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We're looking to get rid of satellite TV and go full streaming, and we're looking for a streaming device. We already do Netflix and Amazon Prime (although we're not happy with the content choices on prime) through our Blu-Ray DVD player, but we can't add apps to the player, so here we are.
It looks like the top 2 choices are Roku and Amazon Fire Stick, I'm looking at the Roku Ultra 2020, mostly because it supports wired ethernet without any additional hardware... and it's not from amazon, but I'm willing to entertain the Firestick because you can get a wired ethernet adapter for it (and even with the ethernet adapter, it's cheaper than the roku). I'm still trying to fiond out if the ethernet support is GB or MB...
My primary concern though is whether or not I can plug the devices into my A/V receiver, and possibly program my Logitech remote to replace the device's remote.
So, if anyone here has used either device, I'm interested in how you like it. Is it easy to install streaming apps on it? Is it easy to configure/use?
".45 ACP - because shooting twice is just silly" - JSOP, 2010
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You can never have too much ammo - unless you're swimming, or on fire. - JSOP, 2010
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When you pry the gun from my cold dead hands, be careful - the barrel will be very hot. - JSOP, 2013
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We have a Roku 3 and an Ultra (not sure of generation, 2 yo), and are very happy with them. The Ultra is connected to a Samsung "smart TV" whose native SW software isn't good enough to suck. Performance of the Roku is really good, especially compared to the TV's built-in sw.
I haven't installed any apps on it as it came preloaded with everything we have (Spectrum, Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime) and I've tried Apple and Hulu. It's easy to use and plays nicely with all the services we've tried. And it's not Amazon ...
The remote has a headphone jack, and if plugged in it shuts off the TV's sound. This is handy as I can watch something and my wife doesn't have to listen to it. However, this eats batteries so I purchased a couple packs of rechargeable AA's.
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We own a Fire Tv Stick and meanwhile you connect it into the HDMI port, and your TV is capable of doing it, you can control the Fire TV using your TV remote or any other remote that can control the TV itself.
To know which apps are available for Fire TV you can enter the amazon page and look for apps, you can even download them to your fire TV from there which is very convenient. Once apps have been downloaded you can install them from your remote.
We are using it via WI-FI so no idea about the connection to ethernet directly.
The fire TV stick is the easiest thing to use in the world, Netflix app works well, YouTube works again there and of course the Amazon Prime app also works there.
I've only heard good things of the ROKU devices which seemed the best thing to get in the USA, but here (Spain) they are not available officially as far as I know.
Hope this helps.
![Beer | [beer]](https://www.codeproject.com/script/Forums/Images/beer.gif)
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We have a Fire TV as well - the latest version as the old one just couldn't cope with HD and spent most of it's time buffering.
The Fire remote works well, but only really with voice as the Amazon "keyboard" is a PITA to use. I got a little bluetooth keyboard for the old one which helped a lot.
"I have no idea what I did, but I'm taking full credit for it." - ThisOldTony
"Common sense is so rare these days, it should be classified as a super power" - Random T-shirt
AntiTwitter: @DalekDave is now a follower!
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I have both - but primarily (all but exclusively) use Roku. The 3500x streaming stick. Also, I inherited (literally) a Roku 2 which finally broke down and replace it with another lower-end Roku non-streaming stick. All else being equal, the non-streaming sticks work a little better BUT require a line-of-site for the remote whilst the streaming stick is an RF controller.
Originally I got Roku because it had vastly more streaming options than any other streaming device. The Fire Stick was a impulse by, later on - a bargain, one for me, one for my brother. It has an interface where much more is pushed into your face without asking.
Now, all of this being said, Roku's also offered arguably the worst phone support ever, even rivaling Virgin Mobil for mindless idiots. Other problems with Roku: it updates its firmware without asking. Supposedly, at least in one instance (my 3500x streaming stick) they deliberately slowed it down - and discount offers for upgrades miraculously appear in their offers option. Also, some new Roku Channels are blocked from the stick but show on the newer device. Probably another method to attempt to force you to buy a new Roku of some sort ("Peacock" is the channel). Also, from their "channel store", the New and Notably stopped being updated for many months and now only shows channels what are obviously paid-for options (and in no way new). The remotes contain four quick-select buttons (obviously paid for by big channels) - and they are often a ![Elephant | [mastadon]](https://www.codeproject.com/script/Forums/Images/elephant.gif) ing pain if accidentally touched - they jump out of what you're watching.
On a positive note, even though my 3500x seems throttled down to 10 MB/s, it streams the shows fine (vs the new one at roughly 50 MB/s). Initial buffering takes a bit longer but that's it.
Amazon, on the other hand, sucks any way they can get away with it. Does that extend to the FireStick? We need a post from someone who uses one totally and has at least some complaints. Cheerleaders aren't very helpful.
I have a smart TV but will not give it internet access. No cable box - only streaming. Never want to go back!
Last thought: I will eventually have to upgrade/replace these - and I'm not sure what I'll do in terms of picking a manufacturer (Chrome and iAnything are not even considerations).
Kodi, perhaps ?
| Ravings en masse^ |
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| "The difference between genius and stupidity is that genius has its limits." - Albert Einstein | | "If you are searching for perfection in others, then you seek disappointment. If you seek perfection in yourself, then you will find failure." - Balboos HaGadol Mar 2010 |
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Yeah, I'd read about the amazon forced ad crap. Since I'm not even looking a roku "sticks" and won't be using wireless, I don't think the buffering/throttling will be an issue.
Even though the Roku Ultra is almost $100, it seems like a better choice than the low-end sticks. At least to me, without any prior experience/knowledge.
".45 ACP - because shooting twice is just silly" - JSOP, 2010
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You can never have too much ammo - unless you're swimming, or on fire. - JSOP, 2010
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When you pry the gun from my cold dead hands, be careful - the barrel will be very hot. - JSOP, 2013
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We bought the Roku Ultra on Black Friday 2019 and are quite happy with it.
Installing apps is easy enough, many times you will need a computer handy to finish registration when you install an app on the Roku.
Overall, I've never experienced any performance issues other than occasionally needing to reboot it. Playback is smooth and looks great on our 4K LG TV.
Sincerely,
-Mark
mamiller@rhsnet.org
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Yes, Amazon do suck in any way they can with the firestick as well.
I find the search absolutely appalling.
And in the main page, it does show the recently viewed (Amazon Prime) shows. That looks like a great shortcut. Except that it does not work. I still have to go through the Amazon Prime app to be able to view the shows. So it ends up being clutter and frustration.
I just ordered a Roku. Hopefully it will be better. 
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simple answer for me. But my data is old kind of.
FireStick tried a few years ago. Disliked./
Have Roku 3(2) and one older roku. Love those things. I have downloaded the Roku app for my smartphone and that works really well as a secondary remote. I have never had any issues hooking up any of my three Rokus to any of the TV's in the house.
So Roku. Cannot go wrong I do not think.
To err is human to really elephant it up you need a computer
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I have a Roku TV connected to an A/V Receiver. I'm very happy with it.
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Get an XBox or Playstation: HDMI and digital / optical connections, Blue-ray, apps, Wi-Fi, Ethernet, USB, Controllers.
It was only in wine that he laid down no limit for himself, but he did not allow himself to be confused by it.
― Confucian Analects: Rules of Confucius about his food
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Much more expensive than a Roku. No thanks.
".45 ACP - because shooting twice is just silly" - JSOP, 2010
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You can never have too much ammo - unless you're swimming, or on fire. - JSOP, 2010
-----
When you pry the gun from my cold dead hands, be careful - the barrel will be very hot. - JSOP, 2013
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Never used fire stick but very happy with 4 Roku devices. Easy to add apps. It just works. Also have Chromecast for casting from phone or pc. Also have Roku app on iPhone and can control using that. Can plug headset into phone for private listening. We have all wireless connections with no problems.
Dan
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I'm going to throw you for a loop and tell you to look into an Android TV shield. They seem to have the best availability of apps because they're not tied to a larger corporate entity (well, other than google). As a bonus, it has a fully functional version of chrome in case there isn't an app. I bought the one from Nvidia[^] and I'm happy with it, other than the triangle shaped remote.
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I've used both. Started with Firestick which was okay. Then bought my father a new TV to keep him from spending yet another $300+ for a new bulb for his ancient DLP set. The new TV was a smart TV with Roku. I liked it so much better than Firestick, I replaced that with whatever was the top Roku at the time (a year ago).
I also prefer and use Ethernet with the Roku but that wasn't the main reason. The biggest complaint I had about the Firestick was the ridiculous amount of advertising and clutter on the home screen. The only potential downside I see to the Roku platform is no way to pair a Bluetooth keyboard. But fortunately, I don't use any apps that might benefit much from one.
I have no idea how compatible either is with a Logitech remote since I don't use any remote other than the Roku since it can control the TV power and volume and has apps for all other media sources I care about.
I copy all my DVDs and BlueRays to an HTPC and access them via the Emby Roku app. FWIW, the Emby app for Firestick sucked so while I was using Firestick I would use the TV remote to switch inputs from the HDMI port for the Firestick to the HDMI port for the HTPC and them use a remote for HTPC.
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I have a (WiFi connected) Roku, and have been very happy with it.
The only significant problem I have had has been with trying to use it as a remote Miracast (q.v.) target for 'projection' from a Windows 10 laptop. Although this is supposed to be feasible, I have never been able to get the two connected in a way that works. My workaround has been to connect my laptop directly to the TV by an HDMI cable, but this would not help someone who wanted to make a Miracast connection from a device that was located further away from the TV.
One other warning: There is currently a squabble going on between the Charter/Spectrum people and the Roku people. If your Roku doesn't come with the Spectrum App (mine didn't), you will not be able to download/install it until the two parties come to an agreement, which may be a while.
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I've tried PS4 Pro, Fire TV ~ 3 years ago with the new remote (w/ power button!), old Chromecast, and the new Chromecast with Google TV. So far the new Chromecast with Google TV has blown away the rest. I'm waiting on the Ethernet adapter to arrive but its wifi has been strong. It's the only one of the bunch that has a positive experience with Paramount+ if that matters to you.
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I'd recommend the new Roku Ultra or the Nvidia Shield TV (Not the Pro one). Roku has a great OS and lots of free content, which will include their own propriety content in the future. The remote also has really nice features like a headphone jack input and find my remote feature, and supports all of the newest video and audio standards such Dolby Vision and Atmos (Need to check if DTS and DTS:X are supported). You can cast from any device (including Apple) and can even mirror your screen from your laptop and tablets. Incredibly user friendly and capable device. Ethernet port is 10/100 compared to 10/100/1000 on the Nvidia Shield TV, but from what I understand this is more than capable for streaming non-local 4k content.
If you're someone who rips your dvds and blurays and watches them via an application like Plex, the Nvidia Shield might be the better option as it supports the "non-streaming" Dolby Vision and is the only player that can support this (You'd need 4k rips that have Dolby vision for this). It supports more video and audio formats than other players, and if I remember correctly it's the only one that lets you pass through video. There's one more feature that also makes the Shield an interesting alternative; it has the best AI up-scaling of any player. I haven't personally used the shield so I can't speak to it in depth, just based on what I've read/seen on YouTube. If you would like to use an Antenna to get TV as well you can plug in a USB TV Tuner to the PRO version of the Nvidia Shield TV and it will give you a TV guide feature as well.
Regarding the remote question, reviewers have used their LG Harmony remotes with the Nvidia Shield. Not sure if that would work with Roku.
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I have found the “Internet” browser in fire stick to work with “putlocker”, the successor to “couchtuner”. It is primitive enough to not be consumed by the pop-ups, but functional enough to run putlocker. Firefox on Fire Stick cannot run putlocker.
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I've used both, but prefer the Roku. I find the UI more intuitive than on the Fire Stick, but that really is more of a personal preference.
I have found that the Amazon Prime app on Roku doesn't seem to sync as well as the Fire Stick across devices, e.g. a view of a show on the Roku won't necessarily show up on my Fire Tablet. Also, the Roku doesn't seem to carry over the multiple Amazon profiles.
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I'm a big fan of the Roku and have now bought 4 of them. They work well and support all services. The big reason I didn't switch to the Fire Stick is because Amazon and Google don't get along, so Amazon does not support Google Play services. You may not care about that, but if you buy or rent from Google Play Movies, you won't be able to stream those on a Fire Stick.
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I have both and there are pros and cons for both. Why not buy one of each, try them out and return the one you don’t like. An alternative is to get a new smart TV that has the streaming apps you need.
Biggest con for Firestick is the horrid user interface. But it’s cheaper and from my experience works more smoothly once you get streaming.
The Roku user interface is better but the system is buggier.
Like most things these days, you have to pair the streaming device to your TV/audio system. Do you need 2K, 4K or 8K? HDR? If so, what spec? What sound output do you need? What’s going to be your main streaming app, YouTubeTV, Hulu or something else? All of these can affect which device suits you best. For example, we’ve had problem recently with YouTubeTV on Roku that we haven’t seen with the Firestick.
I have two different Harmony remotes and neither works with Roku or Firestick. The Harmony remotes are IR. The Roku and Firestick use RF.
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matblue25 wrote: An alternative is to get a new smart TV
I have a smart tv - I refuse to connect it to the internet.
matblue25 wrote: we’ve had problem recently with YouTubeTV on Roku
I refuse to pay Youtube for anything
matblue25 wrote: I have two different Harmony remotes and neither works with Roku or Firestick. The Harmony remotes are IR. The Roku and Firestick use RF.
A friend told me they were able to use a universal remote with their roku. I haven't tried it yet, so I cannot verify.
I bought the roku.
".45 ACP - because shooting twice is just silly" - JSOP, 2010
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You can never have too much ammo - unless you're swimming, or on fire. - JSOP, 2010
-----
When you pry the gun from my cold dead hands, be careful - the barrel will be very hot. - JSOP, 2013
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#realJSOP wrote: I have a smart tv - I refuse to connect it to the internet.
But you have your BluRay connected? I don't see any real difference there.
#realJSOP wrote: I refuse to pay Youtube for anything
That's the way I feel about AT&T and Spectrum (my non-streaming choices). You have to pick something, I liked YouTubeTV over Hulu at first but YouTubeTV has been raising prices while, at the same time, dropping channels so we may switch soon.
Hope the Roku works out. I have 2 Rokus, one connected via Ethernet and one to 5Ghz AC Wifi. Can't tell any difference in the performance. I get 150Mb on the Wifi which is plenty for 4K HDR. My internet service is only 200Mb.
BTW - I googled using a Harmony Remote with Roku and it came up with this. I tried it and it works!
Harmony and Roku[^]
modified 16-Apr-21 14:45pm.
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The DVD player doesn’t have a camera or microphone in it.
YouTube has been pissing me off for a year or two with their censorship. That’s why I refuse to buy anything from them.
".45 ACP - because shooting twice is just silly" - JSOP, 2010
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You can never have too much ammo - unless you're swimming, or on fire. - JSOP, 2010
-----
When you pry the gun from my cold dead hands, be careful - the barrel will be very hot. - JSOP, 2013
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