Setup
Select
a channel for viewing involves the 'Live TV' option of the app's main menu.
After choosing the satellite, you're presented with a channel list that
displays the EPG-derived name of the current program. You can swipe down the
list until the channel you want is found. Unfortunately, no means of defining
favorite channels is provided; furthermore, the lack of 'wrap-around' means you
have to scroll back up when you reach the end of the list. Elgato hopes to
address these issues with future app updates.
Click
on the channel, and it starts streaming to the device. PVR functionality is
included. Hit 'pause' and a buffer starts filling up - pressing play continues
from where you left off. Soundtrack selection is provided, and you can record
programs for viewing later, too.
The
Netstream 4Sat will appeal to households with multiple tablet and smartphone
users
You
can't watch one channel while recording another with the Android app, although
Elgato claims this is possible with the Mac software. Furthermore, you can't
yet specify where the app stores recordings - a moot point for Android users.
They're held in the phone's memory, but it would be better if you could specify
the memory card instead. Another main menu option accesses previously made
recordings (which can also be played with the free VLC app). 'Guide' takes you
to the EPG; if you're viewing UK channels (Astra 2x/Eurobird), that means
now/next data only.
Dovetailing
with an internet- derived EPG would be a welcome development. If you have a
big-screen tablet and are receiving, say, Astra 1x or Hotbird, then you'll be
able to make the most of the full 7-day EPGs that are supported. EPG-scheduling
of recordings isn't allowed, and there's no 'red-button' teletext either.
Elgato
Eye Netstream 4Sat Connectivity
Performance
On
the whole, the system worked well with few streaming 'glitches'. Picture and
sound (via headphones) were also impressive. Reliability will ultimately depend
on the speed of your network, how many channels are being streamed and other
network activity.
HD
channels are converted to H.264 streams that seem to reflect the viewing
device's capability (the resolution of 960 x 540-pixels mirrored that of my
Samsung's screen). SD channels are left intact as 'transport streams' complete
with teletext, subtitles, etc. They're not converted into H.264 because,
according to Elgato, doing so would make channel-changes unacceptably slow.
Adaptive transcoding enables the desirable Slingbox-like streaming of channels
over the internet - rather than tethering you to a local network. Elgato
couldn't say when or if internet streaming will be added.
Verdict
The
Netstream is an interesting product that will appeal to households with
multiple smartphone and tablet users, thanks to its four tuners. It meets its
claims, and attains a decent standard of performance. App features are rather
limited, certainly when compared with a 'stand-alone' receiver.
Some
of these shortcomings could be fixed via app updates, however
Features ·
Price: $434.28 ·
No tuners: Four
DVB-S/S2 ·
Support for
DiSEqC 1.0 and Unicable: Yes ·
Sat>IP
compliant: Yes ·
LNB support:
Yes, for single, twin/dual, quad or quattro LNBs ·
Other features:
Eyestream apps available for iOS (Apple iPad/iPhone), Android (smartphones
and tablets, including various Samsung, Google and HTC models) and Amazon's
Kindle Fire 2nd-gen/Fire HD e-reader ·
Software:
Available for Mac (Elgato EyeTV 3, OSX 10.6 or later) and PC (Terratec Home
Cinema, Windows 7 or later) ·
App features:
Recording/ timeshift; EPG; soundtrack selection ·
Dimensions:
250(w) x 126(h) x 41(d)mm ·
Weight: 806g ·
Connections: 4x
LNB inputs; Gigabit Ethernet; 2x USB ports (service only); power (DC 12V)
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