Need advice getting into Android TV

by FlyOnTheWall43

I am planning on getting into Android TV in the next couple weeks - hopefully utilizing a Black Friday or Cyber Monday deal and I have a couple questions.

  • If I go with a new TV, my budget will be <$800.
  • If I go with a Box, it'll probably be a Shield.
  1. What are the differences/advantages/disadvantages of getting an actual Android TV vs an Android TV Box?
  2. Is there still no support for multiple google accounts?
  3. Are there advantages to a newer model Android TV over an older model? Here's why I ask:
    1. I'm looking into these two TV's:
      1. https://www.amazon.com/Sony-XBR55X850D-55-Inch-Ultra-Smart/dp/B01A5LU5E4
      2. https://www.amazon.com/Sony-KD55X750F-55-Inch-Ultra-Smart/dp/B07D1FQRFP
    2. One being a relatively higher end from 2016 and one being more basic from 2018.
  4. If I went the TV route, are the cheaper brands (Westinghouse, Skyworth, Hisense, others?) work looking into, or should I stick with Sony Bravia and/or Sharp Aquos?

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

JimboLodisC

#ALWAYS BUY A TV BASED ON PICTURE QUALITY ALONE.

Then buy the Shield. It will be the smoothest UI experience and has the most features. Then if you ever decide to upgrade it, you can just replace the box. You won't have to replace the entire TV or deal with an okay looking TV screen because you skipped over a better looking one to have the Android TV UI.

paintmekev

Android TVs are terribly slow and people have had problems with support when they run into issues. I would go with the TV+shield

avisahani

I have Sony 43W800C Android TV and i tell you what thats the worst purchase i ever made (and the expensive one too).

I could have a mediocre 4k TV at same price and a Android Box but i am stuck with a weird crisis between contrast and deep blacks on my TV.

I suggest go buy a TV mith maxed out spec in your price range without Android TV functionality and buy a Android Box later on.

fshagan

I favor boxes over tvs as well. The tv os typically gets updates for about two years and then they stop sending updates. The boxes seen to get more frequent updates.

ShawnDex

Android TV very good setup and will fit your budget read the reviews from the buyers that's only opinion that matter from people that actually own these products.

:

TCL 55S405 55-Inch 4K Ultra HD Roku Smart LED TV (2017 Model) $349.99 https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01MTGM5I9/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

:

NVIDIA SHIELD TV Gaming Edition | 4K HDR Streaming Media Player with GeForce NOW $199.00 https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N1NT9Y6/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

:

SiliconDust HDHomeRun CONNECT. FREE broadcast HDTV (2-Tuner) $73.95 https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00GY0UB54/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

:

[2018 Latest] Amplified HD Digital TV Antenna Long 65-80 Miles Range – Support 4K 1080p & All Older TV's Indoor Powerful HDTV Amplifier Signal Booster - 18ft Coax Cable/USB Power Adapter $27.95 https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07FVLXHYV/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

onesonesones

I just got the shield so here is my experience:

  1. No native browser for Android TV? So pathetic. You have to either sideload Chrome browser, or use Puffin Browser from the app store. You'll need a browser to sideload apps, because...
  2. App store for Android TV apps is poor. So, just because you have a particular android app on your phone, doesn't mean it'll be available easily for the TV. Sideloading necessary for my local cable subscriber's TV app for example.
  3. Typing isn't very good. You can use the clicker and onscreen keyboard but it's frustrating. I have a good bluetooth keyboard that I connected, but some keys won't work at times, as well as the expected behavior when you hit enter... entering accounts and passwords for netflix etc can be a one time challenge that makes you hate your new purchase..
  4. the remote for the shield is a minimal remote with touch sensitive areas... frustrating at times.. would rather have a bunch of clicking buttons on a proper clicker
  5. there's a remote app on android for your phone, but again, typing still is a challenge... as well there is occasional lag or connectivity issues
  6. I was able to get an IPTV service running but have been having some occasional audio issues... not much is working smoothly but it seems to be getting better... You feel helpless at times when there's no sound or a lag
  7. The android tv versions of some apps are poor in comparison to their phone version. Spotify for example. Am considering sideloading the phone app just so I can get to my library quicker

Am generally happy with the purchase but it's required a fair amount of wrangling to advise others

donsmith2060

I have a sony 900e and a shield. The android tv on the sony never gets used. Just get a high quality picture (Check it out in your local big box store) and a shield. I'd even recommend the shield pro, but with adaptable storage it almost doesn't matter.