TIVO Bolt Review: Streaming Device Like No Other

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The TiVo brand has always been hailed the leader when it comes to cable television entertainment. While everyone was still in their smartypants looking for ideas, TiVo had already made it big in the DVR arena for two decades or more. Recently, it’s smaller yet savvier unified entertainment system aptly called TiVo BOLT is once again making waves in the market. If you want to know why, here’s a comprehensive TiVo BOLT review you may want to read.

TiVo BOLT At A Glance

Why buy just a streaming box or stick when you can have everything that need in a TiVo BOLT? But just to give you a clearer perspective, here’s an outline on the most important aspects in choosing an entertainment device for your home. From design to resolution, connectivity, software specs, and so on.

DESIGN. Of course, there is nothing conventional of the TiVo BOLT design. A tad smaller and slimmer than its Roamio model, the usual black box is now encased in snowy white bended-box features with that little “TV alien” standing on the sides sans the usual buttons or external lights. The bend design is touted to help intensify connectivity by harnessing normal airflow as well as to add aesthetics into the whole living room entertainment concept. Hardware beauty aside, the TiVo BOLT comes with 4 tuners and 150 hours of HD recording space in its unified entertainment—cable, mobile and the Internet—system in a sleek box.

RESOLUTION. The Bolt is 4K HD streaming ready. With video output accommodating 4801, 480p, 720p, 1080i, and 4K UHD, you can guarantee topnotch screen resolution like no other. Such vivid screen resolution for a 150-hour recording is even made much better than its various specifications like QuickMode and SkipMode, OneSearch, and integrated access to various streaming apps like Netflix, Hulu and more.

CONTROLLER. Still retaining its cutiepatotie peanut-shaped RF remote, this one doesn’t succumb to the usual line-of-sight controlling type for the Bolt to operate. The white color simply makes this controller stand out on couches and dimly lit corners making it easier to locate. Oh well, finding it is quite easy as you only have to press on the back button of the Bolt to hear it chime. Its special features however, make a lot of difference. Think of an additional 30% speed in playback with QuickMode and SkipMode. Makes television-viewing definitely stress-free as you can easily skip or breeze through the non-essentials. Additionally, you can also mirror your Bolt into your Apple TV via AirPlay or to other device via Android apps.

CONNECTIVITY. When it comes to connectivity, the Bolt doesn’t bend to its name—it’s lightning fast. Built with 802.11ac wireless, gigabit Ethernet, and Multimedia over Coax Alliance (MoCA) 2.0, it also boasts of an average of 2.5minutes reboot time. Its new processor also adds to the speedier connectivity and its quicker navigation set-up leaving your viewing and reviewing hassle-free. Aside from Internet streaming, TiVo Bolt can also connect via cable and HD antenna (Check set-up below):

 

Cable Set-up 

CONTENT/APPS. With its huge storage system to download and hold your favorite shows, videos music, photos, and games, you can have as much on-demand apps as possible. From Hulu Plus to Netflix, Youtube, Vudu, Plex, Spotify, Pandora, and so on. You can simply go to TiVo Central > Apps&Games > Opera TV Store > apps of your choice. Simply open it or add it to “My Apps” for future use. Do take note that Opera web browser is being used as the app platform for the Bolt.

SPECIAL FEATURES. Other special features on TiVo Bolt is its OnePass (quick-recording of shows throughout the season or for new airings), Search (cross-referencing of shows at its best across multiple platforms), TiVo Online (for web and mobile management), WishList (keyword-savvy listing), TiVo Suggestions (for finding similar or related programming), Collections ( help assemble shows/videos according to themes), What to Watch Now (thumbnail look of top 20 most popular shows), and so on. TiVo Bolt also allows you to use a Live Guide or a Grid Guide of which contents can be filtered according to your preference.

SOFTWARE Specs. Some of the most notable software specifications of the TiVo Bolt are the following:

• recording capacity: 150hours / 75HD hrs
• hard drive size: 1Tb or 500B
• video output: 4801, 480p, 720p, 1080i, and 4K UHD
• power: 12v
• Ethernet port: 10/100/1000 Mbps
• HDMI: 4K UHD, 1080p (24/60)
• USB 2.0 ports: 2
• with cable card slot, built-in WiFi, analog and optical audio output, coax connector, external storage port (eSATA), HD antenna
• works with TiVo Mini
• connect to other TiVo DVRs
• iOS and Android app compatible

PRICE. The TiVo Bolt series come in 3 distinctive varieties—TiVo Bolt 500Gb, TiVo Bolt 1TB, and TiVo Bolt+. The 500GB and 1TB comes with both cable and HD antenna source with difference in its recording capacity. Price varies accordingly.

The TIVO Bolt Appeal

Simply stated, this TiVo Bolt review presents just why this media streaming device is considered one of the best in the market today. Beyond DVR, the Bolt clearly shows what a unified entertainment system is. It is, indeed, unique and exceptional with all its astounding features and specifications. Do take note that a subscription plan is required for a one-year commitment. Buy one from Amazon now and enjoy huge discounts!