SkyStream Three Review: SkyStream’s Newest Android TV Box

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Upgraded WiFi, an effortless UI, and updated customization opportunities make SkyStream’s newest TV Box even better than the last version, SkyStream Two.

SkyStream has quickly gained a reputation for affordable Android TV boxes that are rated among the fastest, most user-friendly models on the market. Its newest line consists of six different packages to satisfy the needs of consumers in various sectors.

How does SkyStream Three stack up to SkyStream Two?

Is it worth the upgrade if you’re already a user? Is it worth switching if you’re using a different Android TV box? Let’s take a closer look.

SkyStream Three vs. Older Versions

SkyStream’s newest release comes just about a year after the last upgrade. The company has made a few major improvements to its hardware, and it has managed to drop prices significantly in the process.

Android Version 8.1 Oreo Launcher: SkyStream Two came with Android 7.1. All six SkyStream Three packages come with Android 8.1. If you’re still watching an older box equipped with an even older version such as Android 5 or Android 6, you’ll be amazed at the difference.

SkyStream Three and Three Plus are faster than SkyStream Two, and far faster than SkyStream one. The upgraded WiFi is capable of handling the fastest speeds, so streaming is smoother than ever.

The newly upgraded user interface is absolutely effortless, plus it’s completely customizable.

You can use the apps that have already been installed, add your own, remove apps, and more.

This Android box essentially turns your TV into a giant smartphone.

Anything you can do online with your phone, you can do with your TV once it has been connected to SkyStream Three or Three Plus.

Improved Picture Quality: Whether you’re watching your favorite movies, sporting events, or your favorite TV chef, you’ll appreciate SkyStream’s ability to deliver 4K Ultra High Definition streaming, so your picture looks crisp, clear, and colorful. In case you’re wondering, this is a feature you won’t currently find on top competitors like Chromecast or Apple TV.

New Remote Options: The newest SkyStream Three remote lets you control everything with a single, intuitive piece of hardware that fits in your hand. One look at this, and your standard TV remote suddenly looks like a toy. The Airmouse remote features backlighting and a full keyboard. It is equipped with Voice Control, making it easier than ever to find the entertainment you want using simple voice commands. The days of using a few buttons to hunt for something to watch are finally over.

Optional Mohu Leaf 50 or Leaf 65: If you live in an area where local TV service is available with an HD antenna, you can choose to add a Mohu Leaf 50 or 65 milee HD antenna to your package. Paired with the Airmouse remote and SkyStream’s media library, this option includes free access to your local live TV channels.

Pre-Installed App Store: New SkyStream TV boxes are even more user friendly than previous versions. They come ready to plug and play, with the app store pre-installed. Just like the app store on your Android phone, this one comes with all of your favorite Android apps just waiting to be enjoyed. Simply install and use, just like on your smartphone. There are more than a million apps available in the Google Play Store, including top social choices like Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, and of course entertainment apps like NetFlix and YouTube. You can take your pick from a wide variety of streaming sources as well.

Ideal for Pairing with SkyStream TV Service: SkyStream Three TV boxes work with all streaming services. What you might not know is that SkyStream has its own live streaming TV service, which is a low-cost cable alternative with more than 70 popular channels plus optional premium channels from the HBO, Cinemax and Showtime families. SkyStream Live TV features cloud-based DVR, along with robust replay features that make it easy to watch whatever you want to, when you want to. Paired with the newest SkyStream TV box, it’s a match made in entertainment heaven.

Value: SkyStream Two was a pretty good value at around $200. SkyStream Three TV boxes start at $69.99. The biggest package, which includes a SkyStream Three Plus, along with a Mohu Leaf 50 or Leaf 65 and a SkyStream Airmouse Remote, comes in at $159.99. Payment plans are available on request, making this option affordable for nearly any budget.

SkyStream Three Specs

Hardware:

• CPU: Amlogic Quad Core S905X2 1.5 GHz 64-Bit ARM Cortex
• GPU: Mali-T820MP3 GPU up to 750MHz
• DRAM: 2GB DDR4
• Flash Memory: 16GB
• Bluetooth: Yes
• LAN: RJ-45 10/100 Ethernet
• WLAN: 802.11 b/g/n/ac WiFi 2.4 Ghz
• Host USB: 2 x External Ports (1×2.0 1×3.0)
• SD Card: 1 x External Port (Mini SD)
• Video Output: HDMI 2.1 with HDCP 2.2
• Audio Output: Dolby Digital via HDMI & SPDIF (Optical Audio)

Software:

Operating System: Android 8.1 Oreo

User Interface: SkyStreamTV

Platform: SkyStreamTV

Dimensions:

5” L x 5” W x 1.25” H

Ports:

• LAN: RJ-45 10/100 Ethernet
• WLAN: 802.11 b/g/n/ac WiFi 2.4 Ghz
• Host USB: 2 x External Ports – 1 USB 3.0, 1 USB 2.0
• SD Card: 1 x External Port (Mini SD)
• Video Output: HDMI 2.0a output with HDR, AV port (composite)
• Audio Output: Dolby Digital via HDMI & SPDIF (Optical Audio)

Remote:

• SkyStream remote (standard)
• SkyStream Arimouse remote (optional)

Power Supply:

External Power Supply: 5V@2A (100-240V, 50/60Hz)

Audio & Video:

• Video Resolution: Up to 4k x 2k, 3D-HD(1080Px2), 1080P, 720P, 480P
• Video Formats: VP9 Profile-2 up to 4K 60fps, 10-bit H.265 up to 4K 60fps,   AVS2-P2 up to 4K 60fps,  H.264/AVC  up to 4K 30fps,  H.264 MVC up to 1080p60,  MPEG-4 ASP up to 1080p60
• 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)

Miscellaneous:

IR receiver, IR expansion port, front panel display, LEDs

The Verdict

SkyStream One and Two were good Android TV boxes – in fact, they still are.

Newly updated features plus a fantastic plug-and-play interface that works with any TV equipped with an HDMI port puts the SkyStream Three head and shoulders above the rest. It’s faster, smoother, and cheaper than its predecessors.

If you feel like spending a little more, there are some really nice extras that make for a truly exceptional entertainment experience. Top-rated customer support is still part of the package, in the event that you need help.

If you’ve already got a great Android TV box and you’re happy with the way it’s working out for you, there’s no need to reinvent the wheel.

At the same time, if you’re in the market for something new and you’d like to experience a smorgasbord of content and an amazing picture, then you’re going to want to put the SkyStream Three in the running.

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