Two years after the release of StreamTV, PLDT Home Life has recently launched its successor called the StreamTV+. They might have just added a ‘plus’ to its original name but it packs a new design and significant upgrades under the hood. This is the best time to turn your regular TV into a smart TV, or give your entry-level smart TV some premium upgrades.
What is it?
The StreamTV+ is a premium Android TV device that plugs into your TV’s HDMI port and turns it into a smart entertainment hub. It’s essentially a more capable replacement for the original cylindrical StreamTV.
It runs on Android TV powered by a Broadcom BCM72178 processor rated at 24K DMIPS and capable of handling 4K, HDR10, and Dolby Vision. Backing it up is 3GB of LPDDR4 memory and 16GB of eMMC storage. That set of hardware is optimized for streaming performance to provide you with smooth navigation and reliable playback, which is exactly what you need from a dedicated entertainment device.
Who should buy it?
The most straightforward use case is if you have a non-smart TV. Rather than spending on a new set, you plug this in and get a working smart TV for as low as PHP 399 a month for 36 months. That’s a reasonable deal.
It also makes sense if your current smart TV is a few years old and is slow to load apps, no longer receiving updates, or missing streaming services you actually want. The StreamTV+ runs on newer hardware and gets regular software updates, which is more than what most mid-range smart TVs from a few years back can promise at this point.
That said, even if you already own a recent mid-to-high-end smart TV, the StreamTV+ still adds value. It brings features like consistent Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos support across apps along with audio tuned by Bang & Olufsen. This allows it to complement your premium TV rather than just replicating its built-in features.
Who is eligible?
The StreamTV+ is available to PLDT Home subscribers on fiber plans PHP 2,499 and above. If you’re already on one of those plans, you can add it on without needing a new connection.
Setup and daily use
Connect it to an HDMI port using the HDMI cable included in the box, sign into your Google account, and you’re done. For connectivity, you get WiFi 6 (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.0, an Ethernet port, and a USB port, so wired and wireless setups are both covered.
It comes pre-installed with Netflix, HBO Max, Lionsgate Play, Viu, BlastTV+, Cignal Play, and Pilipinas Live. Additional apps can be downloaded from the Google Play Store, provided they’re compatible with Android TV and available locally.
The remote control is straightforward, with dedicated shortcut buttons for Netflix, YouTube, and Lionsgate Play. Nothing groundbreaking, but the shortcuts are convenient for the apps you’ll likely use most.
Picture and sound
The StreamTV+ supports up to 4K UHD with Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos, and its three speakers are tuned by Bang & Olufsen. On paper, that’s a strong combination. In practice, how much of that you actually experience depends on your TV and the content you’re watching, meaning both need to support 4K, Dolby Vision, and Dolby Atmos for the full effect. If they don’t, the device adjusts automatically to match your setup’s capabilities.
The built-in speakers also work independently as a Bluetooth speaker, even with the TV off. They’re not going to compete with your sound system but it’s definitely louder and has more bass than your stock TV. It’s also advisable to place it on the center so that the sound is distributed evenly.
Voice control and privacy
Google Assistant is built in, so no app download needed. The device has four microphones for far-field voice pickup, so it can hear you from across the room. Say “Hey Google” or press the button on the remote to search for content, control playback, or manage compatible smart home devices linked to your Google account. If you’re not comfortable with always-on mics, there’s a physical privacy button to disable them, which is a thoughtful addition that not enough devices in this category bother to include.
Pricing and warranty
• PHP 399/month — 36-month lock-in
• PHP 549/month — 24-month lock-in
• PHP 10,990 — one-time payment
All units come with a 12-month replacement warranty covering manufacturing defects.
Should you get one?
The StreamTV+ is a solid option if you’re working with an older or non-smart TV, or if your current smart TV is showing its age. The hardware is capable, the feature set is practical, and the monthly payment option makes it accessible. Just go in with realistic expectations because while the cinematic experience it promises is real, it remains dependent on the TV and content you pair it with.
To learn more about the PLDT Home Life StreamTV+, please visit https://pldthome.com/streamtv.
