For my "elderly" parents - streaming device

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xpd

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#225749 4-Dec-2017 12:17

After finally getting my parents LG "smart" Blu Ray player connected to the internet, I found that most of the apps are now no longer usable and theres nothing in the "app store" for it. So I'm wondering what else I can use for them to get streaming media to their TV. Primarily it will be Plex but having access to things like YouTube and other free streaming services would be of use.

* Tried Chromecast - fail. Mainly due to my folks getting on in age and forgetting how to get it working

* PC/laptop - is an option as they do have a laptop but I'd need to use a 10m HDMI cable - also they'd get confused when one wants to do emails and one wants to stream :)

* Apple TV - Never used one myself, believe it supports Plex but what else is available on it for free ?

* Roku 3 - Similar to the Apple TV - whats out there ?

Whatever path we look at, it needs to be relatively well supported for a while, as it will just do their heads in to have "no longer supported" flash up on their screen after 6 months use :-p

TIA :)

Gavin / xpd / FastRaccoon / Geek of Coastguard New Zealand

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#1912601 4-Dec-2017 12:19

I'd say Apple TV would be the best NZ device, Plex, Youtube, and the TVNZ ondemand apps. It also has the biggest, easiest to read interface for older folks.

wellygary

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#1912603 4-Dec-2017 12:28

rp1790:

I'd say Apple TV would be the best NZ device, Plex, Youtube, and the TVNZ ondemand apps. It also has the biggest, easiest to read interface for older folks.

+1, with both TVNZ and 3 having apps, and the ecosystem being active and widely supported, its probably the best option

xpd

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#1912612 4-Dec-2017 12:43

Thanks for that :)

Obviously the 4th gen is the one to go for but dont think they'll want to shell out on one, so maybe a 3rd gen - anything I'd have to be aware of with a 3rd gen ? Or any of them actually, would a gen 2 run the apps fine as, or is it outdated now ?

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rugrat

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#1912622 4-Dec-2017 12:53

rp1790:
I'd say Apple TV would be the best NZ device, Plex, Youtube, and the TVNZ ondemand apps. It also has the biggest, easiest to read interface for older folks.

My parents have trouble with swiping on the remote, they swipe to hard and overshoot, or not hard enough.
If parents are fine with that, then Apple TV best bet.

Coil

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#1912635 4-Dec-2017 13:00

I had a Roku 3 a wee while back and it worked well with the older ones. They really enjoyed the remote thingy where you move it to point. Mostly was easy to read and larger icons etc.

xpd

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#1912638 4-Dec-2017 13:05

xpd:

Thanks for that :)

Obviously the 4th gen is the one to go for but dont think they'll want to shell out on one, so maybe a 3rd gen - anything I'd have to be aware of with a 3rd gen ? Or any of them actually, would a gen 2 run the apps fine as, or is it outdated now ?

Appears everything is Gen 4 only these days..... damnit.... :D

Gavin / xpd / FastRaccoon / Geek of Coastguard New Zealand

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davidcole

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#1912644 4-Dec-2017 13:14

The gen 3 apple tv has nothing from NZ on it. But the remote was easier to use.

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gehenna

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#1912645 4-Dec-2017 13:17

Whatever solution you land on, I hope you're prepared to be tech support. I've been running support for my folks and my in-laws for years. It sucks. It sucks so bad.

xpd

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#1912647 4-Dec-2017 13:19

Yeah, I've been their tech support for many moons anyway ;) Usually the line "have you plugged it in" is the best resolution......

Gavin / xpd / FastRaccoon / Geek of Coastguard New Zealand

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KrazyKid

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#1912648 4-Dec-2017 13:25

Consider buying a Samsung smart TV. Everything built in working on one push button remote.

I know that at some stage smart TV's stop being supported and not work, but my 2015 TV still works fine for all smart function 2.5 year later.

Samsung even did a major update for my TV (JS8000) in around April 2017 for it that enabled HDR. However at that stage every else worked anyway.
(Yes I suspect that update is the last, but still very happy today with everything working fine).

Supporting freeview plus could be an advantage as well

xpd

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#1912651 4-Dec-2017 13:29

TV not an option. Theyre perfectly happy with the TV, they'd just like to be able to see some streaming content :)

Gavin / xpd / FastRaccoon / Geek of Coastguard New Zealand

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rb99

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#1912652 4-Dec-2017 13:33

Apple TV probably would be best, but being cheap I find 2nd gen FireTV box works fine for me. Doesn't do any NZ stuff though (possibly in the future if Amazon get more global). Fine for Netflix and Emby for me (and presumably Plex as well). No elderly relatives to test it on though (un)fortunately.

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alasta

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#1912660 4-Dec-2017 13:56

rugrat:
rp1790:

I'd say Apple TV would be the best NZ device, Plex, Youtube, and the TVNZ ondemand apps. It also has the biggest, easiest to read interface for older folks.

My parents have trouble with swiping on the remote, they swipe to hard and overshoot, or not hard enough.
If parents are fine with that, then Apple TV best bet.

It is possible to navigate by tapping near the edges of the touch pad. I find this easier than swiping.

trig42

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#1912662 4-Dec-2017 13:59

alasta:

rugrat:
rp1790:

I'd say Apple TV would be the best NZ device, Plex, Youtube, and the TVNZ ondemand apps. It also has the biggest, easiest to read interface for older folks.

My parents have trouble with swiping on the remote, they swipe to hard and overshoot, or not hard enough.
If parents are fine with that, then Apple TV best bet.

It is possible to navigate by tapping near the edges of the touch pad. I find this easier than swiping.

Or set them up with a Harmony 650 remote - AppleTV works fine with a Harmony.

wellygary

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#1912668 4-Dec-2017 14:10

rugrat:
rp1790:

I'd say Apple TV would be the best NZ device, Plex, Youtube, and the TVNZ ondemand apps. It also has the biggest, easiest to read interface for older folks.

My parents have trouble with swiping on the remote, they swipe to hard and overshoot, or not hard enough.
If parents are fine with that, then Apple TV best bet.

Go and buy them a spare remote for the 3rd Generation (ie the silver one with directional ring)

They work fine on the 4th Gen and don't have any swiping issues, they are about $30

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