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
