That's not my idea of app integration. I don't know what you would call that but app integration means how well and how smoothly an app integrates with the basic UI and operating system.
Poll: Fire Stick or Roku?
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By your definition then there is a scattering of app integration. That’s because the same app on different devices may be different in some ways and work better on one device than it does on another. Usually the differences are with how well they work with voice commands and trickplay (FF/REW)
Here’s a couple of examples:
ATT TV app
On Roku you can use voice for trickplay
On FireTV and AppleTV you can’t
SlingTV app
On Roku you can’t use voice for trickplay
On FireTV and AppleTV you can
IMO, app consistency is a big mess in the streaming world.
Well I've had a little time to play with the Roku Streaming Stick+ and while I have no conclusions as of yet concerning overall performance there are a few things to mention. First, the image is gorgeous. This is the best implementation of 4K I have seen so far. Second, so far the UI is very fast and smooth. I've experienced no lags or delays. Third, what were they thinking when they designed the remote? Why put the audio buttons on the right side, not on top, but right on the side where your fingers hold it when using it in your right hand? I keep accidentally changing the volume or muting the sound. Maybe all their testers are left-handed. 
I'm probably going to end up unpairing it from the TV.
I'm probably going to end up unpairing it from the TV.
I agree the volume button placement on the Roku remotes is bad. One of the reasons we stuck with the Firestick was the mute button is in the middle of the remote, so you can mute live TV ads while you are cooking and have only one clean finger to use.Well I've had a little time to play with the Roku Streaming Stick+ and while I have no conclusions as of yet concerning overall performance there are a few things to mention. First, the image is gorgeous. This is the best implementation of 4K I have seen so far. Second, so far the UI is very fast and smooth. I've experienced no lags or delays. Third, what were they thinking when they designed the remote? Why put the audio buttons on the right side, not on top, but right on the side where your fingers hold it when using it in your right hand? I keep accidentally changing the volume or muting the sound. Maybe all their testers are left-handed.
View attachment 149241
Yeah the volume and mute buttons on the Roku remote really are irritating. Otherwise I prefer the Roku remote to the FireTV. And overall I prefer the Roku in so many ways, but I’m sticking with using the FireTV even though I think the UI sucks.
Reasons for FireTV:
Recast OTA DVR - only works with FireTV with a 2 week guide and DD5.1 audio of some channels. AirTV OTA DVR, which I also own, only has one week and only stereo audio.
HBO Max is now officially on it
Peacock can be sideloaded and works well.
The Roku’s lack of HBO Max other than with AirPlay is a bit irritating. Never been fond of casting. And since AirTV OTA DVR doesn’t do 5.1 audio it isn’t great for that either.
I keep looking for that “one box” solution with streaming and right now the closest is FireTV. AppleTV could fit that bill too if it wasn’t for the world’s crappiest remote, no DD5.1 on Hulu and no Recast support.
Reasons for FireTV:
Recast OTA DVR - only works with FireTV with a 2 week guide and DD5.1 audio of some channels. AirTV OTA DVR, which I also own, only has one week and only stereo audio.
HBO Max is now officially on it
Peacock can be sideloaded and works well.
The Roku’s lack of HBO Max other than with AirPlay is a bit irritating. Never been fond of casting. And since AirTV OTA DVR doesn’t do 5.1 audio it isn’t great for that either.
I keep looking for that “one box” solution with streaming and right now the closest is FireTV. AppleTV could fit that bill too if it wasn’t for the world’s crappiest remote, no DD5.1 on Hulu and no Recast support.
The Google TV Chromecast also put volume buttons on the upper right side. It's not ideal but I don't think I ever hit them accidentally while holding the remote, just if I initially grab it the wrong way, when I'm prone to hitting any button unintentionally. They did at least put the mute button with all the other buttons. On the Roku, the mute does look poorly positioned. My 2016 era Roku doesn't have that.
I’ve got a Harmony Elite, and yes, it does make working with the AppleTV much better for most things though it is missing Siri voice controls.
In my case the ATT TV app on the AppleTV’s trick play functions are a PITA on the AppleTV because of the way ATT did their app. And Hulu, for whatever reason, has chosen not to support DD5.1 audio on the AppleTV.
I have Firestick 4k and Roku Ultra on my LG OLED , Firestick 4k by far more superior sound and video quality.
I haven't read this thread but one thing you can do with a Firestick that I'm not sure about with a Roku is record to an EHD. I have 32GB Thumb Drives on both of mine using this adapter from Amazon:
Fun-Home 2 Pack 90 Degree Left & Right Angled Micro USB 2.0 OTG Host Adapter For Samsung, Firestick, PlayStation Classic, Snes Mini/Classic, Chromecast and More Smartphone or Tablet with Power Features
You can also use an Ethernet to USB adapter to connect to a Router via LAN with this adapter:Amazon Ethernet Adapter for Amazon Fire TV Devices
Again, I haven't read the entire thread, but there are plenty of videos that explain how to disable that advertising and remove some of the bloatware, plus stop it from auto-downloading/updatingGotta go with Roku. The firestick along with all the any of the "fire" products have much too much advertising and other distractions on the screen. That said, I keep a firestick, power supply and remote in my bug out bag. There are times where it comes in handy while stuck in a hotel somewhere. Did I mention that my firestick was FREE?
Roku is becoming my least favorite streaming device company. Any ex-Dish execs working there?
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So you immediately blame Roku? It's never the money gouging content providers causing it?Roku is becoming my least favorite streaming device company. Any ex-Dish execs working there?
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I can't say for sure, but it seems like Roku is the one who is being more problematic these days. That is just the sense I get anyway. I could be wrong. I am sure there are jerks on both sides of the negotiations.So you immediately blame Roku? It's never the money gouging content providers causing it?
In any case, this behavior, along with what I see as a decline in quality on their actual hardware/software platform has really turned me off to Roku, and I was an early adopter, having owned at least a dozen devices over the years. It is really disappointing.
I am dumbfounded; I never expected to be able to do that. Once you connect a thumb drive (can it be bigger?) to a FireTV Stick, do additional menu options appear? Is the recording on the thumb drive accessible from a PC?
Now that is interesting. I ordered a couple to play with. Cool.
I already have the ethernet adapter attached to my Firestick. I am trying to picture how I might add this adapter to my existing setup.
Yes, USB can be expanded with hubs. You can have an ethernet adapter and add storage by adding a small hub into the mix.
A quick internet search brings up many how-tos.
A quick internet search brings up many how-tos.
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