Airtel and Samsung launch India’s first Integrated Digital TV (iDTV)

• Take the lead in introducing a television with a built-in tuner that will allow customers to enjoy TV viewing without an external set top box
• Enable a smart TV viewing experience with minimal signal loss and maximum audio & video clarity

New Delhi, October 21, 2014: Airtel digital TV, the Direct-To-Home (DTH) service from Bharti Airtel, today announced its partnership with Samsung to launch India’s very first Integrated Digital TV (iDTV). As part of this innovation – Samsung’s range of SmartDirect TVs will come designed with an in-built Airtel digital satellite tuner which will enable DTH signal reception without the need for customers to install an external set-top-box (STB). The Integrated Digital TV (iDTV) capability will deliver a smart TV viewing experience for customers through better picture quality and maximum audio & video clarity while also ensuring maximum power savings.

Commenting at the launch, Mr. Ranjivjit Singh, Chief Marketing Officer, Samsung India said, “We are thrilled to launch India’s First Smart Direct TV with an in-built iDTV technology in India. The clutter free, convenient and ultimate viewing experience offered by iDTV showcases Samsung’s commitment to provide consumer-centric products. Samsung has consistently revolutionised the television segment by introducing superior products, modern technology and distinctive content to provide the latest and best home entertainment experience to our consumers.”

Developed post an extensive R&D, the iDTV is a smart solution that not only enables a hassle free TV setup that has fewer wires but will also assist in reduction in signal loss (between the set-top-box and TV). iDTV offers a single remote solution powered by an intuitive user guide. “The in-built Airtel DTH smart card supports direct signal reception from the dish antenna, thus enabling crystal clear audio-video quality and making these Samsung TVs the smartest available in the marketplace today”, added Mr. Arora.

“We at Airtel digital TV are always looking for new ways to deliver an experience for our customers that is truly innovative and world class. In line with this commitment, we are today excited to announce our collaboration with Samsung to launch the Integrated Digital TV and introduce the Indian market to its next phase of TV viewing experience”, said Mr. Shashi Arora, CEO – DTH & Media, Bharti Airtel.

Powered by HD technology, iDTV creates a more immersive viewing experience coupled with intuitive user interface giving customers greater control of their entertainment experience. The iDTV set includes a Samsung SmartDirect TV and Airtel Digital TV’s Smart Card. It is now available across Samsung Plazas and all leading multi-retail outlets for prices starting Rs. 44,900 for 32 inch screen. The Samsung 5 series iDTV (48 inch) is available at INR 91,500. Customers purchasing the all new iDTV can also enjoy a limited period introductory offer that offers 4 months of free subscription of Airtel DTH services.

About Airtel digital TV

Airtel digital TV is a leading national DTH service provider offering MPEG 4 & DVBS 2 – currently the most advanced digital broadcasting technologies available in the world. The company offers both standard and high definition (HD) digital TV services with 3D capabilities and Dolby surround sound and is backed by a 24 x 7 customer care. With 400 channels & services including 19 HD channels and 3 interactive services, Airtel Digital TV has introduced many firsts to the segment including a universal remote, several unique interactive applications, multi lingual EPG, and integrated anytime, anywhere recording through mobile and web. With the launch of the SD+ recorder set-top box, Airtel Digital TV is now the only DTH player in the country to offer recording on all types of set-top-boxes. Airtel Digital TV had over 9 million customers as on June 2014. To know more please visit, www.airtel.in/digital-tv

About Bharti Airtel

Bharti Airtel Limited is a leading global telecommunications company with operations in 20 countries across Asia and Africa. Headquartered in New Delhi, India, the company ranks amongst the top 4 mobile service providers globally in terms of subscribers. In India, the company’s product offerings include 2G, 3G and 4G wireless services, mobile commerce, fixed line services, high speed DSL broadband, IPTV, DTH, enterprise services including national & international long distance services to carriers. In the rest of the geographies, it offers 2G, 3G wireless services and mobile commerce. Bharti Airtel had over 300 million customers across its operations at the end of August 2014. To know more please visit, www.airtel.com.

About Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd.

SamsungElectronics Co., Ltd. is a global leader in technology, opening new possibilities for people everywhere. Through relentless innovation and discovery, we are transforming the worlds of TVs, smartphones, tablets, PCs, cameras, home appliances, printers, LTE systems, medical devices, semiconductors and LED solutions. We employ 286,000 people across 80 countries with annual sales of US$216.7 billion. To discover more, please visit www.samsung.com.