One of the most requested features for the Xbox One will soon be available to select markets in Europe. Live streaming TV.
For many consumers out there, big, bulky cable boxes and satellite receivers have been our source for digital television viewing. We asked for a solution and the team over at Xbox listened. Beginning in October members in The UK, France, Germany, Italy and Spain will receive the first experience with the new Xbox One Digital Tuner. This will provide over-the-air digital terrestrial TV experience through the USB single tuner. This offers an alternative way to access TV content from the cable or satellite set-top box connected through the HDMI port. The new digital TV tuner will also support free-to-air DVB-T, DVB-T2 and DVB-C television standards.
Want a handy list of the capabilities of the new Xbox One Digital Tuner? Never fear, I have one for you.
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Watch HDTV on Xbox One: With the Xbox One Digital TV Tuner, you can watch free-to-air DVB-T, DVB-T2, and DVB-C television channels without changing your television set input. You’ll be able to receive game invites and notifications while watching TV and watch TV while waiting for a multiplayer match to begin.
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TV viewing in Snap mode: You can watch TV using Snap mode which enables you to watch your favorite shows while leaving the other half of your screen open for Skype, games or other applications you may use.
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Pause it: You can pause live streaming TV shows so you can easily take a break for more Cheetos without missing anything important.
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TV listings in the OneGuide: From anywhere, say “Xbox show guide, what is on BBC One?” to quickly navigate directly to that channels listings.
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Favorite channels: Create your own personal Favorites in the OneGuide so you can easily choose what you want to watch.
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Voice Control Tuning: Just simply call out your favorite channel by name and start watching it instantly.
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Smart Glass configuration: You will have full access to the OneGuide via Xbox Smart Glass application, with the ability to tune channels on your Xbox One.
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TV on demand: TV listings in the OneGuide will indicate which shows are available on demand from video apps.
We sure have come a long way from black and white television with only three channels. The Xbox One Digital TV Tuner will be available beginning in late October in the UK for £24.99. Kinect is required for voice-enabled features.
