What would be the best streaming solution for my parents?

by sando99

Hello, I'm a bit new to all these streaming boxes, so bear with me. I want to choose a tv box for my parents. Nothing fancy like the Shield TV since they won't game or anything like that. They would like to watch Netflix, HBO Go, YouTube and my idea is to setup LAN streaming with VLC and Plex Media Server so they can stream local video files from PC when away from home. It's mandatory that the device runs Android TV OS. I initially eyed the new Chromecast with Google TV, but what puts me off is that it's not officially supported in my country so they may encounter some crippled functionality (Google TV missing, etc.). I prefer to stay away from Xiaomi devices because of the mixed experiences people have with these. All in all, I would like a device that once setup would require no serious fiddling around (this means no sideloading .apks or any other shenanigans every now and then just to make it work). For now I'm looking at MECOOL KM2 but open to any suggestions (around that price range). I'm located in Eastern Europe. Thanks in advance!

Andrroid

Nothing fancy like the Shield TV since they won't game or anything like that.

Its a misconception that the big reason to get a shield is for gaming. If you want something that just works, no headaches, its going to provide that solution.

_marcoos

Other choices to try: Nokia Streaming Box 8000 and Nvidia Shield (you don't need to be a gamer to use it; check whether the standard or pro version suits you better).

Google TV, but what puts me off is that it's not officially supported in my country so they may encounter some crippled functionality (Google TV missing, etc.).

The Google TV UI interface is coming worldwide sooner or later anyway. Plus, even now your "crippled" GTV experience is not much different from what you get on a 3rd party box anyway, so this should not be a reason to stop considering the Chromecast.

tigahb8

How old are your parents? Maybe a smart TV like LG will give them all the channels they need. Maybe an android TV box added? I'm 68 and have smart TV's, Chromecast, apple tv, TIVO 4K stick, and a Win 10 PC on a local network that I can get anything that's out there.

Mard0g

I have shield and mibox. I think you should try the mibox and decide for yourself. Also consider new TCL tv's are cheap and run Android tv (instead of Roku).

AndroidPurity

Using a good VPN that access a server in a supported country would probably fix any unsupported stuff on the Google TV Chromecast.

Most of the Android Boxes made by small companies don't support Netflix and Disney and Amazon Prime.

Those 3 apps require that the device be certified to work specifically with their app. So you could still run into crippling functionality if you don't get a Google TV Chromecast or Nvidia Shield or Xiaomi Mi Box S. There might be 1 or 2 others that are not certified to work with those 3 apps, but not many.

Deadpool-fan-466

By "not officially supported", do you mean the CCwGTV isn't launched in your country?

I don't think that's an issue

chamu_666

If Mi Box is available please buy it. I am a advanced user and never faced a issues. I have tons of streaming apps and use a vast library on Plex. Been more than a year and never came across any issue. If there is any technical issues, if may be due to a settings in the application which you can sort out easily. This is a certified Box for Netflix and other application. I am voting for Mi Box.

8bitPete

Get the Nvidia sheild (tube) anything else is a false economy.

Narcil4

if you want something reliable the last thing i'd get is a mecool ... the mibox is super reliable and probably the easiest. maybe the new nokia box? although i have no personal experience.

i'd just get the shield pro so you can run plex server on that and avoid the all pc on LAN thing, that sounds like a huge headache for non-tech savvy ppl. personally i've used a mibox for years on my "old" 1080p tv and it's been flawless.