It is a large TV with HDMI ports, still functioning well so reluctant to replace it.
Primary phones are Android with an iPad. What I want to achieve are:
Chromecast? Apple TV? Raspberry Pi? Does Raspberry Pi have an out of box product that just works?
Also vouch for the G20, Bought one for my Dad as we hated the original Shield Remote, and it has performed flawlessly.
It's this lovely piece of hardware:
https://www.amazon.com.au/NVIDIA-945-12920-2500-000-SHIELD-Cā¦
kind of a pity it seems phased out…
Buy the 2019 triangle Shield controller for your older shield (about $60). It's amazing compared to the crap 2017 one.
Should be able to pair the 2017 with the new model remote. Its a far better design and far more responsive.
Made my old Samsung Plasma TV smart using Google TV. And if your TV has USB then you may be able to use it to power the device so no cable dangling.
But then you can't turn on the TV with the Google remote, right?
Depends on the brand, it supports IR for most major manufactors.
Chromecast with Google TV for me. I have 3 of them.
They are easy enough to set up, use and they have all the apps available that I need ie: FTA stations, Prime Video, Netflix, Plex, Youtube, Radio TuneIn etc etc etc….
I also have the Freeview app on my phone which I use for TV guide, show reminders etc.
Apple TV + 1st gen Chromecast. Best of both worlds.
Most of the apps on the Apple TV seem to be more fluid than their Android equivalents, and it has no ads!
The Chromecast gets me out of trouble when casting from PC or Android.
Chromecast or Firestick
I have both, for streaming they work similarly, but I prefer Chromecast with Google TV as it can display my photos stored on Google Photos when idle. For YouTube/Netflix/Prime they're both like each other so I have no real preference.
The standard Chromecast works but it's nice to not require a separate device for casting.
Amazon fire stick will do everything you asked with apps
Used one recently and was impressed. Better than chromecast as it it not dependant on your phone.
i think you're thinking of the wrong thing, they are essentially the same thing, its called chromecast with google tv, i have both chromecast and firestick, same thing different brand
Amazon Firestick 4K or 4K Max are completely different from Chromecasts and as stated does not need an android phone to work. It also has basic controls (IR based) for many TVs and/or Amps/Soundbars. eg ON/FOFF volume and changing HDMI channel automatically. Firestick 4K use Bluetooth mainly. The latest Max version is very fast and includes ATMOS suppport within NetFlix. Some Android apps such as Kodi do need to be sideloaded and some apps do not work yet.. eg Kayo Sports. I have four at home and these were purchased for $59 each and the whole family has no issues using them as our main media players.
In addition to the above, use an IR transmitter like Broadlink to power on your TV via Google Home or phone app.
e.g. When I get home, I like to automatically turn on the TV, and after remarking "Hey Google, I'm home.", it turns on my home entertainment system, including the amp (AV receiver), and TV.
Your folks can do the same, if they don't mind using voice commands with Google Home.
Yupz use the same for my main TV actually a RM4 mini but I do everything through there broadlink app (havent setup Google assistance yet),.. were one trains from there original remotes the virtual remote on phone (the RM4 device is the IR receiver/transmitter connected to one's home Wifi network, which connects to internet to Broadlink servers)
Funny I've managed to have 2x remotes ON buttons (TV and Fetch remotes) on one virtual ON/OFF button on app,.. just press each button of each real remotes when in training mode in succession of each other with no gap and the virtual remote picks up both signals transmitted as one signal to transmit later lolz
Under $20 @ AliExpress for the,..
RM4C Mini Smart Home WiFi IR Remote Controller Automation Modules Compatible With Alexa Google Home
https://a.aliexpress.com/_mqvRhEK
The RM3 has RF transmitter built into it to control RF devices, like air-conditioning etc, won't work with RF remotes that have rolling codes,. usually garage door remote they need extra security while an aircon doesnt
EDIT: I have the same sort of setup (different device same theory) built into my PC, so I can remotely switch it on from anywhere then use Google's remote desktop software to view Windows from my mobile, yes full control (move mouse and all) with Google remote desktop/Android app
Trying to find something to control one Android phone to another, or next option have my Android phone connected to my PC with USB virtual desktop from mobile to PC or Samsung Dex
Chromecast + unified remote and it will be far smarter and easier to control than any smart TV. You can watch youtube, netflix, photos, videos, play games etc.
While all the experts on this topic are here, what is the best tv box solution for video calling please?
I have tried google duo + android tv + webcam + separate USB mic + USB hub solution with mediocre results.
Currently we have to open Google duo app on Android tv box first to receive incoming call.
It would be cool if my elderly parents see incoming video call notification overlay when they are watching tv, with one button answer.
Maybe the Meta Portal TV?
It's meant to be able to switch the input source when you accept an incoming call. If they use streaming apps it should just appear as a notification.
I'd actually invest in a mobile phone or tablet that supports hdmi out or a Samsung phone model that suppurts Samsung Dex I think S8 and upwards has Dex (if you dont care about cracked scrreen theyll be very cheap well youll view on TV anyway), the phone has builtin mic, speakers from the TV, Bluetooth for wireless keyboard and mouse, wifi and the phone will support numerous video calling software with no issues
I'd try to find the most powerful phone but cheap cause with a cracked screen so she'll be smooth and powerful as possible
And best of all it's Cellular you can place a simcard in it if there is no home nbn internet, probably work out cheaper then having nbn anyway as there are some great sim plan deals available
Important will work out of the box as you know as it's a mobile phone with all and any chat software and you can receive cellular SMS's on a data plan š
Apple TV. Get the 4k even if your TV is not 4k as a form of future proofing + better performance.
For NAS videos, install plex on nas and apple tv.
Requirements check
Watch Youtube, even better if other stream providers;
Yes has all other streaming apps
Can throw / cast videos from phone and computer (Win10's cast feature);
You can cast to youtube from your android phone or screen cast from mac devices easily
Can play videos from NAS;
Install plex
Play videos from USB sticks;
Nope. But you can cast from your mac if this is really needed. (With NAS available through plex, I wonder why this requirement though)
Easy operation for elderlies;
Yes apple devices are very user friendly
Desirable: has remote control
Yes & Yes
Happy days
Definitely wouldn't recommend Apple TV unless you're already locked into the whole Apple ecosystem.
Disagree from personal experience.
The ecosystem is not at all a factor when watching YouTube, Netflix, Prime, Disney, Kayo, Binge etc. etc.
It's actually more of a bonus than a hindrance as you can also download extra apps, I don't see a downside at all.
It's just that the device is more expensive than the alternatives, and can't cast from PC or play videos from USB.
Presumably it has good integration with Apple accounts and apps, so I assumed there might be some value there to justify the higher price and worse compatibility.
@nigel deborah: I already had an Apple TV superseded by a smart TV so I didn't make an extra purchase, plus I think for the quality it is well worth the price.
You can easily play stored video files using the Plex app as described above but I think streaming is the way to go these days anyway
OP already owns an iPad and there is no need to get locked into an ecosystem here. Suggestion just based on OP's requirements.
Totally agree with this.
I have an old TV in the bedroom and connected an Apple TV and it pretty much does everything a smart TV does. I even programmed the old TV remote to use the Apple TV, super easy!
If you can find a good one on Gumtree/eBay/Marketplace, I can recommend the Vodafone TV box.
Easy to use, good remote, quick response. Runs all the apps you need.
Still have one on one of the older TVs, runs great. Apple TV is slicker and a Firestick more compact but the Voda still impresses
Plus the Vodafone Box has a TV input
Chromecast with Google TV. Like $80, super easy to use, and will play everything under the sun.
I've used chromecast and amazon's fire stick and would recommend the fire stick
You send the dumb TV to school and have it educated
In my opinion, running Kodi on Android TV (NVidia Shield or "Chromecast with Google TV") is the best option for playing videos off your NAS.
Not a fan of Plex - silly limitations like can't play ripped DVD/BD images. Plus you want to play content at the original resolution and bitrate with no transcoding.
NVIDIA Shield….
How to make your dumb TV smart?
Get it some tuition, and extra classes!!
Seriously though,
NVIDIA Shield ( if money is not a consideration)
Chromecast with Google TV ( on a budget).
Give it an education
I did it with Amazon Firestick 4K Max.
Chromecast with Google TV is the best value for money
Amazon firestick 4k or NVIDIA shield pro. Both tick off all the apps, are easy to use and 'just work'. Both have IR blasters so the one remote turns the TV on and off and adjusts TV volume (or can control volume on a soundbar / receiver if they use one). For USB stick playback go with the NVIDIA shield.
Can also 'buzz' the NVIDIA shield remote when it goes missing.
An XBox does all of that,
Watch Youtube, even better if other stream providers
Just use the YouTube app, Netflix app, etc.
Can throw / cast videos from phone and computer (Win10's cast feature);
Download and install the AirServer app https://www.airserver.com/Xbox (supports Miracast/AirPlay/Chromecast)
Can play videos from NAS;
If you have a PC, just right click on a video you have downloaded and there should be a "cast to.." option that allows you to send .mp4 files to your xbox one. If you are more advanced….
Plex: https://www.plex.tv/blog/plex-xbox-one-xbox-360/
Kodi: https://kodi.tv/article/kodi-xbox-one/
Play videos from USB sticks;
I use the inbuilt "films and TV" app to just play from USB personally, i previously used the "cast to" option but now I just use a small USB 3.1 SSD and it transfers at like 100Mbps because it can take a while for your PC to "discover" your xbox as a playback option if you only have a desktop that doesn't support miracast.
Easy operation for elderlies;
Desirable: has remote control
xbox has media remotes for people who get ovewhelmed: https://www.ebgames.com.au/product/xbox-one/204944-xbox-one-ā¦
PS. Xbox controllers are really expensive lately, I got two of these for the kids and they do feel premium/well-made https://www.amazon.com.au/gp/product/B09N2Y5H86/
Connect a Playstation to it and use that? Or a Blu Ray player?
If you can still find Vodafone TV it's around $80.
It's getting older now but has most things if you're using it for the basics including PVR and USB streaming. Its android and has the YouTube and Netflix buttons on the remote for quick easy access.
You know you can use 3rd party remotes right? I've been using the G20 as the primary one and everything (including Google Assistant voice search) works.