Geekzone: technology news, blogs, forums
Guest
Welcome Guest.
You haven't logged in yet. If you don't have an account you can register now.


Batman

Mad Scientist
29727 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted
Lifetime subscriber

#223884 22-Oct-2017 17:01
Send private message

Hi i'm looking at an "Android TV" TV ...

 

Does it work like a giant android tablet, where you can download Android apps?

 

What I'm looking to do is to be able to see files on my home Windows PC network and click on them and play complex mkv files for example?


Create new topic
sdavisnz
1015 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

  #1887807 22-Oct-2017 17:29
Send private message

sony for example has a photos / videos and music app for local (usb) and local network storage.

 

it can be used as a dlna reciever to play your videos over the network.

 

you can also download vlc and other media players with network intergration and you might have better results depending on the codec.

 

android tv is android designed for the lounge, it uses leanback launcher and has specific android tv apps.

 

 

 

this year veon from the warehouse has android on a tv, but its not android tv ( it also has a terrible user experience from my brief testing with it)

 

 

 

most smart tvs are dlna client devices so you should be alright.





Voice gives context



Batman

Mad Scientist
29727 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted
Lifetime subscriber

  #1887819 22-Oct-2017 17:48
Send private message

I prefer not to use dlna clients as they are not always compatible with the file type, frame rate, sound codec, etc etc ... at least in my experience. Playing a file from a network directly (assuming good network connectivity, assuming the video player eg VLC is one that "plays everything") works better in my experience.

 

Currently have a Samsung running Tizen and using its proprietary BETA Smart View magic link ... 99% works, but doesn't play 5.1 sound, and sometimes it just disconnects for no reason (which can happen with any other networking type connection)


Benoire
2777 posts

Uber Geek


  #1887821 22-Oct-2017 17:52
Send private message

I think its better if you ran a seperate android tv unit rather than one built in to a TV; they generally slow to update, and harder to replace when out of date... an Nvidia Shield would offer much better performance, can be discreetly placed with the bluetooth remote and should be supported for a decent time.




  #1887826 22-Oct-2017 18:32
Send private message

Never had a issue with dlna clients.

You can also have the server transcode files for you

Quinny
883 posts

Ultimate Geek

Trusted

  #1887912 22-Oct-2017 22:42
Send private message

Android Tv (I have Sony) - into google play put just that "android tv" and you will see apps can add (Plex, YouTube, Kodi, Amazon, Lightbox, CurisotyStream, Netflix, Twitch are good popular examples). You then go install and the tv will be there as an option to send to. 

 

Sideload - yep can. I have added SkyGo and a couple of others. Not perfect but does work.

 

DLNA - I have Serviio on Pc and built in "Video" app sees this fine (as well as my Synology NAS and anything with "server"

 

Hope that helps.

 

 

 

 


Create new topic





News and reviews »

Logitech G522 Gaming Headset Review
Posted 18-Jun-2025 17:00


Māori Artists Launch Design Collection with Cricut ahead of Matariki Day
Posted 15-Jun-2025 11:19


LG Launches Upgraded webOS Hub With Advanced AI
Posted 15-Jun-2025 11:13


One NZ Satellite IoT goes live for customers
Posted 15-Jun-2025 11:10


Bolt Launches in New Zealand
Posted 11-Jun-2025 00:00


Suunto Run Review
Posted 10-Jun-2025 10:44


Freeview Satellite TV Brings HD Viewing to More New Zealanders
Posted 5-Jun-2025 11:50


HP OmniBook Ultra Flip 14-inch Review
Posted 3-Jun-2025 14:40


Flip Phones Are Back as HMD Reimagines an Iconic Style
Posted 30-May-2025 17:06


Hundreds of School Students Receive Laptops Through Spark Partnership With Quadrent's Green Lease
Posted 30-May-2025 16:57


AI Report Reveals Trust Is Key to Unlocking Its Potential in Aotearoa
Posted 30-May-2025 16:55


Galaxy Tab S10 FE Series Brings Intelligent Experiences to the Forefront with Premium, Versatile Design
Posted 30-May-2025 16:14


New OPPO Watch X2 Launches in New Zealand
Posted 29-May-2025 16:08


Synology Premiers a New Lineup of Advanced Data Management Solutions
Posted 29-May-2025 16:04


Dyson Launches Its Slimmest Vaccum Cleaner PencilVac
Posted 29-May-2025 15:50









Geekzone Live »

Try automatic live updates from Geekzone directly in your browser, without refreshing the page, with Geekzone Live now.



Are you subscribed to our RSS feed? You can download the latest headlines and summaries from our stories directly to your computer or smartphone by using a feed reader.