Please educate me on streaming services & sticks

last month

We finally got fiber optic cable today. Main tv viewer will be DH who will be watching in the LR.

Our good but old tv supported Roku 13 years ago but it was slow as molasses so we got rid of it.

What I'd like to know is,

1. Is a stick the same as a device?

2. I have Amz Prime w/one echo dot that I keep in the bedroom for music. It's in my name and I'm not sharing my Amz password w/DH. :) If we got another echo dot for the LR using my prime, will it interfere with the bedroom's echo dot, or would DH have to buy his own Prime to use it?

Not interested in a smart tv.

Would you tell me what device you stream from, what all is offered, cost, and what type of tv do you use.

Featured Answer

bbstx

last month

Sometimes a picture is worth….

Here is the Roku stick on the back of my Samsung Smart TV.

I’ve outlined the stick in this picture. There is a wire that plugs into the stick and into a USB port that powers it. It is highlighted in red in this picture.

Below is the Roku remote. It is generally all-black, but I bought silicon skins from The Great A for the remote in the LR and the one in DH’s study. The silicon skin made it easier for DH to hold the remote. I got 2 different colors so we could keep up with which remote went with which TV. This remote is about 2 years old, so it may have changed looks by now. Volume and mute are on the right side.

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Comments (36)

maddielee
last month
last modified: last month
We use an Amazon Firestick for streaming. Often on sale. The TV with the firestick is considered a ‘device‘.

Once you install the Firestick, you will need to subscribe to services for streaming.

We don’t use our echo (your Dot), we use the remote that is part of the Firestick package.

https://www.amazon.com/fire-tv-stick-with-3rd-gen-alexa-voice-remote/dp/B08C1W5N87
bbstx
last month
We have 2 Dots. Name them different things and you’ll be okay. One of ours is ”Alexa“ the other is ”Echo.” They work independently unless I pair them. They are currrently paired for Spotify.
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Oakley
Original Author
last month
Do you use them do stream tv shows?
Tina Marie
last month
We have two echo dots also. TBH, we rarely use them. I use Amazon Music to stream music and I usually do that from our smart tvs or my phone. In my car, my phone is set up to work through my radio, so I can access my amazon music there also.

I know you said you weren't interested in Smart TVs but that is what we use to stream. We normally don't watch much tv. In nice weather, we are most often outside till dark. This winter, however, we started watching Yellowstone. A Smart TV is so easy to use for streaming. You buy/download apps (netflix, hulu, paramount, etc.) We have Amazon prime so can access Amazon Prime Video. It's an app on the Smart TV too. We have fiber optic cable for our internet, but it has nothing to do with our tv as we don't have cable tv.
bbstx
last month
I don’t. Most streaming is done on Roku on our SmartTv. Rarely, I’ll stream somehting on my iPad, such as Amazon Prime Video or Netflix.
Bunny
last month
Isn't a stick a type of device?

I have a Sonos One in my kitchen (Alexa) for streaming music and asking questions. Audio only.

I have four tvs in my house, none of which are smart. Attached to each is an Apple TV device through which I stream YouTube TV (over the internet via wifi) and/or shows via apps (e.g., Disney+, AppleTV+, etc.).

Since I'm a cord-cutter and got rid of DirecTV, all my tv is streamed over wifi via these four devices.
Oakley
Original Author
last month
We don't have cable tv either but our tv has an internet connection. Here's a great explanation, and the link under it made the decision for us to go Roku. No need for a smart tv.

" Roku lets you watch thousands of different programs from a variety of streaming video services. All you need is an Internet connection and a Roku streaming media box, Roku Streambar, Roku stick, or Roku TV, and you're all set. "

Fiber optic sends signals to everything in your house that's internet related.

Beats out other streaming devices They have a lot of free tv too, if I'm not mistaken and no monthly fee unless we subscribe to something on Roku.
lyfia
last month
last modified: last month
For streaming video you need either a SmartTV, a roku stick, an amazon Firestick, Google chromecast, apple TV device, etc. The echo dot only streams audio.

All of these devices connects to your WiFi and through that to the internet. Then on these devices you download apps to view content. Some of these apps are Amazon Prime, Netflix, YouTube, Hulu, etc. so you have to have an account with one of these services to also be able to view things. Some have free content like YouTube, but to view shows, movies etc. they all charge a monthly fee, although YouTube will at times have some content posted you can view that is free, but they are generally one offs.

To view things you login to the chosen app with a user name and password and navigate it somewhat similarly to what you would on a computer except using a remote and arrow buttons to move between the screens and an enter button to make a selection.
Bunny
last month
I have YouTube TV. It costs $65 a month and streams to all my devices. I used to pay 3x that amount for DirecTV with nothing better imho. I love that my iPhone is a device when I'm not home. I can watch live tv as if I were at home, all the channels.
3katz4me
last month
last modified: last month
We have Samsung smart TVs (just about every TV is smart these days whether you want to use it or not) but we use Roku devices for streaming. We used Roku long before there were Smart TVs so we're used to the user interface and there have been a few things that aren't available on Samsung. A stick is just a smaller streaming device that plugs directly into a port on the TV vs a small device that attaches via a cord. You can also get a Roku soundbar that provides better sound with built in Roku capability. We have a couple Echo devices that we use only for playing music. We run the TV with the Roku remote.

YouTubeTV is pretty much like cable - it's not a streaming service. It runs through the internet though, not through a cable or dish. We got YouTubeTV for our lake cabin where we have great internet but no TV reception. We used to have cable but YouTubeTV is much less expensive and you can use it on any TV attached to the internet. We don't watch it much - mostly just the local news - but DH likes the Golf channel which he can now watch at home too - including on his laptop. It also has built in DVR capability which is handy - we haven't had DVR in many years since we cut the cord on cable.

For many years the only streaming game in town was Amazon Prime and Netflix. We had those two only until recently when programs we were watching were suddenly gone and available on some other service. I canned Netflix the last time they raised their prices and realized I wasn't watching it much. We now have Amazon, Acorn and Peacock Plus. I had Hulu for a while but cancelled in favor of Peacock so I can continue watching Chicago Med, Fire and PD. The whole streaming thing used to be a lot simpler.
pricklypearcactus
last month
I've had both devices/sticks and smart TVs. For devices I've used AppleTV, Roku, and mostly Firestick. They each have a different user interface and remote, but ultimately should be able to stream the same services. A smart TV is just a TV with the streaming device built in. Absolutely no need to go that route unless you want to.

For streaming options, there are so many now. I think it all depends on what kind of streaming you like to do and how much you want to pay. It's hard to find everything you want all in one. You should check and see if your cable provider gives you free streaming with your cable service. Sometimes they do. The biggest thing with streaming is figuring out which service(s) have the type of programming you want to watch and pay for. Some are more like TV where things are "on" with a schedule (often with on-demand as well) or only on-demand. Some have different levels where you pay a lower price if you tolerate ads (or sometimes free with ads). HBO Max has good movies and some good TV shows. Netflix has a mixture of some decent movies and TV shows but a lot of garbage too, and it seems like it's always going downhill. Same thing with Amazon Prime (but at least you get other benefits with Prime). Hulu has a lower cost with ads and a higher cost without ads. So far every Black Friday Hulu has had a $1/month deal that we've snagged. Freevee is a free option with ads. Paramount+ has some stuff, but it sure seems like a lot of their content is "locked" without a Showtime account too. There is of course Disney+ now as well. Unfortunately the more streaming services, the more diluted each option is. For more "regular" programmed TV, I've used SlingTV and have liked it. But I don't have it now. I haven't tried Peacock yet.

Hope that helps some. Happy streaming!
Tina Marie
last month
last modified: last month
Some good advice here. In the last few years we needed to replace two tvs, and went with larger and decided on smart tvs. So we stream without an extra "device".

The good thing is you can swap around your services to what you want. There are always deals to be found. As prickly mentioned, hula has deals. We got one end of year - 2.99 a month. Right now we have Netflix (for a certain show), hulu and Paramount Plus for about $15/month ( besides some free apps). Of course we have Amazon Prime Video too.
carolb_w_fl_coastal_9b
last month
last modified: last month
Yes - a stick plugs into the HDMI port just like a cable. That's what Amazon has, IMPE. If you thought your Roku was slow (which may have been due to your service), just try a Firestick - every one I've ever used is terribly slow to respond - and the remote is kind of annoying. I much prefer Roku's system - and you can get the Prime app and all the other paid services on Roku too.

Also IMPE, Roku is much easier to use/navigate.

We have 3 TVs, one is a Roku TV with everything built in, another is a smart TV that uses wifi, and the other is a regular wired TV. We have 2 Roku Express devices for the non-Roku TVs.
Allison0704
last month
fwiw, if you have a T-Mobile Magenta Plan (there are 3), you get Netflix Free on Us ($10 value) included. If you want to upgrade to the top tier of Netflix, it is only $11 a month.
Tina Marie
last month
@bbstx why do you use a roku with your smart tv?
girlnamedgalez8a
last month
The older Roku's are much slower then the newer ones. The newest are very fast.
bpath
last month
I received a Fire as a gift, and when we took Dad’s larger TV that happens to be Smart, we could finally plug the stick in. I still don’t understand it all, only that we now have three remotes and none of them do everything. The Fire remote doesn’t have volume or operate the Blue-Ray, the Blue-Ray remote doesn’t do anything streaming-related except volume, and the Smart tv remote is entirely too sensitive but at least it has a Mute button.

Oh well, it keeps the brain thinking while watching the tube (now there’s a phrase from the past).

I see several streaming services snd I don’t know which are part of our subscriptions and which are Fire and Amazon Prime. I guess if Netflix decides that our son and us are not the same household and shuts something down, we will find out (even though he started the subscription in our household and we go back and forth, and watch it on all kinds of devices in various places).

Watching TV used to be so simple.
Oakley
Original Author
last month
Lyfia, if we download Amazon Prime, do I have to give DH my Amazon password?

Tina, the only device needed for Roku is the little stick shown in the picture above, no more boxes. Roku offers the same services/apps to download.

Does Roku still offer free tv channels/movies like they used to?

BB, I just checked where the USB ports are and it's at the easiest place to reach, behind the tv at the very end. That's where we'll plug in the little antenna for local programming.

Prickly, I read that adding Roku to a regular tv turns it into a smart tv. I think Roku is what led to other streaming devices and a smart tv.

The whole point of being a "cord cutter" is to cut out the ridiculous prices to watch tv.

Allison, we have T mobile but not the magenta. I hate cell phones. :)

Roku plus indoor antenna, check!

Thank you all, I've learned a great deal!
Tina Marie
last month
Yes oakley, i saw the picture. I just dont understand the need for a device with a smart tv. i guess ours is built in because we don”t plug anything into ours.
blfenton
last month
So, I am obviously a luddite because not only did I not understand one post on this thread but I don't even know what streaming is. I have enough tv to watch with cable.
maddielee
last month
Oak, if you already are a Prime member you can watch Prime Video. Try downloading the Prime Video app on your phone, or tablet, to test how easy it is.

I also browse and save what I want to watch using my iPad. I find It’s easier to add things to watch using my iPad then using the remote with a TV screen. Then, like magic, my watch list is there (within the app) on the big screen.
maddielee
last month
@Tina Marie

“I just dont understand the need for a device with a smart tv.”

We had to add a Firestick to a smart TV because our smart TV was not able to update so that we could add the apps we wanted. Its an older (7 years) smart TV that came with a few apps.
bbstx
last month
Oakley, my TV is in the bookcase but it is on an articulating arm. When I have it pushed back, it almost appears built in, but I can easily access the back by pulling it forward.

The few times that we’ve had a ”watch party” for football or whatever, I can pull the TV way out and turn it so that it can be seen by the entire room. We have a Samsung sound bar.

FWIW, our TV is almost 10 years old. DH was the TV watcher. I’m not, so I’m not of a mind to upgrade or buy a new one.
Tina Marie
last month
Thanks Maddielee! We have not had a problem accessing anything.

We have an hd attic antenna which will cover multiple tvs if needed. We can get about 50 stations with it.
teeda
last month
Oakley, no you will not need to share your Amazon password for other family members to watch Prime Video.
DLM2000-GW
last month
Oakley you will need to log in to your prime account (with your password) the first time you set up Prime video on your TV/device. After that it is ready to go when you choose that app.
Allison0704
last month
@Oakley . We were with Sprint, which merged with TMoble. I changed us to the 55+ plan last year. Unlimited everything and not expensive. The 55+ is a Magenta plan, so free basic Netflix.
Judi
last month
last modified: last month
So, I am obviously a luddite because not only did I not understand one post on this thread but I don't even know what streaming is. I have enough tv to watch with cable.

We were having problems with cable and after 2 tech visits that didn't resolve the issue we started researching alternatives for streaming. Fortunately, the cable issue was eventually resolved. What I found was prices for streaming vs. cable could easily end up being equal depending on what you want. We use cable for internet and would still have to do that if we dropped TV.

https://www.allconnect.com/blog/streaming-vs-cable-vs-satellite-tv-compare-channels#:~:text=Outside%20of%20a%20few%20%E2%80%9Cskinny,they%20are%20with%20cable%20TV.
runninginplace
last month
We had to add a Firestick to a smart TV because our smart TV was not able to update so that we could add the apps we wanted. Its an older (7 years) smart TV that came with a few apps.

I bought a smart tv and a few years later it would no longer connect to my home wifi. Tried everything, ATT my carrier couldn't figure out the problem. So I finally called one of my engineering alumni who is a senior tech mgr at the tv manufacturer. He explained that indeed, the television makers do not continue to upgrade the software so at some point smart tv sets go dumb LOL

I used roku for streaming apps quite happily for awhile along with UVerse from ATT for tv. That was fine till last Christmas when UVerse and our wifi went down on Dec 22 and were gone for a full week(!).

I was already planning to cut cable at some point since UVerse is no longer a supported product thus no more annual phone call where you threaten to cancel and they lop off a third of the monthly cost. Price was ridiculous and I just needed a nudge to cancel.

Ended up with XFinity (Comcast) wifi that came with several free apps including Peacock for a year. I was already a Hulu customer so I signed up for Hulu Plus Live tv ad free. It's not cheap at $90/month but UVerse was $150/month so I'm still ahead.

I may go down a level or two on the Hulu because I don't think I need ad-free. Didn't realize you can record shows and FF through ads on replay which is how I watch 99% of my television.

I like it ok, it's sort of a pain to get to things like local/national news on Hulu with a series of clicks and slides but overall I'm glad we are finally cable free.

The XFinity wifi is a lot faster than the ATT wifi although we still get occasional buffer pauses.
carolb_w_fl_coastal_9b
last month
Yes indeed, smart TVs come in varying levels of smart. Ours can run on wifi, but it was purchased before apps became a thing, so barely smart, compared to the ones made today.

Our internet charges are less than half of what it would cost if we had kept our cable.
Judi
last month
Our internet charges are less than half of what it would cost if we had kept our cable.

They weren't priced separately?
carolb_w_fl_coastal_9b
last month
We have Spectrum/Bright House, you can get cable/internet or just internet, no TV. We dropped the cable TV from our service and it halved our monthly bill.
Oakley
Original Author
last month
Tina, you will be happy to know that DH ended up buying a smart tv. :) He did a lot of research and even called Best Buy and we think our current tv isn't compatible with Roku which seems silly to me since it worked but slowly downloaded, on our tv ten years ago.

He also got an indoor antenna...just in case.
Tina Marie
last month
Hope you like it Oakley! We have had several Toshiba tvs in the past, always with good service and longevity. So we went with Smart TVs, we were happy to find that Amazon has a line of Toshiba Fire Tvs. (There are also other brand fire tvs.) We have two and both have been great. Instead of an indoor antenna, we have an HD attic antenna (mounts in side your attic), that will work with any/all tvs in the house. It allows us to get our local stations and many area stations. Hope you like your new set-up!
JePenseTrop
last month
I hope your TV works out Oakley.

I have a Sony android TV but I hate the annoying, clunky interface so I use a Roku Ultra for streaming - I love it, I even have one that I take with me when I travel overseas.

What I love about Roku is their (both free) Roku Live Channel and Roku Channel.

The Roku Live channel has a lot of British and Canadian home & garden shows, and also dedicated channels for Monty Don, BBC Home, BBC Food, Architectural Digest, Homeful, Bon Appetit, The Design Network, Martha Stewart, Emeril, Test Kitchen, This Old House, Jamie Oliver, and much more.

They also have old, new, and original content on the Roku Channel, like new Martha Stewart and Emeril shows as well as a lot of movies and series with limited commercials.

We watch PBS and Roku Live during the day, one hour of national and local news and the evening is spent binging or watching a movie from one of the numerous streaming services we have.

Please educate me on streaming services & sticks

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