New Smart TV or streaming/casting device?

[Magpie]

So I've read countless and countless of reviews and comparisons, but can't decide between a Roku, Chromecast or Apple TV. Or just getting a smart TV.

Our current setup: We have both Android and Apple devices at home to cast from, an ancient Xbox 360 we use for Plex and Netflix access and we reluctantly hook up a laptop to the TV when we need to stream from a browser. A quicker, more permanent solution to use Plex, Netflix, Showmax, Amazon Prime and hopefully DEOD soon is urgently required. Our connection is fine for streaming, but, alas, I live in the fibre-less wild west.

So all the streaming/casting devices have pros and cons and it seems like I'll have to pay top dollar for a Smart TV actually capable of all the thing we need.

So thoughts?

 

[Hamish McPanji]

You don't really need a smart TV. A lot of streaming devices have HDMI-CEC so you can even use your TV remote to control them.

If your device gets busted, it has a cheaper price than a new TV, so the simpler the TV is, the better...less things to go wrong

 

[SauRoNZA]

I've not found a single Smart TV that I would prefer to use over my Apple TV 4.

 

[Jared_k7]

So thoughts?

In a similar position, although i have ruled out the smart TV

Thoughts:
A dedicated device will likely serve you better then a Smart TV which can be more limiting.
Question is how much fiddling you want to do?

Apple TV 4 simplest, but not 4K (not that it is a big thing here, or likely to be for a while). However it supports HD with Showmax, Netflix, and the Plex interface is meant to be tops. Simply turn on and watch.

If you get an Android device (MI Box, etc) it will require more fiddling and patience (side loading apps, non-HD apps as they actually for a tablet device, multiple remotes due to mouse requirements), but gives more flexibility (KODI)

Ease of use, more limiting
More tricky, more options

I have chromecast, but lack of dedicated device hinders it for the family and ease option (but it is fricken cool)

 

[Ancalagon]

What is your current TV like? Is it old? Is it a 4K TV?

Most 4K TVs are also smart TVs. So if you are in the market for a TV, buy a 4K Smart TV, since the Smart TV part is essentially "free". If that still does not suit your needs, then purchase a Roku or Apple TV.

If you are fine with your current TV, then purchase an Apple TV or Roku.

 

[Sumen]

The best thing you can do is buy A Xiaomi Mi Box with the real Android TV OS.
I would purchase it from https://www.zeekonline.co.za/products/xiaomi-mi-box-4k-hdr-android-tv, it cost more there but it's safer, you will find it cheaper to import it yourself but safety is a concern.

http://www.mi.com/en/mibox/

 

[crackersa]

I've not found a single Smart TV that I would prefer to use over my Apple TV 4.

Agree

 

[Lupus]

Smart TV actually sucks, rather get a separate device.

 

[backstreetboy]

If you don't use Kodi then no need to get a dedicated device rather upgrade your TV.

 

[Hemi300c]

Also there are a lot of TV's that are "Smart" TV's but wont allow you to download certain things like the App Store etc.

Separate device is best IMO.

 

[Sumen]

Also just watch out for those Smart JVC tv's, I have one, The Google Play Services on some of them can't be updated so you won't be able to use some apps like the Official YouTube app , they have a modified Youtube app installed.

 

[Ancalagon]

The LG Smart TVs can use Amazon Prime (with 4K, HDR and surround sound), Netflix (with 4K and surround sound), Google play movies (1080p and stereo sound), YouTube (might be 4K, not sure) and Showmax (720p and stereo, limitation of Showmax itself).

 

[Priapus]

Smart TV actually sucks, rather get a separate device.

This.

If you don't use Kodi then no need to get a dedicated device rather upgrade your TV.

Not this.

I have a Smart TV and no longer use any of the apps. They are horribly slow, limited and frustrating. A dedicated device is a way better solution, IMHO. I have an Xbox One S, (But a Apple TV or similar will do) which does all I need. I use Plex, Netflix and as of this evening, will be trying out Amazon Prime. My only "issue" at the moment is finding a better solution to manage my "offline content". From downloading it, to sorting, storing, deleting etc. Its a full on manual process and a tedious one at that.

 

[CamiKaze]

My only "issue" at the moment is finding a better solution to manage my "offline content". From downloading it, to sorting, storing, deleting etc. Its a full on manual process and a tedious one at that.

Actually not. Sonarr and SabNZBD does this perfectly.

 

[Priapus]

Actually not. Sonarr and SabNZBD does this perfectly.

Thanks, I've heard of those before. I just need to figure them out. Complete n00b in that regard. Won't derail the thread though - will start another one at some point.

 

[rrh]

Actually not. Sonarr and SabNZBD does this perfectly.

+5

 

[backstreetboy]

This.



Not this.

I have a Smart TV and no longer use any of the apps. They are horribly slow, limited and frustrating. A dedicated device is a way better solution, IMHO. I have an Xbox One S, (But a Apple TV or similar will do) which does all I need. I use Plex, Netflix and as of this evening, will be trying out Amazon Prime. My only "issue" at the moment is finding a better solution to manage my "offline content". From downloading it, to sorting, storing, deleting etc. Its a full on manual process and a tedious one at that.

I have a cheap series 6 Samsung with Tizen 2.3 and mine is not slow. I use Youtube and Showmax. Used Plex and Netflix before aswell. Samsung updates the TV quarterly and the other apps update automagically. Not sure what more do you want?

EDIT: only thing I missed was Kodi but used a cheap Raspberry Pi for that till I broke the SD card.

 

[SauRoNZA]

The LG Smart TVs can use Amazon Prime (with 4K, HDR and surround sound), Netflix (with 4K and surround sound), Google play movies (1080p and stereo sound), YouTube (might be 4K, not sure) and Showmax (720p and stereo, limitation of Showmax itself).

They generally all have the Apps etc.

It’s just horribly slow and clunky over an external box.

 

[CamiKaze]

It’s just horribly slow and clunky over an external box.

I think you should try WebOS 3.0 and up.

 

[SauRoNZA]

I think you should try WebOS 3.0 and up.

Screw TV’s. I’m buying a projector.