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Original poster

Please tell me about TV dongle-thingies

18 replies

AnnieJ1985 · 24/10/2021 09:06

Our TV has some apps installed (Netflix, YouTube, Prime) but we can't add more apps to it.

What can I buy to plug in for more apps? I want to add Disney, Discovery Plus, Spotify etc.

Is it a fire stick or something?

I had a Google but got a bit muddled 🤔

I could run a hdmi from my laptop but it will be a bit of a faff and messy looking, and I don't want to stream from my phone if that means I can't also browse MN while watching TV

Thanks for any replies

OP posts:
Kpo58 · 24/10/2021 09:18

I'd buy a Roku stick. Then everything is one 1 remote.

The problem of a Chromecast is that you have to caste your phone, so everyone needs to have all the apps on their phones if they want to stream anything unless you have a dedicated person to do it which could get annoying for that person and even less helpful if they want to actually go out.

Original poster
AnnieJ1985 · 24/10/2021 09:24

@Kpo58

I'd buy a Roku stick. Then everything is one 1 remote.

The problem of a Chromecast is that you have to caste your phone, so everyone needs to have all the apps on their phones if they want to stream anything unless you have a dedicated person to do it which could get annoying for that person and even less helpful if they want to actually go out.

I never thought of that potential problem with Chromecast/different phones. That could definitely be a pain!

Will take a look at the Roku stick, hadn't heard of it

OP posts:
SoupDragon · 24/10/2021 09:32

everyone needs to have all the apps on their phones if they want to stream anything

That's hardly a chore though. No remote to lose either :) I cast to the chromecast with either my phone or iPad, depending on which I grab first. DSs cast from Netflix with their phones. No fuss at all.

Most people have the apps they use to stream stuff on their phone anyway don't they?

Original poster
AnnieJ1985 · 24/10/2021 09:33

@SoupDragon
Can you use your phone as normal while casting? If I have to leave the room to take a call, will everything stop on TV?

OP posts:
WowtheMuggles · 24/10/2021 09:38

I'm so glad I have a Roku not a chrome cast. I have young kids that don't have their own phones yet.

With Roku you can either use your phone as a remote or pay £10 more for the premium version and get a little remote control.

Original poster
AnnieJ1985 · 24/10/2021 09:50

Just had a thought, I have an old android phone with my apps on it, I could possibly use that just for the TV

OP posts:
Planesmistakenforstars · 24/10/2021 10:05

Roku or Firestick. Just check the apps you want are on the one you get. I ended up getting both because Roku didn't have everything I wanted. They are both very clear and easy to install and use.

SoupDragon · 24/10/2021 10:57

[quote AnnieJ1985]@SoupDragon
Can you use your phone as normal while casting? If I have to leave the room to take a call, will everything stop on TV?[/quote]
You can carry on using your phone and leave the room. It all connects via the wifi network.

SoupDragon · 24/10/2021 10:59

I have young kids that don't have their own phones yet.

If they don't have a phone or tablet they are probably too young for unrestricted/unsupervised access to streamed TV.

Original poster
AnnieJ1985 · 24/10/2021 11:01

Thanks SoupDragon

OP posts:
Marelle · 24/10/2021 11:02

You want a fire stick. It’s regularly updated and has all of the apps you need. It annoys me so much that even a 5 year old tv can’t get all of the current apps and the manufacturer has stopped providing updates for it!

Original poster
AnnieJ1985 · 24/10/2021 11:16

I think we have tv 4 years, and at the time we just wanted Netflix on it, but it is disappointing that more can't be added now. It has a Web browser which is shit so I stupidly assumed I would be able to log in to Disney etc on that, to stream, but it is like trying to download an attachment on 1990s dial up

OP posts:
HalzTangz · 24/10/2021 11:17

@AnnieJ1985

Our TV has some apps installed (Netflix, YouTube, Prime) but we can't add more apps to it.

What can I buy to plug in for more apps? I want to add Disney, Discovery Plus, Spotify etc.

Is it a fire stick or something?

I had a Google but got a bit muddled 🤔

I could run a hdmi from my laptop but it will be a bit of a faff and messy looking, and I don't want to stream from my phone if that means I can't also browse MN while watching TV

Thanks for any replies

I use Google TV stick, (also have Amazon fire but that's now been sidelined) much prefer the Google TV
HalzTangz · 24/10/2021 11:18

@Kpo58

I'd buy a Roku stick. Then everything is one 1 remote.

The problem of a Chromecast is that you have to caste your phone, so everyone needs to have all the apps on their phones if they want to stream anything unless you have a dedicated person to do it which could get annoying for that person and even less helpful if they want to actually go out.

That's the old Chromecast, the new one launched earlier this year involves no casting at all
Original poster
AnnieJ1985 · 24/10/2021 11:33

Is the Google TV Stick a different gizmo to Chromecast, does it do/have extra?

That is probably a stupid question, they have different names so presumably a different thing?

This is where I start getting lost Blush

OP posts:
Original poster
AnnieJ1985 · 24/10/2021 19:08

Thanks for your help earlier. Picked up a Chromecast and have had a lovely afternoon watching Discovery + on the TV

OP posts:
Fere · 24/10/2021 19:12

How old is your TV?

Original poster
AnnieJ1985 · 24/10/2021 19:49

@Fere

How old is your TV?
4 (or 5) year old JVC
OP posts:
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