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AirTV Player
Discontinued
Pros
- Integrates antenna TV with streaming
- Supports 4K streaming
- Andriod TV Apps
- Sling TV subscription not required to use the device
Cons
- No HDR
- Price
- Limited DVR
- Interface is lacking
If you are a cord-cutter that needs to supplement their streaming service with local channels from an OTA antenna then the AirTV Player might just be for you. This streaming television device is arguably the most unique device on the market. AirTV Player gives users an entirely new way to instantly stream sports, shows, and movies alongside your local channels. AirTV is a subsidiary of DISH Network, who also owns Sling TV.
AirTV Player Bundle
There are two different versions of AirTV which we find confusing due to similar names: AirTV and AirTV Player. Both versions are significantly different but operate on the same premise which is that you can connect an OTA antenna to the device.
In this review, we will be talking about the AirTV Player bundle, not AirTV. To learn more about AirTV we have a separate AirTV review.
Which AirTV Device Do I Need?
| Which AirTV is right for me? | AirTV | AirTV Player |
|---|---|---|
| Convert your TV into a Smart TV? |  |  |
| Access the Google Play App Store | | |
| Free Over-The-Air Channels | | |
| Stream your OTA to your mobile devices? | | |
| Number of TVs supported? | ||
| Number of concurrent OTA streams? | ||
| OTA Antenna replacement? | ||
| Integrate with Sling TV? | | |
| Stand-alone application? | | |
| Recording? |
What is AirTV Player?
AirTV Player is essentially an Android TV player, but AirTV is a dual network tuner. AirTV Player is a full-fledged streaming device with access to all of the streaming apps and channels in the Google Play store while AirTV does not.
AirTV was created to solve one of the most common issues faced by cord-cutters regarding streaming television services. Most services have many restrictions for local television channels based on which market you live in.
Many cord-cutters have been using OTA antennas to supplement the incomplete lineup of local channels offered by most services. Thus the AirTV was born and it was designed to combine streaming services, particularly Sling TV, with OTA local channels on the same platform for a seamless user experience.
AirTV is a unique device that allows you to stream local channels to any connected device over your home WiFi network.
Users simply have to connect one HD antenna to the device and all of the devices on their home network can view these channels including TVs and mobile devices. You will have to use the Sling TV or AirTV app to access the channels.
The first generation AirTV Player bundle is composed of four elements: the streaming box, the remote, the adapter, and an antenna (sold separately). Users connect the adapter to the streaming box and then connect the antenna to the adapter. This would implement local channels onto the platform which was Android based.
Fully integrated into the device are Sling TV, Netflix, and the Google Play app store. This means that it can be used with any service other than Sling TV that has a compatible app on the Google Play store. Local channels appear in 1080p HD and the device also supports 4K Ultra HD picture.
The remote is one of the better remotes out there. The remote is voice-capable that gives you intuitive control of your TV. The remote uses Bluetooth to connect to the device so you never have to worry about having to be in line-of-sight of the streaming box. Another great feature that most remotes do not have is the volume functionality. The remote also features a guide, recall, Netflix and Google, Info, and pause/play buttons.
The device has 2 USB 2.0 ports, HDMI 2.0/HDCP 2.2 Port, optical input, and Ethernet ports. It has an internal WiFi 802.11 ac 2×2 Dual-band (2.4 GHz and 5.0 GHz), 2 GB DDR and 8GB flash memory, 4Kp60 max decode and video resolution, and Dolby Digital/Dolby Digital Plus.
AirTV Player Specifications
| AirTV Player | |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | |
| CPU | |
| Wireless | (2.4 GHz and 5.0 GHz) |
| Colors | |
| Memory | |
| OTA Tuners | |
| Ports | |
| Power |
