By way of Twitter, we gather Channel Master has licensed the Technicolor Skipper and is poised to introduce it as the Stream+ at CES in January. The Skipper is a 4K Android TV set-top box, with voice control remote, and over-the-air capabilities… which will hopefully see greater uptake as the Stream+ versus the competing and largely forgotten DISH AirTV, also produced by Technicolor. Stream+ joins CM’s OTA DVR+ in their post-antenna lineup. And given that DVR button on the Stream+ remote, perhaps we’ll be fortunate enough to see some interplay between the devices or even local recording capabilities via USB drive – in addition to requisite cord cutting streaming apps like Netflix and Hulu. Stay tuned!
Skipper details:
- Out of the box industrial design
- Android TV certified
- OTT and Live TV services with optional Broadcast TV services
- 4K Ultra HD: HEVC/VP9 Ultra HD 2160p/60 video
- Wireless Connectivity: Dual band IEEE 802.11n 2.4 GHz (2×2) and IEEE 802.11ac 5 GHz (2×2) interfaces
- Media sharing functions using a USB 3.0 port for plugging of HDD
- Enhanced user experience with 3D graphics
- Future-proof quad core CPU ready for gaming services
- Bluetooth Low Energy remote with voice control
No ethernet port for hard-wiring? That’s a fail. Though the fact it can do 4k, is Android, and OTA tv is the start of a good thing. Hopefully there’ll be others to compete that do offer hardwiring option for ethernet.
Whoops, maybe it does have a ethernet port… Sorry!
Does this replace dvr+?
Does this have kodi
Since it’s Android TV, one would assume you could load Kodi. Regarding DVR+ it’s a good question. DVR+ is old hardware, sluggish since launch several years ago, it could make sense they replace it at this point. The remote does have a DVR button… We’ll find out soon enough!
Thanks Dave, for the insight. I wonder if one would still need a firestick?
Details revealed and available for pre-order @ $99.
http://blog.channelmaster.com/channel-master-announces-stream-media-player-and-antenna-dvr/
I’ve got some questions into the company regarding DVR storage and potential of beaming content to other endpoints.
Update (1:45PM E): Channel Master confirms microSD only for DVR storate at launch. 128GB is good for about 16 hours of 1080p and they support up to 512GB. USB storage is coming, currently in testing. Device is pretty much stand-alone, no streaming recordings or live television outbound.
Will this device come with an upgradeble tuners for the new format of the next generation TV/ATSC 3.0. ‘Cause without the new tuners this device will be obselete for new channels launch in 2020
Can you control the Stream+ with Google Home the same way you can control a regular Chromecast? I.E, turn it on by voice, start, pause, and play programs by voice, turn the volume down, etc?