I'd like to get rid of the never-used win computer in the entertainment center cabinet. Looks like there are android apps for Netflix, Vudu, and SlingTV. If they work as billed, that would cover it for Louise's routine viewing. She regularly totes a Samsung and a new-ish Ipad. IOS-to-Chromecast apps are apparently less capable, but *might* be serviceable for the above three.
If it works, it'll be another G tattoo on my ass.
If you want to stay away from Google what's stopping you from using Roku?
>G
We're pwnd anyway, LM. Struggling just gives them more joy. hhh
I was a very early adopter of roku. It's great, and Louise lives on it for Netflix, but I'm sorta-kinda thinking that I'll eventually want to add options to screencast.
I also want this setup's UI to be more app-driven rather than set-top hardware-driven. Pulling up an app on an ever-present phone seems to me to now be a more convenient than digging around for remotes.
Agreed. I've almost cut my cable and rely primarily on Smart tv apps and chromecast 4k. In a few months we'll go streaming only and ditch the small cable package.
>streaming only and ditch the small cable package.
I killed the cable package 4 or 5 years ago but am forced to buy ISP services from them (predatory bastards!!). With Brad's help, I added an antenna and an OTA DVR. Works OK, but all of it requires a mind-numbing array of remotes and switching (even with a Harmony universal remote in the mix). Louise has earned her Phd in entertainment system management and can make it work but I know it's a PITA. There has to be a better way.
>tv apps
Meanwhile, I am being forced to leave my desk-top based world and go to apps on my phone to get things to work. Some Alexa features -smart home, for instance- are really only manageable by phone app. I can see that the future is going to be phone-driven, so I might as well adapt and quit struggling.
We went with youtube TV last week for locals and sports streaming. Works well for $35/month and gives you 3 simultaneous streams from up to 6 accounts.
I think the easiest way to drive this (outside of smart tv) is chromecast.
>$35/month
Wow! Business must be good, spendthrift.
>youtube
I'm betting that the chromecast will have a big, easy Youtube button. We don't need the $35 channel yet, but Louise does occasionally tap into YT for the grandkids.
>remotes - There has to be a better way.
Agreed! It a big PITA. However my latest Samsung TV's remote could actually take the role of the Harmony and ditch the cable box remote. Also it handles the Youtube, Netflix and local apps - even when connnection Chromecast via table and phone. Pretty slick.
>Wow! Business must be good, spendthrift.
hhhh
>I'm betting that the chromecast will have a big, easy Youtube button.
Maybe. YT tv is a separate app. Hoping I don't have to "cast" from something to watch it.
>>apps
Hmm, I seem to be retreating.
Still have the OTA antenna, just never watch anything OTA. Somewhere along the line I ditched Roku and bought an Amazon box cos Amazon has most of my digital content anyway. Also Prime.
Now either my Amazon box or the apps on Amazon are screwing up because it's getting harder to stream without wifi connection failure requiring reset. The weather has been filthy but I never remember having this many problems.
Mhz Choice quit on Amazon after 24 minutes last time. I downloaded the Android Mhz app to my tablet and it played flawlessly. So I may just use the Android apps and be done with it. Smaller screen but no pauses or dropped streams.
I really only stream:
Grand Tour on Amazon
Various European mysteries with English subtitles on Mhz Choice
Midsomer mysteries on Acorn.
Wow. This is great.
Netflix. Check.
Vudu. Check.
Youtube. Check.
SlingTV. Check.
Pandora. Check.
Welcome to the Borg. Resistance is futile.
Casting this. Cranked on the 5/1
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hgll-XTqcS4
Pretty awesome.
<added>
The phone-driven stuff takes care of what I needed it to do for Louise. But for me and the few times I might use it, damn if I want to scroll & swipe around on a tiny-ass screen.. <RC reaches for his trusty W10/Chrome laptop>
Youtube. Check.
Pandora. Check.
Chromecasting is native to Chrome now, no extensions required.