Advice on Streaming Device - Roku, etc..

Tidybuoy · 07-09-2020, 12:25 PM

Needing advice on purchasing a streaming device for my TV

I have had a smart TV for years and used it's menu for YouTube, Netflix, Amazon, and Hulu. I just switched to a projector and although it has a smart feature - it sucks. The projector uses Aptoide TV where you download certain apps but Netflix, Amazon, and Hulu are not available - only YouTube.

I want to buy a streaming device but I'm looking for simplicity and I know nothing about these things. I do not want anything with a monthly fee. Hopefully I can plug into the projector and it will be as simple as selecting the source (i.e., HDMI 1).

Thanks

RANDY P · RANDY P's Garage

I have a ROKU and Amazon fire stick. Roku sucks because you can't get apps that bypass ads on YouTube.

Amazon Fire Stick uses Android so you can get apps that bypass ad trash.

Buy the Fire Stick

Bob Kontak · Bob Kontak's Garage

I have a Firestick which is 18 months old. I use Youtube (free) and Netflix (pay) and it appears to have all kinds of other pay streams like Amazon, Hulu, etc. Even has free movie streaming icons and I've used them and the advertisements are overwhelming.

Netflix was an easy setup as I'm sure all the legit pay programs are.

You can load Exodus Redux or the like on the stick which is a pirate program. It takes some craft as you have to download the application. Frankly, it ain't all that as you will not get new movies unless they are taken with a camera in a theater. If you want to watch a popular movie the DVD has been released for, there are usually one hundred plus source choices and maybe one in five is legitimate. This guy I know tired of it quickly and no longer uses it.

cabmandone · cabmandone's Garage

My biggest issue with Roku is its lack of support for bluetooth speakers. You have to use a Roku speaker. The firesticks will connect to any bluetooth speaker or headset.

One other thing on Roku vs Firestick, the small tv my wife bought with Roku installed is able to connect to our wifi while outside where the Firestick struggles and loses signal.

Steve Viegas · 07-09-2020, 01:07 PM

I have both Roku and Firestick. They are both very easy to use. I prefer to Roku user interface, but the Amazon one is fine. I prefer the Roku remote, but the Amazon one voice control works pretty well.

Either one will set you back less than $50.00. I don't think you can go wrong.

Tidybuoy · 07-09-2020, 01:33 PM

I think I will give the Firestick a try. I don't really care about the Bluetooth because my projector is hard wired to my surround or you can use the projector's built in speakers. I generally use the surround system for everything.

BTW, I also have a smart DVD and that gets everything my TV had. I just don't like using it because it seems to have a delay and always attempts to startup the dvd player first and eventually moves on to the tv.

flipper35 · flipper35's Garage

We have a PC on ours. Can stream all those plus our local library. As a plus, you can use Plex.tv and I can stream our library of music and movies/TV shows to my phone (great for music) or internet connected PC. In your case a Nuk or even a chromebook with a Logitech keyboard with build in trackpad would work. The Nuc can mount to the back of the TV with the VESA mount.

cabmandone · cabmandone's Garage

I like the bluetooth feature because I can connect my galaxy buds and watch a movie. I also use the galaxy buds connected to the firestick on Pandora while doing my workout.

RANDY P · RANDY P's Garage

VPN app, some peer-to-peer streaming service (read: bootleg and the resulting crappy quality, slow loads, etc) and smartyoutube app.

Put the fire stick into developer mode (easy) and have at it.

gtc · gtc's Garage

I have been happy with Roku sticks, but have no experience with the fire stick to compare them to.

One thing I've found really handy is that you can bring it with you when you travel and plug it in to the TV in your hotel room. Connect to the hotel wifi and all your streaming content is available.

fred cook · fred cook's Garage

I just dropped Directtv and switched over to the Amazon Fire TV system. It was an easy swap/setup, although I did replace a couple of really old TVs with the new Fire TV units. The only issues I've had appear to be the fault of the internet server. I've had to reboot the wifi router 3-4 times to get back on line. Not a difficult fix, just irritating. On the other hand, storm clouds don't bother my viewing pleasure any longer!

1990C4S · 07-10-2020, 04:29 AM

The TCL brand of TV's on Amazon work for me.

Jay Auskin · 07-10-2020, 09:51 AM

I like the Roku remotes on the latest versions. I have the Roku Ultra, and whatever the 4K sticks are. They just connect to HDMI, you add the services on-screen that you use.

I even set up a TV for my mother-in-law with a Roku stick. She hits the "Sling" button, and watches Polish TV. I once tried to teach her to use a PC, but we couldn't get past how to properly "double click" a mouse. She can handle the Roku remote.

Willem Fick · 07-10-2020, 11:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RANDY P

I have a ROKU and Amazon fire stick. Roku sucks because you can't get apps that bypass ads on YouTube.

Amazon Fire Stick uses Android so you can get apps that bypass ad trash.

Buy the Fire Stick

I have Roku, Fire TV, and Apple TV. Of all of them I really only rate the Fire TV stick. It is Android so can run a host of apps, you can load non-approved apps without "jailbreaking" and the interface is simple to navigate. Roku in particular is becoming a problem as the fakes are near impossible to tell from te real ones, untill suddenly one day you find that YouTube is no longer available on some of your devices.