PVR with Catchup vs Streaming Stick
Discussion
Hi all.
I realise this is a bit first world problems, and not something I should really be giving brain space to, but it's bugging me.
Until about a year ago I had never bothered with a TV, but since lockdowns and all that it's something that I do value. I have been using a Firestick 4K exclusively which is great but does have some very annoying shortcomings. I've also tried a Roku which was horrible. Here are my experiences:
Firestick
On the whole, works well. I find it annoying that the 'recently watched' screen will only show Prime content. Obviously there is an API there, so why not open it to all the other third party apps? I can't imagine other providers wouldn't want their users to be reminded of what they're in the middle of watching.
[b]Roku[/b[
Absolutely maddening to use. Everything is app based. I have no idea what channel the programmes I want to watch are on... I just want to search for them and watch them.
Google TV
Google have definitely got the right idea, but crippled by app support. Why are 4OD & UKTV not supported? These channels actually have android apps, but not for Google TV?! Strange.
I'm now contemplating whether what I actually need is a PVR type device. Specifically, I have been looking at the Manhattan T3-R which appears to offer exactly what I want. The downside is no Amazon Prime support - but I would probably cancel prime if I didn't have the fire stick. I also subscribe to Britbox which is available through the Manhattan.
What are people doing and what works well? I don't want to be split between several devices, and I do have access to an external aerial.
I realise this is a bit first world problems, and not something I should really be giving brain space to, but it's bugging me.
Until about a year ago I had never bothered with a TV, but since lockdowns and all that it's something that I do value. I have been using a Firestick 4K exclusively which is great but does have some very annoying shortcomings. I've also tried a Roku which was horrible. Here are my experiences:
Firestick
On the whole, works well. I find it annoying that the 'recently watched' screen will only show Prime content. Obviously there is an API there, so why not open it to all the other third party apps? I can't imagine other providers wouldn't want their users to be reminded of what they're in the middle of watching.
[b]Roku[/b[
Absolutely maddening to use. Everything is app based. I have no idea what channel the programmes I want to watch are on... I just want to search for them and watch them.
Google TV
Google have definitely got the right idea, but crippled by app support. Why are 4OD & UKTV not supported? These channels actually have android apps, but not for Google TV?! Strange.
I'm now contemplating whether what I actually need is a PVR type device. Specifically, I have been looking at the Manhattan T3-R which appears to offer exactly what I want. The downside is no Amazon Prime support - but I would probably cancel prime if I didn't have the fire stick. I also subscribe to Britbox which is available through the Manhattan.
What are people doing and what works well? I don't want to be split between several devices, and I do have access to an external aerial.
I have a Humax PVR, which has Freeview play, and a bunch of apps built in (plus a dedicated Prime Video button on tne remote).
I also use Roku sticks (all three of which were free because we subscribe to NowTV), and they also include all the apps we use.
We pay for NowTV, Netflix and Prime. Almost everything we watch on Freeview is recorded using the Humax so we can skip adverts and crap bits.
I also use Roku sticks (all three of which were free because we subscribe to NowTV), and they also include all the apps we use.
We pay for NowTV, Netflix and Prime. Almost everything we watch on Freeview is recorded using the Humax so we can skip adverts and crap bits.
Gassing Station | TV, Film, Streaming & Radio | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff