by "Steve in Manhattan" (blogenfreude01)
Published 11/02/2017 at 15:30
by "Steve in Manhattan" (blogenfreude01)
Published 11/02/2017 at 15:30
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STARS: 0
The TIVO is dead. We use it to watch Netflix, Amazon Prime, YouTube, Hulu, etc. We use the PS3 for blurays, but it can also stream most things we watch. If I wanted to replace all of it, is it best to buy one of those bluray players and streams Netflix, etc.? Do those exist? Chromecast? Apple TV? (we’re all Mac all the time in this house). Brand/model recommendations welcome. Oh, and I cut the cable about 6 months back - only thing we get from Time Warner is internet. Alfa for your time:
"Sovande" (sovande)
11/02/2017 at 15:36, STARS: 3
I have a Roku which I like a lot. It’s quick, easy to navigate and has access to a lot of channels. It’s also nice to not be locked into an ecosystem. I like it a lot more than the Amazon Fire TV.
"Ash78, voting early and often" (ash78)
11/02/2017 at 15:37, STARS: 2
Simple: Roku stick plus the best Blu-ray player that meets your needs.
You’ll probably find that more dedicated streaming devices work a lot better than using other “all in one” solutions. Plus lots and lots of company and aftermarket support.
"Kailand09" (kailand09)
11/02/2017 at 15:39, STARS: 2
We use Amazon fire TV stick. Cheap and works as desired. Only thing is I can’t figure out how to read YouTube comments (who wants to read that garbage anyway?)
"Steve in Manhattan" (blogenfreude01)
11/02/2017 at 15:42, STARS: 1
Thanks for that ... should have also said the TV is an older high-end plasma (Pioneer) - I suppose getting a smart TV solves all these problems.
"farscythe - makin da cawfee!" (farscythe)
11/02/2017 at 15:43, STARS: 0
i use my xbone for netflix.. and before i used my samsung smart tv... it will stream most things.... well.. it used to.. with every passing upgrade since it ran out of warranty its losing more stuff it used to be able to do.. like streaming youtube to tv wireless from me pc..... feels a lot like they’re trying to force me into buying a new one
but as your all mac i figures thats not a problem would reccomend :)
(yay cheap shot... was worried i wouldnt hit me quota today)
"Steve in Manhattan" (blogenfreude01)
11/02/2017 at 15:45, STARS: 1
Mac is right next to me, so if I have to favorite or comment on YouTube, I can. But yeah, it’s a cesspit.
"Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo" (akioohtori)
11/02/2017 at 15:47, STARS: 1
I’ve been going to the full PC route for a long time. Usually rotate my most recently replaced computer into the living room as the “media box”. Way better than any of the sticks or players I’ve encountered. Plus now I can play or stream Steam games on the couch! Works well for party games like Jackbox too.
"Ash78, voting early and often" (ash78)
11/02/2017 at 15:48, STARS: 1
My folks have one of the last Panasonic plasmas and love Roku. It’s a smart tv but they usually get fed up and just switch to Roku instead. Some smart TVs are good, others have smart features as afterthoughts. I’m always worried about obsolescence but we’ve had 3-4 Roku devices since 2007 and they usually keep them going for a few years until you have to upgrade again.
"Steve in Manhattan" (blogenfreude01)
11/02/2017 at 16:02, STARS: 0
So do you just HDMI the computer to the TV and watch it that way?
"Steve in Manhattan" (blogenfreude01)
11/02/2017 at 16:06, STARS: 0
Almost wishing I’d bought one of those last plasmas ... gorgeous picture, although this Pioneer (given to us!) is praised for it’s picture (something called Kuro, extra black) - it’s older, but it’s still working well.
"Chariotoflove" (chariotoflove)
11/02/2017 at 16:13, STARS: 0
The new smart TVs now come with Roku or other built in (depending on the brand). Really convenient.
"Chariotoflove" (chariotoflove)
11/02/2017 at 16:15, STARS: 0
Get a Roku and a Blu-ray player. I wouldn’t say no to an AppleTV either (I’m a Mac guy as well), but the Roku is cheaper and has the most widely praised interface.
"Rico" (ricorich)
11/02/2017 at 17:04, STARS: 0
Apple TV all the way if you want a great long term solution that fits into your current Mac setup.
"Rico" (ricorich)
11/02/2017 at 17:04, STARS: 0
Apple TV all the way if you want a great long term solution that fits into your current Mac setup.
"Ash78, voting early and often" (ash78)
11/02/2017 at 17:07, STARS: 1
Yep, a true Roku TV (eg: TCL brand) is far better than most proprietary “smart” interfaces, at least from what I’ve read and seen. I just hate that flimsy little Roku remote and would never want it to control my whole TV.
"Full of the sound of the Gran Fury, signifying nothing." (granfury)
11/02/2017 at 17:27, STARS: 0
After being a loyal TiVo user since 2001 I am actually thinking about canceling my service when renewal time comes around next year. Ever since they were acquired a few years ago the quality has really gone downhill. I hate to say goodbye, but I don’t think they’re going to get any better in the near future.
I’m only using my TiVo to record a few programs over the air, and although I know it won’t be quite as good or as easy-to-use, I think I can get similar results with a $25 ATSC tuner/DVR box and an old hard drive (most likely pulled from a TiVo, ironically...) I have some cable channels that I stream on the Roku or iOS devices, but a good chunk of my TV viewing has been on the Apple TV. There are still a few issues accessing a number of cable channels on that device thanks to my annoying cable company’s tie-ins with Roku, but overall it’s a pretty slick device that works well in my environment (Mac primary, with some PCs thrown in for misc. grunt work). Last year I signed up for a TV streaming service from my cable company at no extra cost to me (except fees and taxes), so whilst I don’t technically have cable TV I sorta do, if that makes any sense. And I use those credentials to run channel apps on the Apple TV and Roku.
I’ve got a number of streamers from multiple manufactures (WD, Roku, Apple, Logitech, RCA, Sony, Google). Apple TV is far and away the best I’ve used, with Roku coming in second. Chromecast was interesting, and I may play with it again once the HDMI switch comes in. Sometimes I just want to use a remote control and not be bothered doing something using the computer or the phone (which is the only way to use a Chromecast). I even use the ancient Mac mini running 10.6, with its Front Row app and simple remote control, to play things stored on that system directly on the TV.
If it wasn’t for my cable company and their half-assed support of Apple TV I’d probably stop using the Roku devices. And one advantage that I’ve found with Chromecast is that it doesn’t seem to play any commercials when using YouTube, and I do watch a lot of stuff on YouTube (although I find their clamping down on language and alleged copyright violations to be throttling a number of channels). I’d stay away from the Blu-Ray players with the built-in apps as they really don’t get updated very often and quickly become obsolete. Most of my friends that have those, as well as ‘Smart’ TVs, are all using external boxes, mostly Apple TV.
My recommendation? Not surprisingly, Apple TV. And if something you want isn’t on Apple TV, but is on your iOS device, you can easily mirror it; I use that frequently to watch cable channels live and it’s a wonderful feature. With various apps you can also stream videos stored on your computer (I haven’t figured this out yet but will probably get it going next weekend). Considering that you’re in a full Apple household I think you’ll find that you won’t really need much else.
"Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo" (akioohtori)
11/02/2017 at 17:35, STARS: 0
Correct. I use HDMI for video and optical to a surround system, though I’ve had good luck going directly to the TV too. I use a wireless keyboard and mouse, but also have a “multimedia remote” for when it is seriously couch time.
"Chariotoflove" (chariotoflove)
11/02/2017 at 17:43, STARS: 0
The remote that came with my Hitachi is pretty small and basic, but it works. The annoying thing is that now I have three remotes: one for the TV, one for the U-verse box, and one for the DVD player. I haven’t taken the time yet to figure out if I can program them all to the universal function for the U-verse remote.
"NojustNo" (front24200)
11/03/2017 at 17:16, STARS: 0
streaming TVs don’t have the breadth of apps that a Roku or other dedicated devices do.
I love my Roku Streaming Stick the interface is great it’s got lots of apps and it’s been very reliable.
"Kailand09" (kailand09)
11/05/2017 at 12:48, STARS: 0
Yup same for me. Though sometimes automotive videos have useful comments, however rare that may be