AirTV 2 Review: OTA DVR & Sling TV in one channel guide

[@steelgtr]

Are there any OTA DVR's the allow navigating to the full program guide and the Library/Recording pages while still playing the current watching program, either in a small live window or in the background? TY

[@kim11757]

If I don't want to record just watch live tv do I still need this air tv 2? Could I just get a TV antenna?

[@philsammarco9010]

Yes, getting just an antenna is the simplest and cheapest option. Just make sure to watch this video to understand what utility you won't have with just a TV antenna.

[@wetheones1]

With the airtv 2 can you use it with the xbox series s sling tv app

[@CordCuttingReport]

Yes. Sling app on any device.

[@wetheones1]

@@CordCuttingReport got a question when u buy the airtv 2 did you have to buy anything else to get every channel

[@wesmckean1443]

the AirTV (which I have) and the AirTV 2 are designed specifically to compliment Sling's service. While the OTT streaming services might start to adhere to an industry standard that allows their channel guides to be aggregated, I don't know that OTA DVRs will follow suit. It would be nice though. I bought a cheap 320 GB external USB 3.0 hard drive for my AirTV, and it seems to be working fine. USB 3.0 devices should be backwards compatible.

[@tommyoz777]

Yes I can confirm that 3.0 drives do work and will work as long as they are backwards compatible as you mentioned.

[@lucypeco8467]

My old LG tv has two connectors available, one for a coaxial cable and one hdmi- do I need more connections to set up Airtv?

[@michaelgee8219]

Can you not hook up a hard drive if you dont plan on recording?

[@CordCuttingReport]

You can certainly use this without the hard drive if you just need the TV tuner.

[@nc3826]

KISS, use the TV tuner or a converter box tuner..... An AirTV DVR, can have connection issues. So if you don't need it as a DVR, it's counterproductive... But at least Rube Goldberg would be proud of you...

[@nightprowler999]

Can you record 2 things at once like fox and cbs for example?

[@cathycannon5314]

What is a good device to use with Roku

[@CordCuttingReport]

You have a couple of good options. My other video on the best OTA DVRs covers that: kzbin.info/www/bejne/a4HSY6Ovi89mea8

[@mahfah7911]

So plugging directly to TV or to AirTV channels will be same given the coverage of your antenna? I airtv itself increased the strength of coverage and you got more channels

[@mabryt453]

There is no direct connection (HDMI, etc) from this device to a TV. You can't plug it directly to TV. The HDMI that was available for AirTV is not available for AirTV 2.

[@tonyspeka7964]

Can you use Air TV2 with the free version of Sling app; or can Air TV2 be used without the Sling app but through Roku instead? If so, what are the drawbacks to these approaches?

[@willsr.9154]

Same question, I don't have prescription but just want to use to get locals

[@havihav]

@@willsr.9154 Yes

[@havihav]

yes

[@nc3826]

you don't need a prescription or a subscription.... the free version of Sling app works with AirTV DVRs too..

[@kimmajor4301]

So with this item you have to use sling tv??

[@namesdom]

Do the old air tv boxes still work with sling?

[@italiancapo7]

Wait, so the airtv 2 isn’t the actually antenna? You have to buy that separate? So, what antenna do we buy/use with the airtv 2?

[@colinmoreillon5970]

Any tv antenna will work

[@bobsimmons1470]

I keep considering canceling AT&T TV but all these costs just to get locals w/DVR and it just doesn't make much sense

[@JoeHoeDoesSomething]

If I was you, you should get a Tablo or a Fire Tv Recast

[@nathanmarshall7523]

Sling TV Package, $35.00 a month. Antenna $30.00 one time purchase. If you have sling and want to "integrate" the local channels into the sling menu, then you buy the AirTV device for a one time fee of $49.00. So, Im guessing you pay more than that every month. So, if you can do basic math, It totally makes sense.

[@GSK1126]

​@JoeyRedGames how does the fire recast work?

[@spacecowboy306]

I have this and I needed to reset it. it come on but only the 2 bottom lights are light the top 3rd one is flashing what does that mean. and how do I fix it? Well I learned you have to disconnect it from your account using your phone app. It also it shows up on you router as Dish tech, It is nice to have. You better have good internet access because it will record all buffering.

[@chocolate9726]

This is happening with my over the air channel it was working fine until I upgraded my wifi box not I can't get local channel 😮 any has a solution

[@nc3826]

Ethernet connections.... or throw it against the world....

[@Catman1798]

They told me I needed an outdoor antenna. I guess those big ones that need to be mounted on the roof of the house? Not those stick up window kind. I ain’t getting on my roof lol. And I certainly won’t be paying someone to do it. Is there anyway to get the network channels without this antenna tv thing? How many TVs can watch over the air channels with air tv 2? Is there a limit streaming? How do you integrate the air tv into your sling TV guide? To show abc etc on your TV guide menu?

[@CordCuttingReport]

Visit Locast.org to see if they offer its free service in your area. If they do, then you can use it with your Sling TV account. Read this from Sling's help page. No AirTV2 required. www.sling.com/help/en/tech-questions/device-questions/supported-devices/airtv-players/airtv-locast

[@Catman1798]

@@CordCuttingReport I wanted to download the ABC app but they say you need cable service to access the app. They don’t have an option for sling. I watch mostly ABC network shows

[@willsr.9154]

I have this AirTV 2 but canceled my prescription, can I still use this tuner to get my locals without prescription?

[@havihav]

yes if you use the free sling subscription

[@metalpose]

Subscription

[@nc3826]

get well soon.... I hope your prescription works.... and good luck with the free version of the Sling app... SMH

[@steftrando]

Can you watch your live channels if you are out traveling and your AirTV2 setup is at home?

[@jesgarc100]

Yes

[@steftrando]

Why is the video quality weird? It looks interlaced. What kind of camera are you using??

[@djufu1]

Does anyone know if this works with the Sling app on the new Google Chromecast with Google TV?

[@ryanstice7014]

Just installed it, and NO you can't use Chrome cast, really dissapointed!

[@stevenbirkes9242]

If I have the AirTV 2 and I don't want to record any over air channels will I need a hard drive?

[@terrellpeterson3917]

No

[@raycollins5914]

I got one of these about a month ago and it works great until yesterday and for some reason it won't display one of my channels. I followed all of the directions to resolve this issue and still no fix. I hooked up my antenna back to my tv and it comes in really strong. So, I'm guessing I need to contact support for some help.

[@nathanmarshall7523]

Ok

[@johnwwirtanen1283]

I'm starting to look at streaming services. I have a Samsung Smart TV. Sling supports that. However, Air TV 2 does not. I'd need to get a streaming device like Roku. Am I correct in assuming that I'd need to have both the Sling app and Air TV2 going through the same streaming device? That would essentially mean the "smart" in my Smart TV is essentially of no value here.

[@DrLeePhD]

so... even though the airTV requires no subscription, I'll need to pay for a slingTV subscription to use it?

[@willsr.9154]

Same question, sling gave me this Air TV device but I no longer have sling subscription, just want locals

[@mindfreak2121]

Does this still work today?

[@hektikone8898]

Does this work for laptops?

[@Brenda-Burd]

I am using my AirTV 2, which I bought a few years ago, and I never really took advantage of it.

[@brn0520]

Do I need to pay for sling for this to work? I'd like to be able to watch live ota tv on multiple devices

[@Gonzuller1992]

If you don't want the paid service, you can also try a Tablo. I've used one, and they're great. www.tablotv.com/

[@CordCuttingReport]

This works without a Sling TV service, but as noted below, there are other OTA DVR options out there.

[@Gonzuller1992]

Agreed. In fact, because I am tired of paying for channels that I can get with an antenna and I want my cable and locals integrated on one guide (and my wife wants news channels), Air TV is now our OTA DVR along with Sling programming.

[@RoastBeefSandwich]

@@Gonzuller1992 are you running your AirTV over WiFi? If so, does it work okay?

[@Gonzuller1992]

@@RoastBeefSandwich There is occasional buffering, but nothing too annoying. Tablo was more consistent, but you can't integrate its OTA channels with a streaming service like Sling or Philo. The glories of modern streaming.

[@Justin-0991]

I cant get any drive I own to format on the airtv 2. It says there is a drive connected and says i need to format it but every time i go to the app it says a drive isnt connected. Like wtf. Sling is becomming bigger and bigger trash each and every day.

[@BxChamber]

i own Samsung tvs in my home which has the slingtv app ,i use sling faithfully, but ive heard that the airtv products doesn't integrate with the slingtv app on Samsung tvs. is this true ?

[@JoeTrojan88]

The Sling App on my Samsungs doesn't include AirTV OTA channels. I use AppleTVs anyway (Sling App on AppleTVs DO include AirTV channels in the menu), so the Samsung "Smart" features are pretty useless to me anyway.

[@spaceghost4474]

@@JoeTrojan88 I have a Samsung q6fn and the apps are, for the most part, inferior to those on the better streaming devices. Almost all of the UIs work differently from device to device.

[@nathanmarshall7523]

@@JoeTrojan88 So what did you do with your Airtv unit, do you want to sell it?

[@JoeTrojan88]

@@nathanmarshall7523 I love my AirTV! I use the Sling App on my AppleTVs and it integrates with Sling pay channels seamlessly. The guide interface is a little coarse if you try to view it while watching a show. But a small price to pay for cutting my TV costs in half!

[@fa1509]

@JoeTrojan88 do you need to connect the air tv 2 at the back of the tv or can you move it around the house to get better antenna reception

[@timsjulies]

I have an AirTV2. OTA channels work great however the OTA DVR will not work on a Samsung Smart TV! OTA DVR works on my laptop and phone but AirTV says it is not compatible with Samsung TV. Who wants a DVR that you cannot watch on your TV.

[@nc3826]

An add-on compatible TV streaming device can cost as little as 15 bucks... Works fine with my thrift store $30 Phillips Roku TV... OTA DVR Is next on my list....

[@djufu1]

So just wanted to put this out there for anyone setting up a AirTv 2 or Anywhere. I don’t know how long it’s been an issue but it’s very underreported. If you’re using any kind of Apple product to set this up, it’s not going to work! You will get as far as the channel scan on the airtv set up and then it will just lock up once you start the channel scan. From the little I’ve been able to find using an Amazon or android device will work for the setup and allow it to continue but using an Apple device will not work. I know from personal experience. I do not have access to any of the listed devices that are claimed to work so I cannot say if they do and I’ve only read one Reddit post claiming they had success with the Amazon/android device getting it set up correctly. Very disappointing that Sling will not fix this obviously software issue!!!

[@zamomix]

I'm now able to watch locals on chrome, and pause live TV.

[@JCNOAOU]

Hey how do you local channels with chrome?

[@nc3826]

most likely on Locast that was shut down or illegal IPTV sites

[@hotchocolate7681]

Dose this person respond to any comments?????

[@markgabriel5797]

The AirTV2 is always Choppy. It works well when you take it out of the box but give it about a week and you will see it. I have added amplifiers, updated software, better antennas. It's complete junk. I have tried 3 of them. Always connected directly to the router. They ALL do it. Great concept, horrible execution.