If you are a cord-cutter, then you know getting local live TV news, sports, weather, and more over the internet is impossible. These channels are typically not included in most streaming services, leaving you to shuffle inputs to access them.
The AirTV Mini, designed by Sling, is gaining traction thanks to a powerful new capability. The gadget can now access free over-the-air (OTA) local channels streamed across devices without subscription fees.
While not a standalone tuner, this compact Android TV dongle delivers local broadcast content via Wi‑Fi. It marks a strategic move in catering to users who want local news, sports, and entertainment bundled into one app experience.
Why was AirTV Mini created?
AirTV Mini fills a specific gap in merging Sling’s streaming service with local OTA broadcasts. The platform initially excluded local channels due to high carriage fees, rendering them inaccessible through the app.
As Sling CEO Roger Lynch noted, local stations “would drive up the price of the service from the high fees demanded by networks and TV owners.”
However, local news and sports are essential components of TV.
The AirTV Mini, paired with AirTV 2 or Anywhere and an antenna, offers both services without recurring fees. Once set up, OTA channels broadcast via the tuner appear in Sling’s TV guide.
These can be streamed through Sling’s mobile app anywhere, bridging traditional and internet-only content.
How the AirTV Mini works
The AirTV Mini itself does not have an antenna input. Instead, it’s designed to swiftly integrate into Sling’s multi-device system. Here is the setup it needs to work:
1. AirTV Mini
This is an Android TV–based streaming device that plugs into your TV via an HDMI port. It supports 4K resolution, features Chromecast built-in. The gadget also provides direct access to Sling, Google Play, Netflix, YouTube, Plex, and more, all integrated into a sleek interface.
2. AirTV 2 or AirTV Anywhere
These companion devices connect to your HD antenna and function as over-the-air (OTA) tuners. They stream live local content over your home Wi‑Fi to AirTV Mini (or other devices running Sling).
- AirTV 2: Dual‑tuner unit that lets you watch or record up to two broadcast streams.
- AirTV Anywhere: A more capable quad‑tuner box with built-in 1 TB DVR, allowing four live streams at once and recording capability.
Can other Sling devices show OTA channels on TV?
No. Sling apps on Roku, Apple TV, Fire TV, and mobile devices cannot directly pull local channels.
You need an antenna to access local channels. This is what the AirTV 2 or Anywhere does. It then sends the signal to the AirTV mini to bring OTA channels on the TV’s or mobile app’s Sling interface.
Without AirTV Mini, you’d need to switch inputs to your TV’s DVB-T2 tuner to watch antenna channels. This tuner does not allow you to watch the same broadcast on your mobile phone or other devices, unlike the new AirTV Mini.
The unified viewing experience of the AirTV Mini
AirTV Mini does more than just stream local channels. This gadget will integrate them directly into your media ecosystem and network. That means:
- All channels in one place: TV stations are scanned via the setup and populate the Sling Guide like any other channel.
- Sling-first interface: The launcher boots directly into Sling. The remote includes dedicated Sling, Guide, Info, and Recall buttons. This mirrors familiar cable-style navigation.
- 4K and Google services: Supports 4K HDR streaming with 2×2 802.11ac Wi‑Fi and Bluetooth. You log in via Google Play for updates and thousands of apps.
- DVR capability: This requires AirTV 2 or Anywhere with an external hard drive or built-in storage. Sling’s cloud DVR also covers OTT content.
Installation flow of the AirTV Mini
You need the following devices:
- An HD antenna on your roof pointing in the right direction
- AirTV 2 or Anywhere box
- AirTV Mini connected to your TV
- Sling app on all relevant devices
Follow this process:
- Connect the antenna to AirTV 2 or Anywhere and place it where reception is strongest.
- Link the tuner box to your home Wi‑Fi so that it wirelessly shares channels.
- Plug in the AirTV Mini via HDMI to the TV and connect it to Wi‑Fi.
- Install the Sling app. The setup wizard will detect the AirTV bridge and prompt a local channel scan.
- Complete scanning, then local channels automatically integrate into the Sling guide.
Pros and cons of the new Sling TV device
The AirTV Mini has the following advantages:
- Free live local TV with no subscription.
- Integrated experience of local and streaming content in one guide.
- 4K-ready with Android TV and access to modern apps and Chromecast.
- Portable viewing, hence you can access local channels via the Sling app anywhere.
The limitations of the AirTV Mini are:
- Requires separate tuner: The gadget cannot operate on its own; it needs AirTV 2 or Anywhere.
- Variable OTA reception: Local channel availability depends on location, antenna placement, or an unobstructed view of the broadcast towers.
- Potential glitches: Some users report occasional guide errors or firmware quirks.
- Limited app support: Mini may not support Prime Video, Hulu, and Apple TV+ natively.
Who is the AirTV Mini for?
The gadget is best suited for the following:
- Sling-focused households seeking local broadcast content that integrates seamlessly.
- Cord-cutters who don’t want multiple inputs or separate OTA viewing setups.
- DVR users looking for local recording via the Sling app.