We currently have Roku’s on our tvs to connect to streaming services and servers but they are infested with advertisements.

Some other comments mentioned Walmart’s $20 ONN 4k boxes, but these are android and I don’t have the time or knowledge/patience to go through the flashing process on one of those; if there is even a working custom ROM.

Basically we just want a functioning (libre) streaming box. The closest I could find was OSMC’s Vero V (just released a few months ago), although it’s a little pricey at $160 usd. Are there any other options out there or does anyone have any experience with the Vero V?

  • Janovich@lemmy.worldEnglish
    1·
    11 months ago

    I know it’s not a popular option around here and expensive but I absolutely love my Apple TV.

    Besides the set up plug for Apple TV+ I never get any ads from the OS outside of the specific apps. Yeah, you go into Amazon or something you get their ads all over but not sure you can do anything about that. Even without a pinhole it’s a much better experience compared to my TV (when I allowed it online) or a friend’s Roku with piholes.

    Overall though it’s an unobtrusive OS, has apps that are updated well, supports high quality output (4K/atmos etc.). You just have to pay up front for it, but of all the Apple stuff it’s the best bang for the buck. I love to tinker with my tech but for TV, me (and especially) the family need something that just works nicely without needing to fiddle with it.

    • AA5B@lemmy.worldEnglish
      1·
      11 months ago

      I’ve been wondering about that, since my Firestick became so shitty that I actually prefer streaming apps on my TV. Most of my devices are already on Apple, so how about this one?

      • I like fewer ads
      • if it’s like the Apple TV app, there’s too much pressure to buy stuff I’m never going to buy.

      So, on the home screen, can you tell which Videos are to purchase without clicking into them? Are things you subscribe to easily distinguishable from god forsaken ad infested ones?

      • Janovich@lemmy.worldEnglish
        1·
        11 months ago

        It is basically like a basic iOS device so the apps are separated and by each developer. You can rearrange the Home Screen and do folders in the same way. The App Store is similar and just has the tv specific apps.

        The Apple TV app is exactly the same as the app on other Apple devices, but you don’t have to use it. (You may have to change a setting so the home button goes home and not the tv app but I forget)

        The third party apps are pretty much like using Netflix/youtube/whatever on an iPad. So if you hate them they’re you’ll not like this.

        If you can try one I’d give it a shot.

        Also: some people don’t like the remotes (especially the older one), but I really like it. It’s nice that it charges with usb and I only charge it like one a year.