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[Tuicemen]

Its time to update my media streamer at my off grid place.
I have a old Android box but none of the newer tv apps will work with it. I was using a pi3b+ previously at the off grid place but that is suffering from underpower issues whick make using the desktop impossible.
I'm  looking at either one of the following:
1, New Android (9) box
2, Roku TV box
3, Amazon fire cube
4, Amazon TV Fire Stick
I'm wondering what others are currently using and if they would recommend something and why?

[dhouston]

Obviously, it depends on what streaming connections you want but I've been using a small PC (Lenovo Q190) with Firefox for the past 4 years. I get about 40 OTA channels and those along with Amazon Prime and (now and then) Netflix could keep me in my recliner 24/7. It also has the advantage of browsing the web, if desired.

[JeffVolp]

I'm  looking at either one of the following:
1, New Android (9) box
2, Roku TV box
3, Amazon fire cube

We have two Rokus, and they have worked almost flawlessly since we bought them several years ago.  Maybe a couple of times a year one has to be rebooted with a power cycle.  I recommend the one with the RF remote link so you don't have to point the remote right at it.

We are screeners for DocUtah, and some of their documentaries are on a site not serviced by Roku.  In those cases we use the Win7 laptop, but the Roku is far more convenient.

Jeff

[Tuicemen]

I have used mini PC's in the past as well as TV sticks with some success. TV sticks use wifi and since my internet is already a slow connection, a Ethernet connection provides the best streaming.
I have cableTV in the city so I can stream that content to my off grid place provided the player supports it. I really only need to get the local news there OTA signals are not strong enough to get good reception.
Basicaly everything allows web browsing now a days and for all of that I do there my phone does the job just fine.

[Tuicemen]

I'm  actualy leaning towards a Roku TV box or maybe the Alexa fire TV cube. However I don't realy need another Alexa device there.
The ability to stream my cable channels to the off grid place is a concern for my wife as she likes to watch the same morning news shows while having a coffee that she enjoys in the city.

[brobin]

If you can wait till April have a look at the new TIVO Stream shown at CES last month:
t.ly/rx0AZ
It's like a Roku box but can find shows across the entire spectrum of apps.  I have a Tivo DVR and that feature is already on it and works well. It's $70 with NO monthly fee to Tivo.  You can also use Sling with it for your local channels.

[Tuicemen]

Thanks brobin.
I've been informed the ethernet addaptor cable for the fire cube works with a fire stick. This can be bought separately so it has opened that as a possible, cheaper option to the cube.

[brobin]

Thanks brobin.
I've been informed the ethernet addaptor cable for the fire cube works with a fire stick. This can be bought separately so it has opened that as a possible, cheaper option to the cube.

I have a fire stick with the Ethernet adapter and can confirm that it works.

[Tuicemen]

Thanks again this is looking like the route I may go. The stick seems to be out of stock every where so it does seem to be popular.

[HA Dave]

I went Roku on all the TV's... and in the Theater. The reason I chose Roku was because of the simple easy remote.... that the wife liked. WAF... is always important.

[Tuicemen]

  WAF... is always important.

exactly! this is why I'm strongly considering the FireStick now.

[HA Dave]

exactly! this is why I'm strongly considering the FireStick now.

If I had it to do all over again.... I might also go Firestick. My 1st look at streaming was an Apple device (which I still have). A friend was using Roku... and the wife thought it looked user friendly.... and we gave it a try. The Roku remote is almost too simple-easy. Even the grandkids (now 4 and 5) can navigate their way around to their shows with the Roku remote (but I did put their remote in one of the silicone cases).

But for a remotely located TV... I'd still think about mirroring capabilities with whatever phone you use. You can use the phone to control an entire collection of binge watching.... never watching anything twice or missing a minute. 

[Tuicemen]

The TV is an older one not capable of mirroring  without an extra.
If it wason ots last legs i would just replace it with a smart TV then I wouldn't  need a streaming device.
I went ahead and ordered a fire tv stick and ethernet addaptor from Amazon but the fire sticks are out of stock in Canada their saying expect delivery in April 

[brobin]

The Chinese factory is probably closed.

[HA Dave]

The TV is an older one not capable of mirroring  without an extra.
If it wason ots last legs i would just replace it with a smart TV then I wouldn't  need a streaming device.
I went ahead and ordered a fire tv stick and ethernet addaptor from Amazon but the fire sticks are out of stock in Canada their saying expect delivery in April 

Small 1080 (not 4K) projectors.... are cheap now-a-days. And the same can be said for 110 inch screens. And the LED projectors don't waste much power either.

I know my wife (and I) really enjoyed watching some of "the Ranch" on the big screen in our Home Theater.

P.S. Amazon tablets can use stream, use Alexa, and have HDMI