Just got a Sony TV that has Google TV on it. Haven't signed in with my google account. But reading through here it sounds like it's not recommended? That it's better to to get a separate streaming device like perhaps a Fire Stick? Or does it matter if I make a new google account just for the TV?
Do I need to do one or the other to get to use HBOMax or Disney+?
Thanks!
It is not recommended at least not anymore. The current generations of tvs are just as powerful as a firestick or dare I say it nvidia shield. I have a sony z9D with onboard android, and a older lcd tv with an nvidia shield attached. Not really seeing a huge difference between the two. using all apps like netflix, youtube tv, and other streaming apps. I like the simplicity of the tv running everything, no changing inputs of audio issues etc. Every once in a while the tv can get a little slow since android can leave some apps running. But a keyboard and alt + tab and i can close any apps left open. I even put the android tv to the test with vlc and streaming a high bitrate movie from usb and network. Have not seen any issues. I have personally used, disney+,paramount+, hbomax, hbo go ( when it was there) netflix, youtube tv, sling, with no issues. Hbomax passed through surround sound to my receiver via arc.
The only thing that might be a little disappointing is that the Tv's usually dont have a lot of storage space built in. I think my z9d has about 8gb total. plenty for applications but not for large hd movies, but it has a usb 3 which i plug in a 32 gb flash drive and watch downloaded moves from.
What i like is it is just simple and just works, no switching inputs, just power on the tv and use the apps. If the tvs processor is sluggish then you would see it right away in day to day usage, only then would i recommend an external box.
Depending on which tv you've got, you should be fine with the internal apps.
My Sony A8H is just as fast if not faster than my apple tv 4k.
I got one (X91J) about two weeks ago and used my own Google account, zero issues - everything works great, super snappy. I was originally planning to use it with an Apple TV but after a couple weeks with the built in OS I’m retiring the Apple TV - no real benefits for me.
This is moving on from a recent Samsung and I couldn’t be happier - amazing upgrade.
If you are asking about using a separate Google/Gmail account for your TV and everything else, no need. Connect your Google TV with you regular Google account.
If you are asking between using the Android apps on your tv (Netflix, D+, etc) or using an external device like Chromecast or Nvidia shield I would say use the TV internal apps. I have two Sony Android TV's and it is way more convenient to use internal apps. The only negative is the Hulu app for Android TV has no surround sound, stereo only. But very few devices for Hulu support 5.1 sound.
Try tv first. If you don't like the performance just reset it and go with a stick. A80j works well. 850c (5-6y old) was terrible.
The new Sony TV has tons of RAM, so just go for it and sign in for the best experience. You can make a new Google account if you want, that's totally up to you.
Just use the TV. Android TV performance used to be pretty janky on TVs a few years ago, but bluntly that has been a solved issue for a while. Doesn't stop some redditors shouting dogma that hasn't really been accurate for three years though.
Really like Google TV. Curious why you think it is recommended to not use?
I use to keep a Google Sheet with what I watched and now it is automated with Google TV. What I love is that it is tied to your account and instead of the device.
Sony's Android TV implementation is awesome. Go wild on it. You can use stremio and Smart Tube Next for better experience install all the games and APKs you want and add storage with usb when you don't have any left. You can even plug in or connect Bluetooth game controllers, headphones, mouses or even DACs. Everything works out of box
Also you can install the Apple TV app.
The only problem I have with my a90j is that there's not enough storage. Not even for a descent amount of apps. You have to install a USB stick . And hopefully get that to work right ...
Creating a separate account for your streaming services isn't a bad idea. Maybe a best practice...
Use your regular gmail or make a new one, but why would you use an Amazon stick when the onboard GoogleTV works perfectly? HBO and Disney are apps just like Netflix and Hulu and need their own account subscriptions. Remember YouTube app also uses your gmail Credentials so if you want to see the same favorites from your phone, you’ll need to use the same Google/Gmail.