Hi, my smart TV Panasonic TH55EZ950U does not appear to support 9Now, 10Play and 7Plus. Which streaming device would be the best buy to enable this? Many thanks in advance for suggestions.
Smart TV Does Not Support Free TV Apps
aretsa9 on 28/04/2025 - 15:35
Comments
Do you have Alexa or Google devices at home?
Alexa = fire stick 4k max
Google = Google TV streamer 4k
Thanks for your reply. No, I don't unfortunately.
i have both google and fire sticks and these days i kind of prefer the fire sticks tbh
Ditto, fire stick is way better
Fire sticks are solid. I don't love the interface because it advertises Amazon content, but that's the price you pay for a reasonably priced device. Apple TV and Nvidia Shield are probably better but they cost quite a bit more
I personally don't even connect my smart TV to the internet to avoid b/s updates that cripple the TV. Depending on the use case I use either an attached PC or an nVidia Shield Pro which works really well.
I had a Panasonic OLED a few years back
Incredible display
Pathetic Software.Sold it and bought a TCL C855 - picture isn't as good but god the Google TV experience is great.
Apple tv is the best for quality and easy to use and also the most expensive i think.
as others suggested … chromecast / etc … although, I would also add fetch into the mix (fetch is far easier with the remote/button use - esp for those ppl not versed in digital tech).
Panasonic in terms of AU support … has been non-existent for some years now.
EG. while SBS OFFICALLY discontinued support for their APP in March 2025 (the issue had been ongoing for 3+ years prior).Guessing many of the other catch-up channels (7/9/10) … have now gone same way.
And it's all on Panasonic - NOT the stations … to blame.
Which streaming device would be the best buy to enable this?
Get the Google tv streamer device, it comes with a remote. Makes everything easier. Sub $150.
"smart" tv is 7 years old btw.
Firestick 4kMax (don't bother with the cheaper variants).
Google Tivimate and Matt Huisman and you will find a way to add your FTA channels without an antennae as well as just about any app you might want.
I hate the UI/UX of Firestick. I don't like that Google sticks tend to not like working with a remote either. Apple TV is the best option if you own an iPhone imo. Everyone makes their app for Apple TV if they are a mainstream service. And having to learn the OS of each TV I get is annoying, getting too old for that, so even if the Play Store on my TV had all the apps I still wouldn't use it. I just want everything to work the same from now on.
I hate the UI/UX of Firestick.
Agreed, but I think this can be resolved with a new launcher.
I don't like that Google sticks tend to not like working with a remote either.
Not sure what you mean by this? Unless you're unaware that Google devices have come with remotes for almost 5 years now?
I've not heard of any complaints of trouble with their remote.I'm in the market for a new box as my ancient MiBox is finally on the fritz.
I initially settled on an Apple TV as I'd like it to last as long as the Xiaomi has, but I want/need Kodi and the hoops needed to jump through to get it installed on an AppleTV are ridiculous!
I suspected it might take a bit more effort than installing from App Store, but needing to set up a developer account and build the software from source is absurd!
Count your blessings. There would be ppl who would line up to buy it.
Thanks, everyone, for all your very helpful suggestions. Really appreciate it. Have a great day:)
Firestick, Chromecast, Apple TV, Nvidia Shield, Roku - take your pick.
Just make sure you get one that supports 4k to take advantage of your TV's resolution.