Help make a dumb TV more learned

Ldjkelly69 on 08/03/2017 - 20:17

I have a wall-mounted dumb TV in my bedroom (42in LG, about 5 years old) which I would like to make a bit smarterer. Easiest option is using a smart bluray player (which I have), but the idea is that since the TV is wall-mounted and quite high, and cables are hidden behind it, the bluray would be messy and there is nothing beneath the TV to put it on. Media player should be fine to attach/hide behind the TV somewhere (but see below).

Main intended use would be USB playback of completely legal video files I have downloaded off the internet in a variety of unknown formats. The TV does actually have a USB port, but only for system/diagnostic use apparently. I dont have Netflix or any other streaming services, but may be an option in the future so it wouldnt hurt if my setup can do that.

I also have an Apple TV2 (unwanted work xmas present) which I have used about twice, and hence I am happy to jailbreak this if it might help (google seems a bit undecided as to whether it can). Router is an TP-Link Archer D7. I have other tech that can be frankensteined in if need be as well.

It appears buying a Xiaomi Mi Box or similar would be a good option at the moment if I wanted to spend $95 and wait a month or so, but I am looking for cheap and easy alternatives. This is ozbargain not whirlpool, so I want to know if there is a cheap way I can doing it using what I have (or alternately buying something significantly cheaper than the Mi Box).

Any suggestions? I have of course already tried bikies and eneloops to no avail.

Electrical & Electronics

Comments

  • jpv on 08/03/2017 - 20:46
    +1

    Chromecast and use videocast to play your 'completely legal video files'.
    Power the Chromecast via the USB port on the TV.
    $35 from this

  • OneBillionDeals on 08/03/2017 - 21:20

    I got given a Telstra TV (Basically a roku) that performs the same as a chromecast, but gives you a remote and some basic apps (youtube, netflix etc).
    I like it more because it gives me the option to control my tv via remote or my phone. theyre $99, but you could probably find a basic roku for cheaper.

    alternatively any android smart box.

  • Sage on 08/03/2017 - 21:54

    there's a sale on Chromecasts at the moment.

    • djkelly69 on 08/03/2017 - 22:06

      I don't know much about Chromecasts, but wouldnt I get the essentially the same result by adding the video files to itunes and streaming to the AppleTV? (Which I believe you can do, although I have never done it?)

      Or am I missing some of the features?

      • [Deactivated] on 08/03/2017 - 22:19
        +1

        You're missing lots.
        Get a chromecast

        • EightImmortals on 09/03/2017 - 08:39

          Doesn't chrome cast merely transmit the signal from a playback device like a phone or PC? Or can you plug a USB into it and play from that?

        • ThithLord on 09/03/2017 - 08:46

          Chromecast won't stream the files he already has, unless OP sets up a Plex server or something like that.

  • KaTst3R on 09/03/2017 - 00:46

    Chromecast or an android box.

  • altomic on 09/03/2017 - 01:23
    +3

    I believe it's pronounced "learned"

  • sillysam on 09/03/2017 - 01:43
    +2

    Why would you want to do that?

    Didn't you read the latest Wikileaks dump of information revealing CIA spying tools?

    • subywagon on 09/03/2017 - 08:58
      +1

      All the CIA would hear from my place is masturbation and me crying myself to sleep…

  • Sammy2000 on 09/03/2017 - 08:33

    I had a similar situation. I went with a Sony Blu-Ray player. It was cheap, small, has WiFi (for Netflix) and USB (for files).

  • EightImmortals on 09/03/2017 - 08:42
    +1

    How about an RPi 2/3 with Kodi?

    We have one and it's pretty good, only about the size of a pack of ciggies and can stream from a network as well from a USB/external HDD. has a good support base online so even I was able to put one together and get running. :)

    http://raspberry.piaustralia.com.au/products/raspberry-pi-3-…

  • subywagon on 09/03/2017 - 09:00

    Can you use Chromecast to stream tv channels? So I wouldn't need to run a long lead for the aerial cable?

  • ProjectZero on 09/03/2017 - 09:08

    Considering you need it for USB playback, I dont think you have much option here other than to use a tv box. Chromecast doesn't support USB playback, unless this was added to the chromecast 2 somehow.

    Your options are NUC, Apple TV, Android box (TV or otherwise) and raspberry pi. The first and last will require you to do some work, the Apple TV and Android box will require minor setup. Personally never used Apple TV so I'm unsure if that offers USB playback.

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