Is it a Google Chromecast killer?

You remember TiVo, right? All of the cool (and possibly wealthy) kids had it and made the rest of us jealous. The TiVo DVR service allowed you to record live TV content for later playback. This was revolutionary at a time when there were no on-demand video services like Netflix. Now the cult brand has entered media streaming with the TiVo Stream 4K.

In an increasingly crowded room, does the TiVo Stream 4K have what it takes to become the center of your living room experience? Let’s find out in our TiVo Stream 4K review.

See also: The best media streaming devices you can buy

What you need to know about the TiVo Stream 4K

The TiVo Stream 4K is supported by Google’s Android TV platform and has a retail price that is the same as Google’s Chromecast with Google TV. The big difference is that you don’t get the new Google TV UI because the Stream 4K runs a combination of the standard Android TV UI and its own custom UI.

The TiVo Stream 4K dongle connects to your TV via HDMI and ensures an intelligent TV experience. It also has access to a whole host of apps through the Google Play Store. This means that you can use it to watch videos on YouTube, Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and others. It also supports live TV apps and music services. Don’t you want to use the UI all the time? Chromecast support is built in so you can cast content directly from other devices to your TiVo Stream 4K connected TV. You can even use the remote’s microphone to ask questions or look up your favorite shows using Google Assistant voice commands.

The design is as simple as it gets. The TiVo Stream 4K is a small black box with the dimensions 77 x 53 x 16 mm. At one end there is an HDMI port, a micro USB port for charging, and a USB Type-C port for connecting other accessories and peripherals. It can, as the name suggests, stream in 4K and supports both Dolby Vision HDR and Dolby Atmos audio.

What is good?

Let’s start with the setup, which is pretty simple. Step-by-step instructions will appear on the screen. That includes plugging in the remote, setting up your Google account, and sharing the system with your display settings for improved suggestions. You have the option of using your phone for setup as well if you prefer to do so over remote control.

The TiVo Stream 4K gives you all the power of Android TV with some unique TiVo-inspired additions.

If you’re familiar with Android TV, you’ll feel right at home with the TiVo Stream 4K. The device has a simple user interface that, unlike applications, focuses on content. On the home page there is a column with app information on the left. However, the rest of the screen is filled with content previews. There are also some settings and control options at the top. It’s great to have such a minimalist design that is content-focused, but TiVo made things a little more confusing by adding its own special touches (more on that in the next section).

When you talk about navigating the user interface, it is done with an included remote control. These accessories are larger than the ones included in the Chromecast with Google TV, but they are also much more functional. There are more buttons that make it faster to get things done. This includes number buttons, more media controls, a live TV shortcut, a dedicated TiVo button, and much more.

Also read: The best video streaming services

TiVo’s remote body also has a more ergonomic design with strategically shaped curves in the back. Coupled with the larger size, this makes holding the TiVo remote more comfortable than Google’s streaming device. It doesn’t feel like it’s suddenly slipping out of your hand.

If you’re still a fan of live TV and don’t mind using Sling TV, the TiVo Stream 4K has a huge advantage over its competitors. TiVo has partnered with Sling and offers something similar to a TiVo DVR experience that allows you to watch your favorite shows and movies later. While DVR functionality may not be required for all users, some live TV content may not come online or take longer. In other words, if you are watching certain live programs, DVR may be the only (or at least the fastest) way to do it.

What’s not so good?

We can’t deny that Google’s design is great compared to the TiVo Stream 4K. The Chromecast with Google TV looks round and super clean. It’s definitely prettier than TiVo’s Black Box, but honestly, that shouldn’t bother you. No one will see your dongle once it’s set up as it’s behind your TV.

One thing that people will see and use all the time is the remote control. The controller of the TiVo Stream 4K is more functional, but probably also uglier than the one from Google. If you want something simple, the TiVo Stream 4K might not be for you.

Standard Android TV, while not quite as compelling as the newer Google TV user interface, is still easy to use. The implementation of TiVo is a bit strange, however.

Instead of just providing us with the standard Android TV set, TiVo has also tackled its own user interface. Think of the TiVo menu as a user interface within a user interface. When you turn on your TiVo Stream 4K, you will see the Android TV experience. However, you can also go to the TiVo Stream experience. It does all of the same things as shows and movies, just presented in a different way.

Some of TiVo’s unique features are welcome, but the dual user interface can be a bit confusing.

This makes the experience redundant, but we assume having options is good and we can see how TiVo enhances the experience. There are more categories and it can be further customized. Regardless, you can’t help but feel like Google and TiVo are battling for your attention within a single device.

TiVo Stream 4K review: should I buy it?

The TiVo Stream 4K is a great smart TV if a few compromises don’t mind. The design and simplicity aren’t as good as the Chromecast with Google TV, and the dual interface experience is annoying, but that’s all we can complain about here.

The 4K video quality is great, and the Android TV’s performance is definitely handy in terms of content availability. While the remote is less aesthetically pleasing, it has plenty of options and features that come in handy and save a few keystrokes when navigating. Not to mention that it’s more convenient.

Other options: The best Android TV boxes you can buy

Unless you are a big TiVo fan, we recommend the streaming device from Google to most users. That is, unless you can find the TiVo Stream 4K at a discount. Fortunately, you can. While both have an MSRP of $ 49.99, you can often find the TiVo Stream 4K for under $ 40. At this price point, the TiVo Stream 4K becomes more attractive, especially as a secondary device for a guest room or den.