Converting a dumb tv to a smart TV

[cyIclSoneU]

I agree that either is going to work fine. Fire stick also can control the TV power and volume, and depending on the model, has voice control built into the remote. Not something I use very often, but my kids do.

The higher tier Roku products have these features too. I also like that the Roku remote has a headphone jack and comes with earbuds so you can listen to it with the TV muted if you're trying to be quiet in your house.

 

[NodawayRiverClone]

got it. i would just have to spray paint one of them pink so I know which tv each roku remote goes with.

Splurge and do a little cardinal and gold.

 

[NebrClone]

I've never done this and am more or less a tech dolt. Scored a free 65" hitachi tv from work. Its probably 5 years old and not equipped for smart technologies. All I really need it to do is run prime, hulu, youtube and netflix. For reg TV all I have is digital bunny ears. I don't game or anything, just occasionally watch some netflix and stream sports through my computer via HDMI. I have google fiber if that matter for any reason.

Anybody out there got any advice on which products out there have the best price per features value?

I use Roku Ultra for the extra features. Run it through my stereo reciever for better sound then the TV speakers.

 

[qwerty]

IMO, the Roku menu is the most viewer friendly

 

[KidSilverhair]

I’ll just chime in to agree on the Roku. I have it on three of my TVs, including a smart Vizio that’s just easier to use the Roku instead of the smart TV function. The menu is easy to navigate, it just works. Plus you’ll get the Weird Al movie starring Daniel Radcliffe on the Roku Channel in November.

I actually also have a TiVo hooked up on my fourth TV, an LG smart TV, because LG’s apps don’t include HBO Max and I wanted that, plus the TiVo was free for some reason. Anyway, I don’t use the TiVo for anything but HBO Max, but it works just fine as well.

 

[EvilBetty]

thanks all, just bought a roku streaming stick 4k. Everything was easy, but cant seem to figure out how to get my local antenna channels. It was super easy to set up on my actual smart tv, but not yet with this one. surely there's a way

 

[enisthemenace]

I would second this. Whether you go Roku, Fire, or Chromecast I would get one of the higher tier models that will be 4k capable. Forget the actual 4k feature, the key is that they also have faster processors and potential better WiFi chipsets as well. This will make apps launch faster, navigation to be more fluid, streams to be more stable, etc. I would also get a model that can use ethernet instead of WiFi if it happens to be in a location where you can hard wire, as that will always be a more stable connection. The small bump in price for one of these models will be well worth it, and you are future proofed in the case you get a new TV later on.

I have Roku devices all over my house, with 2 of them being the Roku Ultras. Ultra is Ethernet compatible and they are awesome.

 

[EvilBetty]

thanks all, just bought a roku streaming stick 4k. Everything was easy, but cant seem to figure out how to get my local antenna channels. It was super easy to set up on my actual smart tv, but not yet with this one. surely there's a way

looks like i have to manually switch inputs by hitting the buttons on the side of the TV. thats lame

 

[enisthemenace]

looks like i have to manually switch inputs by hitting the buttons on the side of the TV. thats lame

What are you using the Roku for? Surely you’re streaming something like Hulu?

EDIT: Nevermind. Reread your OP. I guess I assumed you had Hulu Live where your locals would just be there.

You still should be able to switch to your antenna from the main Roku menu, no?

 

[aeroclone]

I have Roku devices all over my house, with 2 of them being the Roku Ultras. Ultra is Ethernet compatible and they are awesome.

Yep, I run hardwired Roku Ultras on my TVs as well, been very happy with them.

 

[Lafaester54]

Buy a Roku stick and plug it in.

Have an old 73” Mitsubishi. ROKu stick and also an Apple TV box. Both are really cheap on eBay.

 

[Lafaester54]

Oh, if you get (I think) ROKU premier you can stream from your iPad.

 

[cyfanatic]

IMO, the Roku menu is the most viewer friendly

I mostly use Chromecast with Google TV now...but I do agree that the Roku device is the most simple in a good way! The menu is clean and easy to go exactly where you want to go!

 

[Cyforce]

Over the last month or so I've noticed when I click on the watch live I'll often get the from the start option. Is this a worn out Roku issue or bad internet?

 

[CyCloned]

Buy a Roku stick and plug it in.

I would recommend the Roku box. I have a TV that came with the stick and it was not able to update. The box that I have comes with a remote you can talk to and it will search all of your networks for a program, actor, etc. It is pretty cool. Also, there are so many free with commercials streaming channels out there.

 

[keepngoal]

I’m all in on the Apple TV boxes. We use Apple Phones, so its a leg up vs not. But apps, menu, quality, universal remote (volume and power), we love it.

 

[1961Cylones]

I have a non-smart tv, too. If I got a DVR and ran my Roku thru it and then to my tv, could I record ISU games off of ESPN+? Do they even make DVRs anymore?

Please keep the insults to yourselves. I know I'm tech-challenged.