We’ve already established that Xbox One is making the strongest push to manage and supply all your digital entertainment content at home. So far, it has done a pretty good job of bringing together all of the top services. This includes Sling TV, Netflix, Hulu Plus, as well as support for cable or satellite services directly integrated into the Xbox One via its HDMI inputs.
After being teased back in back early April, Microsoft has now made over-the-air antenna compatibility available to all Xbox One owners in the United States and Canada. Although it requires a hardware add-on, the Washington-based company has paired with one of the top antenna manufacturers to build a bundle specifically designed for the Xbox One.
To get started with cutting the cable and integrating over-the-air channels into your Xbox One, you’ll need a digital tuner and an antenna. The Microsoft Store is offering a $99.99 bundle that includes the Hauppauge Digital TV Tuner for Xbox One as well as a Mohu Leaf 50 antenna. This will include everything needed to get started. The digital tuner plugs directly into the USB port of an Xbox One, adding a coaxial jack for any antenna. If you already have an over-the-air antenna, the Hauppauge Digital TV Tuner for Xbox One is available directly from Amazon for $59.99 shipped.
Aside from providing free HD content to your Xbox One, there are some other features that make this new add-on worth checking out. Users are able to stream over-the-air TV to iOS, Android or Windows Phone devices via the SmartGlass app. According to Microsoft, users can access these channels even if someone is playing a game on the Xbox One. This is a standout feature for the Xbox One, providing over-the-air content to iPhones and iPads on the same network is a handy option when the main TV is taken.
Whatever your feelings about Microsoft, you have to hand it to them for the effort they’ve made in this arena. With Sony’s PlayStation Vue service still in its infancy, the Xbox One has moved ahead thanks to its myriad of options for entertainment. The option to pair over-the-air service with Netflix or Sling TV’s no contract service makes it feel like consumers are finally getting out in front of the often frustrating TV experience.
[9to5-press-release]
Over-the-Air TV Tuner Available Now for Xbox One in the U.S. and Canada
Today, we’re excited to deliver one of the most requested live TV features on Xbox Feedback to our fans. All Xbox One owners in the U.S. and Canada can now enjoy over-the-air TV alongside their gameplay with the Hauppauge Digital TV Tuner for Xbox One. Support for over-the-air TV on Xbox One means you can access broadcast networks available in your area, subscription free, and, in true Xbox One fashion, without having to worry about switching inputs between your games and TV. The tuner joins a number of TV-viewing options currently available to Xbox One, including live TV apps such as Sling TV, an impressive lineup of on-demand apps like HBO GO, Netflix, Comedy Central, and Hulu Plus, and cable TV and satellite TV integration.
With the Hauppauge TV Tuner for Xbox One and an HDTV antenna, Xbox One owners can look forward to a variety of useful features, such as the ability to pause up to 30 minutes of live TV, watch TV on the right side of your screen while playing games with Snap, and navigate channels using Kinect voice controls. Additionally, users can stream over-the-air TV to other devices within the home using the Xbox app on Windows 10 devices or the Xbox One SmartGlass app on Windows, Windows Phone, iOS and Android, even while someone else is playing a game on Xbox One. Users can even change channels remotely using OneGuide without disrupting gameplay on the TV. Over-the-air TV integrates with OneGuide, storing all of your favorite content in one place. Check out our recent announcement for full details on available features with over-the-air TV.
An over-the-air TV bundle, including a Hauppauge Digital TV Tuner for Xbox One and a Mohu Leaf 50 antenna, is now available exclusively at your local Microsoft store and at microsoftstore.com for $99.99 – a $30 savings. The tuner is also available separately for $59.99 at Microsoft stores and Amazon. Before purchasing the TV tuner or over-the-air bundle, remember to visit gomohu.com/xbox to check which channels are available in your area and find the HDTV antenna that’s right for you. For more information on how to set up your tuner and antenna with Xbox One, check out Major Nelson’s how-to video or go to Xbox Support.
From over-the-air TV to industry-leading apps, we’re thrilled to deliver a variety of entertainment experiences on Xbox One side-by-side with your gameplay. Grab your TV tuner today at participating retailers and start watching Over-the-Air TV on your Xbox One.
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