Channel Master Targets Cord-Cutters With ‘Stream+’

[schneid]

Delivery has slipped. Received this today:

Dear **********,

Thank you for your pre-order of the exciting new Stream+ from Channel Master! Initial inventory was scheduled to be in our Phoenix warehouse by the end of January. Unfortunately the shipment has been delayed and we now expect initial inventory to arrive by the end of February.

Original shipping window: End of January

New shipping window: End of February

You will receive an email confirmation with a tracking number when your order ships.

We know how disappointing it can be to anticipate the arrival of something, only to be told that it will be delayed. We sincerely apologize for any frustration this may cause. Stream+ popularity has exceeded our expectations (initial inventory is 100% sold out!) and we are very excited to introduce the product to North America. Stream+ is the first Android TV product worldwide with internal TV tuners that is available direct to consumers at retail rather than through a pay-TV operator.

Thank you for your patience and understanding. If you have specific questions regarding your order, please contact our customer service team at 1-877-746-7261 M-F 8am to 5pm AZ Time.

Sincerely, your partner in TV Freedom,

 

[schneid]

Well here it is 'the End of February" The silence is deafening.

 

[navychop]

Julian or Gregorian?

 

[primestar31]

Well here it is 'the End of February" The silence is deafening.

Not for Channel Master. They always fall down on the job. WAY over-promise, and way under-deliver.

 

[schneid]

Julian or Gregorian?

Definitely not BCE, probably CE, and hopefully before the second coming.

 

[schneid]

Here is an email address. Maybe if enough ask they will tell us something:

Channel Master Customer Service <customerservice@channelmaster.zendesk.com>

 

[primestar31]

Here is an email address. Maybe id enough ask they will tell us something:

Channel Master Customer Service <customerservice@channelmaster.zendesk.com>

"Soon".

LOL

 

[schneid]

This today:

IT’S HERE!

Can you spot your Stream+? It’s in one of these boxes! We’re excited to say that the first shipment of Stream+ units has arrived and is marking time in our Gilbert, AZ warehouse while we await final software sign-off from Google.

Once Google’s Android engineers provide their thumbs up, your Stream+ will be on its way! Once again we’d like to thank you for your patience while we work to provide you with an operator-quality TV product that you don’t have to lease - it’s all yours.

Millions of pay-TV subscribers worldwide are a part of the Android TV experience and soon you will be, too. You’ll get a final email when your unit ships...it won’t be long now!

Questions?

1-877-746-7261

support@channelmaster.com

 

[schneid]

Stream+ User Guide:

 

[schneid]

User guide says it supports USB 3 storage but not recommended.

 

[harshness]

User guide says it supports USB 3 storage but not recommended.

This may an effort to avoid using solutions that draw their power from the DVR rather than their own source.

 

[schneid]

This may an effort to avoid using solutions that draw their power from the DVR rather than their own source.

A powered USB hub would fix that but then it would start looking like my FireTV 3.

 

[DRCars]

Ut Oh! Dude said Google Live Channels has 2 days of programming info in the guide. ONLY 2? Say it ain't so!

 

[harshness]

A powered USB hub would fix that but then it would start looking like my FireTV 3.

While a workaround, it gets messy quick and seems like a Rube Goldberg in a world where hiding wires is seemingly among the most important things. That may have been why eSATA didn't catch on all that well.

 

[navychop]

I think a lot of folks thought eSATA would be as fast as SATA, and ignored overhead processing. Not much point with USB3 out the gate.

 

[harshness]

I think a lot of folks thought eSATA would be as fast as SATA, and ignored overhead processing. Not much point with USB3 out the gate.

But as a simple method of adding storage to DVRs, ludicrous speed isn't the issue. The issue is that they didn't build big enough power supplies into the DVR to power external drives and as the DVRs get smaller and feature external power supplies themselves, that situation doesn't improve.

 

[schneid]

While a workaround, it gets messy quick and seems like a Rube Goldberg in a world where hiding wires is seemingly among the most important things. That may have been why eSATA didn't catch on all that well.

Tell me about it. My Fire TV 3 looks like an octopus. OTG/ power splitter, Logitech kb dongle , Flirc, and USB Ethernet off hub. Plus two power bricks

 

[radio]

As an on-site only (non out-streaming) device, I can see the attraction to it, with apps combining into OTA. I do echo the sentiments of others, however that waiting for USB storage seems a bit odd, and not having the two largest streaming services puts it behind at the gate if that is true.

Contrasting it with another unit, If you don't mind having an extra box for OTA tuning and storage separate from your online apps, it's a bit pricer, but the TABLO TV box has served me well, first in the 2-tuner then the 4. That and Roku for apps and for Tablo playback are a good combination. I'd have ordered one of these CM units but I didn't see anywhere in the discussion the ability to play shows over the network in one's home, on vacation, or even overseas. (Buddy of mine uses my Tablo when overseas to keep up with local news and to have English speaking shows.)

For me: When they're on sale, perhaps a fun device to play with. I don't see much advantage over (2) dedicated boxes that carry more capabilities.

I am, however anxious to see a review here from a user! Please DO write one for us! It's fun to see a new product debut....whether it lasts long term, or not...it's certainly more refreshing to the tech enthusiast than another version of another phone again...and again...and again!

 

[schneid]

These started landing at buyers Monday. Not very complimentary so far. Read for yourselves. Mine comes Friday and may go straight to eBay.

AVS Forums:

http://www.avsforum.com/forum/42-hdtv-recorders/2963228-official-channel-master-stream-owner-s-thread.html

 

[primestar31]

Get used to it if you order from CM. Also get used to at least the first 3 firmware's to barely work, and not do even 3/4's of what they promised from the start.

Not for Channel Master. They always fall down on the job. WAY over-promise, and way under-deliver.

These started landing at buyers Monday. Not very complimentary so far. Read for yourselves. Mine comes Friday and may go straight to eBay.

AVS Forums:

http://www.avsforum.com/forum/42-hdtv-recorders/2963228-official-channel-master-stream-owner-s-thread.html

May I point out with my quotes above, that you were warned? Perhaps this will cure you of buying anything like this from Channel Master again. It's their standard pattern over and over for many years.