AirTV - 8 GB 4K Streaming Media Player with Adapter - White/blue

dashcam AirTV is headed in the right direction... and a new feature - Firmware for LOCAL DVR / OTA PLAYBACK is coming any day now... PROS: ----------- * Boots up extremly fast * 4K Streamer. Yeah, only a handful of services provide 4K now, but if you have a 4K TV and watch those networks' series, it's a step up. * Access to the Android Play Store. If you want it, you can get it. * Ability to now watch Over-the-Air (OTA) via the device. No more having to switch to RF input. It's built-in to the interface. With an amplified antenna in my attic, I'm able to pull around 33 channels here in the Hoover, AL area. * Remote is sturdy and well-built. It has the ability to turn off all devices after setup completes... Power button turns off the device, my TV, and my receiver. Of course, this can be turned off in settings. However, you can use the remote to turn up/down the volume too. * ETHERNET! It has an ethernet port!! When there's a wired connection available, use it. It is better than wifi in most cases. * No issues with buffering. I use AT&T U-Verse with 24Mb/s DL and 5 Mb/s UL... I have no issues viewing content in HD. I do not have a 4K TV (yet), so I'm unable to see 4K quality. * There is little to no latency when using the remote and the response on the screen. Apps appear to work flawlessly as well. * There is a guide, even for the OTA channels. * Digital audio out via fiber is available * Remote finder button on main unit. Press, and the remote beeps/blinks so you can find it. CONS: ----------- * The interface is a little jacked up at first as you learn how to maneuver around. If you actually subscribe to and use SLING TV, it is setup a bit more for those users, but don't let that discourage you. Just scroll down to the bottom where APPS is located, and you can start up your other streaming services pretty quickly. * The remote is a bit cartoonish being white and light blue, but I guess that does make for finding the remote easily visually. * In order to get a Sling TV account, you MUST sign up for a free trial. There is no "just signing up". * Big flaw... when a program is paused and then you REW or FF, the screen doesn't change as the show goes forwards or backwards. It stays on that paused screen while the timer moves. So you can't resume play at a certain "scene" as it's REW/FF through the show. Perhaps that can be fixed in future software updates. * In addition, I wish there was a quick FF/REW button on the remote or a touch-sensitive pad on the remote that would allow for quick REW/FF... or even a certain amount of time forwards or backwards quickly in case you miss something they say (in those hard-to-understand shows). * There is only 8GB of internal storage - would be nice to have a bit more.... say at least 16-32GB. OTHER OBSERVATIONS: ------------------------------------ *** When you get the device set, you get a code that will give you $50 of SLING TV programming which translates to 2.5 months of Orange TV coverage (their small package). But get this... they have a promo in which you can buy 2 months of service and get a FREE ROKU EXPRESS. So they are basically giving you another streaming device that you can use elsewhere or for travel... or gift it. Great addition of the promo. You can also get other items (promos) for discounted rates... you can find those promos online. * The unit comes with a proprietary power cable with decent length. I would have preferred to have a USB-C power connection, but it still works fine. There are power requirements for the device obviously, and they don't want that compromised, so they have a small brick plug-in. ***************************************** !! HUGE ADD-ON COMING SOON !! ***************************************** Very soon, in the upcoming days, AirTV will be offering LOCAL DVR recording ability via software/firmware update. Hopefully by the end of Feb 2018... no exact release date has been set yet. It will allow the ability to record OTA programming to a USB thumbdrive or external USB drive that you plug into the OUTTERMOST USB port on the back of the unit. So the OTA adapter will go into the USB port that is next to the digital audio (fiber) port. This is an exciting and new addition to the product. This feature is obviously unable to be tested at this time. It is also undetermined how large of a drive you can actually hook up, so stay tuned to AirTV website for more of those details. That's a FREE DVR for network OTA TV! CONCLUSION: ===================== Possibly the best and MOST COMPLETE streamer out there. Others are great... some have their issues. But with a WIRED ETHERNET connection, local DVR OTA capability coming soon, and the fast boot-up, along with 4K streaming, and fiber audio output available, there's not a better device out there with the available features. At the price, definitely worth it. A must-have for those new cable cutters out there.

Features--- This device is aimed at cord cutters who can receive their local channels (like ABC, CBS, NBC, etc) by antenna. You can purchase the AirTV bundled with a USB dongle that connects to your antenna and allows you to watch your local channels in HD from the AirTV box. Why would you want to do this? This saves you an extra step of changing the input on your TV from "Antenna" to "HDMI 1" (for example) every time you want to switch between local channels and a streaming app. However, while the AirTV does support other streaming apps like Netflix, it's mainly aimed at people who subscribe to Sling TV. Now you can use it without a subscription to Sling TV, however, you must go into the Sling TV app on the box to watch your local stations, then exit the Sling TV app if you want to open Netflix or YouTube, for example. If you're not a Sling TV subscriber, you can expect to see a huge banner ad for the service every time you open the Sling TV app (see the photo attached to this review). The AirTV uses Android TV at its base, so you can install other Android TV-compatible apps (such as Pandora and Pluto TV). It also acts as a Google Chromecast. You can start watching a video on your iPhone or Android phone, then use the "cast" icon to send the video to the AirTV. This feature has always been finicky for me (even with an actual Google Chromecast device) and videos sometimes simply do not play on the TV when I attempt to "cast" them. Therefore, I don't plan to use the feature often, but it's nice to know it's there. One of the main glaring omissions of the AirTV right now is the lack of a DVR feature, but this is supposedly coming in the future. Remote--- The remote is somewhat oversized and a little awkward to hold, but it does have a surprisingly soft back. At the top of the remote is a dedicated Sling TV button that takes you into the Sling TV app (where your local channels are found as well). While watching local TV, you can press the "up" button on the remote to open up a mini-guide along the bottom of the screen. This is one of my favorite features as it allows you to see what else is on locally. You can instead press the "down" button to open up a full screen guide, but I prefer using the mini-guide. The remote also had a dedicated Netflix button which makes switching over to the Netflix app fast and easy. There is also a Google button that opens up the Google Assistant and turns on the microphone (also located on the remote). However, activating the Google Assistant has been hit or miss for me. Sometimes it will open the white Google Assistant screen but it won't be listening, and sometimes it is listening but their is no visual indication to let me know. The remote can also be setup to control your TV power and sound bar volume (the initial setup process will walk you through this). This is convenient as you can power on both your TV and the AirTV box with one button press. Picture Quality--- The AirTV is capable of a 4K resolution, so I tested this out by using the built-in Google Chromecast feature to play a 4K YouTube video. The AirTV did a great job of playing this video and delivered similar quality to my Samsung TV's built-in 4K YouTube app. The picture quality of local TV stations (through the antenna dongle) was also very good and comparable to using the "Antenna" input on my TV. I did notice some occasional picture stuttering when the AirTV seemed to be doing something in the background (for example, if I recently loaded the guide, the picture could stutter for a few seconds afterwards). The signal quality from my antenna seems to be weaker through the AirTV. For example, my local NBC station is far away from my home and occasionally pixelates every 15 minutes or so when the antenna is directly connected to my TV. Attaching the same cable to the AirTV resulted in more frequent pixelations (like every 5 minutes), which leads me to believe that the receiver in the AirTV is not as tolerant to interference as my Samsung TV. Overall--- Many streaming services such as PlayStation Vue and YouTube TV are including local TV stations as part of their channel lineup, making an antenna less and less necessary. However, PlayStation Vue and YouTube TV cost about double of what Sling TV's base plan costs, so you could save yourself some money by combining Sling TV with an antenna if you live in an area with good reception.

Setup is quick and easy for AirTV - 8 GB 4K Streaming Media Player With Adapter. I already have an HD antenna and able to configure OTA channels quickly after logged in with my google account. The on screen setup instructions were super easy and all setup can be done in less than 10 mins. AirTV box scans and shows more channels and picture quality is outstanding. It has 2 USB ports, 1 digital audio out, 1 Ethernet port and 1 HDMI port. I have done the setup with HDMI cable with my receiver and able to get surround sound. There are limited apps as of now and Hulu / Netflix are available to use. I was able to watch CBS, FOX, NBC and other channels with highest quality. The remote is easy to use and slightly bigger than regular remotes. The interface is very clean and loading very fast. It came with 50$ credit for Sling TV and i was able to apply the credit with my existing account without any issues. It has parental controls as well ability to record shows using Sling DVR option. I watched Netflix 4K content and picture quality great due to 4K capability in this box. Even though there are limited apps now on AirTV Player, it has lot of potential to add more features with firmware updates.

BEWARE, currently this is an android type of device and is compatible with android phones and tablets BUT there is a remote for setup and to navigate around. Opening the box you get the device, an HDMI cord, a usb extender, a wall plug, an AirTV adaptor, a remote and a $50 credit for SlingTV. On the back side of the device is a power plug, optical cord plug, ethernet, HDMI and two USB plugs if needed. BEWARE! This device also asks for you to have an HD/Digital Antenna so that you can load your local channels as well. First impression for me is that I can't wait to see what this product will bring in the future. I love that the device has SlingTV preloaded and I can also load my local channels. I no longer have to switch back and forth on my television from HDMI to TV. Another great feature is the easy setup and the Google Play store, music, and movies/tv apps. Make sure you set aside 30 minutes for setup and updating. During the initial setup, if you have an android phone or tablet then you can use your device instead of the remote. I used the remote to setup and it was fine. It fit perfectly in my hand and I was able to navigate through the on screen keyboard with ease. Also in the initial setup, you can set the volume buttons to work with the TV. The remote has a dedicated sling, netflix and google button as well as a mic to speak your requests. If you are a Sling subscriber there is a heart button to favorite your channels and shows. This will allow you to see your favorites on the main home screen. My only negative about this product is the SlingTV user interface. I have used Sling in the past and discontinued because of the constant buffering and error messages and it still has not changed much. The layout of the interface is really good but keep in mind that the playback may not be as good. Overall, would I buy this product again, YES and I hope that SlingTV continues to make progress on their interface to make this product one of the best on the market. Would I recommend to friends or family? Maybe, if the SlingTV portion gets better. Please keep in mind that this is a great product and there maybe flaws with the SlingTV but the overall concept is great! SlingTV does offer a 7 day trial. If you like or love the app, you will really enjoy this product.

Saving $75-100 a month off cable? Yes please! Took about 20-30 mins to unhook my cable box and hook this up in it's place. Very easy to install - plug it in, connect HDMI to TV, connect an OTA antenna (sold separately) for local channels. Probably spent another 15-20 minutes playing with the OTA antenna that I was also hooking up at the same time, but that was just trying it out in multiple locations to get the most stations (we can pick up 26 locals!) The OTA antenna integration is great as it makes viewing both local HD local stations (FOR FREE!) right in the same interface as Sling TV. Saving a ton over cable with this and Sling TV (got the Blue package for $25 and added the Cloud DVR for $5 - so $30 a month). Couple that with local HD free channels and will save hundreds a year. They also include a $50 off code for Sling TV so you can try it for basically 2 months for free. Picture quality and sound is great over our WiFi (we average about 40-50 mpbs internet speeds.) Only 2 minor improvements I'd like to see: 1) It doesn't currently have the capability to pause live TV (local or internet Sling TV). They claim that USB hard drive add on for local DVR functionality is coming soon, but not yet released as of now (Feb 2018.) 2) Even with the optional cloud DVR $5 feature with Sling TV you can't pause "live" Sling TV which is a bummer, but you can work around this by just recording what you are watching and then you can pause it, rewind, fast forward etc. Hopefully they update this as well, but ok work around for now. Overall very please and this is a solid option if you are looking to cut the cord and save a ton!

I have been interested in "cutting the cord" for quite some time so I was excited to try out the AirTV and use Sling TV for the first time. Overall I was very impressed and only had one concern. Pros: - Set-up was very simple. The included instructions are clear and helped me get things set up quickly. After an OS update that only took a few minutes I was ready to set up my antennae (not included) to check for OTA channels. - The remote control is high quality. I loved the responsiveness of the buttons and during set-up there was even an automated wireless firmware update. I don't have any other remotes that get firmware updates so that was impressive to me for such an affordable media player. The remote also automatically paired to my TV so it can control power and volume. - The integration of your local OTA channels is seamless within the Sling TV guide. You will be able to browse all Sling channels you subscribe to as well as your local channels with ease. - You can connect a USB drive to the unit in order to use DVR functionality via the lastest Android TV update. Cons: My only concern with the AirTV was that the Sling TV app crashed on me 3 times, each time while switching from programming back to the guide. I'm sure this will be fixed with an app update in the near future, but it has been frustrating so far as the Sling TV app is the main app most people will use on this system. Once the Sling TV app gets fixed, I would give this unit 5 stars. It comes at a great price and gives you control over how much you want to pay for your television programming AND still get your local TV stations all in one convenient channel guide.

The device comes in sleek and nice packaging even though the color pallet isn’t super sleek. Buttons on the remote are super responsive but the mic app only works when using google functions. Mind blown, this little guy integrates apps like Netflix but... you also get apps that stream free live tv like Pluto! All of them can get put into your guide. Such a freaking cool feature. Downsides are small and I can look past them. Limited to the Android platform, set up took a while, lots of attachments and create an eye sore on the tv stand, mic button really only works in google app where you can’t dictate it to do other things otherwise, missing built in antenna so the wall antenna looks bad. Again, it is a pretty cool device and it works for my bedroom. Sling is working pretty great and I like that you can integrate all of this on one screen!

First off, this is a very high quality feeling and looking device. That is where my amusement ended. The device first boots up asking you to register your Google account, which is fine. But then you have to go to your Google stand alone app and register which seemed a bit much due to the way it lost connection for no reason, then did a huge android update before it even finished setting up. So I had to wait about 20 minutes before I could even continue the setup.Then it was finally setup...or so I thought. The next step is to register a Sling account, which is also fine since this was built for that. That was OK for me, but if you do not already have an account you have to set one up. Then I wanted to set up the air TV feature, which is connect an antenna and watch your local channels. This was one of the biggest selling points. I excitingly removed my antenna from my TV and connected it to the coax usb adapter on the unit and ran the channel scan...epic fail. When connected to my TV directly I scanned about 20 channels using my TV's built in tuner. When I ran the channel scan on the AirTV I scanned 4. Same antenna, same placement, same weather conditions. I was extremely disappointed. I adjusted the antenna several times and rescanned about 4 times and the most it found was 8 on one occasion (not good channels either). The only cool thing is that it takes the channels and puts them in a guide like cable tv would with descriptions and everything. Supposedly you can also connect a hard drive and run a DVR like feature. That would be cool, but I will have to explore some sort of hardcore antenna to use this feature with more channels I actually want to watch. The Sling integration is great as it performs very much like my old CATV did with menus, channel listings and descriptions. I liked that. Overall I was not very happy with over the air broadcasts as I feel it is 50% of its appeal since Sling is meant to "cut the cable". Everything else on this device worked just as good as it's competitors like Amazon, Apple, Roku, etc.