Need advice on a cheap way to continue watching netflix on my TV

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zespri

412 posts

Ultimate Geek

Lifetime subscriber

#319126 24-Mar-2025 21:14

Got this nice message, when starting netflix on my TV (samsung, circa 2013):

"Unfortunately netflix will no longer be available on this device after 18 april 2025"

I think I need a stick to keep using netflix, but because now virually all modern TVs support netflix, sticks are no longer popular. Any recommendations?

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20141 posts

Uber Geek

#3357065 24-Mar-2025 21:23

A Google tv Chromecast etc.

jamesrt

1609 posts

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#3357066 24-Mar-2025 21:25

Chromecast and your mobile phone?

zespri

412 posts

Ultimate Geek

Lifetime subscriber

#3357070 24-Mar-2025 21:39

I've heard chromecasts are discontinued. Also my phone is not available when I'm not around, and there are a few people using that TV. Need something easier to use for everyone

freitasm

BDFL - Memuneh
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Geekzone

Lifetime subscriber

#3357071 24-Mar-2025 21:50

The Google streamer is good. Amazon Fire TV stick is cheaper. We have both but use the Amazon Fire TV stick 80% of the time.

loceff13

1065 posts

Uber Geek

#3357072 24-Mar-2025 21:51

10+ years of native support is pretty good for a Smart TV, Chromecast has been replaced by a better model called Google TV but it's $180-200 unless its on special.

We like our Amazon Fire Stick, have not tried the Google TV yet.

8GB

https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/marketplace/electronics-photography/media-streaming/smart-tv-boxes/listing/5228084515

16GB

https://www.pbtech.co.nz/product/DVAAMZ87313/Amazon-All-New-Fire-TV-Stick-4K-Max-16GB---Support

zespri

412 posts

Ultimate Geek

Lifetime subscriber

#3357073 24-Mar-2025 22:02

freitasm:

The Google streamer is good. Amazon Fire TV stick is cheaper. We have both but use the Amazon Fire TV stick 80% of the time.

Thank you, why do you gravitate towards using Amazon Fire TV stick, since you have both? I used to have an older FireTV (one of the first models, not a stick) but for what ever reason one day it refused to start the netflix up, did factory reset, re-installed nothing helped. Since it's cheaper seems like a no brainer, but I'm wondering if there is any reason to think I'll get more years out of google streamer...

timmmay

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#3357075 24-Mar-2025 22:13

Xiaomi Mi Box. We've had v1 since 2019 and it's worked extremely well, and v1 at least supports ethernet via a USB adapter. If it failed I'd buy the new version without hesitation. Works with Netflix, Disney, Prime, Kodi, and everything else we've tried.

Equinox IT

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freitasm

BDFL - Memuneh
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Geekzone

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#3357076 24-Mar-2025 22:14

We used to have an Amazon Prime US sub for years. Then moved it Amazon AU Prime Video and at some point took advantage of the 2degrees promo so it kept going. Prime Video has a good content selection, supplements Netflix and Disney+ well.

robjg63

4096 posts

Uber Geek

Subscriber

#3357086 25-Mar-2025 07:28

One of these (Amazon Fire TV stick - HD model) for $78 will sort it for you.

If you make sure the Anynet is enabled on the TV, the Fire stick(and remote), can turn the TV Off/on change the volume and you could just have it switched to the Fire stick all the time.

Means one remote.

Nothing is impossible for the man who doesn't have to do it himself - A. H. Weiler

xpd

Geek @ Coastguard NZ
13765 posts

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#3357097 25-Mar-2025 08:10

Mini PC with wireless keyboard works for me :)

Gavin / xpd / FastRaccoon / Geek of Coastguard New Zealand

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Eva888

2427 posts

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Lifetime subscriber

#3357290 25-Mar-2025 14:51

Get a Dish TV Smart Vu dongle, there are two to choose from and you will enjoy Netflix, You Tube and Freeview with a click of a button on the remote and can add other free movie apps like Tubi, Plex, Kanopy etc from Google Play Store. About $99 I’ve set these up for friends with ancient TVs and they are great.

mattwnz

20141 posts

Uber Geek

#3357297 25-Mar-2025 15:18

I initially had smart vu and it was unreliable and kept freezing so returned it for a refund. The fire tv and Google devices are far better from my experience. YMMV

cddt

1548 posts

Uber Geek

#3357298 25-Mar-2025 15:19

We use an old laptop (with wireless keyboard) currently, will be replaced by a mini PC of some kind when budget permits.

My referral links: BigPipe | Mercury

johno1234

2793 posts

Uber Geek

#3357302 25-Mar-2025 15:31

"because now virually all modern TVs support netflix, sticks are no longer popular"

I don't think that's correct.

All or nearly all new TVs support it (along with other popular streaming services) but they all have a habit if ceasing to support app updates after a few years. Anyone with an older but perfectly good smart TV will be familiar with this.

I have an Apple TV and if I installed a brand new LG/Sony/Samsung tomorrow I would keep using the ATV. It just works, it will keep working for a long time and if it stops working it is easy and relatively inexpensive to replace.

mattwnz

20141 posts

Uber Geek

#3357305 25-Mar-2025 15:51

The other option is to get an Apple TV. You go for these solutions instead of using a pc due to the ease of use over a pc

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