition TV signals.
Customer benefit: This means you get ultra clear and sharp pictures with pinpoint
detailing on your screens.
b) You will need a [HD] TV (LCD or Plasma) with a HDMI input port for best results
when using a HD STB.
c) All [HD] STBs have a 5.1 channel surround sound output & Airtel digitalTV [HD]
brings to you a further technologically advanced Dolby Digital Plus 7.1 surround
sound. Airtel digitalTV [HD] brings together the visual appeal & the audio feel with
the [HD] launch.
Customer benefit: Can be seamlessly connected to a home theatre system for high
quality audio experience. What 7.1 means is that 7+1 separate channels of sound
signals are heard by using three front speakers, a center speaker between them,
three side/rear speakers and a subwoofer set-up of your home theatre system. You
will get amazing sound quality, just like you get in a cinema with Airtel digitalTV [HD].
All you need to do is connect your Home Theatre system to Airtel digitalTV [HD].
Our Differentiator: Airtel digitalTV [HD] brings to India the Dolby Digital Plus sound
experience with 7.1 Surround Sound.
d) [HD] is transmitted in 16:9 formats (i.e. the LCD/Plasma length to height ratio) unlike
normal SD transmission which is in 4:3. 16:9 is a better visual experience than 4:3.
Currently all programs & movies are broadcasted in 4:3 format (visualize a square
format) to address the requirement of regular television screens. The same program
when viewed on a wide screen LCD/Plasma/LED TV ends up being stretched to
meet your TV screen requirement, leading to distortion of picture. Airtel digitalTV
[HD] will solve these problems. By subscribing to the HD channels on Airtel digitalTV
[HD] you will be able to view programs on select channels in 16:9 format, which is
designed especially for your TV set.
2. Content on [HD]
a) Special [HD] Content: When you bring home Airtel digitalTV [HD] you not only enjoy
over 200+ channels and service available on the platform but also get access to special
[HD] channel of ESPN HD. The FIFA matches will be available on the Airtel digitalTV
[HD] platform wef launch date on the ESPN HD. Catch LIVE action on Channel No. 925.
b) Upcoming [HD] Content: In India, there are only 2 TRUE [HD] Channels, Nat Geo HD &
Discovery HD. Airtel digitalTV [HD] will be coming up with these channels shortly. As
and when NEW & MORE [HD] Channels come up, the same will be added to the Airtel
digitalTV [HD] platform.  From time to time popular sports events like Commonwealth
Games or Cricket World Cup will also be available on Airtel digitalTV [HD]
c) Please Note: Some SD channels are up-scaled to HD at the DTH platform end by some
operators - like Colors HD. These are not true HD channels and therefore to the
discerning eye you will see unnaturally blown up visuals (like when you do a digital zoom
in your camera as opposed to optical zoom)
3. What differentiating features do we have?

a) Airtel digitalTV [HD] is the ONLY DTH operator to offer Dolby Digital Plus
technology in India with 7.1 surround sound experience
b) All other DTH operators are offering only Surround Sound and none have Dolby Digital
Plus.
c) Moreover, the Surround Sound is also the 5.1 version Surround Sound unlike the 7.1
being brought to you by Airtel
d) [HD] is the future of Television viewing and when you are investing in the future, why
settle for a low end version of Audio output. Choose Airtel digitalTV [HD] with Dolby
Digital Plus.

FAQ’s on [HD]:
1. What is the Airtel digital TV [HD]?

The Airtel digitalTV [HD] does all that your regular Airtel digitalTV service does, plus:

a. 5 times sharper picture quality and more vivid colors - [HD] 1080i transmission
b. Theatre like sound experience at home with Dolby Digital Plus 7.1 surround sound
c. Widescreen picture transmission with 16:9 aspect ratio
d. Exciting content like the FIFA World Cup Live in High Definition without
advertisements

2. What differentiating features do we have?

a) Airtel digitalTV [HD] is the ONLY DTH operator to offer Dolby Digital Plus
technology in India with 7.1 surround sound experience
b) All other DTH operators are offering only Surround Sound and none have Dolby Digital
Plus.
c) Moreover, the Surround Sound is also the 5.1 version Surround Sound unlike the 7.1
being brought to you by Airtel
d) [HD] is the future of Television viewing and when you are investing in the future, why
settle for a low end version of Audio output. Choose Airtel digitalTV [HD] with Dolby
Digital Plus.
e) FIFA World Cup Live in High Definition without advertisements

3. What equipment do I need to experience [HD]?

To have the best High Definition with Surround Sound experience, you should have an Airtel
digitalTV [HD] set top box, an HD Television, HDMI cable and a Home Theatre.

Airtel digitalTV [HD] set top box

The Airtel digital TV [[HD]] set top box enables you to view High Definition content with
Dolby Digital Plus technology for theatre-like sound quality.
 HD Television
To experience the best in High Definition [HD] content that our set top box transmits,
your TV would need to be a full High Definition Television (HDTV) i.e. it supports a
resolution of 1080X1920.

However, even if you have an [HD] ready TV set which means that it is at least capable
of displaying a resolution of 720X1280, you would still experience a much better picture
as compared to a Standard Definition TV (SDTV).

Our set top box is also compatible with your traditional SDTV even if you do not have a
full HDTV or [HD] Ready TV yet. This allows you to watch the [HD] broadcasts in SD
format till the time you upgrade to an HDTV.

HDMI Cable
Your Airtel digitalTV [HD] set top box includes a High Definition Multimedia Interface
(HDMI) cable. An HDMI cable is the best option to connect to your HDTV and to
experience the best video signal quality. HDTVs generally have connectors which can
be used to connect to the set top box. HDMI transmits all types of video and audio
through a single digital link eliminating “cable clutter” by replacing as many as older
cables.

In case your TV does not support an HDMI input, Airtel digitalTV [HD] set top box also
has AV, Component and RF outputs to suit your television types.

Home Theatre
To experience Dolby Digital Plus surround sound at your home, you need a Home
Theatre. Airtel digitalTV [HD] supports up to 7.1 channels of surround sound so that you
can feel the explosive power of special effects and hear every sound just as the artist or
director intended.

However, even if you do not have a Home Theatre 7.1 system, you can still experience
[HD] picture quality in 5.1, stereo or mono sound.

4. What is the Dolby Digital Plus?

Ready to take your surround sound experience to the next level? Dolby Digital Plus lets you
experience all of the enveloping surround sound that your High Definition [HD] broadcast makes
possible. Airtel digitalTV [HD] gives you 7.1 channels of premium-quality surround sound, you’ll
follow the action with your eyes and your ears. When listening to your music or watching
movies, you'll feel the explosive power of dazzling special effects and hear every sound as the
artist or director intended.

5. What is the difference between Dolby Digital Plus 7.1. and Surround Sound?
Dolby Digital Plus is the latest technology in Surround Sound technology which provides up to
7.1 channels of sound (left, right, center, left surround, right surround, left rear, right rear
positions and a subwoofer). This gives true surround sound through a special sound
processing that's done right from the content creation stage.
Dish TV, Big TV and Tata Sky have 'Surround Sound ' 5.1. This is not true surround sound
but a single audio signal split into 6 channels.
6. What is the difference between Dolby Digital Plus 7.1. and Dolby Digital?
Dolby Digital only supports 5.1 channels. Dolby Digital Plus has 7.1 channels and is the latest
technology in Surround Sound technology. Sun has Dolby Digital - the older generation of
technology.

7. Can Standard Definition channels be viewed with Airtel digital TV [HD] set top box?
Yes, Standard Definition (SD) channels can also be viewed with Airtel digital TV [HD] set top
box. These channels will be shown in SD format but will be clearer than your standard definition
set top box if you watch using the HDMI output.

8. Will my Standard Definition channels viewed on my [HD] STB be clearer than when
viewed on my SD STB?
Yes, although these channels will be shown in SD format but they will be clearer than your
standard definition set top box if you watch using the HDMI output.

9. Can I view the High Definition channels using my SD STB?

No, the SD STB is not capable of decoding the [HD] channels.

10. Will I be able to hear anything on my stereo/mono speakers on my TV / audio system?

Yes, depending on the speakers on your TV/audio system, you will be able to hear
mono/stereo/5.1/7.1 sound audio with the Airtel digitalTV [HD].

11. Will I be able to hear anything on the 5.1 speakers on my audio system?
Yes, depending on the speakers on your audio system, you will be able to hear
mono/stereo/5.1/7.1 sound audio. So, if you have a 5.1 system, you will be able to hear 5.1
surround sound quality through the Airtel digitalTV [HD].

12. Will [HD] set top box be supported by regular Standard Definition Television (SDTV)?
If you don’t have HDTV, then set top box is compatible with your Standard Definition Television
(SDTV). You can continue enjoying the [HD] broadcast in Standard format.

13. What is HDMI output? Is it really necessary?

HDMI is essential to get the best [HD] signals to your television sets. The Airtel digital TV [HD]
set top box includes a High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) cable free of cost.

Our [HD] set top box also has AV, Component and RF outputs in case your TV doesn’t have an
HDMI input.

14. Can I watch [HD] using a Component cable?

Yes, you can watch also connect your HDTV using a Component cable. You will get high
definition quality using the component cable but it will not be as clear as on an HDMI. Besides,
on an HDMI cable, a single cable will transmit your audio signals as well, reducing cable clutter.

15. Can I watch [HD] using an AV cable?

Yes, you can watch using AV output but [HD] content will be seen in SD format.
BUYING FAQs

16. How do I buy the Airtel digitalTV [HD] STB?

Airtel digitalTV [HD] would be home delivered by a competent Airtel digitalTV installation team.
You need to buy an Activation Voucher and Recharge with the desired amount from any of the
retailers in your area selling DTH connections. Alternatively, you can also buy Airtel digitalTV
[HD] on the website or by simply calling 12148 (from Airtel Mobile) or 1860 500 6500 (from any
phone).

17. Will the Airtel digitalTV [HD] STB be available at all cities?
The Airtel digitalTV [HD] STB will be available wherever the Airtel digital TV service is available.

18. What is the price of the [HD] STB for a new customer?
Price & Plans will be communicated at launch

19. What is the price of the [HD] STB for an existing customer?
Price & Plans will be communicated at launch

20. Are there any special monthly plans for the [HD] STB?
Price & Plans will be communicated at launch