The times, they are a-changin'. Fan TV has reached an agreement with Time Warner that will allow cable subscribers to forego the provider's bulky set-top box in favor of Fan TV's streaming solution. But before you gather up your Time Warner gear to drop it off at the local branch, there are a few things you should be aware of.
It's not a total set-top box replacement per se as the Fan TV box can only access content from Time Warner's mobile app. What's more, the device doesn't have traditional DVR capabilities so you'll be unable to record shows for playback at a later date. It does, however, allow users to pause live television using 4GB of built-in memory as a buffer.
The box will support a variety of streaming services including Redbox Instant, Crackle and Target Ticket although big names like Netflix and Hulu+ won't be supported - at least not at launch.
If that weren't enough, the box will set you back $99. So, what's to like?
The box, designed by Yves Behar, offers universal search functionality across live and on-demand programming as well as select streaming service providers. It ships with a unique remote control that functions more like a touchpad than a traditional controller with buttons. And according to at least one publication that spent some time with the box nearly a year ago, it features a beautiful and intuitive user interface.
Even still, is that enough to overlook what can only been seen as multiple, major shortcomings?