The Micromax and Stride Ventures-backed StreamBox Media has shut down operations. The company was behind the subscription-based TV service called DOR. After the shutdown, the content aggregation and other digital features of the Dor TV will stop working. And if you’re currently in a subscription, then you no longer need to make any further payments.
StreamBox is offering to unlock the televisions locked behind the subscription. So, if you own a Dor TV for which the subscription payments are pending, then you can unlock the TV and use HDMI or USB options to watch content on the TV without needing to make any further payments.
What Dor TV features can you continue using?
- The Dor TV will still turn on.
- You can use existing streaming apps and services.
- You can connect a set-top box or a TV stick through HDMI and enjoy content.
- You can connect a USB storage device (pen drive) and play content from it.
And you can use most of the smart TV functions while they work. The dedicated streaming apps on the TV, such as Sony Liv, Jio Hotstar, etc, will continue to work. However, they will stop working overtime as new app updates will not be available. You might be able to sideload newer versions of the APK files to keep the apps working.
What will stop working?
- Dor apps and services, including the Dor app for Android no longer work.
- Live TV channels are discontinued.
- Dor’s content curation service is discontinued.
- Customer service, warranty, and repairs are not available.
Why is Dor shutting down?
Every business operates for the purpose of making a profit. It seems that the subscription-TV concept did not pick up very well among the consumers in India. There are clear lapses in the communication and execution from the company’s side, as well as clear flaws in the concept.
- The overall offering was not significantly better than buying a TV on EMI and then subscribing to the streaming services that the consumers wanted to watch.
- Many consumers just bought it as a cheap TV and did not realize they needed to make monthly payments.
- The company had an unclear roadmap and was unaware of subscription plans to offer after the expiry of the initial mandatory term of 12 months.
- The TV requires mandatory Wi-Fi connectivity, which is still not widely present in most Indian households.
- Cracking subscription deals with different content providers is a tough task without having enough subscribers.
- The digital media had already built a bad image about the subscription TV service.
A lot of users bought the Dor TVs without being fully aware of the terms of the subscription. I’d assume that a large number of Dor TV hardware turned into non-performing assets (NPAs) as the buyers decided not to make the monthly payments or made them with delays. It’d have also resulted in a large number of consumer complaints when the TV stopped working.
The company was also closely connected with Micromax. Micromax now has a history of launching products and then taking sudden exits. This happened for their YU and IN brands of phones, as well as Micromax-branded air conditioners, TVs, and other consumer electronics. Dor is yet another brand in Micromax’s bag of brands, discontinued soon after its start.
How to Unlock the Dor TV and keep using it?
If you own a Dor TV that is locked due to non-payment of subscription, then you can unlock it by installing a software update. The update is not possible via OTA. So, you will need a USB stick (such as a pen drive) to copy the update package and install on the TV.
- Check the serial number of your Dor TV
Different batches of Dor TV come from different manufacturers. So, please check the serial number of your TV.
• It will be visible on the sticker affixed on the back of the TV.
• You can also find it in the TV’s settings.
• The cardboard box of the TV will also have a label with the serial number.
• The Flipkart invoice may also mention the serial number. - Download right update file based on serial number
Please look for the characters in the serial number of your TV and download the file that matches it.
If the serial number fo your TV starts with (or contains):
V (Vierra) – Download
E (Ekka) – Download
C (BPL) – Download - Copy the file to a USB drive
Copy the file relevant to your TV’s serial number to a pen drive. Do note that you need to copy it to the root of the drive i.e. outside of any other sub-folders.
- Plug the USB drive to the TV’s USB port
Turn off the TV and plug-in the USB drive to the Dor TV’s USB port.
- Wait for the update to install
The TV will automatically pick up the update file from the USB Drive and start installing the update. Please wait until the install completes. It can take several minutes for the update to complete.
- Unplug the USB drive and start the TV
Once the install completes, you need to unplug the USB Drive and then restart the TV. The TV will boot up to Android and it will not have the subscription lock anymore.
You can freely use the TV after following the above steps. Congrats if you are among the consumers who never paid the monthly subscription prices. You get to own the 43-inch 4K TV for just 10,000 INR 😎
Disclaimer: The TV update files are as provided by Dor. TechMesto will not be liable for any damage to the device due to incorrect flashing or a faulty update file.