DirecTV Now Beta: Next Gen TV Experience

Ever since I have decided to cut the cord and go with DirecTV Now I’ve been extremely happy with my service. I have also jumped at the chance to be a part of any beta programs they offered. When they offered the beta program for the AppleTV I signed up. I enjoyed the program and didn’t mind the hiccups that came along with being a beta tester.

Recently I got an email asking if I wanted to join the beta program for their Next Generation TV Experience device. They would provide the device for free and I could keep it after the beta program ends. This intrigued me because of my background in the telecommunications industry and made me wonder what kind of device it would be. I signed up for the program and then received a notice that they selected me. Earlier this week I got the email notice that the had shipped my device. It was on its way to my house.

The device arrived yesterday so I thought I would share some information about the device as well as some pictures. Once I hook it up and try it out awhile I’ll give a review and some feedback.

Specifications of DirecTV Now Beta Device

  • Model: C71KW-200
  • Manufacturer: Samsung

Dimensions

  • Height: 19 mm
  • Width: 1586 mm
  • Depth: 1586 mm
  • Weight: 402 g

Ports

  • OTT Mode: 802.11ac 204 GHz or 5 GHz Wi-fi
  • DC Power Input
  • HDMI 2.0b/HDCP 2.2 and 1.4
  • 1x USB 2.0
  • Optical S/PDIF Output Connector
  • 10/100 Ethernet

Processor

  • BRCM7271

Memory

  • 2GB DDR Memory
  • 64-bit DDR3/DDR4 interface
  • 16GB eMMC

Video and Audio Formats

  • MPEG2
  • Dolby Audio
  • MPEG-4 AVC single, dual or quad display up to 1080i60/1080p30 or UHD/4k
  • HEVC/VP9 Display
  • HDR10 SMPTE ST 2084, ST 2086 “Blu-Ray” standard and HLG support

TV Compatibility

  • Compatible with HD and 4K TVs with HDMI 2.0 & 1.4, HDCP 2.2, 60Hz and capable of 4K, 1080p and 3D

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Fedil

I was originally born in Missouri, but traveled around most of my childhood. My mom finally got tired of moving while we were in Dallas, Texas and I have been here ever since. After high school I started college at the University of North Texas (UNT) and started working in the computer field. I currently work for JCPenney as a front end software engineer for their e-commerce website. Before this I worked for AT&T about 12 years and started with them in 1999 (when they were Southwestern Bell). I have many passions and I really love photography. Besides photography I also love sports. I not only like to watch it, but I also love to play. Currently my friends and I play indoor soccer and flag football.

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