 Tata Teleservices has launched DIALOG, a unique product that can convert your mundane TV into a full-fledged Internet device.
The DIALOG kit includes a set top box that connects to your TV directly and enables it with browser and photo viewing abilities. This set top box also has USB ports (four, actually) so you can plug in your pen drives and watch videos and listen to movies right on your TV screen. The USB port can be used to plug in a Tata Photon Plus EVDO modem, thereby bring Internet access to your TV.
The DIALOG will be available in two options - with Photon Whiz at Rs. 6,699 and Rs.7, 699 with Photon Plus. As of now, the service is restricted only to the Chennai and the Kolkata circles. It will see a gradual roll out across India in the months to come. Apparently, the current service is in the Test Run period and this would continue for the next three months.
The Tata DIALOG could turn out to be the easiest way to go online since computer penetration remains low across India. The Television, on the other hand, has sizable presence across the country and for this very reason; this could prove instrumental in bringing the Internet to the masses. One thing that might detract people from using this is the relatively high price for the set top box and the usage. At the aforementioned prices of Rs. 6,699 and Rs. 7,699, this certainly isn't for the villages. Once it goes down considerably on the price ladder, the DIALOG could be the solution to India's low Internet penetration issues.
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