What Sort of Device Am I Looking for?

coffeed on 25/09/2017 - 01:36

I know nothing about all these new Blue Ray-Smart-TV-Chromecast-PVR home theatre thingies. Could someone PLEASE advise me as to what device I need to buy to watch Blu-Rays/DVDs and Netflix over a WiFi connection?

For the past few years (where technology decided to evolve in new and strange ways) I've been using my PS3 on a 50" LG HD TV and I'm pretty sure it's not a SmartTV. The PS3 worked fine and let us watch our free Presto and cheap Netflix. Unfortunately, the toddler repeatedly shoved things into the disc slot and it now makes horrible noises, won't play anything and has to be switched off at the wall half the time. Occasionally, it also won't load Netflix. This was all good until recently when the controller decided it doesn't want to charge/hold charge/be in charge. I want to replace the damn thing. We haven't played a single game on it in years.

What are my options?

Electrical & Electronics

Comments

  • mckaul on 25/09/2017 - 01:49
    +1

    Can't vouch for this device but it may give you some direction. It's cheaper than the new generation consoles.
    https://www.harveynorman.com.au/tv-blu-ray-home-theatre/blu-…

    • coffeed on 25/09/2017 - 16:58

      This is the sort of device I'm after but I was scared off because it states it needs to be 'LAN' connected — with my technological deficiencies, I assumed this meant by a cable, and I can't do that. I've since been informed that I could still use it wirelessly for Netflix. Thank you, I'll have a look at some reviews!

      • ESEMCE on 26/09/2017 - 08:29
        +1

        Powerline ethernet solves your problems if a device needs to be wired.

        • coffeed on 26/09/2017 - 13:23

          I'll look into that! Thanks!

  • Axelstrife on 25/09/2017 - 01:54
    +4

    Cheap option - Xiaomi Mi box around $90
    Does the same thing the apple tv does just alot cheaper with less support if something goes wrong or doesn't work.

    Expensive option - Apple TV 4th gen $200
    Simple streaming box with simple easy to use controls.

    New console option - Xbox One S Normally around $300
    Does 4k Netflix streaming as well as being able to play 4K blu-ray discs plus the standard play games

    Note: I didn't suggest the Chromecast as the Xiaomi mi box has Chromecast build in.

    • ESEMCE on 25/09/2017 - 10:19
      +1

      My Xiaomi box is now a paperweight as far as Netflix is concerned.
      Netflix refuses to work. I've uninstalled and reinstalled, done a full factory reset and nothing.
      We get about 2 seconds of a show played before it displays an error.
      Apparently very common with no solution available.

      Telstra TV is a cheap alternative to an Apple TV and it actually works! As much as it's a locked down unit, there's a lot to be said for having something that works they way you want.

    • blonky on 25/09/2017 - 10:40
      +1

      Xbox One S been as low as $220 in the recent sales

    • coffeed on 25/09/2017 - 17:00

      Thank you for your help, I'll keep the Xiaomi and Apple TV in mind but I assumed they don't play Blu-Rays and we do still enjoy renting from the Video Ezy kiosks so need to have that option available.

  • SharedSugar on 25/09/2017 - 07:38
    +2

    If your old solution worked for you they still sell second hand ps3s at ebgames for a little over 100 dollars.

    • dogboy on 25/09/2017 - 08:28
      +1

      This. A PS3 will be your cheapest option to do what you want.

      • Kangal on 25/09/2017 - 10:18

        And if there's an old PC or Laptop, they're even better!

    • coffeed on 25/09/2017 - 17:01

      I'm worried that it'll start malfunctioning the same way this one did and really prefer something with warranty in case it shits itself — and tech does tend to shit itself around me.

  • Halo375 on 25/09/2017 - 08:42
    +1

    A lot of Sony bluray players also feature app support for netflix, iview, sbs and youtube. Oh and it also plays blurays of course!

  • subywagon on 25/09/2017 - 10:48

    Do Xiaomi Mi boxes have miracast tech? I'm considering getting a media player to use in my car for the roof mounted DVD player and also to use at home. Was considering this, but not sure if a Xiaomi Mu box would be better.

    • ESEMCE on 25/09/2017 - 11:04

      Chromecast built in.

      • subywagon on 25/09/2017 - 12:51

        Sorry what do you mean??

        • ESEMCE on 25/09/2017 - 13:38

          Xiaomi Mi Box doesn't have Miracast, but it does have Chromecast.
          Similar but not the same tech.

      • subywagon on 25/09/2017 - 12:59

        Was hoping to get something I could hook up an external hd to and also usb stick. Am I asking for too much?

        • manshrew on 25/09/2017 - 13:11

          They only have 1 USB port, but you can get a USB hub that works.
          It also doesn't have an ethernet port, but if you can get the USB with one built in.

  • [Deactivated] on 25/09/2017 - 12:07
    -1

    plug cheap pc with even cheaper dvd/bluray drive into any tv with rgb or hdmi port. There are adapters for everything. wireless keyboard and mouse on coffee table, forget about rupert murdoch tv.

    • coffeed on 25/09/2017 - 17:04

      Not looking to have a bulky piece of hardware sitting around unfortunately. Aesthetics aside, the toddler enjoys knocking things over and climbing on them so I can only imagine it'll wind up as a footstool for them to reach the TV. Thanks for the help anyway!

      • [Deactivated] on 26/09/2017 - 04:01

        a neg, really, that offensive …. You will end up with this solution eventually. Its adaptable, repairable, upgradable, sturdy, drop-proof, easy-clean and as your kids grow they will practically demand it. Toddlers should not be climbing up around the tv, its dangerous. Try penning it off with playpen or fireplace guard until you teach them better.

        • coffeed on 26/09/2017 - 12:54

          I didn't neg you and I don't know who did. While you make a lot of good points, I'm not confident enough with technology to hook something like this up, nor do I have the space or desire to spend more money sectioning off a PC in my living room.

        • coffeed on 26/09/2017 - 12:55

          I didn't neg you and I don't know who did. While you make a lot of good points, I'm not confident enough with technology to hook something like this up, nor do I have the space or desire to spend more money sectioning off a PC in my living room.

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