I am a professional A/V Integrator and company owner. So I wanted to demo this myself before recommending it to my clients.
I had ours installed within 5 minutes and on our first video chat. Our Portal is connected through the HDMI input of a Denon AVR and the video is shown on a new 75" Sony UHD-TV. We have had a few calls that were pixelated or where the calls were dropped, however I believe that was most likely a reception issue originating from the person(s) we called. Both parties we called live in rural areas or areas that have poor cellular and Ethernet reception.
I am quite pleased with the video quality when WiFi strength is good and how effectively the camera adjusts to Zoom and Pan thus accommodating people moving about in the room.
If I make a Portal call from my couch the camera zooms onto me and any movements. If my wife enters the room the camera immediately zooms out to get her into frame until she sits next to me on the couch, then the camera zooms in closer to include us both in the video call.
Using a Sony Smart TV and enabling HDMI-CEC I can be watching Netflix from the Sony Netflix app and all I have to say is "Hey Portal Call Mom"
The Portal responds and begins the call. Once the call begins the Sony TV automatically switches from Netflix to Portal TV.
This is perfect for the older generation who are not technically savy. A great way to stay in touch with kids, parents, grandparents and friends afar.
We have used the Story Telling feature with our 2 year old grandson who loved the interaction with us.
Only Con I have is that it has no hardwired Ethernet connection, only Wi-Fi.
When we first installed Portal TV we had Xfinity 300mbps Wi-Fi, last week we upgraded to Google Fiber Gigabit so I again I am certain that any video issues we are experiencing are actually originating from whom we called. It may be they do not have their mobile device camera set at the highest resolution, poor celluar and or Wi Fi reception.
I have not tried any of the included streaming apps on the PortalTV as we use the apps from our Sony UHD TV.
For the price this a wonderful device, for my many deaf and hearing impaired friends this is AWESOME, as it does have a hand held remote so speaking commands is not necessary.
| Compatible Devices | Smartphone |
|---|---|
| Connectivity Protocol | Wi-Fi |
| Controller Type | Vera, Amazon Alexa |
| Mounting Type | Mount on TV or place below |
| Video Capture Resolution | 720p |
| Color | Black |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Included Components | Portal TV, Power adapter, Portal TV remote |
| Number of Channels | 1 |
| Wireless Communication Technology | Wi-Fi |
| Voltage | 5 Volts |
| Wattage | 1 watts |
| Item dimensions L x W x H | 7.49 x 2.26 x 1.29 inches |
| Batteries Required? | No |
| Item Weight | 0.68 Pounds |
| Room Type | Living Room |
| Video Capture Format | MPEG-4 |
| Unit Count | 1.0 Count |
| International Protection Rating | IP54 |
| Control Method | Voice |
| Standing screen display size | 0.01 Inches |
| National Stock Number | 899-00081-02 |
