Streaming connections.

8 years ago

Can someone explain how to connect Netflix, Roku, and other steaming devices to a TV? How do you change to different programs without connecting and disconnecting? I'm not computer illiterate, but the different methods of streaming have me confused. I would like to be able to use these services but am not sure which way to go.

Featured Answer

steve_o

8 years ago

We have an Apple TV, which is the same kind of device as a Roku, Chromecast, Amazon FireStick, etc. It connects to our TV through an HDMI cable. I believe the "sticks" may be able to plug in directly to an HDMI connection on the TV. The device then needs to connect to the Internet, though this can be a wireless connection.

Once the device is connected, you can use the remote on your TV to choose the particular connection to which the device is attached. From there, you can use the remote that comes with the device to select Netflix or Hulu or broadcast streaming or any of the other streams.

You may have a "smart TV" in which some/many/all of these streams are accessible without a separate box or remote.

Be aware that some of these streams may require separate subscriptions or other activation. For example, we pick up ABC from an antenna on the roof, but if we want to stream ABC, we have to prove that we get ABC from a cable company. Since Comcast/Xfinity supplies our broadband Internet, we use that login and can stream ABC. Kinda weird considering we can watch for free over the air, but the cord-cutter's world is not yet perfect.

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Comments (12)

debbymc
Original Author
8 years ago
Thank you that helps.
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PRO
Technospeak Corporation
7 years ago
Yea because you are new to streaming I would recommend purchasing an Apple TV at a nearby apple store and make an appt at the Genius bar to have one of the tech show you how to hook it up and use it.
Mike C
7 years ago
If you are an Amazon Prime viewer, forget Apple TV.
PRO
Technospeak Corporation
7 years ago
True, but if you are just starting out on streaming then Apple has the supported needed to help people take baby-steps into streaming. I actually prefer the Roku myself for it's Amazon Prime and PLEX client features but that's a little more advanced.
Bruce in Northern Virginia
7 years ago
When I switch from antenna to HDMI I get a menu displayed from the Roku. The menu lists Amazon, Pandora Hulu, Netflix, Plex, and about 10 other streaming services. I use primarily Amazon (free with Prime), where many shows and movies are free, while others require payment. The Roku has similar buttons to a VCR remote, so you can stop, start, and pause any show or movie you select.

I also just set up a Plex server on one of my PCs, and was able to access it from my Roku. Since my son has made a digital copy on the PC of many of our DVDs (ripped), to take on a laptop when we travel, I am now experimenting with accessing my movies using Plex from my Roku. Overall the setup seems fairly simple, although I have to leave my PC on to act as a server. Plex also allows streaming of music, but I haven't tried loading anything from my own CDs yet.

Bruce
debby_1
7 years ago
Thanks, that sounds interesting. I've got the Fire Stick now and friends are recommending the Roku. Another question, I've heard people talk about a hack on the Fire Stick called Jailbreak. Is that legal? I've seen the instructions on the internet but wanted to be sure what is allowed and what is not.
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Technospeak Corporation
7 years ago
Instead of keeping your computer on to use as a Plex Server, you can use one of the mid-range synology NAS drives as a Plex Server instead. Then you don't have to keep your computer on.
Bruce in Northern Virginia
7 years ago
I am using one computer for both Plex and for my home file server. We are still in transition, but since my newer laptop has a relatively small SDD its nice to have a server (with all our files) that can be reached from any of our laptops. My wife also likes the convenience of having everything in one place instead of multiple versions of pictures and data files spread out over multiple laptops.

Bruc
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Technospeak Corporation
7 years ago
Sure you can setup Plex that way as well-- Plex server can run on all kinds of devices. I just prefer to use the Synology NAS solution-- specifically this one:

https://www.amazon.com/Synology-DS416play-NAS-DiskStation-Diskless/dp/B01GB9ZJ3Q

Please note that you must by the Hard drives separately.
User
6 years ago
Am I missing something here? All the input devices are connected to my TV. I use the INPUT button on the TV to change the source of streaming. For example, Roku is HDMI 1, cable box is HDMI 2, etc. Netflix is not a device and is accessible through Roku.
PRO
Technospeak Corporation
6 years ago
Nope. I just think there was some confusion about an app on a device vs the device itself-- at least that's what the original post was about anyway.

Streaming connections.

steve_o

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debbymc
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Streaming connections.

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debbymcOriginal Author

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debbymc
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