1
2
tion of the AZBox to accept major smart-
note of the serial number for every single
cards used in Russia, like those of provider
customer of ours. This allows us to instantly
Tricolor. “It only took us three weeks to
look up the features and equipment level of
write the software so that the internal card
every box ever sold by us.” By the way, cus-
reader of the AZBox was able to work with
tomers may even enter the serial number
those smartcards,” Ruslan Rozanov proudly
of their box at www.azbox.su themselves
remembers.
and check whether they have obtained their
That happened in October 2009 and
receiver through legal channels.
things really got moving from there. In
Currently, the young company employs a
November 2009 the first shipment of boxes
workforce of 15: Four work in administra-
arrived. “It consisted of 100 Elite boxes
tion, three are repair technicians, three are
and 100 Premium boxes,” Ruslan Rozanov
software developers and four are installers
recalls how it all began. And that pace has
who set up complete reception systems all
constantly increased up until today: For
over Moscow and beyond. Added to that are
2010 shipments totalled 1,000 units.
the two owners.
However the SatDream team was not at
“Our top-selling product right now is the
the end with after the on-screen display
AZBox HD Plus with two DVB-S2 tuners,”
texts had been localised. “We wanted our
Sales Manager Andrej Dolgopolov reveals.
customers to get the best,” Ruslan Rozanov
“We generate approximately 70% of AZBox
notes and mentions a CD-ROM which is
sales with this model alone.” The question
shipped with every AZBox in Russia. The
that arises in this context refers to DVB-T.
CD-ROM features a comprehensive FAQ
After all, AZBox does offer its receivers as
covering all AZBox functions, as well as
DVB-T variants as well. Technical Manager
assistance for downloading new software
Ruslan Rozanov has the answer: “While
versions. “We also cover the initial instal-
there have been some test transmissions
lation procedure of the AZBox receiver so
in Moscow we don’t expect a real DVB-T
that all channels demanded from a Russian
breakthrough in our market before 2012.
audience can actually be received,” Ruslan
By that time we’ll be ready and prepared to
Rozanov adds.
jump on that bandwagon.”
Incidentally, he compiled the complete
Our visit has clearly confirmed the gene-
CD-ROM almost all by himself. Still, Sat-
ral impression that AZBox Russia seeks
Dream service does not stop there. “All
to offer excellent customer service. Its
AZBox receivers we sell come with a two-
employees are in a position to solve soft-
year warranty,” Ruslan Rozanov explains
ware problems in a timely manner, as well
and details the processes that have been
as address any hardware issues that might
set up in the background: “Each AZBox is
arise. This makes AZBox Russia very well
labelled with a unique serial number right
placed for keeping up its steady expansion
at the manufacturing premises and we take
pace.
136 TELE-satellite — Global Digital TV Magazine — 02-03/2011 — www.TELE-satellite.com
4