The satcaster, in an announcement Tuesday timed for the 2017 International CES trade show, launched AirTV Player, an Android-based streaming device with support for Ultra HD 4K video that lets Sling TV customers add free, live local broadcast stations into their guide using an external antenna.
When an over-the-air antenna (not included) is connected to the AirTV Player, the Sling TV channel guide includes local OTA channels. Viewers can watch the broadcast channels on the TV connected to the AirTV Player via HDMI and switch among OTA channels and Sling TV content without changing TV inputs.
Dish is selling the AirTV Player with the OTA AirTV Adapter for $129.99; a streaming-only version of the AirTV Player is available for $99.99. A standalone AirTV Adapter is available for $39.99 if consumers choose to add OTA integration at a later date. Purchase of the AirTV Player includes a $50 Sling TV credit, available to new and existing Sling TV users.
At launch, AirTV Player provides integrated support for Sling TV, Netflix and YouTube along with access to titles in the Google Play Store along with free local OTA channels. Dish has established AirTV as a subsidiary separate from its satellite TV business and Sling TV service.
“Americans are rediscovering free local, over-the-air TV for sports, shows and news, particularly given how well OTA complements popular streaming platforms like Netflix, Sling TV and YouTube,” Mitch Weinraub, director of product development for AirTV, said in a statement. “AirTV’s new streaming device and antenna installation service again make getting your entertainment as easy as turning on the TV.” Weinraub previously was director of advanced video products for Dish.
With the launch of the OTA device, Dish has established a network of licensed and insured AirTV Pro Install technicians who can set up device with either an indoor or outdoor antenna solution, based on a customer’s location. The professional installation service is available to all consumers at AirTV.net, with or without the purchase of an AirTV Player. The AirTV Pro Install service uses Winegard FlatWave Amped indoor antennas and Televes DigiNova BOSS outdoor antennas. Standard one-room antenna installation, including the antenna, is available starting at $100 for an indoor antenna or $150 for an outdoor antenna.
Separately Tuesday, Dish’s Sling TV launched its “Optimized for Sling TV” certification program, for devices and platforms that provide an “exceptional” experience, like the new AirTV Player and Xiaomi’s Mi Box.
In addition, Dish announced a new skill for Amazon’s Alexa that gives customers the ability to control their TV using voice commands. Users can pair a Hopper DVR (any generation) with an Alexa device like the Echo or Echo Dot to speak commands like “Alexa, go to CNN.”
Finally, the satcaster unveiled Dish Music, a Hopper-based feature powered by DTS Play-Fi that gives customers with a Hopper 2 or Hopper 3 DVR the ability to sync music throughout their home with one central control. Dish Music will be compatible with a music services including Pandora, iHeartRadio and Amazon, as well as personal libraries on mobile devices.
Article Appeared @http://variety.com/2017/digital/news/dish-airtv-free-local-tv-sling-tv-1201951319/