Need ideas.
Looking for a media streaming device that isn’t dependent on some voice system (Alexa, Siri, Google).
I want to access my YT, AmazonPrime, BritBox and PBS apps on an “not-smart” TV.
And, if it accepts ‘casting’ from a phone that would be nice.
Best suggestions from anyone, please...what do you use?
You can get adapters to go from HDMI to A/V cables and probably other kinds of adapters to and from other types of input and output.
They should allow you to use your computer and possibly your phone to put things on your TV.
Check out a Roku. Might not work for all the apps you want, but you might be surprised.
“””Need ideas.
Looking for a media streaming device that isn’t dependent on some voice system (Alexa, Siri, Google).
I want to access my YT, AmazonPrime, BritBox and PBS apps on an “not-smart” TV.
And, if it accepts ‘casting’ from a phone that would be nice.”””
Before my two dumb TVs needed replacing I used two different Android(6,7)TV boxes with good results.
You can use as stand alone device navigating onscreen, or cast via BT from your phone or laptop to the box. They usually have mem card slots and/or ports for external hard/SSD drives for more storage too.
More versatile and configurable than Roku, Google Chromecast or Firestick dongles. Britbox, PBS, YT and Amazon apps work, as most others in the Play Store. Less concern on whether you might not be able to use certain apps if not “certified” by them. Being Android based, there are work arounds. If “technology challenged” folks in the home, the extra configurabilty may be too much.
Assuming you have an open HDMI port, good to strong WiFi(you can add WiFi extender), and an open AC outlet near your TV.
If you try the Android box route you’ll want the mini-keyboard in addition to the candy bar remote they come with. It makes entering names and URLs a little easier and quicker, still clunky, but better than a phone keyboard if you have five thumbs and poor eyesight.
With coupon, this one can be had for $30, ticks all the boxes, and a low cost entry to find out if this solution meets your needs. YMMV
Stick to 4g/32g of memory models or greater. The ones I used were 2g/16g and were fine, but things were less bloated then.
A little over a year ago I installed a Roku Express 4k+ for my mother with different constraints/needs, mainly easier to use for an 87 year old. Worked good, but for me I felt it limited access for my needs. Maybe Roku’s top line models would be better, I dunno.
If you do go Roku, opt for the voice remote(which the 4k*+* mentioned above has) even if you don’t intend to use voice. That remote seemed better built, more functions, and includes TV volumne and mute buttons than the base remote. IIRC, TV off/on too.
If you use iPhones and iPads, an Apple TV device can do all that, at up to 4K resolution into your chosen HDMI display, while offering quite a bit more integration capability if desired. Wired or Wifi. OANN and RSBN’s apps are there, as well, but I’m not seeing the MxM app (yet.)
You can do Siri with it if you like, but I keep that turned off.
~Easy