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Media sticks...Amazon fire, chromecast, roku...what do you use?

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I used to use my Roku 3 for YouTube but it would seemingly stream in 720p despite my Roku being set to 1080p and having a 25mbps fiber internet connection.

Switched to Chromecast and now the resolution is consistently a crisper-looking 1080p.

But someone in this thread implied that Roku has better video quality than Chromecast so I don't know what to think anymore...
 
tariniel said:
Chromecast (+ VideoStream Chrome plugin) do the job for me well enough. I've never run into a video file that the plugin couldn't cast to my TV.

The only downside is that playlist support is behind a paywall with that plugin, but I can just get up to put something else on.

Out of curiosity from anyone that said Chromecast doesn't do what you need, what are you trying to do that Chromecast doesn't? I'm not a fanboy or anything like that, just want to know.
Click to expand...

Let me control it with my Logitech Harmony.

Lack of a native interface is a dealbreaker for me. I don't want to use my phone to control everything. What if it's not nearby or I'm doing something else with it? It's easier and faster just to use a TV remote.
 
I have a Chromecast (which I love) but I used to have a Roku that I gave to my Mom so that she could watch Netflix. The only thing I don't like about the Roku stick is that it requires setup through a website. The Chromecast allows me to use it with any compatible app at pretty much any time. I hear that the Amazon Fire stick is good to though, but I've never used it.
 
ApharmdX said:
I use the Chromecast. It's not perfect but it's cheap. Sadly it doeport support Xfinity on Demand, whereas the Apple TV does. Also, video quality is only so-so and streaming tabs from a browser just does not cut it for VOD.

I don't own an Apple TV but it seems like the best choice to me. Apple has the support of the most streaming services compared to the competition.



The PS4 beats the Chromecast as a media device but it still can't do HBO Go for Comcast subscribers. Which sucks. Now that the PS4 has an mkv/mp4 player though I get a lot of mileage out of it.
Click to expand...

That might have sealed it, I have xfinity and that would be awesome. When I told my gf about, the obligatory "No, Apple is the devil" came out :/
 
SMattera said:
Let me control it with my Logitech Harmony.

Lack of a native interface is a dealbreaker for me. I don't want to use my phone to control everything. What if it's not nearby or I'm doing something else with it? It's easier and faster just to use a TV remote.
Click to expand...

Dealbreaker for me as well. I was pleasantly/l surprised that my Harmony works with AppleTV. Being apple, I thought they would be dicks.
 
SMattera said:
Let me control it with my Logitech Harmony.

Lack of a native interface is a dealbreaker for me. I don't want to use my phone to control everything. What if it's not nearby or I'm doing something else with it? It's easier and faster just to use a TV remote.
Click to expand...
It works with HDMI-CEC, so you can use your TV remote for some functions. I agree it could be a lot more robust, though.
 
I use Now TV, its a modified Roku 2 or 3 box, sold by Sky TV (a big pay tv company in the UK).

Cheap, lots of movies + TV shows, youtube, iplayer, itv, etc, and you can install Plex.

New%20NOW%20TV%20Box2-1200-80.jpg
 
Septimus Prime said:
It works with HDMI-CEC, so you can use your TV remote for some functions. I agree it could be a lot more robust, though.
Click to expand...

Volume and power?

I'm talking about scrolling through HBO Go or Netflix and clicking on a new show. Switching to a different app, etc.

There's a reason Google made Android TV in addition to Chromecast.
 
SMattera said:
Volume and power?

I'm talking about scrolling through HBO Go or Netflix and clicking on a new show. Switching to a different app, etc.

There's a reason Google made Android TV in addition to Chromecast.
Click to expand...
Also Pause and Play.

Yes, the CEC functionality blows right now, but at least it's there.
 
I might as well ask a question in this thread.

of the cheap ones $50 or less which one is the best to stream an android tablet to the TV? (any other thing I want can easily be done with the ps3 hooked up to my TV but I want a decent browser on my bedroom tv which I could get by mirroring my tablet.)
 
Roku 3, I loved it but the apps don't let me change the stream quality setting to save bandwidth, so I stopped using it much.
 
We use a Chromecast + Roku 3 combo for pretty much everything.

The Xbox One media player gets use also, because the PS4 on is terrible.
 
Looking at Amazon's new FireTV devices, I assume there'll be a noticeable performance advantage of the FireTV box over the Fire Stick. Correct?
 
mtsmylie said:
Looking at Amazon's new FireTV devices, I assume there'll be a noticeable performance advantage of the FireTV box over the Fire Stick. Correct?
Click to expand...

There was a noticeable advantage with the old one, and the new one is a lot better... (and the new Stick isn't much more than the old one).
 
Bought the Fire TV Stick when it first came out with $20 Prime member promo. It worked decently for the bedroom streaming Netflix and such. But I can't stand the UI. So hard to navigate to what you want as Amazon throws all of it's stuff at you first obviously.

Just moved and got rid of cable. Got a Roku 3 for the main living with Sling TV and love it. Interface is clean and easy. Remote with voice control is amazing. Everything streams perfectly too. The Fire TV Stick struggles with Sling TV and is just too slow overall now.

I assume the Fire TV set-top box would work fine but I don't think I could go back to their UI compared to Roku's now. Looking into getting a Roku to replace the Fire TV Stick.
 
I've had a Chromecast since they launched, but I didn't bother using until last month.

It streams better quality Netflix than the 360, uses less power, and is silent.
 
I used a chromecast then switched to Fire TV stick and installed an SNES emulator on it along with a bunch of other Android APKs...

Now because I have my HTPC connected to my TV, I no longer have any use for both devices, but it turns out that the Fire TV stick ends up being useful to me because of the quick access to play SNES games via Bluetooth.
 
Was using the apple TV, but no amazon kills it. That was the best one hardware wise for me because it's the only one that has god damn optical out

chromecast wont connect to my soundbar, so thats out. same with a roku, even though the universal search is a great feature.

just using the ps4 now :\

edit:

this_guy said:
Amazon Fire TV has optical out.
Click to expand...


alright im looking into this one now

wireless ac(even though i'm gonna go wired)
optical out
4k now on the new ones...

shit that's pretty good
 
Redwing199 said:
Bought the Fire TV Stick when it first came out with $20 Prime member promo. It worked decently for the bedroom streaming Netflix and such. But I can't stand the UI. So hard to navigate to what you want as Amazon throws all of it's stuff at you first obviously.

Just moved and got rid of cable. Got a Roku 3 for the main living with Sling TV and love it. Interface is clean and easy. Remote with voice control is amazing. Everything streams perfectly too. The Fire TV Stick struggles with Sling TV and is just too slow overall now.

I assume the Fire TV set-top box would work fine but I don't think I could go back to their UI compared to Roku's now. Looking into getting a Roku to replace the Fire TV Stick.
Click to expand...

Stick with the Roku 3's... I tried a Roku Stick but ended up giving it to a family member. The interface and everything is the same, it is just so much slower to get around, the wifi isn't as good, and it doesn't have a IR receiver if you care about that.
 
shiftplusone said:
Was using the apple TV, but no amazon kills it. That was the best one hardware wise for me because it's the only one that has god damn optical out

chromecast wont connect to my soundbar, so thats out. same with a roku, even though the universal search is a great feature.

just using the ps4 now :\
Click to expand...

Amazon Fire TV has optical out.
 
I just use my PS4.

My parents use a Roku though. I told them for the longest time, "You guys need to get a Roku, you'll love it!" and they ignored me. Then we were at the store one day looking at computers and my mom got to talking with this lady about the Roku, and the lady went on and on about how great it was, so my mom finally caved and got it. Surprise! They love it.
 
I personally only go hardwired for any serious viewing, so therefore I avoid using streaming sticks for watching content.

Only caveat is I have a Chromecast on the off chance I need to throw up a Chrome tab to my TV.
 
Marty Chinn said:
This echos my thoughts.
Click to expand...

Actually come to think of it, I do have that dedicated Vudu streaming stick. Only reason I got it was that they were running a deal where you get a $20 credit with purchase and it was priced at $19.99.

So basically I only paid for the tax to have one for the heck of it :p
 
i used chromecast but didnt like it that much.

right now is about this

Version 1 - ComputerStick Ultra

Top of the line. Our fastest model.
2.4ghz processor with Z8700 chipset. Intel quad-core Cherry Trail Atom™ chipset for graphics performance.
4GB memory and 64GB storage. Maximum performance.
Faster Wi-Fi. Features 5ghz upgraded Wi-Fi speeds vs 2.4ghz
New Windows 10 operating system

but that sweet price of $250 though, i have 18 days left to decide if i buy it or not
 
is it possible to configurate your dns settings on the firetv stick?

i'm using unlocator to access netflix us from germany.
 
Bump..

How is the Nexus Player? I am currently using a Fire Stick for my Kodi needs but I really miss the ability to "cast" apps. There are certain apps that work much better when casting to the Chromecast, and I can't figure out a way to make my Stick appear as an option.

So is the Nexus Player my best option? Kodi+Chromecast is what I'm looking for
 
I have a fire I use for my little monster. It works for her.

I personally just run a super fucking long HDMI cable from my PC and have it act as my third monitor.
 
Ashhong said:
Bump..

How is the Nexus Player? I am currently using a Fire Stick for my Kodi needs but I really miss the ability to "cast" apps. There are certain apps that work much better when casting to the Chromecast, and I can't figure out a way to make my Stick appear as an option.

So is the Nexus Player my best option? Kodi+Chromecast is what I'm looking for
Click to expand...

Nexus Player is like Chromecast combined with Fire TV without the Amazon stuff shoved in your face.

Kodi is on the Play Store so you don't need to do any workarounds and it has all the same casting functions as the Chromecast. Connect a Bluetooth controller and it opens you up to some interesting games.

It's pretty much the best stream box in it's price range.
 
neonglow said:
Nexus Player is like Chromecast combined with Fire TV without the Amazon stuff shoved in your face.

Kodi is on the Play Store so you don't need to do any workarounds and it has all the same casting functions as the Chromecast. It's pretty much the best low budget stream box.
Click to expand...

That's what I figured, although I read that Kodi is taken down from the Play Store.

I have read issues with the Nexus Player and performance though, are there any bugs with Kodi or does it work pretty flawlessly? I'm not a power user, just want to be able to use Chromecast and stream my media easily. It's not like the Stick works great anyway..thing lags.

edit: I see Kodi is on the play store. I thought they took it down? Or was that just Amazon Play Store..

The Nexus Player is also 70$ from what I can see..worth it?
 
Ashhong said:
That's what I figured, although I read that Kodi is taken down from the Play Store.

I have read issues with the Nexus Player and performance though, are there any bugs with Kodi or does it work pretty flawlessly? I'm not a power user, just want to be able to use Chromecast and stream my media easily. It's not like the Stick works great anyway..thing lags.
Click to expand...

It was removed for a day or so because someone on the Kodi team messed something up. It's still up, and works well.
 
Ashhong said:
That's what I figured, although I read that Kodi is taken down from the Play Store.

I have read issues with the Nexus Player and performance though, are there any bugs with Kodi or does it work pretty flawlessly? I'm not a power user, just want to be able to use Chromecast and stream my media easily. It's not like the Stick works great anyway..thing lags.

edit: I see Kodi is on the play store. I thought they took it down? Or was that just Amazon Play Store..

The Nexus Player is also 70$ from what I can see..worth it?
Click to expand...

Amazon took it down from their app store. If you can find it on sale, it usually goes down to $50. If you do get one, make sure to get a USB hub with a micro USB connector so you can attach external storage or input devices.
 
Ashhong said:
Bump..

How is the Nexus Player? I am currently using a Fire Stick for my Kodi needs but I really miss the ability to "cast" apps. There are certain apps that work much better when casting to the Chromecast, and I can't figure out a way to make my Stick appear as an option.

So is the Nexus Player my best option? Kodi+Chromecast is what I'm looking for
Click to expand...

I've heard that Google being Google, the casting ability isn't the same as Chromecast. It's similar but it's different so don't expect it to be completely compatible.
 
Marty Chinn said:
I've heard that Google being Google, the casting ability isn't the same as Chromecast. It's similar but it's different so don't expect it to be completely compatible.
Click to expand...

What do you mean by this?

Just ordered it from Best Buy, can always return if it sucks.
 
Just wanted to update. Setup the nexus player and this thing is awesome. I'm not in Google or Amazon ecosystem do things like Amazon video or Google video apps don't matter to me. All that matters is that this thing flies compared to my Amazon stick, kodi streams load much quicker, and casting works just like Chromecast

Oh and the best part? With Marshmellow I can use Bluetooth headphones to listen to everything! This is amazing. My tv only has optical audio out so I have had a very hard time figuring out how I could use headphones at night.

Can't wait until the next Google tv comes out.
 
Have a Chromecast and Roku HD. Chromecast is annoying, having to use a phone/table. Roku is awesome, can't think of a reason I'd use anything else.
 
Ashhong said:
Just wanted to update. Setup the nexus player and this thing is awesome. I'm not in Google or Amazon ecosystem do things like Amazon video or Google video apps don't matter to me. All that matters is that this thing flies compared to my Amazon stick, kodi streams load much quicker, and casting works just like Chromecast

Oh and the best part? With Marshmellow I can use Bluetooth headphones to listen to everything! This is amazing. My tv only has optical audio out so I have had a very hard time figuring out how I could use headphones at night.

Can't wait until the next Google tv comes out.
Click to expand...

I'm glad you're liking it. The latest update made it so you can rearrange the apps list (long push), it's nice if you're just using it for Kodi and Netflix. The Nexus Player has been a really solid box.
 
Zizbuka said:
Have a Chromecast and Roku HD. Chromecast is annoying, having to use a phone/table. Roku is awesome, can't think of a reason I'd use anything else.
Click to expand...

Cast a tab, cast an app that Roku doesn't have a native app of

I'm not sure why people think using a phone is annoying. It takes literally a fraction of the time to open the app, use a full keyboard and cast a video

Nabs said:
I'm glad you're liking it. The latest update made it so you can rearrange the apps list (long push), it's nice if you're just using it for Kodi and Netflix. The Nexus Player has been a really solid box.
Click to expand...

Oh awesome thanks. I was just wishing I could do this lol
 
I was about to pull the plug on a fire stick yesterday, but there are a surprising number of low star recent reviews complaining about stuttering, buffering and general slowness. Kind of hard to believe, since literally every device in my house plays Netflix, Hulu, etc just fine. Is it really that slow?
 
Future said:
I was about to pull the plug on a fire stick yesterday, but there are a surprising number of low star recent reviews complaining about stuttering, buffering and general slowness. Kind of hard to believe, since literally every device in my house plays Netflix, Hulu, etc just fine. Is it really that slow?
Click to expand...

The main menu is kind of slow. I haven't had issues with the actual streaming aspect of it though
 
Future said:
I was about to pull the plug on a fire stick yesterday, but there are a surprising number of low star recent reviews complaining about stuttering, buffering and general slowness. Kind of hard to believe, since literally every device in my house plays Netflix, Hulu, etc just fine. Is it really that slow?
Click to expand...

It has issues. My Fire Stick has been bandwidth hoarding like crazy. I have to unplug the damn thing sometimes to normalize my internet.
 
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