TV Guide Style Setup for FTV Channels on a Firestick of Chromecast?

Lty123 on 21/10/2024 - 18:04
Last edited 21/10/2024 - 18:37

Hi all, I've been researching this for a bit and thought I'd put it out there to ozb to see if anyone has a better solution.

I’m looking for some advice on simplifying my parents' TV setup. They’re not very tech-savvy and prefer using a program guide (EPG) to see what’s on for free-to-air TV, plus some streaming services (like Netflix) for when there’s nothing on live TV.

They effectively would like two things:
1. Primarily be able to watch free to air TV and click through the program guide to see what's on
2. Be able to go into streaming services (like netflix) when they can't find anything and pick from there. I've explained that this is how most people do all their viewing but they want the program guide they're used to - fair enough I suppose!

They're currently using Fetch TV and paying $21 a month to use it as a set top box that gives them the EPG. The interface is quite cluttered and confusing (so many sub menus to find things and clutter), and I figure surely there must be a better option - something like a chromecast with an app for FTV, and netflix etc. installed to choose from.

I've tried to pull up Live TV on my amazon firestick (that I have plugged into my projector) but can't seem to get an EPG working, no TV guide style setup, only going into different apps (like 9NOW) and choosing from their channels there. I've also seen options like Freeview Australia, or Tivimate etc. but can't seem to find a simple all in one solution for them.

Any suggestions for me out there? Thanks!

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Comments

  • AustriaBargain on 21/10/2024 - 19:30
    +1

    I've seen some of the more expensive Samsung TVs have a EPG built in that must connect to the internet and download all descriptions and graphics and stuff, kind of like Plex does, but for what's on live TV and what's coming up on live TV. I thought it was pretty impressive. It treats content on live TV as if it were streaming app, it makes the single-tuner list style EPG on my TV look antiquated in comparison. I'm sure if you connect a hard drive to the TV it'll let you automatically record stuff too.

    Maybe now is a good time for them to buy a new TV?

  • bobbieb on 21/10/2024 - 19:32
    +3

    Grab a HDHomerun and attach it to their router, then pick whatever streaming stick that they prefer.

    The default HDHomerun software is pretty basic, but does grab the OTA tv guide. I have the quattro model and it has served the entire house reliably since I bought it.

  • Qazxswec on 21/10/2024 - 19:42

    I dont really know what i am talking about, but doesnt Hubbl combine everything into one interface, never used it personally though so i dont know

    • ESEMCE on 22/10/2024 - 09:46

      I think you're correct, but it appears to be an absolute train wreck of a device, frequently going through periods of non-functionality despite not even being 12 months new

  • lovesdrpepper on 22/10/2024 - 08:34
    +2

    I've been using the Sparkle TV app on my Chromecast for the last month.

    You can apply the relevant region by adding a raw m3u8 playlist following instructions here by Matt Huisman

  • bazingaa on 22/10/2024 - 10:52
    +1

    you don't need to pay for Fetch TV if you only use FTV + streaming (netflix etc). Payment is only for paid channels.
    Previous Fetch EPG was much better, they made it worse with the recent update. Still much better than my S90C EPG

  • nicktork on 22/10/2024 - 11:41
    +1

    Download the Tivimate app (it's worth paying for) and set it up using the playlist and EPG here: https://www.matthuisman.nz/2017/07/australia-iptv-epg-files.…

    This works perfectly on my TCL Android TV and an nVidia Shield Pro.

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