Right before the holidays, images and basic specs of Dish's Sling TV-centric 4K streaming box, the AirTV Player, popped up unannounced online. The full release was confirmed on Tuesday, and the AirTV Player is out and available for purchase right now.
The official AirTV Player announcement touts the features that we suspected from the early tease. It's a 4K Android TV streaming box, with Netflix and SlingTV integration built into the interface (monthly subscriptions are still needed for Netflix and Sling TV service). YouTube also comes preinstalled, and other TV apps can be downloaded from the Google Play marketplace.
Over-the-air (OTA) local TV programming is also integrated into the interface, solving the biggest dilemma most face when they finally decide to cut the cord from cable but end up losing basic broadcast access as well. The OTA service isn't included in the basic setup, though: you'll need an adapter for full access to local channels.
The AirTV box and adapter are bundled together in a package for $129.99, which comes along with a $50 credit for Sling TV service. The box and adapter are available separately as well, for $99.99 and $39.99, respectively.
AirTV's local TV integration gives it a leg up on similar streamers like the Roku Ultra, which provides 4K video for the same price point but has no way to include local broadcast channels in its interface. With Dish taking the first step to bringing local programming back to the TV experience, don't be surprised if built-in antennas become a standard feature in premium set-top boxes going forward.
