Best Basic Streaming Device for an Old 1080p TV?

Khriso on 23/10/2024 - 16:42

I'm looking for a basic streaming device for my mum's almost 15yo 40" Sony Bravia 1080p TV. She had been using Telstra TV for the past decade but Telstra are discontinuing it next week and we missed the window to get a free fetch TV box.

I was intent on getting the Chromecast HD but just read they've discontinued the Chromecast line in favour of their new streaming device (which I've read is not that much better anyway).

I'm probably looking at the Fire Stick TV HD but it is pretty expensive at $69 - as Amazon just rolled out the new generation for these devices. I've also read about issues relating to the fire stick line historically.

We won't be needing a 4k streaming device, as that will be a separate purchase down the line for her other 4K TV.

What are your recommendations for this? She will purely be using it for streaming services like Youtube and Netflix.

Thanks in advance.

Electrical & Electronics Media Player

Comments

  • AustriaBargain on 23/10/2024 - 16:50
    +1

    She use an iPhone? Apple TV for the rest of her life is probably easiest. Last interface she'll have to learn, except for when Apple change it a little every year. If she has an iPhone then it's a good match, even if she uses an Android and won't want to cast it's still a good choice.

    • Khriso on 23/10/2024 - 16:57

      She does use an iPhone. The Apple TV 4K is most likely what we'd opt for down the track for her other 4KTV, but most of her watching time is on the 1080p Bravia in her room. So we're just looking at a cheaper option currently that will extend the life of her Bravia.

      • AustriaBargain on 23/10/2024 - 17:28
        +1

        Could probably get the 1080p Apple TV pretty cheap. The one with the current form factor and OS I mean. It's old, but capable, maybe can be found cheap.

  • pc007 on 23/10/2024 - 17:19

    FireTV stick is your best bet.

    But yes no offers at the moment.

    Lite version available at OW for $59.
    https://www.officeworks.com.au/shop/officeworks/p/amazon-fir…

    • 87percent on 23/10/2024 - 17:44
      +1

      If she uses BT headphones, I would not recommend the Lite. The volume cannot be changed, which is so stupid

      • pc007 on 24/10/2024 - 20:43

        May be. I was just recommending from money point of view.

  • Caped Baldy on 23/10/2024 - 17:21
    +1

    Can you get a second hand chromecast with google TV?

  • snapper17 on 23/10/2024 - 17:35

    the old chromecast still works they are just not selling them anymore. You can get them from ebay ect still

    https://www.jaycar.com.au/google-chromecast-with-google-tv-h…

  • RogerLoger on 23/10/2024 - 17:38
    +1

    I've used both Fire TV and Chromecast with Google TV. I gave the latter away when almost new with an old TV set and Fire TV (because it is reasonably consistent with our new Samsung TV). The Fire TV works well with our old Sony 1080p (the smarts of which all disappeared many years ago). You could add an Echo Pop. We got our Pop for $25 and it MIGHT be with that. However, if you search for thing using voice, it always seems to come up with a paid option and doesn't tell you proceeding will result in paying for a subscription. I chatted with Amazon a few times about that, demanding and getting money back on unwanted subscriptions.

    So, Fire TV works well. Add a Pop, but beware of the Amazon grab for cash. However, wait for Black Friday/Cyber Monday, when electronics are generally discounted. If you see Apple TV at a reasonable price then, go for it. Otherwise, IMO there's not a lot to separate Fire TV or Chromecast with Google TV

  • Khriso on 23/10/2024 - 19:17

    Thanks for your thoughts everyone. I was initially inclined to find a second hand google chromecast HD but I'm wary of the support for these devices down the line - as the chromecast line has been discontinued.

    Sounds like Fire TV is an okay option, is that $59 Lite option the same as the one they have on amazon currently for $69?

    • Horacio on 23/10/2024 - 22:53

      They regularly go on sale, if you can hold off a little while

  • kingofnowhere on 23/10/2024 - 20:21
    +1

    @Khriso, Google Chromecast HD version is still available in jbhifi for $59. I was able to get one in Sydney this week.

  • netjock on 23/10/2024 - 22:07

    Get a chomecast for like $25 from cash converters until when you do decide with new generation.

  • Frazman on 30/10/2024 - 18:50

    Found this post after searching for Telstra TV alternatives, as I was in the exact same boat. Ended up picking up a Chromecast HD from a local Jaycar for less than $56 new. Got a 1% price-beat by quoting officeworks who are selling for $56. Very happy with the Google TV OS.

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