New Freeview SmartVU streaming device: Chromecast, 4K HDR, Android TV

Forums › Freeview (DVB-T/DVB-S) › New Freeview SmartVU streaming device: Chromecast, 4K HDR, Android TV

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51 posts

Master Geek
+1 received by user: 2

#2244839 24-May-2019 16:59

looseleaf:

LisaM77:

No, it has more. The difference between Smartvu and Chromecast is the Chromecast is for casting only, while the Smartvu has Chromecast built in to it, and also has apps, including Freeview. So you actually end up casting a lot less.

You can get a Smartvu 4k ultra.

Yes sorry I should have been clearer. I meant does this basically have a Chromecast Ultra built in? Can I cast in 4K?

From what you are saying the answer is no?

From what I'm saying the answer is yes! Smartvu 4k ultra has Chromecast built in. It's basically a Chromecast 4k ultra with extra features like the apps you usually cast and live tv.

MarkGM

12 posts

Geek

#2244904 24-May-2019 17:48

A point of clarification is the device uses 'Built in Chromecast' which, from my experience, is not as good / reliable as actual as an Chromecast. I bought one some time ago and am still pondering whether I think it's worth it over a Chromecast, which I think says enough. If someone has a smart device they can actually cast from I really don't see the bonus of the SmartVu. The casting piece to SmartVu is, again from my experience, not as reliable as a true Chromecast, the simplest example is not being able to cast TVNZ On Demand to it. I acknowledge this is no longer a real issue as the TVNZ App is now available for the SmartVu but it wasn't for some time, and TV Three still isn't. The nice thing is the remote makes it similar to a 'TV' experience but then when you use the EPG and it is so poor you can't select and move to a channel from it frustrates me everytime I use it. I'd just use a Chromecast.....

LisaM77

51 posts

Master Geek
+1 received by user: 2

#2244906 24-May-2019 17:53

I cast TVNZ on demand to the SmartVu. I only do it for the programmes where I'm watching old seasons though because for some reason the app doesn't let me get to them. I haven't found it to be any different to the Chromecast.

The other main additional feature is Freeview - live TV. I've put mine in a room that was never able to get Freeview and now it does. Limited channels and I'm so used to not watching it it's not an issue, but it is a significant difference between the two devices.

looseleaf

19 posts

Geek
+1 received by user: 2

#2245048 24-May-2019 21:39

LisaM77:

looseleaf:

LisaM77:

No, it has more. The difference between Smartvu and Chromecast is the Chromecast is for casting only, while the Smartvu has Chromecast built in to it, and also has apps, including Freeview. So you actually end up casting a lot less.

You can get a Smartvu 4k ultra.

Yes sorry I should have been clearer. I meant does this basically have a Chromecast Ultra built in? Can I cast in 4K?

From what you are saying the answer is no?

From what I'm saying the answer is yes! Smartvu 4k ultra has Chromecast built in. It's basically a Chromecast 4k ultra with extra features like the apps you usually cast and live tv.

I'm sorry but you are confusing the hell out of me...

You mention Smartvu and Smartvu 4K ultra -are these two separate things or the same thing?

If they are different things then the Smartvu does not cast 4K (which was my original question)?

sdavisnz

1022 posts

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#2245050 24-May-2019 21:41

Same thing, yes smartvu does 4k HDR and 4k casting.

Voice gives context

butlerboy

457 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 53

#2246634 27-May-2019 18:46

http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/113029950/freeview-to-add-spark-sport-and-freeview-on-demand-to-media-player?cid=app-android

Looks like on-demand is coming this week

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Dratsab

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#2246635 27-May-2019 18:58

Lovebug: Anyone else have problems with the unit overheating, and developing sound issues that persist until you restart the device?

Is it worthwhile returning the thing to get it replaced or is it just the nature of the beast and I need to just put a heat sink on it?

Mine was having issues with freezing and apps not loading due to overheating. Then I introduced other family members to the power button on the remote. It doesn't run 24/7 now and no longer has overheating problems.

Lovebug

16 posts

Geek
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#2249148 31-May-2019 14:05

Yeah it looks like the device just runs hot for me, often i'll get issues after it being turned on for five or ten minutes. The wifi drops out every second day or so which is frustrating, hopefully V2 of this device has fewer issues.

freitasm

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#2251877 5-Jun-2019 10:24

Just received:

Freeview’s On Demand platform is now available on the recently released Freeview streaming device (the DISH TV SmartVU X), making it even easier to enjoy your favourite shows and movies at your convenience.

In a collaboration between Freeview, Dish TV and Google, the SmartVU X is a tiny gadget that connects to almost any TV and streams Freeview Live TV over the internet, so Kiwi viewers can now enjoy Freeview even if their TV isn’t connected to an aerial or a satellite dish. Viewers can also explore third party apps such as Netflix, Lightbox, YouTube and many more on Google Play. The addition of Freeview On Demand expands the scope of content on the SmartVU even further.

The Freeview On Demand platform brings together TV and movies from leading New Zealand broadcasters TVNZ, MediaWorks and Māori Television, all into a single library. With everything in one place, it’s much easier for viewers to discover content across genres, channels and providers.

Freeview’s CEO, Jason Foden, says Freeview is always searching for new ways to provide the most seamless and effective viewing experience possible.

“The feedback we’ve received on the SmartVU X since its launch in December has been unanimously positive – and we continue to focus on improving our innovations. Both our On Demand platform and Streaming Device were designed with the viewer at the heart of experience, so combining them was a natural next step.

“Viewers want a ‘one stop shop’ to the plethora of great content. Freeview On Demand being added to our streaming device now brings the widest array of subscription-free content together with the likes of Netflix, YouTube, Lightbox and other third-party apps on a single device, so viewers can enjoy their favourite TV with ease,” Foden concludes.

Freeview will be announcing more content partnerships in the future to further enrich its TV experience.

Designed locally in partnership with Dish TV, the SmartVU X comes with Chromecast built-in, can output 4K HDR and is coupled with voice search on its Bluetooth remote. Priced at $139, the device is available from all good electronic stores throughout New Zealand.

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SJPONeill

4 posts

Wannabe Geek
+1 received by user: 1

#2260198 18-Jun-2019 13:25

I have the Smertvu and a Chromecast 2 plugged into the same TV. The Chromecast is defin tiley the more reliable of the two: the Smartvu, when casting from Plex will start to play movies at fullscreen and sometimes struggles with soundtracks that are not simple stereo. I like the single remote the allows access to Plex, Netflix, Lightbox the and available Freeview channels but I think that implementation still needs work..

RichardJ1

17 posts

Geek
+1 received by user: 2

#2260267 18-Jun-2019 14:53

Hi all.

So I have just purchased one of these devices however I have regular issues with it connecting to the internet wifi.

Any reason why or how to fix the issue??

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freitasm

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#2260309 18-Jun-2019 15:12

@RichardJ1: Hi all.

So I have just purchased one of these devices however I have regular issues with it connecting to the internet wifi.

Any reason why or how to fix the issue??

It could be something as simple as the device is too far way - or could be something like too much interference from other networks in the area - which could be fixed by changing the channel used or moving the devices closer to each other.

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RichardJ1

17 posts

Geek
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#2260310 18-Jun-2019 15:14

freitasm:
@RichardJ1: Hi all.

So I have just purchased one of these devices however I have regular issues with it connecting to the internet wifi.

Any reason why or how to fix the issue??

It could be something as simple as the device is too far way - or could be something like too much interference from other networks in the area - which could be fixed by changing the channel used or moving the devices closer to each other.

Ok so how do I do this channel change?

freitasm

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#2260319 18-Jun-2019 15:24

You would first have to find out if this is a/the problem - there are mobile apps that will show you which channels are being used. You would then change this in the router/access point. You would have to test this from where the device is so you have a good idea if it is interference or if the signal is not strong enough.

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RichardJ1

17 posts

Geek
+1 received by user: 2

#2260325 18-Jun-2019 15:31

freitasm:
You would first have to find out if this is a/the problem - there are mobile apps that will show you which channels are being used. You would then change this in the router/access point. You would have to test this from where the device is so you have a good idea if it is interference or if the signal is not strong enough.

The funny thing is the dongle says it is connected to the wifi but nothing works like it isnt connected.

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