Channel Master Targets Cord-Cutters With ‘Stream+’

[osu1991]

Channel Master Targets Cord-Cutters With ‘Stream+’ | Multichannel

Channel Master has formally introduced Stream+, a device powered by Android TV that aims to cater to cord-cutters by integrating support for both OTT apps and TV channels that can be captured for free, over-the-air.

Stream+, a successor to Channel Master’s DVR+ platform, is being offered for the introductory price of $99. Channel Master will announce its full retail price in January, but it’s not expected to be significantly higher than the pre-order price, according to Joe Bingochea, Channel Master’s executive vice president of product development.

 

[Ronnie-]

Hmm, now thats pretty interesting

 

[stmcld]

That is interesting. I recently purchased a WatchAir TV antenna and I really like it so far. It works great with my Apple TV, has a great guide, I get better signal strength with this antenna than the other ones I've had, and it has a nice DVR function.

 

[Scott Greczkowski]

Channel Master Announces Stream+™ Media Player with Internal TV Tuners, Android TV, and Live Channels DVR.
December 19, 2017

PHOENIX, AZ – Channel Master, a leading retail-based TV provider, today announced the upcoming availability of Stream+, a media player that integrates streaming services and games with live broadcast TV and includes an on-screen channel guide with DVR capability to pause, rewind and record live TV.

Stream+ runs on the Android TVTM platform, with dual-band 802.11ac Wi-Fi and Ethernet connectivity, integrated voice search, 4K and HDR viewing technology, quad-core CPU for advanced gaming, two built-in ATSC 1.0 tuners with a MicroSD storage option for DVR, and USB 3.0 for personal media use and future options.

“Stream+ is the culmination of customer requests, market research and engineering, rolled up into an advanced solution from creative companies,” said Joe Bingochea, EVP of Product Development at Channel Master. “We are a consumer-first company focused on delivering value to our customers and we’re excited to do that with Android TV and the GoogleTM Live Channels app.”

Consumers can add their favorite streaming services and games from the Google Play™ store to combine with the free local broadcast channels provided through a connected TV antenna, all within a single graphical user interface and a single HDMI connection to the TV. Stream+ also includes advanced Google features such as built-in Chromecast™ functionality and integration with Google Home™.

The Live Channels app installs automatically during the Stream+ setup process to add over-the-air broadcast TV channels into a graphical guide, and installing a MicroSD storage card activates the Live Channels DVR setup process. The dual internal TV tuners allow the user to record one live program while watching another, or record two live programs at the same time while watching a recorded program or using a streaming service.

Stream+ is available for pre-order now from Channel Master’s online store at a special introductory price of $99. The product is expected to be in stock mid-January, when the retail price will be announced.

People interested in learning more about TV antennas and free broadcast TV can view Channel Master’s Antenna Selection Guide.

 

[harshness]

I can't fathom why they chose MicroSD for DVR features in conjunction with something that lives in the MPEG2 domain.

I think it unfortunate that "trick play" is being confused with full DVR functionality in many cases.

 

[navychop]

I read it to allow microSD and/or USB3 storage.

 

[harshness]

I read it to allow microSD and/or USB3 storage.

If you keep reading (especially the press release that Scott offered), the live "DVR" features are enabled by installing a MicroSD card.

 

[navychop]

Techhive reports EHD via USB is coming.

Netflix MIGHT be supported later on.

 

[Scott Greczkowski]

Techhive reports EHD via USB is coming.

Netflix MIGHT be supported later on.

Its an Android TV box, so I assume it will support Netflix out of the box. For initial DVR support you can use a microSD card.

 

[osu1991]

from the article I linked above

according to Joe Bingochea, Channel Master’s executive vice president of product development

Stream+ will have rights to all apps available via the Google Play store. The exception early on will be Netflix and Amazon Video, which require separate approval from those companies.

“We’re pushing hard to get those done,” Bingochea.

 

[Scott Greczkowski]

Yup I was wrong just saw this...

Channel Master's Stream+ is an Android TV box with a built-in TV tuner, but no Netflix

 

[cpalmer2k]

The question of course is can you sideload apps? If you can that would solve the Netflix issue

 

[navychop]

Let us know after you buy one and try it out!

 

[navychop]

I wonder if it has PSIP fallback.

 

[spencer7779]

Hdhomerun can use the Usb port as a Dvr, don't see why this can't. It's just using the live channels app.

 

[harshness]

Hdhomerun can use the Usb port as a Dvr, don't see why this can't.

Silicon dust says the DVR feature requires an external storage computing device (NAS, computer, Android box). Readers are likely given the wrong impression that the HDHomerun features a USB port and that one could run the app on the HDHomerun itself. For comparison, it is important to note that the HDHomerun DVR feature requires a full subscription.

 

[spencer7779]

Silicon dust says the DVR feature requires an external storage computing device (NAS, computer, Android box). Readers are likely given the wrong impression that the HDHomerun features a USB port and that one could run the app on the HDHomerun itself. For comparison, it is important to note that the HDHomerun DVR feature requires a full subscription.

This is not the HDHOMERUN DVR. The live channels app has a free dvr. The external Dvr plugs into the Android tv device

*Android TV* Live Channels DVR - Silicondust

 

[harshness]

This is not the HDHOMERUN DVR. The live channels app has a free dvr. The external Dvr plugs into the Android tv device

So readers aren't again mislead by your statements, external storage is plugged into the Android TV device, not an external DVR. The "DVR" is a combination of an Android TV box, a USB hard drive and the Live Channels DVR app.

*Android TV* Live Channels DVR - Silicondust

It should be noted that at the time that this message was posted, only the Asus and nVidia boxes running Android Nougat were supported by special exclusive arrangement with Google. Again, you need to be much more careful in crafting and supporting your claims.

I have a relatively powerful AndroidTV box and the Play Store says that it is not compatible with Live Channels so I wonder if its utility remains severely limited.

 

[spencer7779]

So readers aren't again mislead by your statements, external storage is plugged into the Android TV device, not an external DVR. The "DVR" is a combination of an Android TV box, a USB hard drive and the Live Channels DVR app.It should be noted that at the time that this message was posted, only the Asus and nVidia boxes running Android Nougat were supported by special exclusive arrangement with Google. Again, you need to be much more careful in crafting and supporting your claims.

I have a relatively powerful AndroidTV box and the Play Store says that it is not compatible with Live Channels so I wonder if its utility remains severely limited.

Which powerful Android tv box?

 

[harshness]

Which powerful Android tv box?

Beelink GT1.