TV media player advice
Discussion
Unfortunately my TV has decided it doesn't want to stream anymore. It's not broken but old and the software won't continue to support streaming.
It's still got an excellent picture so thought plugging a media player in might be the answer. I have an Apple cube for another telly but wanted to know if there are any more reasonably priced alternatives worth looking at as its only used occasionaly for Amazon, Netflix and Youtube.
So far Roku and the Amazon fire stick seem contenders, but was after first hand experience and suggestions.
It's still got an excellent picture so thought plugging a media player in might be the answer. I have an Apple cube for another telly but wanted to know if there are any more reasonably priced alternatives worth looking at as its only used occasionaly for Amazon, Netflix and Youtube.
So far Roku and the Amazon fire stick seem contenders, but was after first hand experience and suggestions.
Amazon Firestick 4K does almost everything.
The HDMI and power supply connection is a bit untidy but usually hidden behind the TV screen. It is advisable to use a dedicated power adapter as a USB port on a TV often only provides enough power to watch but not enough power to save Firestick settings.
The new generation of the Firestick remotes are a bit flimsy and they can flex and creak when pressing buttons.
The HDMI and power supply connection is a bit untidy but usually hidden behind the TV screen. It is advisable to use a dedicated power adapter as a USB port on a TV often only provides enough power to watch but not enough power to save Firestick settings.
The new generation of the Firestick remotes are a bit flimsy and they can flex and creak when pressing buttons.
We've got one of each: Google TV Chromecast; Some sort of Firestick; Roku 4K stick.
The Roku is definitely the simplest to use, so it's good for the less technically oriented members of the household... none of them are super responsive to use though. Google and Firestick make some sort of attempt at hiding all the various apps so you can access content directly from the home screen, but it's never really as transparent as you'd like.
Actual said:
Amazon Firestick 4K does almost everything.
The HDMI and power supply connection is a bit untidy but usually hidden behind the TV screen. It is advisable to use a dedicated power adapter as a USB port on a TV often only provides enough power to watch but not enough power to save Firestick settings.
The new generation of the Firestick remotes are a bit flimsy and they can flex and creak when pressing buttons.
The power draw is frustrating as running it entirely from the TV would be useful. That aside, it’s a great device. I haven’t tried a Roku to compare but no complaints with the Firestick. The HDMI and power supply connection is a bit untidy but usually hidden behind the TV screen. It is advisable to use a dedicated power adapter as a USB port on a TV often only provides enough power to watch but not enough power to save Firestick settings.
The new generation of the Firestick remotes are a bit flimsy and they can flex and creak when pressing buttons.
I don't think it comes much easier to use than Apple TV but it is more expensive.
I have a Firestick I carry with me when I'm working away as quite often I can plug it into the hotel/airbnb TV and that's OK, but not as easy to use as the ATV, especially if it'll stay plugged in behind the TV. Remote control is good quality too.
I have a Firestick I carry with me when I'm working away as quite often I can plug it into the hotel/airbnb TV and that's OK, but not as easy to use as the ATV, especially if it'll stay plugged in behind the TV. Remote control is good quality too.
Nvidia Shield Pro is the gold standard. The Apple TV 4K and Chromecast 4K are both good too. I've had a couple of Chromecasts over the years and they have evolved from a simple "cast to" receiver to a more functional device with remote control.
Best thing is to check which services/apps you want and then get the cheapest of these three that fits your needs. One reason I went for the Shield is because I wanted to be able to play TrueHD Atmos from my backed up BDs over LAN, and no other solution allowed that.
Best thing is to check which services/apps you want and then get the cheapest of these three that fits your needs. One reason I went for the Shield is because I wanted to be able to play TrueHD Atmos from my backed up BDs over LAN, and no other solution allowed that.
The laptop idea is great, but what do you do without a remote and with the cabling?
Regarding Apple, it really is good with smooth interface, good remote and straightforward navigation. Mine is hardwired, I assume it can work wirelessly and works really well. For a TV not often used something more basic makes sense here though.
Interesting that one of the comments I read on line concerning Roku was the poor quality of the remotes, also the experience here so will take that onboard. Another comment was that they want personal/bank details to register, although I cant remember if that was in UK or not?
It seems to come down to the Firestick so will give one a go.
Thank you all for the help.
Regarding Apple, it really is good with smooth interface, good remote and straightforward navigation. Mine is hardwired, I assume it can work wirelessly and works really well. For a TV not often used something more basic makes sense here though.
Interesting that one of the comments I read on line concerning Roku was the poor quality of the remotes, also the experience here so will take that onboard. Another comment was that they want personal/bank details to register, although I cant remember if that was in UK or not?
It seems to come down to the Firestick so will give one a go.
Thank you all for the help.
s6boy said:
The laptop idea is great, but what do you do without a remote and with the cabling?
Regarding Apple, it really is good with smooth interface, good remote and straightforward navigation. Mine is hardwired, I assume it can work wirelessly and works really well. For a TV not often used something more basic makes sense here though.
Interesting that one of the comments I read on line concerning Roku was the poor quality of the remotes, also the experience here so will take that onboard. Another comment was that they want personal/bank details to register, although I cant remember if that was in UK or not?
It seems to come down to the Firestick so will give one a go.
Thank you all for the help.
I have no skin in the game but I've no idea what's bad quality of the Roku remotes. Seem absolutely fine to me and we've got 4 of different ages.Regarding Apple, it really is good with smooth interface, good remote and straightforward navigation. Mine is hardwired, I assume it can work wirelessly and works really well. For a TV not often used something more basic makes sense here though.
Interesting that one of the comments I read on line concerning Roku was the poor quality of the remotes, also the experience here so will take that onboard. Another comment was that they want personal/bank details to register, although I cant remember if that was in UK or not?
It seems to come down to the Firestick so will give one a go.
Thank you all for the help.
One is what I take away with me on holiday etc.
Only Roku device I have is a Roku powered TV in a holiday home in America. Cheap TV and only used a few times a year, but I concur with the thoughts on the remote, it's cheap and I've been through 2 in the past 2/3 years. Cheap enough to replace on Amazon though. It was the buttons that seemed to stop working and (it wasn't the batteries) it had to be pointed directly at the TV from close than the sofa which is massively annoying.
hellorent said:
miniman said:
The power draw is frustrating as running it entirely from the TV would be useful. That aside, it’s a great device. I haven’t tried a Roku to compare but no complaints with the Firestick.
I power a 4k max firestick off the TV usb, no probs with it.Gassing Station | Home Cinema & Hi-Fi | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff