For most consumers, TiVo isn’t the first company that comes to mind when considering a new streaming hub. However, the TiVo Stream 4K is a formidable contender – not something we claim lightly. The TiVo Stream 4K is loaded with features, 4K support, advanced sorting, Google Chromecast technology, and more. It’s a beast. There are no two ways to put this: the TiVo Stream 4K is what the Fire Stick, Chromecast, Likewise, and JustWatch would be if they were all rolled into one device.
We review the TiVo Streak 4K.
First impressions
TiVo Stream 4K gets unboxed with a slim design streaming stick, voice-activated remote, and an extra long power cord. The longer power cord is noteworthy given the smaller cords that come with other streaming dongles (which is incredibly frustrating).
Like many streaming devices, TiVo Stream 4K is packaged as a dongle with a “tail” that plugs directly into the TV’s HDMI port. The black rectangular dongle fits in the palm of your hand. It is light, discreet, and completely hidden behind the TV.
The other end of the tail has a micro USB port for connecting the power cord. There’s also a USB-C port for connecting external drives or Ethernet adapters if you don’t want to rely on WiFi alone.
TiVo Stream 4K interface
The TiVo Stream 4K has a very user-friendly application interface. Once you’ve signed into all the streaming services you subscribe to, TiVo won’t ask for your login information again and begins populating shows based on your subscriptions and preferences.
The TiVo interface makes sorting TV shows and movies from apps like Sling TV, Netflix, HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Disney Plus, Google Play Movies, and TiVo incredibly easy. Unfortunately, this means apps like Likewise and JustWatch might have a steeper hill to climb than we suspected.
Last month we suggested that both those apps, which perform similar functions to bring all of the content available to you to one interface, find a way to start building their technology into televisions and streaming hubs to pick up mainstream adoption, and TiVo looks like it’s going to beat everyone to the punch.
This is great for you, but the jury is out for the incredibly innovative and talented teams at Likewise and JustWatch (which we’re fans of).
Chromecast technology included
If you just forked out $40 for a Chromecast dongle like us, you’re probably reading this and wondering how you could have missed the value-add that TiVo Stream 4K has packed into this little device. In full disclosure, we haven’t tested the Chromecast functionality on the Stream 4K yet, but TiVo cautions us that the service is optimized for select services.
More on the limitations below, but just the fact that TiVo decided to include casting technology gives this little dongle a powerful punch. For example, TiVo Stream 4K was on Amazon for $29.99 (regularly $39.99) as of this writing, which is usually the cost of a Chromecast dongle alone.
If you’re interested in more information about the limitations of the Stream 4K Chromecast feature, here is what TiVo has to say.
Casting optimized for selected services only. Streaming quality for other content might vary. Supported operating systems and devices: Android 2.3 and higher, iOS® 7 and higher, Windows® 7 and higher, Mac OS® 10.7 and higher and Chrome OS (version 38 or higher).
When it’s said and done, this device is incredible.
Pros
- Affordable
- 4K compatible
- Supports Google Assistant
- Offers an all-in-one hub for all streaming services, no need to open each app to find out what’s streaming
- Voice-activated remote
- Includes Chromecast technology
Cons
- The standard Android TV interface is incredible but can be confusing as the device effectively has two homepages
Conclusion
Like the Channel Master Stream+, the TiVo Stream 4K is a bold device and solves so many problems associated with OTT fragmentation. And while the Stream app interface alone isn’t a compelling reason to buy a new streaming dongle, combined features like 4K compatibility, easy-to-use interface, cast technology, and amazingly low-cost make the TiVo Stream 4K our new favorite streaming stick.
For more about the TiVo Stream 4K, check out the Wanderer’s review.