Due to all of the recent IPTV shutdowns, covering this topic has proved challenging to say the least.
Although we have nothing to do with any IPTV service, when they go down people come to us for help.
Sorry, but we know just as much as you do, which is nothing.
If you’re going to go down the “unverified” IPTV road for live channels, PPV, etc. you need to know that it comes with risks.
You should NEVER pre-pay for any unverified IPTV service. Paying month-to-month protects you in case the service is ever shut down permanently.
TROYPOINT is not in the position to determine whether or not these unverified services carry the proper licensing for the content that they deliver.
There are literally hundreds of IPTV services now available on the Internet.
Heck, many of them advertise through Google and Facebook.
Try this.
Do a search on Google or Facebook for IPTV.
You will see that these services are coming out of the woodwork and I don’t see this slowing until the cable/satellite companies come up with a price that people are willing to pay. We saw the same thing play out with Music and we now have affordable services such as Spotify.
My question is this.
If some of these services are illegal, how can they advertise so blatantly on these “big tech” Websites?
Funny, right?
There is no doubt that these IPTV shutdowns will escalate in the coming months and years but from the signs of things, it’s certainly not stopping the growth of IPTV.
We provide a list of the best verified and unverified services on our Website via the link below if you are in need of a new service for live channels.
IPTV Guide by TROYPOINT
BTW, many of you have been asking about Sapphire Secure and their Website is now back up and running.
🥇 Verified IPTV Services
If you’re going to use a verified service, make sure that you check out the channels that each of them provide prior to purchasing.
Unfortunately, the verified services are almost just as expensive as having a cable/satellite package. Yeah, ridiculous.
If you do go down the verified route, I suggest either Fubo TV or Philo.
The great thing about both Fubo and Philo is that they offer a 7-day free trial so you can see if you like it before you commit.
CNET has reviewed nearly all of the major streaming devices, and when it comes to the most powerful boxes our two favorites are Roku’s Ultra and Apple’s Apple TV 4K. Both devices, as well as Amazon’s Fire TV Cube, are internet-connected boxes that take TV shows and movies from Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney Plus and Hulu to any TV.
The Roku interface is clean and simple, with large tiles for apps arranged in a grid. David Katzmaier/CNET
Roku’s interface is as easy to use as it gets. A colorful array of app tiles are arranged in a grid that you can arrange to taste. As with its Streaming Stick Plus, responses on the Ultra are super-quick, and within seconds I was inside services like Netflix, Disney Plus, Hulu or Sling TV. There are no big recommendation tabs of what to watch, or posters of shows or movies cluttering the tiles (though there are some ads on the right side when scrolling through the grid). The app store, found in the left-hand section labeled Streaming Channels, is just as quick and easy to navigate as the main menu.
The Apple TV 4K has a similarly pretty and colorful menu that is filled with tiles. Navigation is often fine with the Apple TV remote (which we’ll get to in a moment), and the A10X processor inside is still snappy despite being several years old. The Apple TV features recommendations from a variety of services, not just Apple’s own TV Plus subscription service, but if you don’t want to use it you won’t need to.
Both are easy and straightforward, making this a tie.
Best features: Apple TV 4K
The Apple TV 4K can run apps from all the major streaming platforms. Sarah Tew/CNET
Apple wins the best features category, but it’s pretty close.
Both boxes support 4K HDR streaming, as well as Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos. The two also each now support Apple’s AirPlay 2 for casting content from an iPhone, iPad or Mac to your TV and HomeKit for controlling the box with Siri. Apple wins, however, in-app support. It has an HBO Max app — something Roku still lacks as of press time — and integrates with other Apple services including Apple Arcade and Fitness Plus. Sure, you can cast all of those onto a TV with the Roku’s AirPlay addition, but the ease and integration of having the apps directly integrated into the box is a nice touch.
Of the major platforms, only Roku now lacks the HBO Max app.
MAJOR NEW APPS BY PLATFORM SUPPORT
Device
HBO Max
Peacock
Apple TV Plus
Roku
No
Yes
Yes
Fire TV
Yes
No
Yes
Chromecast with Google TV
Yes
Yes
No
Apple TV
Yes
Yes
Yes
The built-in support for Siri is also a lot better than Roku’s unnamed voice assistant. It is quick and responsive when asking to play movies like Avengers Endgame and even knows to go right into Disney Plus (so long as you have the app installed). You can also ask it questions like when is the next New York Giants game, what the NFL standings are or what the weather is outside. Not game-changing features, but nice to have nonetheless.
Both companies get points for supporting their devices, with Roku’s addition of AirPlay to older TVs and boxes and Apple’s rollout of TVOS 14 the latest example that both still care about their users even years after they purchase the devices.
As with the interface, the differences here are small. But Siri and the integration of apps like HBO Max give Apple the edge.
Best remote: Roku Ultra
Whereas interface and features were close, Roku handily beats Apple when it comes to remotes.
Roku’s remote, well, looks like a Roku remote. The company hasn’t done much to change up what admittedly already was a good thing. Volume and TV power control are both here (though there isn’t any input control), with rubberized buttons for navigation, media playback and quick control to Netflix, Disney Plus, Hulu and Sling. A microphone and dedicated mic button are also here.
The remote for the Streaming Stick Plus is similar to most other Roku remotes. Roku
Apple, on the other hand — well, you either love or hate the remote. The Apple remote looks nicer, but functionally it is much worse to use.
There is no directional pad, with Apple going with a glass trackpad that looks sleek but can at times result in you overshooting what you are aiming to press. There are no quick shortcuts to apps like Netflix or Disney Plus, or controls for rewinding or fast-forwarding. It also lacks a dedicated mute button, requires Lightning to charge and has no private listening feature (though you can pair AirPods to the Apple TV 4K to stream to Bluetooth headphones). Both Apple and Roku let you control their respective boxes from a mobile device, though Apple’s feature is only available on its mobile products.
The Roku Ultra also features the best perk on any streaming device: a dedicated button on the side of the box for finding the remote. Press it and your remote will start pinging, making it a lot easier to find when it’s lost inside the couch. Here’s hoping Apple adds similar functionality in its long-rumored Apple TV refresh.
In the meantime, Roku wins this category hands down.
Winner: Roku Ultra
The Roku Ultra wins this battle with the Apple TV 4K. Sarah Tew/CNET
Both devices are excellent options and do a fantastic job covering all the bases of what you would want from a streamer in 2020. Apple’s box, despite being older, is slightly more capable thanks to TVOS being a richer operating system. It gets points for support Apple Arcade, Fitness Plus and having a dedicated app for HBO Max but loses big on the remote. When it comes to a streaming device, having a good remote is key.
There also is the issue of cost. Roku’s newest Ultra box is normally listed at $100 but dropped $70 for Black Friday. Apple’s box, despite being released in September 2017, still starts at $179 on Apple’s site for the 32GB version (it’s $199 for the 64GB model). With plenty of rumors that Apple will finally give the box an upgrade in 2021, even if you love living in Apple’s walled garden it’s hard to justify paying over twice the price for the Apple TV 4K when you can just AirPlay everything you’re missing on the Roku Ultra. Or even a Roku Streaming Stick Plus.
So here’s a quick recap on the history of Google’s Chromecast series. The line has been around since 2013 and while the exact design has evolved over time, the basic idea is that these devices offer streaming chops in a small HDMI dongle that hooks to the back of your TV out of sight and out of mind.
What’s new this time is that instead of relying on your phone, tablet, or computer to cast media to your Chromecast to play on your TV, this new model comes packing an enhanced version of Android TV that’s called Google TV. And, along with the included remote control, this changes the recipe considerably. Instead of curating and selecting media via your phone, you can use this new Chromecast as a dedicated streaming device like you would a Roku, Fire TV or Apple TV.
Hardware and Features
We’re still dealing with a small, discrete device with a flexible HDMI “tail.” Unlike streaming boxes that sit on your entertainment center by your TV, these dongle-style devices are meant to plug straight into your HDMI port and hang off that connection on the back of your TV. Size-wise, however, this new Chromecast is a fair bit larger than earlier models.
In the box, you’ll get the Chromecast device itself, a remote control, batteries, adapter, and a power cord that uses the USB Type-C standard. As far as what this new Chromecast can do, some highlights include 4K HDR support, including Dolby Vision and HDR10+. Earlier Chromecast models have supported 4K and HDR, but we’ll dive into what sets this new one apart a little later.
You also get three color options: Sky, Sunrise, and Snow. And if you’re wondering why color choice would matter for a device that’s meant to be hidden behind your TV, well that color choice also applies to the included remote control.
Of course, one of the biggest features here is the addition of Google TV, which acts sort of like a new interface layer on top of the existing Android TV. We’ll get into actually using the software in the next section, but to sum up: Instead of presenting a grid of available streaming apps, Google TV aims to offer suggestions tailored to your viewing habits and preferences.
When you fire up your Chromecast, you’ll see options like “Top Picks for You,” categories like Action or Comedy, or suggestions based on movies you’ve watched. Those recommendations pull from a variety of streaming services, including ones you may or may not subscribe to, but the goal is, ideally, more relevant viewing options for you.
Setup and Performance
One of the hallmarks of the Chromecast line, and HDMI dongles in general, is the ease in setup. And that continues here — you just plug the Chromecast into your TV’s HDMI port and then plug in the power cord. And since it’s a USB Type C port, you don’t have to worry about which way you’re holding the power cord when you plug it in.
Once it’s connected and powered up, it’s time to set up your Chromecast. You’re given a couple of options here. You can set up the device via your TV, which means inputting some details via the included remote control. It’s certainly doable, but if you want to save some time, you can download the Google Home app and set up your Chromecast via a phone or tablet.
You’ll enter details like your email address and WiFi login, and then you can customize things by designating a location for your Chromecast. This can be useful if you have several devices around your home to manage, and it’s something we’ve seen on other platforms.
And once the setup process is done and the Chromecast has downloaded key updates, you’ll be greeted by the Google TV home screen.
If you’re used to the standard Android TV experience on an Nvidia Shield TV Pro or TiVo Stream 4K, you might pick up on a few similarities here, but it’s clear Google’s trying to add some new layers here.
For one, instead of focusing on individual apps, you’re presented with a list of content choices pulled from several services. You can customize things by telling Google which services you’re subscribed to, but not all services currently support that level of personalization.
If you tell Google which services you’re subscribed to, those get higher priority among the recommendations, but you’ll still probably see options from other services, including rentals and digital purchases.
At the top of the screen, you’ll see a menu bar for categories like Search, Movies, Shows, Apps, and Library. You’ll also see a section called “For You” which serves as the initial home screen. YouTube TV users also get access to a Live category.
And if the service-agnostic approach isn’t to your liking and you want to head straight to a specific service, you can customize which apps show up on the For You screen. And you can head to the Apps section to access and install even more. Beyond that, there’s even an “Apps Only” mode you can access via settings. That view strips away the recommendations, leaving you with just tiles for your apps. It’s certainly functional, but perhaps not the most ideal way to experience Google TV. Still, the option is there if you want it.
As far as general use, we tested the Chromecast on 1080p, 4K, and 4K HDR content and it handled it all just fine. We did run into occasional sluggishness when browsing menus and options with the Chromecast. This behavior was hard to pin down and replicate, but occasionally, we’d have to wait a tad longer for an input to register or for a menu to fully populate with titles. It’s not a dealbreaker, especially for a $50 device, but it’s something you might notice if you’re coming from snappier, higher-end devices.
One of the other concerns right now is the inconsistent HDR support in a few apps. For example, as of our testing in October of 2020, the Disney+ app on the Chromecast supports HDR10, but not Dolby Vision. A quick flip to the Disney+ app on our LG’s built-in webOS platform showed the exact same movie, but with Dolby Vision available.
We saw similar issues with Vudu, where digging through the options showed Dolby Vision support on our LG TV’s app, but no such support listed on the Chromecast’s version of the Vudu app.
Also, the Chromecast defaults to Dolby Vision for menus and browsing content, which may or may not be to your liking. We’ve seen the same behavior on the recent 2020 Roku Ultra and the TiVo Stream 4K. Thankfully, just like those devices, there’s a way to turn the feature off. Just head to display settings and select Match Content Dynamic Range and your TV should switch to HDR only when HDR content is being displayed. Overall, however, HDR performance itself seemed solid, but be aware that there are some app inconsistencies in the Chromecast versions of certain services.
The included remote is comfortable and easy to use. It doesn’t take long to get comfortable using it without looking at which button you’re pressing. The smooth, rounded shape might be a bit slippery at times, but the functionality and overall design score more good points than bad. The voice search feature works pretty much as expected. You can hold the Google Assistant button and speak your search. Options like “Play Captain America Winter Soldier,” or “find Super Simple Songs on YouTube,” worked fine, but if it hears you incorrectly, the Chromecast might steer you way off course.
For instance, I asked, “How to rent Mulan,” and got back search results for “how to move a log.” Speaking slower and more clearly helped on later attempts, but be prepared for the usual voice assistant quirks.
As for overall performance, we tested the Chromecast by running it through series of apps to see how quickly it could load each. We did a similar test with the recent Roku devices and it uncovered some fascinating performance numbers. For this run, we swapped out a couple Roku-specific apps. And so our test suite this time includes: Netflix, YouTube, Amazon Prime Video, Disney +, Hulu, ESPN, Pluto TV, Sling TV and Crackle. And then we fired up Netflix one more time to see if it could load the app any quicker the second time.
For comparison’s sake, we ran the similarly priced Roku Streaming Stick+, TiVo Stream 4K, and Fire TV Stick 4K through the same gauntlet and here’s how they compare to one another.
Overall, the Chromecast with Google TV easily holds its own against similarly priced rivals, all while offering up Google-backed content suggestions that should evolve as it gets to know you.
Wrapping it All Up
In the end, you do indeed get a lot of streaming bang for your 50 or so bucks. The Chromecast with Google TV adds a lot of welcome features and usability to the Chromecast line — not just through controlling your content on your TV, but also with the included and comfortable remote. For those who like the simplicity of the Chromecast’s design, but wished it behaved and performed more like Roku’s and Amazon’s streaming devices, this latest model succeeds.
It’s not perfect, however. There are still some app issues and feature support inconsistencies we’d like to see cleared up soon, especially when things like Dolby Vision are available on the exact same service through other platforms. And yes, there are occasional performance hiccups when exploring the menus.
But at $49.99 with a solid remote, the Chromecast with Google TV is definitely worth considering if you want a capable, portable, and affordable media streamer.
While ViacomCBS used its Q3 earnings call to talk about the success of its current streaming apps, including CBS All Access and Pluto TV, and excitement for the rebranded Paramount+ app, the company also shared that not all of its streaming assets will live on after Paramount+ launches.
ViacomCBS shared that it will be shutting down some of its smaller streaming services. The company did not share exactly which services will be included on the list. Variety speculates that MTV Hits, NickHits, Comedy Central Now, and Noggin are all likely candidates.
The plan for Paramount+ includes bringing content from across ViacomCBS’ portfolio of brands together under one service, so it’s likely that content from the shuttered streaming services will migrate to the new service.
“The Paramount+ streaming service will elevate ViacomCBS’ iconic family of brands,” said Josh Line, chief brand officer, ViacomCBS during the announcement of the rebranding.
Paramount+ will launch in 2021, with ViacomCBS commenting today that it is on track to launch early in the year. The streaming service will include content from the company’s portfolio, including broadcast, news, sports, and its popular entertainment brands, like MTV, BET, Comedy Central, CBS, Paramount Television Studios, Nickelodeon, and Smithsonian Channel. The service will also include movies from Paramount Pictures.
While ViacomCBS used its Q3 earnings call to talk about the success of its current streaming apps, including CBS All Access and Pluto TV, and excitement for the rebranded Paramount+ app, the company also shared that not all of its streaming assets will live on after Paramount+ launches.
ViacomCBS shared that it will be shutting down some of its smaller streaming services. The company did not share exactly which services will be included on the list. Variety speculates that MTV Hits, NickHits, Comedy Central Now, and Noggin are all likely candidates.
The plan for Paramount+ includes bringing content from across ViacomCBS’ portfolio of brands together under one service, so it’s likely that content from the shuttered streaming services will migrate to the new service.
“The Paramount+ streaming service will elevate ViacomCBS’ iconic family of brands,” said Josh Line, chief brand officer, ViacomCBS during the announcement of the rebranding.
Paramount+ will launch in 2021, with ViacomCBS commenting today that it is on track to launch early in the year. The streaming service will include content from the company’s portfolio, including broadcast, news, sports, and its popular entertainment brands, like MTV, BET, Comedy Central, CBS, Paramount Television Studios, Nickelodeon, and Smithsonian Channel. The service will also include movies from Paramount Pictures.
As the holidays approach everybody is starting to look for deals on gifts. One category of gadgets that’s more popular than ever are streaming sticks, the small dongles that bring TV shows and movies from Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney Plus and Hulu to any TV.
CNET has reviewed nearly all of the major streaming devices and our two favorites are Roku’s Streaming Stick Plus and Google’s new Chromecast with Google TV. Both devices, as well as Amazon’s Fire TV Stick 4K, cost $50 and deliver most of the major apps you’ll want to stream in 4K resolution and high dynamic range. In our book the Roku and Chromecast outshine Fire TV on either functionality or ease of use, which is why we’re focusing on those two here.
Google has tried various efforts to win the battle of the living room for years, but it finally has a worthy contender in the Chromecast with Google TV. The search giant’s latest offering packs in Dolby Vision, an improved interface as well as excellent integration with its Google Assistant for voice control and search. Unlike Amazon and Roku, it has support for HBO Max, but unlike those platforms it lacks the Apple TV app and Apple TV Plus. Google’s track record with TV, however, isn’t as strong as Roku’s and the interface, while fine, isn’t as simple as its rival. Read our Chromecast with Google TV review.$50 AT WALMART$50 AT BEST BUY$50 AT ADORAMA
Best interface: Roku Streaming Stick Plus
The Roku interface is clean and simple, with large tiles for apps arranged in a grid. David Katzmaier/CNET
Roku’s interface is as easy to use as it gets. A colorful array of app tiles are arranged in a grid that you can arrange to taste. Responses on the Streaming Stick Plus are super-quick, and within seconds I was inside services like Netflix, Disney Plus, Hulu or Sling TV. There are no big recommendation tabs of what to watch, or posters of shows or movies cluttering the tiles (though there are some ads on the right side when scrolling through the grid). The app store, found in the left-hand section labeled Streaming Channels, is just as quick and easy to navigate as the main menu.
The Chromecast with Google TV makes nice progress compared to both earlier Android TV devices and Google’s prior Chromecasts, which lacked any navigation at all. Although the menus look clear, and the main For You tab is fine, it is more cluttered than the “stick to basics” approach Roku takes, with no quick way to see a grid of all your installed apps. I also had moments where it lagged a bit.
Google also needs more power than the Roku, so you likely won’t be able to power it right off your TV’s USB port (both include cables and adapters) and will need to find an open wall outlet.
When it comes to ease of use, Roku wins.
Best features: Chromecast with Google TV
The Google TV interface. Screenshot by Sarah Tew/CNET
Google wins the best features category, but it’s a bit closer than the interface battle.
With support for Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos out of the box, support for gaming platforms like Google’s own Stadia coming in 2021, and close integration with YouTube TV for streaming live television, Google does a really nice job creating a powerful streaming stick. Throw in the excellent use of its Google Assistant for voice search and control, which is miles ahead of Roku’s voice assistant, and there is a lot to love.
Google also supports HBO Max, something Roku and Amazon’s Fire TV platform both lack. On the other hand Apple TV Plus is absent from Google TV. Here’s a chart comparing the four major platforms’ support for big new apps:
MAJOR NEW APPS BY PLATFORM SUPPORT
Device
HBO Max
Peacock
Apple TV Plus
Roku
No
Yes
Yes
Fire TV
No
No
Yes
Chromecast with Google TV
Yes
Yes
No
Apple TV
Yes
Yes
Yes
As it does with menus, Roku’s device isn’t as flashy but it still has 4K HDR and new features like AirPlay support could be really useful for the millions of Apple users. Google’s device supports casting from Android devices as well as casting from apps on iOS or other platforms that support Chromecast.
Another reason why this is close is in the track record. Google has a notably checkered past when it comes to supporting devices past the first year or two (both TV and in general). It has gotten a lot better lately but still has a ways to go. Roku, by contrast, has shown support for older devices for a number of years, something that is evidenced by how many of its products are slated to get that AirPlay update.
While the flashy features are impressive, unlike the menus — a core component of both devices that everyone will need to use — they are, for the most part, much more niche. Dolby Vision and Atmos only work if you have the right equipment, while Stadia and YouTube TV integration are only game-changers if you pay for either service. That said they all do add value, and that integration with Google Assistant is excellent and makes using the Chromecast feel a lot more modern.
Putting it all together and Google gets the edge here.
Best remote: Tie
Google finally includes a remote with a Chromecast, and it’s a perfectly solid one. The size is compact but still comfortable to hold. It can handle input, power and volume control for your TV and all the plastic buttons are clicky and responsive with dedicated keys for Netflix and YouTube. A mic is present, as is a color shifted button for summoning Google Assistant.
The Chromecast with Google TV’s remote is a very welcome addition. Juan Garzon/CNET
Roku’s remote, well, looks like a Roku remote. The company hasn’t done much to change up what admittedly already was a good thing. Volume and TV power control are both here (though there isn’t any input control), with rubberized buttons for navigation, media playback, and quick control to Netflix, Disney Plus, Hulu and Sling. A microphone and dedicated mic button are also here.
The remote for the Streaming Stick Plus is similar to most other Roku remotes. Roku
Whereas Google wins on getting input control, I do appreciate that Roku has dedicated buttons for popular streaming services like Disney Plus and Hulu, as well as a button to quickly jump back a few seconds (10 seconds on Netflix, for example, or 20 seconds on Disney Plus).
This year it’s closer than ever, but the Roku Streaming Stick Plus is still our winner. Sarah Tew/CNET
Both devices are excellent options and do a fantastic job covering all the bases of what you would want from a $50 streaming stick in 2020. A strong argument can be made that Google is the more feature-packed device, and if you subscribe to other Google services like Stadia or YouTube TV (or really want HBO Max now), it is almost assuredly the better option for you.
But when it comes to the basics, Roku’s interface is cleaner, easier and faster. The company’s strong reputation for supporting older devices is worth taking into account as you probably will hold on to whichever streamer you buy for at least the next couple of years. For the purposes of this heads-up, those factors are enough to give Roku the win.
