Subscribers to Dish Network’s over-the-top Internet TV service, Sling TV, can now add local TV stations by way of an external antenna.
The solution is less than elegant — and households have been able to watch over-the-air TV via an antenna on their rooftops since TV began — but it allows Dish Network to avoid tricky retransmission-consent negotiations with TV station groups.
As CES 2017 in Las Vegas gets underway, Dish Network on Tuesday launched the AirTV Player, an Android-based streaming device that supports Ultra HD 4K video. It does not include an antenna — subscribers have to acquire and install that themselves — but once the antenna is hooked up, the AirTV Player’s guide includes local TV stations. The player will allow users to switch between Sling TV’s channel offerings and local TV stations without having to change TV inputs.
“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,” said Mitch Weinraub, director of product development for AirTV, in a statement. “AirTV’s new streaming device and antenna installation service again make getting your entertainment as easy as turning on the TV.”
Dish is selling the AirTV Player with the over-the-air adapter for $129.99. Would-be subscribers who don’t care about over-the-air television can buy a version of the box for $99.99. Should they choose to add the adapter later, a standalone version is available for $39.99.
Currently, AirTV Player supports Sling TV, Netflix and YouTube as well as access to content available in the Google Play store.
Dish also announced a new skill for Amazon’s Alexa that allows customers to hook up their TVs to Alexa and control it using voice commands.
Dish also unveiled Dish Music, which gives users of Dish’s Hopper digital video recorder the ability to link their music services to their home audio/video systems with one central control. Compatible music services include Pandora, iHeartRadio and Amazon, as well as personal music libraries.
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