Review: Stream+ DVR & Android TV Player From Channel Master
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 15 ต.ค. 2024
- Today we unbox and review the Channel Master Stream+ DVR. This DVR is built on an Android TV player and allows you to stream and DVR your antenna all with a single device.
You can pre-order a Stream+ here: www.channelmas...
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It also allows tuning in of any HD HomeRun tuners in the house/network. Say if both of your Stream+ tuners are currently recording programs. You can have the Stream+ pull your available HD HomeRun Tuners to still watch Live TV beyond the built-in ATSC tuner. Watching a different program than what the Stream+ tuners are recording.
With an app or directly? If directly can you post how it's done?
Thanks
The Channel Master Stream+ DVR is awesome. I have been using it for nearly a month. 1) The tuner is great as I got 78 channels (same exact as my Samsung tv tuner) and the picture quality was even better than the Samsung television tuner. The picture quality was more crisp and brighter than the Samsung television tuner. This really surprised me. 2) Android TV has a nice user friendly interface and the bluetooth remote is very comfortable and easy to use. It feels like an Amazon fire stick remote but a smidge bigger. 3) Live Channels App with its DVR and free 14 day guide has been really nice. Very polished and reliable DVR. It doesn't miss recordings for me. If you don't have any internet access, you can still use a 1 day guide and record but it relies on OTA and we know that isn't always accurate all the time so it may miss a recording very rarely though. With internet, the live channel app guide is perfectly accurate. Use your internet for better and more reliable experience. Good news is that you don't need constant internet for the Live Channels app. If you lose internet, it doesn't go to a 1 day guide. It saves the last 14 day guide. 4) Chromecast is HUGE. You can play Netflix/Prime with excellent picture quality. Chromecast will get you Netflix/Prime and many other apps playing on your channel master. Forget sideloading as it is a bad experience with poor picture quality, bugs and annoying keyboard use. Just cast it from your phone. Once casted, you can close the phone app, disconnect phone wifi and it will play perfectly fine on your channel master. You can use the Channel Master remote too to pause, play, fast forward, etc.. Just simply start it from the phone though. 5) Bluetooth headphone support. 6) Lots of apps and games. 7) Use less storage for tv show than my Mediasonic..... Cons? 1) No manual record. This could be a problem for long baseball or football games. 2) No official Netflix/Prime app but it is still supported with the channel master's built-in chromecast. It works just as a good as a chromecast device.... Actually better because you at least have a channel master bluetooth remote to use. Not a big deal for me. 3) It should have a faster fast forward to speed through movies. My mediasonic can go faster with 32x. Overall I give the channel master stream+ a 4.7 out of 5 stars due to its features and value. I got the channel master stream+ on sale for only $71.25 and I regret not buying 2 now. I am definitely considering to buy another one even at $99.99 sale.... Sure I do wish it had automatic skip commercial like a +$500 Tivo Edge but I am being realistic for its price point. As for streaming to multiple devices and televisions? It isn't a high priority on my list especially if slow performance happens, super fast internet needed and lesser picture quality streaming. No way could a fire recast stream better picture than the channel master direct connection. Impossible! I think direct connection puts out better picture quality than streaming. All of the pros and features makes it better than the older Channel Master DVR+ which cost way more at $250 without the $40 wifi dongle or $400 with the wifi dongle & 1 TB hard drive. DVR+ ability of playing a recording show from the beginning isn't a big deal for me and isn't worth paying like 4 times more.
Do you need internet to run this
I am going back and forth between the Channel Master Stream+, Amazon Fire Recast and Tivo Bolt OTA. I am starting to lean towards to the Channel Master Stream+. The big con for the Amazon Fire Recast is that the recording picture quality is downgraded with compression due to 720p. I have 2 Amazon fire tv box and 1 fire tv stick 4k and that is a shame and deal breaker for me. Picture quality is the most important factor. I am guessing those 1080i broadcasts being converted is losing some picture quality and that is why some people complain. The big con for the Tivo is the expensive price.
Hey, I am in Canada, do you think I can use a vpn app plus a pluto tv app on this?
Being that this is a pre-production unit. It may receive and OTA update that adds the Netflix ESN to support the Netflix app. Amazon Video is unlikely coming as it appears to be exclusive to the Nvidia Shield when it comes to Android TV OS devices.
You need to try connecting an external drive for DVR. I just setup a Stream+ and at some point in my researching the box I had read that the USB also now works for DVR. I have a SSD in a USB 3.0 enclosure and am able to DVR shows. I think the technology moved past what you first learned about the box.
Nope, don't work for me.
Jim Masters did you update software by chance?
Good call, people are (still) not reading or understanding this. Works with External Hard Drives, up to 2TB.
This is the newer Channel Master OTR DVR ( the Stream+) ; there is an older Channel Master DVR that is a flat- rectangular box.
Please just make a plain Jane ota DVR; no wifi; no digital converter; no internet. But, yes, two tuners. Presently, I use my DVR+ without Internet. It works great. The Internet connection is NOT necessary to program, record, and watch local ota network television. There's a market for such a simple DVR. Just look how many buy digital converters just to record - NOT to hook up an archaic analog TV!
The Channel Master Stream+ actually works without internet but you are only going to get a 1 day guide. This is the OTA broadcast guide that I receive from Samsung television tuners or the Mediasonic Homeworx DVR. The problem with that is that it isn't as accurate, you don't don't get the great descriptions and you don't get 14 day guide.... You really want to use Live Channels app and its 14 day guide. It is FAR SUPERIOR. The good thing about this DVR and 14 day channel guide is that you don't need constant internet. It will save a 14 day guide from whenever you were last connected to internet. Yes you can absolutely record from a 1 day or 14 day guide without any internet.
What do you mean the external hard drive is not supported at 7:33?
Got to have 1. Free guide. 2.Netflix, Sling, Amazon. 3. HDMI to TV. 4. DVR
Is there anything out there that meets this?
I have a TiVo Bolt right now, and it's nearly time to re-subscribe, but ever since I bought and installed this, I've never gotten ABC7 here in my home. Tivo says they reduce the signal (Don't remember their reason)
Do you have any recommendations?
hey have you found anything? id even settle without #2
I have this item and the Live Channels app is becoming obsolete and the DVR recording functions and channel guides are starting to work incorrectly. The app hasn't been updated since December, 2022 so I suppose this unit (which is at the mercy of Google) will soon be totally obsolete very soon. Very disappointing how Channel Master created a product that's dependent on another company's actions.
You did not review the chromecast functionality, does that work as expected? Can I play from computer, cast apps from phone and cast my desktop? Mac, windows?
Chromecast works beautifully, it's baked into the system and processes. I've used phone, tablet, etc., stellar results all around.
Can u record seasons? If so, is it free or is it like TiVo where u have to pay $14 per month? Thanks.
When you click Record on a program, it asks you if you'd like to record: (1) This Episode or (2) All Episodes / Season. It is free, there is no fee or cost for DVR on this appliance.
It's free. The recording choices are "single episode" or "all episodes". "Current season" isn't an option, it's either one episode or ALL episodes.
The built-in chromecast supports Netflix and Prime. Don't sideload Netflix or Prime. With sideloading, the picture quality won't be good, buggy and using keyboard is little bit annoying. USE THE BUILT-IN CHROMECAST IN THE CHANNEL MASTER! Everyone has a phone. Use your phone's netflix/prime apps with chromecast from your phone/tablet to your Channel Master chromecast. The picture quality is great, easier to use than keyboard and you can use the CHANNEL MASTER REMOTE to pause, play, fast forward, etc.. I start the movie/tv show from my phone, close the Prime app on my phone, even turn off the wifi on my phone and then use the Channel Master remote. No need to waste phone battery. It also works with IMDB app. I watched Knives Out (Prime) and Fringe (IMDB).
Anyone know how long the pause limit is? Can't find this simple info ANYWHERE!
I just ordered mine,, they had a crazy sale for $84
Is the remote IR (have to have line of sight to device) or is it Bluetooth like a Roku or Firestick?
Bluetooth. First step in the entire setup process on first boot is in pairing it (takes about 5 seconds).
Does the network cable need to be plugged in to be able to see what is coming on tv in the future?
it also has wifi, but yes, it needs an internet connection to see what's coming.
I've read where you cannot set up manual recordings on this. Is this true? We have the DVR+ which lets us set up manual recordings (in case the show runs long, etc). I'm interested in the Stream+, but not if there's no manual recording setup.
There is no option to adjust the recording. Select a program and choose "single episode" or "all episodes". No options for new vs rerun or for adjusting the start/stop times.
I just bought a 1t bundle gonna test head to head to my recast
Which one did you prefer? Channel Master or Amazon Fire Recast.... I hear the Recast compresses some broadcasts and the picture quality suffers. I am debating between Channel Master Steam+, Amazon Fire Recast and TiVo Bolt OTA.
App Shortcuts on the remote would’ve been nice like Netflix, Hulu, TH-cam, and HBO Max
@5:50 one of the best pastors in modern day. Pastor Steven Furtick. He is awesome to listen to.
Great concept! If it gets Netflix, I will probably buy and replace my Channel Master DVR+.
DVR+ never got Netflix. So, why even consider for a nanosecond that Stream+ will?
The inability to watch the beginning of a recording in progress like I could with the Channel Master DVR+ took this out of contention once the DVR+ channel guide issue made it obsolete. I have just purchased a Tablo Quad.
How is the Quad? Did you pay for the Lifetime Subscription for the guide?
Channel master promised with DVR plus Netflix and Hulu would be coming ..and guess what Netflix and Hulu never came to DVR plus from channel master ...so for me I keep my DVR plus from channel master for now and wait and see if they get Netflix and Hulu for stream and more before I buy it want to see Netflix and Hulu actually on it
Pretty sure they got hulu on it, but they lack netflix and prime
I've been waiting for your review of the Stream+ for a while now to see if you had the same experience that I had with the TV tuner. I was surprised to find that you didn't. Like you, I think, I really like the overall concept and think that this is good start that can be improved upon on with future upgrades. My BIG disappointment - which you didn't seem to experience - was the terrible OTA channel reception. I probably get about a fourth of the channels that my Samsung TV tuner receives. It is basically unusable as a TV tuner for me. I have watched one other TH-camr who reviewed the Stream+ and he had the same experience as me. I am a little bewildered now as why I have such a different experience than you with regard to the TV tuner. Thanks for all you work with regard to cord cutting!
Todd Sorensen - I have no difference in channel tuning from my Stream+ , TiVo OTA, or Samsung TV, using same antenna in same location. In DC area I receive 67 channels on any of these devices.
That's good news. Maybe I have a bad device or something. I called Channel Master but they didn't give me much hope, but just told me how I could return it for a refund. Maybe if I try it at my house (instead of my office), I will get better results. Again, thanks for your response - it gives me hope.
I have some questions I hope someone can answer about this device. I live in a remote area and I have a rotary antenna. None of my TVs and so far none of these kinds of external ATSC tuner boxes seem to be compatible with rotary antennas.
You must run auto-program and detect the stations and create a list of channels you can choose from. BUT then I turn my antenna to get stations in another direction. The only thing I can do is run auto-program again and it discards the stations it had already found and creates a new list. This is terrible. I need the option to add channels to the existing list without discarding channels that no longer have signal strength.
Does this tuner have an add new channels mode and not overwrite the previous list?
And even worse is if the signal strength of a channel goes away because of weather or the station goes off the air due to a transmitter failure - and you try to switch to that channel the TV actually decides to just delete that channel from the list and the only way to get it back is auto-program.
And then there is the problem of virtual channels. They should be banned. I can get RF channel 28 which is virtual channel 29 and I can get RF 29 which is virtual 28. The TVs get very confused and delete the channels. I wish I could tell the TV to just forget virtual channels completely and I will use the RF numbers exclusively. So my second question is: Is there a way to tell the TV to tune to an RF channel number? If it already has a virtual 28 in it's list can I tell it to tune to RF 28? I have found no TV or tuner box that can do that.
I have found the answer to my question by contacting Channel Master and I must say I am very disappointed. The Stream+ works just as poorly as all the other TVs/tuners. I am concluding that most everyone is buying the same prewritten package of DTV tuner code from the same source code provider.
Channel Master indicates that when I rotate the antenna rotor I will need to rescan. Which means I would need to rescan multiple times per night.
And also they indicated that there is no way to direct tune to an RF channel number. Again, I must rescan.
This is very disappointing. To me that means the Stream+ is no better than any of the other tuners. Might as well just stick to the Homeworx.
I notice that lots of people are discussing the Stream+ internet stream capabilities. I don't understand. Same as I don't understand smart TVs. Roku is so many hands above everything else why bother with the Stream+ internet streaming feature or smart TV streaming features at all?
Digital broadcast needs to be addressed with a quality device that concentrates on everything involved with using an antenna. Adding internet streaming to a device when the tuner portion is still so desperately lacking seems pointless. Get it together tuner suppliers.
I have their DVR+ and also have their antenna and rotor. In order to get maximum channels I hit auto-scan and continually rotate my antenna from 0 to 360deg over and over until the auto-scan is complete. It will store way more channels but won't pick them up until you rotate your antenna in their direction. This eliminates the need to re-scan channels over and over. The problems come when you have the DVR set to record pre-programed channels but the antenna was left in a different direction. Some day someone will invent a memory feature that is interfaced with the DVR where it will automatically rotate the antenna toward the proper coordinate for that channel in order to recorded the program. I hope this helps.
Will this pause and then resume live tv? This is what I am looking for. Is there something cheaper out there to do that?
It has to be fully recorded, so if its live u have to wait for it to end in order to do that i think
@@greenstorm5568 Incorrect.... It can absolutely pause and resume live TV. Even my $30 Mediasonic can pause and resume live TV. You are confusing the DVR+ feature where people can play from the very beginning a current recording show. That it won't do.
Yes. It can pause and resume live tv. I do it all the time.... My $30 Mediasonic can also do that but you definitely want to pay extra for the channel master.
now it works so love it
The Roku device will make your tv able to use the internet with all the aps. Only reason to have this device is for dvr but Roku at Walmart is 29 dollars this is over 100 so if you want a dvr then buy the channel Master if not then go with Roku
couldn't you get the apps from the Google store? since it does have it
No Netflix has to approve the device for it to be able to install from the Google Play Store.
This device doesn't have the real google store.
how long is the program guide for 2 weeks or just 2 days
Yes it's a 2 week guide.
Up to 2 weeks ! Up 2
Is this going to be 3.0 compatible?
Yeah the usb is blue meaning it is
Wonder if you could run Kodi Live TV Guide and Record stuff?
David Cole the CM video says it will do Kodi.
My remote for channel master that was recommend as an upgrade last year has stopped working and Ann L. from customer support said they don’t sell it now or repair them, and I should buy a Logitech universal remote. Unfortunate that this company does not support its own products and recommends other company’s products as a better choice. Would not recommend products from Channel Master, their customer service is sub par and they do not support or recommend their own products.
That trailer channel reminds me of the "channel one" or "channel zero" stations you'll sometimes see in hotel rooms, goading you to spend money on pay-per-view content.
How many channel you can record at the same time
Antonjlavey 2
two, or watch one and record one. I have found that although I can record two channels at one time, if you start or stop a streaming app during the recording it causes the recording to fail.
It probably will get Netflix in the future, but they probably haven't passed certification for DRM content yet.
lunarx3dfx very possible and likely they will get Netflix. Yeah if they don't get Netflix they would not be the first Android TV player to never get Netflix. Razor never did get Netflix stamp of approval for their Android TV Player.
Cord Cutters News oh wow, I didn't know that about the Razer Android TV box. Kinda foolhardy of them not to agressively pursue those apps if you ask me.
@@lunarx3dfx espcially bc netflix is such a big name service in the industry
I cant get it to record-I used the recommended sd card and it keeps saying Insufficient Space even tho the sd card has been formatted and data has been migrated. Very frustrating.
keep us updated
Finally got it to work. You need at least a 64 gig Micro sd card. The one I was using was only 32 gig. Also make sure it is a class 10 U3.
I have this and it's junk!
I kinda have to agree with you. Doesn't really impress me. Im looking into the TiVo Roamio OTA but its pricey.
I've tried a new SanDisk 120 gig 3.0 usb at least 4 times. Each time it will record. After it's turned on and off a few times I get no usb connected. I'm trying a new one now. I've also added some apps, but when I power off and back on the apps are gone. I don't get it. I'm ready to put my ChannelMaster dvr back in my living room. I loved it!
Can this dvr record sling TV channels?
No just your antenna but Sling TV offers a DVR
Can you add Netflix with google play store?
No
jimmy box CNET review says they successfully side loaded Netflix somehow.
Yeah, I'll buy it at that price when netflix and amazon videos are included. You know, really what they should do is bundle it with an existing netflix/amazon dongle until them.
In terms of big streaming apps, everyone knows at this point that the Stream+ doesn't support Netflix or Amazon. It also doesn't support some network tv apps such as The CW (sorry fans of DC's Supergirl or Arrow, and Supernatural fans). Finally, lacks support for many of the niche streaming apps you might be enjoying on your other android devices.
The DVR fails to play back recordings if you open or close a streaming app during the recording. Recordings will also fail if you pause live tv while something else is recording, or if you pause the recording you're watching while recording something else. And let's not forget the ever popular random recording failures.
Customer service from ChannelMaster isn't "live". You must submit an online ticket and someone from ChennelMaster will respond by e-mail or phone call (your choice) and tell you to perform a factory data reset. Regardless of your issue, that's always their first step. This wipes all your recordings, schedules, and downloaded apps. This is followed by reinstalling your chosen apps, reconnecting them and reentering your user names and passwords.
This device has been available to consumers for nearly a year and the bugs are still plentiful. The Stream+ falls short of both the "Stream", and the "+".
but it's not a atsc 3.0 tuner?
No. I haven't seen any in my searching, at least not reasonable. It may be a while before that gets going.
Hey, at least it's not DVB. There are a dearth of android OTA DVRs ... they're all intended for european broadcasting (like the MeCool K3 - sweet device).
The SlingTV AirTV with OTA adapter looks great but although it has two USB connectors and claims a built in DVR like the CM DVR+ I can't nail down if it supports external hard drives for DVR or possible size limits. Anyone know? If it does, it may just accomplish it's goal of getting nearly all of it into the same control. To stream your own video files it looks like you would still have to switch to something else that plays your own video files though. It does claim 4k video compliant although it does not explicitly state ATSC 3.0.
@@BushPilot444 the stream+ has built in storage (very limited), but it supports and even recommenda external like usb or microsd
I have the Stream Plus and it's OK. Could use some refining.
It is using USB drive to record with. Haven't notice a problem with that yet.
Plex works on it using HDhomerun tuners. I didn't even think about Plex using CM tuners.
When changing channels the info banner is nice but it won't go away on it's own. I have to hit the back button for it to disappear.
Hitting the info button pops it up but hitting info again does nothing. Have to hit the back button again. Haven't heard anyone else mention that so maybe it's just my unit.
My wife likes Roku for streaming. With CM I was just trying to find something wife friendly to record OTA TV. I think she may prefer Plex if she tries it. One drawback with Plex is no grid guide. Hope they add one soon.
Oh, CM said they are just waiting for Netflix and Amazon approval. It's been a while.
The Stream Plus could use an extra USB port as well.
Wish the Stream Plus was still avaiable to purchase just can't understand why they didn't carry the feature of using a Harddrive over to the Stream?
They wont get the approvals, due to DRM from those services.
I never should've ordered tivo bolt vox. I just found out that u have to subscribe $14.99 a month
Nvidia Shield handles Plex,, Has Netflix, and when paired with the HDhomerun, its has everything and more. The Total Cost of the Stream+ and a MicroSD card, it's almost just as much money.
Channel Master Stream Plus has Hulu
Yeah they need a hard drive for recording.
USB Hard Drives are supported for DVR, although SD cards U3 rated are recommended.
I've tried several and none will work. I hate the Stream. It can't compare to the Channel Master DVR. I got it when it came out. If I could send it back I would!
Jim Masters I only have one Stream+, and it works perfectly. I also have a TiVo OTA Roamio, that was much more expensive, but has 4 OTA tuners, as opposed to the 2 on the Stream+. The ChannelMaster DVR+ has had its share of issues,... It was also expecting a Netflix app, an Amazon Prime app etc, that never came to pass. The Sling TV app is no longer supported on the DVR+ and there continue to be issues with the guide as well. The tuners on the Stream+ is far superior to the tuners on the discontinued DVR+, and using the same antenna in same location, both the TiVo and Stream+ scan in the same channels, 67 in DC/VA/MD area. I got my Stream+ during preorder for $99, while the TiVo was $400. The Stream+ is now $149, and a much better value than the TIVO. Neither require a monthly fee for the Guide or DVR features, which is a plus.
Jim Masters did you update software?
I have a 500 GB USB 3.0 drive connected to one of my Stream+ units, it’s the center of my HDHomerun DVR. I have 2 more Stream+ throughout our home and can access those recordings or OTA channels from my HDHomerun in the attic connected to a ChannelMaster Antenna. Now that HDHomerun offers a Premium TV service, I’m canceling Sling TV.
Well looks a lot like the Live Channels app that I run on my shield with my tuner
That true but doesn't cost a arm and leg
It does use the Google Live Channels app. The Shield has an issue with all multiple tuners when using that app, Channels lockup and won’t release. Stream+ has updated firmware that runs dual OTA tuners without the release issue.
I bought this product 6 mouths ago. This device is the biggest piece of crap ever made by man kind. Do yourself a favor and stay away from channel master products. The company lies there is no customer service.
From what I've seen, I agree. I picked up a HP Z210 workstation w/Xeon processor, 8gb ram and 2tb drive off woot 2 years ago for 200 bucks. I've added some re-purposed enterprise drives and a 500gb SSD and 8gb more ram to build a media server. I also put in a 4 tuner OTA card and using either it's EPG or Windows Media Center (which program guide still updates), it stays on 24/7 and records lots of programing an using MCEBuddy to remove the commercials and converting WTV to MP4, I can access my device on any smart TV or Roku at home or away from home.
Considering I own 5 channel master dvr’s 3 generations the latest version is NOT an upgrade over prior models. Pictures flicker on certain TVs. Device needs full factory resets on a regular basis. The turner is sub par . Skips scheduled recordings. This is CM third attempt at a ota DVR and their worst to date
I have had great customer service.
I’m sick of TiVo so this will record new episodes
Is the reason there is no Netflix because you can DVR from the apps.
Ricky Gonzalez - it uses the Google Live Channels app to DVR, and only records OTA broadcasts. Couldn’t record Netflix or streaming channels.
Then why no Netflix, as far as I know Netflix is available on Android TV. It's very odd.
Ricky Gonzalez not enough installed user base available, approximately 1,600 units registered with Google. Until that number increased significantly, Google has no incentive to invest in certifying.
I just purchased the STREAM and it is sorely lacking in the software department.For Instance, you can't record multiple programs of the Same Name, like on the DVR+. You can only record one show at a time and NOT The Series. Then each day you have to go in and re-schedule all the shows.You can NOT set a Program reminder to come on and remind you, The DVR+ has this feature.I will keep the STREM and hope it gets some software updates.I also, Do Not get SLING or NETFLIX.Channel Master, if you are reading this, Big Improvements are required.
👍👍👍😎
I'll wait for it to handle plex
No hard drive is a deal breaker
I agree
Channel Master and Android have updated the software and CM now recommends a USB hard drive up to 2 TB for DVR storage. You no longer need a microSD card. But, you have to factor the cost of a hard drive into the price of the unit to get a functional OTA DVR, which makes it about $200 ($149 for the Stream+ and another $50 for a USB hard drive).
Frank Hagan Sweet! Thanks for the update
@ Kevin - don't do it. It does not have DVR recording except on the mem card. Way too small and a step backwards for this company. I cannot believe they would shoot themselves in the foot like this with new competitors like AirTV. Really dumb.
BushPilot444 USB storage as well like DVR+ and micro sd cheaper than the large storage boxes for DVR+. Not seeing how it’s a step back. DVR+ had no internal memory to speak of except maybe a few minutes worth.