More

    Hubbl: Puck specs revealed & First Look user interface photo gallery

    I attended a briefing at Foxtel’s Sydney HQ today to get to see their new Hubbl combined hardware and software product, which aims to aggregate global and local TV/movie apps through one interface and ensure easy streaming, searching and watching of content on free to air catchup apps, VOD, pay TV and subscription services like Netflix.

    Upon launching the following global and local streaming apps will be available on the Hubbl platform:

      • Global: Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, YouTube, Apple TV+.
      • Aussie: Kayo Sports, BINGE, Flash, ABC iView, ABC Kids, SBS On Demand, 7plus, 9Now and 10 Play.
      • Lifestyle: As part of the launch of Hubbl, LifeStyle, a new streaming app that brings together the best lifestyle content, will also launch on the platform.

    While there is also a TV product called Hubbl Glass my focus is on the $99 Hubbl puck device which looks similar to an Apple TV box and Fetch Mini. Note I do not have a Hubbl puck device to try out yet. Those will be available next week.

    Jason will comment on the Hubbl Glass once he receives his review loan TV to try out.

    Hubbl Puck Specifications

    This is based on a a Sky UK Limited Linux / BlueZ STB with Qualcomm QCA1062 controller, according to bluetooth certification database device.report .

    The key positive is the software interface which aims to seamlessly blend live TV, Free to air catchup, subscription services, VOD etc.

    Video output is in 4K and three HDR formats are supported: Dolby Vision, HDR 10, HLG.

    For those who like to hard wire their home entertainment devices you’ll be glad to hear that the Hubbl puck has a 10/100Mbps Ethernet / LAN port.

    Refresh rate is fixed to 60Hz (unlike Apple TV which supports variable refresh rate) which may disappoint some people.

    If you were expecting to use a Web Browser on your Hubbl that is not supported.

    It looks like Bluetooth 5.1 LE and Classic is only supported for the remote unlike other streaming devices like Fetch boxes and Fire TV which support bluetooth headphones.

     VIDEO
    Puck model IP061-05-FXTL
    Resolution (Pixels) Up to 3840 x 2160
    Refresh Rate (Hz) 60
    HDR mode Dolby Vision®, HDR 10, HLG
    4K streaming compatible Yes
    AUDIO
    Audio Format Dolby Atmos MS12 AC4, Dolby Digital
    Digital audio output No optical out
    TERRESTRIAL TV
    TV Tuner(s) 1 port –DVB-T/T2 (Belling-Lee connector) Frequency range 174-870MHz
    Captions Support Yes
    SOFTWARE
    Smart OS Entertainment OS
    Streaming apps See full list of supported apps at hubbl.com.au/apps
    HbbTV Not Supported
    Web Browser Not Supported
    Voice Control Remote Control
    Parental Controls Supported
    EPG (program guide) Yes
    HARDWARE
    CPU Quad Core ARM A55
    Flash 16GB (iNand eMMC)
    DRAM 4GB (DDR4)
    Wi-Fi Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
    Bluetooth 5.1 LE and Classic (for remote only)
    HDMI-CEC Yes
    Ethernet / LAN ports 1 port – 10/100Mbps
    Energy Usage 4.1W
    Standby Energy Usage 0.39W
    Power Supply External 5V/1.12A DC
    Buttons on Device Wake up / Standby button
    Colours Anthracite Black
    Material Plastic
    IN THE BOX
    Cables included AC Power Cord, 4K Compatible HDMI 2.0 Cable
    Remote Control LC203-01-FXTL
    End User License Agreement Yes
    Warranty Information Yes
    Safety Sheet Yes
    PHYSICAL SIZE
    Product Height (cm) 1.8 cm
    Product Width (cm) 10.8 cm
    Product Depth (cm) 10.8 cm
    WARRANTY
    Manufacturer’s Warranty See full warranty details

    Hubbl Initial Thoughts & Interface Photo Gallery

    The following photos of the Hubble user interface were taken by me during today’s briefing.

    Based on this brief glimpse it does seem an easy way to find, navigate and resume playing access different live and streaming video content.

    The proof is of course whether it works in real life testing.

    Two catches are:

    1. Notably many smaller streaming services are not available on Hubbl eg Tubi, Britbox, Hayu, Shudder, Acorn TV, Docplay, iWonder, Kanopy and AMC+. They may become available later.
    2. Stan, Optus Sport and Paramount+ will join the Hubbl platform soon after launch. They’ve agreed to join but their content hasn’t been integrated into Hubbl search etc yet.
    Neerav Bhatt
    Neerav Bhatthttps://www.bhatt.id.au/blog/about-neerav-bhatt/
    Thanks to his broad general knowledge, research skills and ability to explain complex issues Neerav Bhatt has appeared in the online, print, radio and TV media including: ABC (Online, TV, Radio), SBS (Online, Radio), BBC World Service (Radio), 10 News TV, Sky News TV, Australian IT, Technology Spectator, Ausdroid, iTnews, APCMAG, IDG CSO and a variety of other publications. In 2023 he joined the techAU team and represents them at Sydney events.

    2 COMMENTS

    Leave a Reply

    Ads

    Latest posts

    Reviews

    Related articles

    techAU