Tivo Stream 4K Review
While software updates are helpful, issues still exist.
TCL 65Q825 Samsung OLED65CXPUA Sony XBR-555X950G Samsung PN59D8000. We also tested TiVo Stream 4K with a wide variety of televisions. Although it happened more frequently on the LG than the Sony, the issue appears to have been solved with software updates. It continues to happen with LG.
We also experienced a couple of more minor issues. During setup on the remote pairing stage, the device would attempt to connect after pressing the requested buttons and then time out and return to the pairing page. With perseverance and quick reflexes poised on the Next button, we did get them to work. Sound dropouts were also reported with both the Sony TV and Onkyo receivers, though a software update appears to have resolved that issue.
Beyond that, the Stream worked well in our testing. Navigation of the various screens was zippy and we didn’t notice any lag when opening any apps. Sling TV’s TiVo Stream was seamlessly transferred, which could have been a choke point. We were also able to use the TiVo Stream 4K’s Chromecast capability to stream video from a PC browser and from a phone’s Spotify app. If you’re familiar with the Android TV ecosystem, you’ll feel right at home with the Stream 4K, and the Stream app on top is a usable and fun addition.
We originally hoped the Nvidia Shield could be replaced with this device for streaming PC games to your TV via Steam Link. Unfortunately, that did not happen. It was impossible to stream enough data to make the interface stable and play any games. The device also doesn’t have the recommended Ethernet port. TiVo reps claim the USB C port can be used as an Ethernet connector, which may prove useful in noisy Wi Fi areas. While Android TV games were generally good, we had fun with Crossy Road and Fast like a Fox.
Android Tv And Tivo Stream
The Stream 4K runs Android TV which supports thousands of streaming apps, such as Hulu, Netflix and Amazon. Apple TV is not currently available in the ecosystem. Google Cast also works with the Stream 4K, allowing you to stream content from any device, including your tablet and a Google Chrome Tab on your PC, directly to your TV.
We Have A Chromecast With Google TV Review Amazon Fire TVstick 4K.
Roku Premiere+ (2018). Our Roku Premiere+ (2018). Our Amazon Fire TV Cube (2019). Our Roku Ultra review Roku Ultra. Our Roku Ultra 2019 Review Roku Ultra. Our Roku Ultra reviews Roku Ultra. Our Roku Ultra is (2019). Our Roku Ultra review Roku Ultra. Our Roku Ultra is (2019). Our Roku Ultra review Roku Ultra. Android TV’s Google Assistant can be accessed by holding down the Google Assistant button and speaking into the mic. Google Assistant is able to search content and open apps. It can also provide information such as weather, sports scores and how smart home devices are controlled. It is an extremely useful feature for media streamers, as well as rivaling Amazon Alexa available on Fire TV devices.
TiVo Stream works on Android TV. Access it by pressing the TiVo buttons on the remote. TiVo Stream serves as this interface. It allows for access to all your content and apps using a TiVo-like menu system that is different from stock Android TV.
It is divided into different menus that can be accessed via a left-side bar. Home collects multiple recommendations of movies and shows from different TV channels and broadcast channels. My Shows allows you to view all your shows at once, similar to the OnePass feature of TiVo DVRs. Guide, a program guide that allows you access live TV on Sling Locast (which is a service to see local TV channels within certain areas), is available. There are four categories of suggestion pages that can help you find TV programs: Movies/Sports, Kids and TV Shows. Finally, apps allows you to access any app installed on your device.
While the interface is an improvement on TiVo’s text-heavy menu system, the interface still looks messy compared to Fire TV or Roku, and the Google TV interface for Chromecast. Android TV works with the standard Android TV interface. You can return to it by using the circular Home button.
What’S Good?
We’ll start by setting up the system. It is very straightforward. On the screen, step-by–step instructions will be displayed. Connecting the remote is easy. Also, Google allows you to set up your account. The system can then suggest better viewing suggestions based on your viewing preferences. You have the option of using your phone for setup too, if you prefer that over the remote.
TiVo 4K is Android TV’s best-selling product. It also includes some TiVo-inspired features.
TiVo and Android TV are easy to learn, so you will feel right at home using the TiVo stream 4K. It has an easy-to-use interface that is focused on content and not applications. While the app info column is located on the top of the homepage, the remainder of the screen shows content previews. You will also find a couple of settings and control options at the top. This minimalistic layout is great and allows you to focus on your content. But TiVo did something a little more complex by adding some of its unique touches. (more information in the next section).
2. Tivo Can Aggregate All Your Streaming Content
You may not like the Roku’s tile-by-tile browsing style. TiVo can be a great way to search content.
The Roku Express or Premiere requires you to scroll from one tile to another in order to search your content. TiVo automates this process by providing a single search that allows you to view both on-demand and live television content from all of the available streaming channels. It is possible to click on the favorite app to access it, as shown below. Additionally, it can be added to your “My Shows” section for easy future access.
The integration of Sling TV allows this aggregation to work for live streaming. TiVo provides a free seven-day trial of its service in the package that comes with the Stream4K device. The remote can be used to display a complete list of streaming live streams.
Tivo Stream 4K Review: Amped-Up Android Tv
We were a bit shocked when the Stream 4K device was revealed at CES 2020. This company, which built its industry reputation and arguably a whole industry around the DVR, showed us a device that could not record television shows to a hard disk. It couldn’t connect to conventional TV sources such as satellite or cable.
TiVo’s previous price ranges are not applicable to Stream 4K. The Stream 4K, which is available at a discounted price of $50 with no additional charges, is TiVo’s most affordable product. But did the company sell its soul in order to harness the power of the streaming video revolution?
Let’s take some time to look at it.
What is TiVo Stream 4K and what does it do?
Simon Cohen / Digital Trends
Stream 4K, despite its TiVo branding has almost nothing to do with DVR devices like TiVo Bolt OTA TiVo Crown Edge. The Stream 4K can’t be used with other TiVo products in the same house to access DVR recordings and conventional live TV. (In case you thought it would serve as an affordable version of the TiVo mini ). But here’s one thing the TiVo faithful won’t miss: The fee for the TiVo service (because this isn’t a TiVo DVR).
It’s instead a $50 streaming media device powered by Android TV. TiVo has added a few software tweaks of its own, but for the most part, the Stream 4K should be considered an Android TV device.
Share All Sharing Options For: Tivo’S First Android Tv Dongle Also Appears To Be Its Last
TiVo tried to compete with Amazon and Roku last May by launching an HDMI streaming dongle, the TiVo TiVo 4K. It cost $70 and traded the TiVo’s live TV + DVR functionality, which can be used for Sling TV and other services like Netflix, HBO, HBO, and YouTube. The company now plans to discontinue its Android TV dongle endeavors because of the failure in this attempt.
Xperi Holdings CEO Jon Kirchner explained in an earnings call Zatz Not Funny ) that it no longer feels it can compete using Android TV the company likes to think its differentiator is a content guide that surfaces and lets you search for shows and movies across a variety of apps, but now that Google’s already baked something like that its new “Google TV” layer on top of Android TV and sells it for just $50, TiVo doesn’t see much of a future there.
As Seeking Alpha Sure has translated Kirchner’s words, the original approach to the combination was to use a three-phase plan. We started with the Stream 4K product which attaches directly to TVs. Then we moved into embedded applications, which will be the preferred interface option on a broader platform. However, it originally revolved around the idea that the application would reside on top of Android TV.
The third is a deeper embedded solution. We’re an even bigger provider of embedded OS and are really the main interface for wider content search, discovery and engagement. Google made it clear last fall that their intention was to offer more than their OS and get into UX. It makes it difficult to think of an alternative to their platform.
Kirchner proposes that TiVo smarts be integrated directly into TVs. That strategy worked really well for Roku. Amazon’s Fire TV Edition sets have also competed with it for years.
The problem is that while the Stream 4K was well reviewed, not all reviewers loved its interface. Many of the most positive reviews criticized it for being confusing and messy compared with other products. However, most users agreed that it was comparable to better offerings by Amazon and Roku at a fraction of that cost. TiVo reduced its initial price for the Stream 4K by $50, before reducing it to $39 in December when the $50 Chromecast was available.
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TiVo 4K Review. A Limited but Promising HDMI Dongle. The TiVo 4K, which is budget friendly, represents an alternative approach to the company. The Stream 4K, a streaming device that is priced at a fraction of the price of traditional DVRs and supported by premium service plans, replaces dedicated DVRs. The Stream 4K’s main selling point is its integrated content approach, which pulls in multiple services and views into one central place. However, how does this company do? Does the hardware have the power to provide the content it wants? The Stream 4K has been my primary streaming device for the past few days.
Hardware and Setup If thinking of the TiVo brand calls to mind large, hard-drive equipped DVRs that need a decent amount of entertainment center real estate, the Stream 4K might surprise you. TiVo offers a smaller, more discreet HDMI dongle. Chromecasts or Fire TV Sticks can be a better alternative to giant cable boxes. However, the Stream 4K’s size is a bit more than that of some direct competitors. With dimensions of 3 x 2×0.6 inches (77x 53x 16mm), and the HDMI “tail”, the main housing is approximately the same size that two matches boxes.
The HDMI attachment is flexible and long enough for the Stream to clear the other cables plugged into my TV’s inputs. The Stream 4K may stick out slightly depending on the location of your HDMI inputs. Double-sided tape is not an option if this happens.
The permanently attached HDMI cable is joined by a micro USB port that provides power, pairing buttons, and a USB C port. TiVo advises you to use the provided power supply, rather than connecting your power cord directly into the USB port. As for that USB-C port, it’s not stated prominently on the Stream 4K’s product page or in its support documents, but you can use it to attach additional storage or an Ethernet cable if you have the appropriate adapters on hand. Unfortunately, I didn’t have the connections around to test those capabilities, but TiVo representatives did confirm that the USB-C port can be used to expand the Stream’s capabilities in the future.
The Stream’s internal storage capacity is 8GB so an external storage option could be a great idea. That stacks up well against competitors like the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K (also 8GB), but could be a bit restricting depending on how much you want to load onto your device.
The familiar shape of TiVo’s “peanut” remote is apparent in the design. Despite being a miniaturized version of the form factor, it still remains comfortable to hold in the hands. However, it can be slippery and would benefit from having a better grip. To navigate with the remote without actually looking at the screen, it took some getting used too button placement. I found that the confirmation button was located below the directional icons, so I kept pressing the TiVo Logo button.
Wrapping up
If your services are compatible with the Stream app, then you will get the best value for money. If these two categories don’t exactly overlap, it’s possible to find yourself navigating between the Stream app and your content to view all of it. It can be frustrating which could make the app lose its main attraction. Even ignoring the Stream App, Android TV streams are still affordable and highly capable at a price of $49.99.
However, this value proposition will be weakened if TiVo increases the price to regular $69.99. So you need to consider the appealingness of the Stream app over other Android TV options, such as the Xiaomi Mi Box S (around $55).
As for the Stream app itself, it integrates supported services as advertised and provides an easy-to-use interface. TiVo should expand its support for the app and possibly offer it as a standalone application you could use on other devices. We’ve not heard of any plans to do that as of yet, but we’ll let you know if plans change.
The Stream 4K offers a low-cost Android TV solution. However, we recommend you buy one sooner than expected as established rivals like Roku and Amazon become more desirable once their prices go up.
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Tivo Stream 4K Initial Thoughts
These were my thoughts before I unpacked the TiVo stream 4K.
The TiVo TiVo Stream 4K has been a long-awaited release. It will be able to compete with the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K. However, the Fire TV Stick 4K would seem to be the most popular streaming device currently on the market. The Fire TV Stick 4K’s sub-$50 price tag, and its ability to stream 4K videos are the main reasons for this popular device. Additionally, sideloading on Fire TV Stick 4K makes it possible for cord-cutters and users to download their preferred APKs. TiVo Stream 4K currently retails at $49.99. It is also the same price as Fire TV Stick 4K. TiVo claims that this price is an introductory rate, and will increase to $69.99 thereafter. TiVo’s price hike would be a bad idea. Just 20 more dollars could mean a significant difference. And the Fire TV Stick 4K wouldn’t lose it’s coveted status.
It is great that the unit comes with a USB C connector, which can be used to connect other devices (e.g. thumb drives, Ethernet adapters or keyboards).
The Fire TV Stick 4K’s biggest flaw is its lack of expandable storage. While it’s possible to expand the storage of a Fire TV Stick 4K with a hack, this is still not optimal.
Expanding storage allows us to plug in an external hard drive and then format that drive as internal storage. This will allow you to install more applications, and store app-specific data.
TiVo 4K, Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K both have 8GB internal storage. This can quickly fill up. Installing a few additional games can help you max out your internal storage.
One other feature that I like seeing is the use of Android TV as the operating system on this new streaming device.
Is Tivo Stream 4K Worth It?
TiVo Stream4K – Verdict: The TiVo Stream4K, a 4K streaming gadget at a low price is incredibly impressive. Android TV platform is smooth, the Live TV Integration app works for Sling subscribers, and the Google Assistant enabled remote is very well designed. February 3, 2021
Is There A Monthly Fee For Tivo Stream 4K?
The Stream 4K smartphone or app does not require a monthly fee. Google Play offers streaming apps, but some might require paid subscriptions through the app provider. August 30, 2021
Is Tivo Better Than Roku?
Roku’s support for Internet services is much more robust than Hulu or Netflix. That was one of the main differences I noticed. TiVo cannot support Amazon Prime Video on Demand, even though it can support Amazon video on demand. TiVo can record stuff. Roku is the most popular streaming media device.
Does Tivo Stream 4K Have Local Channels?
Tivo TV Stream has no over-the–air tuner. Locals can be viewed via a pay service such as Youtube TV, Hulu Live. Locast is donation based and provides locals in major markets. Sound like they need a digital tuner or Tivo DVR if in fact they have a Vizio monitor instead of a television.Jun 3, 2021
.Tivo Stream 4K Review