UPDATE: Check out the latest from SkyStream with our updated SkyStream review.
The hard part about technology is that you either have to be first or you have to be better.
Android boxes based on the AmLogic S905 chipset have been around for a while, so first is out of the question. The SkyStream One is trying to be better than the competition.
If you’ve read any of the older reviews of their products, like the SkyStream X4, you’ll know that I have a soft spot for these guys. Maybe it’s because their offices are just across town from me and I like seeing local companies succeed. Maybe because I’ve met Pete and Phil and they’re both great guys that care about their customers. Either way, it’s exciting to see the company growing and releasing new stuff.
Based on the Amlogic S905 chipset, the SkyStream One sports a modern powder-white case and a slick new launcher sitting on top of Android 5.1.1. Take note of that last part. Android 5 (or higher) is a requirement to run the new version of Kodi 17 Krypton when it is released later this year.
TV boxes running the Amlogic S905 were already some of the better-performing TV boxes I’ve tested, and one of my personal favorite chipsets because of their video performance within Kodi. This one was further tweaked with some custom firmware to squeeze every bit of speed out of the device.
So how does it perform? See for yourself in my SkyStream One review.
SkyStream’s support network
Most people look for a cheap Android TV box and forget about one thing. There’s more to something than just how much it costs when you buy it. That’s why you get better service from Mercedes than you do from Dodge. Sure, that Dodge may cost less, but you’re going to miss a lot of the extra support that the Mercedes gives you.
SkyStream offers that “Mercedes level support.”
SkyStream Updater App
One way they do that is with the SkyStream Updater App.
The first step in the Quick Start Guide (you DO read those, right?), is to run the SkyStream Updater App. That ensures that the latest firmware, bundled apps, and addons are running the latest versions.
Yes, I said add-ons as well. The Updater App gives you a choice of whether you want a “Family Friendly” or “Adult Friendly” version of Kodi installed. The versions are identical, except the Family Friendly installation removes any apps that have access to “adult only” viewing.
One of the first things I do whenever I set up an Android TV box is to update the firmware and any installed apps. It’s a nice touch for that to be taken care of for me.
SkyStream Support
SkyStream has several different options for support before and after the sale. For quick answers, there’s a host of FAQ sections talking about how to get started with their devices, XBMC\Kodi help, some different third-party apps, as well as potential issues with the device or remote control. If speaking to a human being is more your style, their toll-free phone number is front-and-center on their website. They also have an official forum for news, tips, and troubleshooting of both their streaming players and some of the Kodi add-ons that ship with them.
Finally, SkyStream offers an optional 2-year extended warranty for $9.99 and an optional Extended Care Plan for $3.99 per month, which gives you access to even higher levels of service.
First Impressions
Styles change quickly.
Anything that bucks the current design trend is going to get a lot of attention. Think about the original, white Xbox 360, or Apple’s iPod with the scroll wheel. The SkyStream One will also turn a few heads.
The SkyStream One has a familiar “square with rounded edges” shell found on almost every Android box ever made, but it is coated in a powder-white finish. Rather than blending in, the white color scheme sharply contrasts with everything else in your TV stand. And I’ll admit, this could be a good or a bad thing, depending on how you want your living room to look.
It attracts just enough attention to be recognizable. It’s a conversation starter when your cord-cutting friends come over.
Just get ready to answer some questions about what it is, and what’s under the hood.
SkyStream One Specs
| Hardware | |
| CPU: | Amlogic Quad Core S905 2.0 GHz 64-Bit ARM Cortex |
| GPU: | Penta Core Mail-450 |
| DRAM: | 2GB DDR3 |
| Flash Memory: | 16GB |
| Bluetooth: | Yes |
| Software | |
| Operating System: | Android 5.1.1 Lollipop |
| User Interface: | SkyStreamTV |
| Platform: | SkyStreamTV |
| Dimensions | |
| Length x Width x Height: | 5 inches x 5 inches x 1.25 inches |
| Ports | |
| LAN: | RJ-45 10/100/1000 GigaPort Ethernet |
| WLAN: | 802.11 b/g/n/ac Dual Band WiFi (2.4 & 5 GHz) |
| Host USB: | 4 x External Ports (2.0) |
| SD Card: | 1 x External Port (SD/SDHC/MMC) |
| Video Output: | HDMI 2.0 with HDCP Support |
| Audio Output: | Dolby Digital via HDMI & SPDIF (Optical Audio) |
| Remote Control | SkyStream Remote |
| Power Supply | |
| External Power Supply: | 5V@2A (100-240V, 50/60Hz) |
| What’s Included | |
| SkyStream ONE Streaming Media Player | |
| Power Adapter | |
| SkyStream Remote Control | |
| HDMI Cable | |
| SkyStream Quick Start Guide & Manual | |
| Audio & Video Formats | |
| Video Resolution: | Up to 4k x 2k, 3D-HD(1080Px2), 1080P, 720P, 480P |
| Video Formats: | MPEG-1 MP/HL, MPEG-2 MP/HL, MPEG-4 Part 2, ASP, WMV/VC-1 SP/MP/AP, H.264 HP@L4.1, H.265, REAMDEO 8/9/10, M-JPEG & JPEG |
| Video Codecs: | MPEG, MPE, MPG, M2V, ISO, TS, VOB, DAT, AVI, MKV, MP4, MOV, 3GP, 3GPP, FLC, WMV, FLV, RM |
| Video Subtitles: | SRT, SUB, IDX, PGS |
| Audio Codecs: | ACC, AC-3, ADPCM, AMR-NB, MIDI, MP2, MP3, MS-ADPCM, PCS, RV40 Vorbis WMA, AAC+ (HE-AAC vi), eAAC+ (HE-AAC v2) |
SkyStream One Unboxing
I’ve said this before, but I’ve been more and more impressed with the packaging for TV boxes lately. In the early days of TV sticks, you saw generic brown boxes with no company name or graphics at all. Since then, companies have begun to put a little bit more effort into their packaging. That’s great because, in my opinion, when you actually open the box, it’s the last time that they have to make an impression on you about the quality of the unit.
The SkyStream One box opens up to the full-color interior design that segments the player and the accessories like the bundled remote. The streaming device itself is fully shrink-wrapped, presumably to keep it protected in case any dust or liquid gets inside the box. I’m not sure that level of protection is necessary, but it’s a nice touch.
Sitting on top of the player is a full-color Quick Start Guide, designed to help you get up and running with your new SkyStream One very quickly. On the front side, it has the usual “package contents” section, which I’ll get into below, button descriptions for the remote control, and an explanation of the various ports on the back and side of the device.
On the back (shown here in the image), the customer service information is in the first panel you see. A lot of places will do their best to bury their contact information. Not so with SkyStream. They list their email address, telephone number as well as Facebook and YouTube channel’s address. It’s clear they want you to know where to go if you have a problem.
The actual setup section has basic instructions that, honestly, should be self-explanatory. It covers how to connect to your TV and the Internet. What I did appreciate was that the very first step after setting up your Wi-Fi and adjusting your screen was to run the SkyStream Updater app to make sure that the latest updates and firmware are installed. Kudos!
Setup and SkyStream TV launcher
Speaking of setup, the setup was super simple, except for one curious quirk. My box powered on without the Wi-Fi turned on in the settings screen. Presumably, this is their way of suggesting that we use the faster, more reliable wired Ethernet connection. At first, I thought this was a glitch, but then I went back and reviewed the setup instructions. Yes, yes, I know. I only read the instructions after there was a problem. I’m a guy, what do you want from me?
The direction to turn the Wi-Fi on is there, on Page 1, one paragraph underneath the “Power ON’ section. You can actually see it under the “Connecting to the Internet” section of the Quick Start Guide image above.
Once that minor hiccup was dealt with, the rest of the setup was a breeze. The launcher is different, yet familiar. If you’ve used any Android media box before, you’ll instantly be able to navigate the SkyStream One. Even if you haven’t used an Android box before, you’ll pick it up quickly.
The launcher is laid out with super-sized icons that let you easily get to folder-like sections for streaming video, music, settings, local storage as well as your favorites. The bottom row is a customizable section of quick-launch icons that you can configure to launch individual apps in one click. The “My Apps” icon will take you to the default Android app screen.
One of the nice extra touches is that, even on the app screen, you still have access to the folder sections for your favorites, music, and video. That way, you’re never too far away from what you want to watch or listen to.
SkyStream One Remote Control
If there’s one thing about the SkyStream One that could use some work, it would be the bundled remote control.
It’s not that it’s bad, just uninspired and awkward.
I’ve said before, that the user interface and launchers get a lot of attention, but it’s the remote control that is the link between us and our TVs. When I pick up the remote, it should fit snugly in my hand. I should be able to navigate the buttons without looking down at them. If I do look at the remote, I’m missing what’s on the TV.
The SkyStream One’s remote is modeled after the great remotes from NVIDIA and Amazon. With only eight buttons and a circular D-pad, it’s got a simple, uncluttered look to it. It also lacks a microphone for voice control.
However, I felt that the remote is awkward to pick up and hold comfortably. With 2 AAA batteries, it’s thicker than the Shield’s razor-thin remote, which has an internal rechargeable battery. When I hold it in my hand, my fingers are all the way up at the top row, between the power and mute buttons – not resting near the D-pad where they belong. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve muted the movie I was watching by accident.
Picking up the remote is likewise challenging. Since there’s no texture on the back of the remote, it’s very easy for it to spin out of your hand as you try to maneuver your thumb down to press a button.
Benchmarks
Let me be blunt: Benchmarks have become less and less of a factor in the past year or so.
Honestly, the difference between a 30,000 score and a 33,000 AnTuTu score is minimal. More often than not, you can significantly affect a score just by running the test after you’ve been watching a movie for two hours, or by not clearing the memory cache.
Still, I couldn’t honestly call this a very good SkyStream One review without running these tests, right?
The MINIX NEO U1 has roughly the same specs as the SkyStream One, so that will be our baseline comparison. The advantage that the MINIX has is that it has had several firmware revisions already, and that shows in a slightly higher AnTuTu score. 38,738 compared to 36,454 for the SkyStream One. I’ll say it again though, in practice, you’re not going to see a difference in performance between 38K and 36K scores.
Where you should see a difference though is in the graphics performance, which is tested by 3DMark’s Ice Storm demo.
I grew up playing computer games, so tests like the Ice Storm demo still hold a special place in my arsenal of tests. I don’t think there’s any better way to abuse your system and see if it cries for mercy than running an intense 3D simulation.
Here, the SkyStream One registered a score of 4194, which was over 35% better than the MINIX NEO U1 scored. That score also puts it even better than most of the newer TV boxes to hit the market in the past year.
All-in-all, solid performance from SkyStream.
Video playback
All this is good, but you really came here to find out how the new SkyStream One performs when you’re watching a movie, right?
I figured as much.
I recently found myself with a day to kill, waiting out the first hurricane visit to Central Florida in a decade. Thankfully, that was the perfect time to curl up with the SkyStream One and watch movies for as long as the power stayed on.
Part of the setup process of running the SkyStream Updater is choosing how you’d like to set up your Kodi installation. The SkyStream One is one of the few “fully loaded Kodi boxes” that are still being sold. Many companies have moved away from pre-loading Kodi\XBMC with add-ons because they change so fast and it’s very difficult to keep them up-to-date. That’s where the updater app comes in. As addons are updated by the developer, it’s very easy to push that update down to your SkyStream One via the app.
Once I made sure that everything was updated and current, I started my day on the couch watching movies studiously studying the Skystream One’s video playback. Thankfully, the weather (and my home’s power) held throughout the day.
Kodi
SkyStream’s custom Kodi installation flawlessly played several 1080p and smaller 4K video files, streamed from my Western Digital MyCloud NAS. Some of the larger 4K video files I tried were ripped from Blu-ray movies, so the file size is extremely large. Occasionally, other traffic on my network would cause some slowdown and buffering. This didn’t happen with smaller 4K clips and trailers, however. Likewise, 1080p videos played without any problems.
Netflix
Netflix on the SkyStream One suffers from the same limitations as most of the other Android boxes: Netflix’s stringent certification rules. You see, Netflix limits many devices to standard definition playback unless the manufacturer meets their certification standards. More often than not, many great manufacturers find themselves on the wrong end of Netflix’s rules for no good reason at all.
The Netflix app performed well and streamed the shows I selected almost instantly. Still, the resolution was disappointing.
Amazon Prime Video
In sharp contrast to Netflix, Amazon Prime Video looked great. Although there aren’t as many titles available on Amazon’s streaming video service, what I did watch looked much better than Netflix. You may not be able to get the latest Marvel superhero show, but you can get the guys from Top Gear in their new show: The Grand Tour. And the quality is far superior to what you’ll find on Netflix.
The Verdict
I really can’t say enough good things about the SkyStream One.
It’s an Android box that checks all of the important boxes that I look for when I’m shopping for a new device.
Android 5.1? Check
4K UHD capability? Check
Automatic updater app? Check
Great support network? Check
Yes, the SkyStream One cost a little more than some of those “other boxes” out there. But it’s worth every penny. Personally, I like knowing that I’m going to be taken care of if I’ve got a question or problem with my device. That kind of peace of mind makes this Android box a great deal at the price.
Find the best price on the SkyStream One at SkyStreamx.com
Every time I think I have found the magic box,Tim shows us one that may be better.
Haha. That’s always the way with technology. They keep coming out with new, better boxes to make us want to upgrade. If you’ve got a box that you like, and it does what you need it to, I say stick with it. 🙂
I’m really hoping you read this comment and can respond, since you seem to be very knowledgeable about this stuff, and I am brand new to it.
Right now I have a WDTV Live. It’s worked okay for the last few years, but searching for things is cumbersome, and it’s very slow to navigate things like YouTube and my video library.
It’s my understanding that these Android boxes can run any app on the Google Play store, so they would be able to run Plex, HBO NOW, and even games? Does it support emulators so I could use something like an 8bitdo controller to play old NES/SNES games on it?
If all that is true, is the Skystream One powerful enough to run emulators that are more demanding, like N64 and some MAME games? Would something like the NVIDIA Shield be a better product for this?
Hopefully you can get back to me on this, thanks!
Hi CowGod – nice name, btw. 🙂
Believe it or not, the emulators are some of the least power intense things you can run on your Android box. If you think about it, that kind of makes sense. The original NES\SNES are ancient by today’s computing standards.
Basically, the Skystream One would be more than enough to run an emulator.
Tim, this is my first exploration of the TV box realm and it came about because of my dissatisfaction that my large cable provider is offering new customers cable and internet services for $90 while I have been with this company for over 10 years and am paying over $150, $100 of which is for the cable TV services. Additionally, I use approximately 1/10 of the channels provided and feel like I’m paying for services I do not use. Am I correct in understanding that I will still need internet service to use the skystreamone? Also am I able to watch shows like sportscenter and national news channels that are time sensitive broadcasts? Thanks in advance for any information. Jay
Hi James. Thanks for the question. No matter what Android box you decide on, you’ll still need to have some Internet connection coming in to it. It has to get the data from somewhere.
The cable cutting package from SkyStream does include an HD antenna, so you’ll be able to pick up whatever local and national channels are available in your area. SportsCenter is a differet matter. At the moment, ESPN is still a premium service and doesn’t have a streaming option..yet. There are rumors they’re working on that though.
My question is are all the SkyStream ONE packages offered using the same base unit? The middle package changes the remote with a nicer keypad version, and the top package comes with a OTA antenna… Do they all have a tuner built in? Any pic I’ve seen of the inputs/outputs doesn’t seem to show any coax connection nor do specs even for the top package list a tuner or coax in the hardware… so I’m confused.
Can i mirror my Samsung s6 with this box? Or do I need a smart TV or chromecast or something else?
Hi Lee. There are several different apps, both paid and free, that will let you mirror your phone on your TV box.
Hi Tim,
I am also a newbie to all the boxes, I currently have chromecast attached to my smart TV will this still work if I get a Box. What Apps will I need to download to set things up if I get the Skystream box.
Thanks,