Smart TV versus Streaming Stick

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I can use the browser on my LG tv to watch web stuff there's no app for. However, it's fiffy whether or not a particular video will play as I don't think it has much memory available to it. I no longer use it for that anyway, I have a connected Roku, a Tivo, a WDTV, a Chromecast, and a Sony Blu-Ray with more apps than I have time in the world to watch.

A Chromecast is your best bet for web things that don't have apps. Cheap, and work well.
 
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TheKrell said:
When I bought my first Fire TV Stick, the YouTube app was unavailable. I was able to get that to work through Firefox instead. The YouTube app has since come back. I don't know what that was about.
Click to expand...

Are you sure that is an official app, and not just a shortcut "app" to a browser interface? I didn't think Google and Amazon had made up yet.
 
ncted said:
Are you sure that is an official app, and not just a shortcut "app" to a browser interface? I didn't think Google and Amazon had made up yet.
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No, I am not sure, but I thought they had made up.
 
ncted said:
it is also getting harder and harder to find a good display that does not come with the smart stuff built-in
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This is true. I specifically asked Best Buy if they had a regular old 1080p 55" TV and the little turd laughed at me. In fact they DID have one, but it wasn't on display. $249 and it's the best damn TV I've ever had. I don't like all the junk that gets loaded on smart TV's. I compare it to carrier Android phones, where they load up their devices with tons and tons of bloatware I don't want or need.

Next time I'll order online for store pickup when its something like that, or order from Amazon, because the in-store pressure tactics are getting worse.
 
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primestar31 said:
The only thing Best Buy is good for, is their aftermarket warranties. Which are stellar for coverage compared to most.
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Yep. When my 64" Plasma died, and they could not get parts, they just took it back and gave me the full purchase price in store credit. Unfortunately, this happened while there were no plasmas any more and OLEDs were too new and expensive, so I got a high-end Sony LED/LCD, which is nice, but the warranty experience was great. They will also match prices, so I get a lot of stuff there, just because it is easier to return things when needed. Also, my business is supporting local people.
 
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comfortably_numb said:
Personally, I prefer a "dumb TV" + a streamer (Roku or Fire Stick) because smart TV apps are so hit or miss, and their performance varies. But if you already have smart TV's, just scroll through the available apps and decide if they are what you need. If they are the ones you're looking for, then no, you don't need a separate streaming stick.
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I agree, as a friend has a smart TV and not all apps seem to work. I have the Roku/Fire TV/and Chromecast and it covers most everything.
 
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I have a Sony Android TV, 900 series. I’ve come to prefer its Smart Features over all others. But it spies on us with Samba, reporting our viewing habits. I’ve got to set aside time to defeat that.

Next up is a Roku TV, slightly easier to use than my Roku XS and Roku Premiere+.


Sent from my iPhone using SatelliteGuys
 
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Love my Sony AndroidTV, no messing with external connections or changing ports. Defeating Samba is as easy as it gets, BTW how do you know your streaming sticks aren't doing the same thing with different reporting methods. Roku has been accused of reporting back viewing habits.

I do have Roku Premier+ to provide those few apps missing from AndroidTV, such as until recently NHL.TV.
 
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navychop said:
I have a Sony Android TV, 900 series. I’ve come to prefer its Smart Features over all others. But it spies on us with Samba, reporting our viewing habits.


Sent from my iPhone using SatelliteGuys
Click to expand...
I have a Sony 900 series TV and I also use several of the Android TV apps. I have disabled the Samba. This also speeds up the Android TV.
1) Go to settings and select Apps
2) Scroll down to Samba Services Manager
3) If already enabled select Force Stop
4) Then select Disable.

Samba will no longer spy on you.



Sent from my iPhone using SatelliteGuys
 
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They will accomplish the same thing and have the same functionality, however, the Firetv is a bit larger and has a faster processor.

I personally prefer it to the stick, although I was disappointed when they eliminated the Ethernet port on the firetv. Using the adapter works fine but it's an additional expense and one more thing to hide behind the TV.
 
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Cheddar_Head said:
Love my Sony AndroidTV, no messing with external connections or changing ports. Defeating Samba is as easy as it gets, BTW how do you know your streaming sticks aren't doing the same thing with different reporting methods. Roku has been accused of reporting back viewing habits.

I do have Roku Premier+ to provide those few apps missing from AndroidTV, such as until recently NHL.TV.
Click to expand...

They easily could be. Once Roku starts inserting ads in Netflix though, they will be dead to me.
 
charlesrshell said:
What is the difference between these two Fire Sticks?

https://www.amazon.com/Fire-TV-Stick-4K-with-Alexa-Voice-Remote/dp/B079QHML21/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=28XXCQ5RT42HX&keywords=firesticks+for+tv&qid=1554505133&s=gateway&sprefix=fire,aps,167&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1

Amazon product ASIN B01N32NCPM
Click to expand...

The B01n32ncpm is an older 2’nd generation Firestick. It uses a ARM4 1.5 GHz processor.

The newer B079QHML21 has a faster 1.7 GHz Amlogic S905Z processor and a better WiFi antenna.
Both will do 4K video with HDR.
Only the new one will do Dolby Atmos.

Amazon is no longer manufacturing the older unit.


Sent from my iPhone using SatelliteGuys
 
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I have a Roku 4K TV and the only time I have time to stream anything is between regular seasons after I catch up on all recordings I haven't had time to watch during the season.
Another problem with streaming is you can't skip any commercials they provide.
Clearly the best streaming device is the one that provides access to the streaming services you want to use.
 
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