topic Re: What streaming device do you have? in The Lounge

What streaming device do you have?

mobileguy — Sun, 07 Feb 2021 03:59:37 GMT

I've been using the Apple TV 3rd generation box for the longest time. Mostly use it to watch Youtube content. But beginning in March, the Youtube app will no longer be supported on the Apple TV 3rd generation. So I'm thinking about another streaming device and possibly cutting my cable as well. Leaning towards the Roku Stick Plus model. What devices do you all have?

Re: What streaming device do you have?

Anonymous — Sun, 07 Feb 2021 04:02:54 GMT

I tried one of the Roku's but the apps were kinda limited particularly Canadian content. It seemed just sorta kinda cheap too. I also tried the Shield TV and it all works very well and it's Android and it's just kinda slick. I kept it. Stupid expensive but slick.

Re: What streaming device do you have?

mobileguy — Sun, 07 Feb 2021 04:24:21 GMT

I think Roku right now supports more Canadian content. How long ago did you try the Roku?

Re: What streaming device do you have?

computergeek541 — Sun, 07 Feb 2021 05:14:02 GMT

@mobileguy wrote:
I've been using the Apple TV 3rd generation box for the longest time. Mostly use it to watch Youtube content. But beginning in March, the Youtube app will no longer be supported on the Apple TV 3rd generation. So I'm thinking about another streaming device and possibly cutting my cable as well. Leaning towards the Roku Stick Plus model. What devices do you all have?

I too, was also dissatisfied with the content on Roku. While I find the interface the easiest to use, the main Canadian tv networks (except for Global) didn't have a an app/channel. Last I checked, Crave wasn't available either.

I find Nvidia Shield to be overpriced for what you get. This leads to the comparison to other Android boxes. While the content available in the Android ecosystem is generally very good, many of these boxes come with rooted software. Many users consider that a plus, but the fact is that there are common apps that will refuse to run if the device has been rooted. Also, the software on these tends not to be well optimize for use on a tv screen and use with a remote control.

Stil speaking about Android, Google TV is probably fine, but I believe this product to be couple years too late to the market. Fire TV has such a high rate of acceptance now and the content available is much better than on Roku. Fire TV devices are probably the best priced streaming units for what you get. though I do find that there is too much advertising within the interface.

If someone is looking for universal comptability and all content to be available, a computer system hooked up your tv is still the best option for that.

Re: What streaming device do you have?

Anonymous — Sun, 07 Feb 2021 06:03:37 GMT

@mobileguy wrote:
I think Roku right now supports more Canadian content. How long ago did you try the Roku?

It was last year like early summer thereabouts. I will say that it knew how to talk to my old Pioneer. The Shield still doesn't. Nor my "new" Pioneer. ie. volume. I think it did power by way of HDMI.

Re: What streaming device do you have?

mobileguy — Sun, 07 Feb 2021 12:55:56 GMT

Crave is now there and CBC as well. But no CTV.

Re: What streaming device do you have?

computergeek541 — Sun, 07 Feb 2021 14:23:34 GMT

@mobileguy wrote:
Crave is now there and CBC as well. But no CTV.

Crave wasn't there when I last checked, but then again, I gave up on Roku long ago.

Did CityTv ever make it onto Roku? Based on the fact that it only came to Android tv about last April, I'm very much doubting that it's on Roku. Sideloaded Citytv didn't work on Fire TV.

Re: What streaming device do you have?

Nezgar — Sun, 07 Feb 2021 15:57:11 GMT

I have a Roku 3 that initially was primarily for Netflix, but now Prime video and Crave was recently (finally!) added as well. All three of those subscriptions are "shared" with family. 😉

I also have a "starter" bell satellite subscription which is good value still at $23/mo after tax for basic HD local and some US channels.

Re: What streaming device do you have?

mobileguy — Sun, 07 Feb 2021 17:11:24 GMT

I don't see CityTV as a channel of Roku but they do have GlobalTV which has a Canadian city coverage. I might do what Nezgar is doing. Downgrading my cable service and getting the Roku. It was between the Roku Stick+ and the Amazon Firestick. Based on my watching habits, I think Roku is the better choice. I ruled out the Google Chromecast and Android type boxes. Thanks all for your responses and input.

Re: What streaming device do you have?

Nezgar — Sun, 07 Feb 2021 17:16:56 GMT

@mobileguy

I would shy away from most of the "stick/chromecast" type media devices, as from reviews I read before deciding on the Roku 3 was that they were painfully slow, and I can attest the Roku 3 feels very snappy. Android media boxes might be another options for "free" stuff and realtime grey-market media streaming, but I dont have personal experience with those... for downloaded media I'll just hookup the laptop to the TV and play them with VLC.

The Roku 3 also has a wired ethernet port which eliminates all kinds of troubleshooting headaches if you are able..

Re: What streaming device do you have?

mobileguy — Sun, 07 Feb 2021 17:19:11 GMT

@Nezgar , doesn't look like the Roku 3 is an available device anymore. I did find it on Amazon for $350 so I'll have to pass on that. I was thinking about the Roku Stick+ because it supported 4K and HDR. I'll research more on the speed issue and see what's up with that.

Re: What streaming device do you have?

TheGx — Mon, 08 Feb 2021 00:39:25 GMT

I got the new Apple TV and use it for YouTube and CBC Gem and The National, I don't pay any subscriptions, I like how it plays anything on my phone straight onto my TV.

Edit: don't have cable or house phone for years.

Re: What streaming device do you have?

popping — Sun, 07 Feb 2021 22:21:56 GMT

I have a Google Nexus Player and a clone Google player. I am still paying my monthly Telus Optik TV subscription with my Optik Internet service.

I also have an Ouya box collecting dust...

Re: What streaming device do you have?

softech — Sun, 07 Feb 2021 23:28:18 GMT

I have 2 Nexus Players.. it's old but still strong..Google has kept supporting it for awhile

I just got a new Chromecast for Google TV.. it's a lot more responsive and working quiet well.. Price is good.. highly recommended.

Re: What streaming device do you have?

mobileguy — Mon, 08 Feb 2021 00:04:16 GMT

Does Chromecast have Apple TV?

Re: What streaming device do you have?

softech — Mon, 08 Feb 2021 00:08:57 GMT

@mobileguy .. not yet.. but on the way:

https://blog.google/products/google-tv/apple-tv/

(given the rivalry between Apple and Google, i am actually surprise.. LoL )

Re: What streaming device do you have?

BearFBI — Tue, 09 Feb 2021 12:13:10 GMT

Nvidia Sheild tv 2017 edition. Looking into buying another one (the new Sheild TV pro 2019 edition) for another TV.

By far the best streaming box on the market. I absolutely love them. I cut the cord about 3 years ago.

Re: What streaming device do you have?

BearFBI — Tue, 09 Feb 2021 12:23:57 GMT

@computergeek541 wrote:
I find Nvidia Shield to be overpriced for what you get. This leads to the comparison to other Android boxes. While the content available in the Android ecosystem is generally very good, many of these boxes come with rooted software. Many users consider that a plus, but the fact is that there are common apps that will refuse to run if the device has been rooted. Also, the software on these tends not to be well optimize for use on a tv screen and use with a remote control.

I have to disagree with this. The sheild is priced a little high but for what you get I think its prefect. First of all you get a well made premium looking and feeling android box. Second of all the shield's software experience is the absolute best on the market running android TV. The original 2015 sheild STILL gets android updates to this day and its still a great box. For longevity the sheild is the best route.

Stil speaking about Android, Google TV is probably fine, but I believe this product to be couple years too late to the market. Fire TV has such a high rate of acceptance now and the content available is much better than on Roku. Fire TV devices are probably the best priced streaming units for what you get. though I do find that there is too much advertising within the interface.

I have to disagree with this too. For what you get with the FireTV its pretty decent. But when you start getting into intensive tasks or complex video codec's the fire TV falls apart. The first gen FireTV dosent get any updates and its extremely slow. So longevity is non existing with the FireTV route. FireTV interface is also not my favorite and full of ads. Google TV is not late. its just an updated UI of Android TV and works the same way
.
If someone is looking for universal comptability and all content to be available, a computer system hooked up your tv is still the best option for that.

Now I partly agree with that. Only problem is its a hassle to setup and using windows on a TV is just a pain. Sheild TV supports almost EVERYTHING. Every codec in the world that sheild pretty much has. It can play video sometimes better than a PC can. Sheild even supports codec's that PC's dont have at all. Also all the streaming media is pretty much optimized for android or in the form of an android app.

Just saying. The sheild is the best android box you can buy.

Re: What streaming device do you have?

mimmo — Tue, 09 Feb 2021 14:44:47 GMT

@BearFBI I think much come to needs wants and expectations. not disagreeing that the sheild is probably the best on the market lets call it the Ferrari of the group, but if you are only going to use it for a couple stock apps no need for a Ferrari.

I used to use the generic china boxes (junk, no updates crappy remote crappy interface) and moved away from them when mi-box arrived and then to firestick (more economical) and now have a fire cube (liked the ir blaster in it). happy with all the above for my needs.

Re: What streaming device do you have?

Goodlife062404 — Tue, 09 Feb 2021 15:17:42 GMT

Buzz tv