[PoolBrews]

Originally Posted by retiredguy123

As I understand it, you can now install the youtube tv app on a Roku device. Even when they blocked it, you could still access youtube tv from the youtube app. I don't know of any other apps that are blocked by Roku.

The Firestick, and other Amazon devices, are not a true Android devices. For example, they do not support the Google Play Store app without doing a sideload installation. I once tried to install the Google Play Store app on a Fire 7 tablet, but the installation failed due to an insufficient amount of memory.

Every independent review of streaming devices I have read rank the Roku devices higher than the Firestick. I own several Amazon devices, including tablets and Ereaders. They are good, economical devices. But, for streaming videos and movies, I think the Roku is a better way to go.

Yes, Roku finally reached an agreement with Google, and you can now load YouTube TV. That doesn't change the fact that they blocked loading it for nearly 8 months.

Yes, you could access YouTube TV for a period of time through the YouTube app. How is it reasonable to expect a user that uses YouTube TV as their primary TV to have to go to YouTube and log in each time through a link buried at the bottom of the app? The only reason this worked is because Google modified their app to provide access when Roku blocked the main app.

Then Roku somehow magically "broke" the YouTube app as well so the workaround didn't work in a new release pushed to all Roku's.

Now the big story is that Roku is in a disagreement with Amazon, and may block all of those channels.

My point here is you are directly at the mercy of Roku, and there is no workaround that an end consumer can do other than to move to a different device than the Roku.

You are correct, the FireStick is not a full OS - but it is an OS and is capable of far more than a Roku. Just the fact that I can sideload an app at any time removes the possibility that I'm left out in the cold due a decision by Amazon.

With regards to reviews, I can find just as many reviews that list the FireStick #1 as reviews that list Roku as #1. The reality is that both work well (far better than the "free" apps included on smart TV's), but Roku has demonstrated to me on multiple occasions that they could care less about their end user.

[EdFNJ]

Originally Posted by PoolBrews

You are correct, the FireStick is not a full OS - but it is an OS and is capable of far more than a Roku. Just the fact that I can sideload an app at any time removes the possibility that I'm left out in the cold due a decision by Amazon.

They can at "anytime" change that ability as well with a simple update and unless you are in the minority of folks who know how to go around that you'd be SOL. Just like cable tv as well as C-Band satellite sellers/buyers went full encrypted many years ago to stop the piracy. My neighbor many years ago had a BUD (big ugly dish) in his yard and it was great back in the 80's but he used it as a bird bath for years after. Best part was watching the live network news feeds in between commercials.

[rjm1cc]

It should plug into your TV in an Hdmi port. If you do not have the port you can not use. Then you have to use your TV remote to change the source of your programs to the hdmi port you plugged the firestick into. Be sure to write down the TV port before you change it. You use the TV remote to get back to TV. It is possible that your TV will switch to the firestick when you turn on the firestick using its remote and maybe back when you use the TV.

[EdFNJ]

Originally Posted by rjm1cc

It should plug into your TV in an Hdmi port. If you do not have the port you can not use. Then you have to use your TV remote to change the source of your programs to the hdmi port you plugged the firestick into. Be sure to write down the TV port before you change it. You use the TV remote to get back to TV. It is possible that your TV will switch to the firestick when you turn on the firestick using its remote and maybe back when you use the TV.

It seem the OP wants a bit more than "just plugging it in" since he hasn't replied to the thread and has logged in multiple times since. My offer remains to plug it in for free but if he wants to load it with other stuff Google is his friend.

[ROCKMUP]

Unless I'm mistaken, with the newer smart TV's you don't need any of that stuff.
Maybe I missed it in this thread somewhere though.

[PoolBrews]

Originally Posted by ROCKMUP

Unless I'm mistaken, with the newer smart TV's you don't need any of that stuff.
Maybe I missed it in this thread somewhere though.

The apps in the Smart TV are nowhere near as well designed and programmed as the apps for FireStick or Roku. The TV makers goal is to sell a TV, not provide you with the best apps. Those are added to sell the TV.

TV apps, in most cases, will not provide the video and audio quality of the apps specifically designed for streaming platforms like FireStick, Roku, or Apple TV. Many of them will experience buffering issues (freezing momentarily), and lock ups.

So, yes they may be easier to use, but the number and variety of issues in the built in apps will cause more long term problems for the end user than the short term issue of learning to use one of the streaming platforms.

When you buy a new TV, you'll have to learn that interface all over. If you are already using one of the streaming devices, just move it to the new TV, and everything works the same.

[capecoralbill]

Small point, but I like the remote control that is supplied with the firestick better than the Roku remote control. I like to button layout better.