TV for DS - no aerial but only require internet TV options - Fire stick?

[thesugarbumfairy]

Can anyone just help clarify this for me because I'm probably quite out of date with this stuff?

DS1 wants a TV in his room because he wants to watch a decent sized screen from his bed. (He can watch stuff on his pc but he doesn't like sitting at his desk watching it, which I get) He also complains that Netflix is cr*p through his pc but I suspect its becuase I don't buy the HD version. We only have one big telly in the living room, so there's often a bit of arguing over whose turn it is!

There is no aerial socket in his room, and TBH I don't think he needs one anyway, as he doesn't want anything other than the internet stuff i.e. Netflix, Prime, NOW TV if we have it, that sort of thing. Basically freeview wouldn't interest him.

I first thought that all we need to do is get a smart TV and a chromecast, so he can cast stuff to the TV. (That's what I do when anyone wants Disney+ on our main telly) I don't love using the chromecast but ours is old so its probably much whizzier these days.

Then I saw smart fire sticks on amazon and thought maybe that's what I want instead? But I've seen other types of 'plug in using the HDMI slot' type gadgets and I don't know what is the best option - are they all much of a muchness?

I haven't looked at this stuff for years so there is clearly technology that is suitable for him but I'm just not sure what to go for. Obviously I want to keep costs down.

Can anyone just explain if I'm on the right track here - and if there are other options?

A fire stick or now tv stick will both work fine @thesugarbumfairy
You can watch Netflix and Disney on both of them.

You've just asked all the questions I want answers to too! I need a TV but have no ariel. I'm so confused and I'm worried the TV I have is too old and won't have the necessary holes!

I did the exact same for my kids. Old TV and no aerial in their room so firetv stick. They can watch whatever they want.
If he wants normal TV, you can get a digital aerial. Just check the distance to your nearest TV pylon thing and get an aerial with the right distance.

There are digital aerials?

See I am out of date!

Ok fire stick it is. And I have to find a telly. I shall probably wait till black friday though.

Yeah. They plug into the TV and have we stickers on them so you can stick the aerial bit to the back of the TV/on the window/wall whatever.

My living room TV is only a few months old but I have it on the opposite wall from the aerial point in the room. Couldnt be arsed trailing a white round or anything so I just got a digital aerial with the right range. I've never had a problem. Just plugged it into the TV and then stuck it onto the back.

thanks for the help.

You don't need a smart TV AND a stick thing.

The smart TV has the apps included - it just needs to link in to tthe internet.
The things that plug in to the hdmi slot 'smartify' any TV and allow you to access the content apps.

You need a smart tv only
No sticks required.

@TheSpottedZebra

Not all smart TVs are compatible with all the apps. NowTV doesnt work on a lot of smart TVs. Same with disney.
My TB is a Hitachi. It was £350. That was all I could afford. Not compatible with nowTV or some other apps. I couldn't afford to go up to £5/600 for a Samsung. So I hot a fireTV stick and it gets all the apps.

[quote ImUninsultable]@TheSpottedZebra

Not all smart TVs are compatible with all the apps. NowTV doesnt work on a lot of smart TVs. Same with disney.
My TB is a Hitachi. It was £350. That was all I could afford. Not compatible with nowTV or some other apps. I couldn't afford to go up to £5/600 for a Samsung. So I hot a fireTV stick and it gets all the apps.[/quote]
I also prefer the combo of non smart TV + stick. The apps on the smart tvs are not always updateable, so you end up paying twice.

Also should the stick start to be obsolete it is much cheaper to buy again!

Thank you for the responses

Now I'm just trying to find the right TV. I want it to have Disney Plus included already. but I also want it to have bluetooth so he can use his wireless headphones (I know you can add this stuff - but why can't I find it with both of these already integrated?!)

oh and I want it to be full HD as well.

Just get a basic TV, with HD if you wish

• firestick or chromecast or similar, to make the tv 'smart'
• Bluetooth adapter for TV

If you spend gazillions on the tv it will surely get smashed.

Could you not run an HDMI cable from the PC to the TV? I use x box 1 as can't get diney + etc. on my smart tv. Thanks Samsung

@thespottedzebra I've never smashed a tv in my life and DS1 is super careful - but now you've said it I'm going to be paranoid about it