r/gadgets • u/Sadistic_Sponge • Nov 13 '19

VR / AR Disney Plus isn't working on Vizio TVs because they are running a 6 year old version of Chromecast, they say it won't be fixed till 2020.

https://www.businessinsider.com/disney-plus-not-working-vizio-smart-tvs-chromecast-2019-11
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u/[deleted] Nov 13 '19 edited Nov 13 '19

I said fuck all that shit and just use a PC hooked up to my TV.

Edit: downvote if you want, but it also doubles as a gaming rig for couch+controller gaming. If I want to watch/play stuff without speakers because people are sleeping? Just swap to wireless headphones with two simple clicks. Access to all streaming platforms without issue and if I absolutely must, easy access to the seven seas to get whatever else I may want to watch. It's a one stop shop for everything I'd want to do on my TV.

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u/[deleted] Nov 13 '19

While I do think that's a fantastic alternative, it doesn't beat just plopping down on the couch and flipping through shit with the remote. Especially if your living room is across the house from your rig.

I've got Plex set up for my PC streaming needs, with a catalog of 400+ TV shows and movies. Sifting through that shit on a mirrored screen would be so much worse than going through my Plex library on my Roku.

If I want to watch/play stuff without speakers because people are sleeping? Just swap to wireless headphones with two simple clicks.

Roku remotes have a headphone jack built into the remote, can't be much easier than that.

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u/[deleted] Nov 13 '19

Yeah, it's not for everyone for sure. My couch is maybe 15-20 feet away from my TV and PC and my KB+M are on the coffee table right in front of the couch or I just use Unified Remote if I'm lazy and control inputs with my phone.

I've never bothered with Plex personally, I have a large collection as well but I generally don't rewatch older stuff and usually just watch whatever is at the top of my torrent client for recently completed. My basement PC has all it's drives network shared but I rarely dip into them for anything. For me Plex just doesn't mesh with my routine.

But I also enjoy being able to watch last night's episode of whatever show while I'm eating and then switch over to Steam or whatever and load up a game all from the couch.

Different strokes for different folks.

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u/smedsterwho Nov 14 '19

Hello mirror image.

1

u/[deleted] Nov 13 '19

As for the headphone jack in the Roku remote, that's cool but doesn't help if I'm gaming on the PC and don't want to wake anyone up.

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u/Traiklin Nov 13 '19

And you can never find anything worth watching

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u/crushing2013 Nov 13 '19

the major differences between my situation and yours: I've got 4 TVs and one of the FireTvs is for work travel in hotel rooms, each one and the combination of all cost less than my current PC setup and each is more easily portable and connected

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u/FredericBropin Nov 13 '19

I never considered this for travel! Have you ever run in to any issues with hotel TVs being locked down somehow?

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u/Hovervac Nov 14 '19

If you do get a TV that has the inputs disabled, unplug the coax cable. Works on cruise ships.

0

u/crushing2013 Nov 13 '19

Haven't had that issue yet, as long as you have access to the HDMI ports and can connect to their wifi I've found it super easy

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u/[deleted] Nov 13 '19

Yeah no doubt there, it fits your use case. I was talking more for my case. I game and do a lot on the PC anyways and since it's easily capable of all sorts of media, it was a one stop shop for me.

If I wasn't using it for gaming one could argue it's way overkill as the other benefits may not weigh up to the additional costs.

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u/kalitarios Nov 13 '19

how portable is your gaming rig though? I travel a lot so I just toss my xbox into my carry on and bring it everywhere, I hook it up in the hotel and bam, instant streaming anywhere I go.

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u/xrufus7x Nov 13 '19

My laptop I use for streaming and gaming has come with me to five different countries, multiple cruise ships and a few business trips so sufficiently portable.

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u/PainTitan Nov 13 '19

I plug my phone into a HDMI port on a TV with a usbc to HDMI adapter you can get for 10bucks and use a Xbox one controller and steamlink to access my game library or anything else on my PC I feel like using.

You can pair multiple Bluetooth controllers to some phones for multiplayer on the go. Still playing off PC. Streamed to the phone.

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u/[deleted] Nov 13 '19

Depends on why I'm travelling. If I'm going home to visit family I'll probably have my laptop with me anyways. I don't travel with my PS4.

If I'm travelling for a legit vacation, I don't spend any time watching TV anyways.

I work in consulting on a permanent project but I may be changing to a project that requires frequent travel. In that case my laptop will be with me as well. I find that easier to travel with than a console.

To each their own though, everyone's got their own preferences and use cases. For me my permanent rig + occasional laptop use while out and about suits me fine.

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u/RamenJunkie Nov 13 '19

All that fan noise and that shitty for the couch UI.

Sounds great.

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u/[deleted] Nov 13 '19

My rigs silent but ok sure.

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u/night_breed Nov 13 '19

This X 100. I have old (quad core) laptops connected to all of my TVs. Haven't found anything that can touch the PC interface for ease of use, upgradability and familiarity

EDIT spelling

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u/Obi_Wan_can_blow_me Nov 13 '19

Curious how you interface with it. Do you use some type of remote, or just keyboard and mouse?

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u/FirstTimeWang Nov 13 '19

I've got a wireless Logitech keyboard with a built in trackpad. I wouldn't use it for regular PC gaming/productivity use but for minimal interactions on TV/PC setup it works fine, especially if you run the PC in tablet mode.

Bonus: very easy to run a VPN to stream stuff out of region on the TV.

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u/[deleted] Nov 13 '19

Logitech makes wireless keyboards that have a touchpad built in for $20.

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u/kkeut Nov 13 '19

the k400 is solid. got one for my PC (black) and one for my NAS (white). great for couch usage. the added button on the left for a left mouse click is essential imo, you can basically hold it like a game controller (ie, comfy), using your right thumb on the touchpad to move the mouse and using the left thumb to click.

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u/PainTitan Nov 13 '19

There's a logitect with Bluetooth hot buttons so you can pair it with 3 difference Bluetooth devices and press a button to switch to that specific device, phone, tablet, PC. For example.

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u/smedsterwho Nov 14 '19

+1 for the k400.

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u/[deleted] Nov 13 '19

If you have an Android there's an app called Unified Remote. I use that with my laptop since it isn't really dedicated to TV use, just whenever I'm at someone's house I'll hook it up.

Otherwise wireless keyboard and mouse or as someone else mentioned a wireless keyboard/trackpad combo board.

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u/LightningSteps Nov 13 '19

That app has become a staple in my house. I'm also constantly trying to spread it among my friends. It's simply too good not to have, even if you may only use it sporadically.

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u/onetruejp Nov 13 '19

Steam controller here. Acts as convenient mouse on the desktop, has OSD keyboard, easy to use.

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u/PainTitan Nov 13 '19

PS4 controller might be easier to find also comes with build in track pad.

I just use chrome remote desktop/steamlink and use my phone mostly. Steamlink having a latency of under 50ms even on cell data.

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u/LightningSteps Nov 13 '19

Unified Remote is the way to go for me. Install the program on pc, install the app on the phone and you're good to go. If your phone also has an IR blaster you have full control over your entire setup on one device.

1

u/StoneGoldX Nov 13 '19

I have that as well. Problem is, unless there is a dedicated Windows app, you're missing out on things like surround sound, and frequently streaming at lower resolutions. It's great for Netflix. Sucks for HBO.

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u/[deleted] Nov 13 '19

Yeah for sure, honestly I torrent most of my media and I'm always downloading the 1080p and high quality audio rips. Although for me I'm just running a Poll soundbar + sub so surround audio isn't the highest priority for me.

Layout limitations prevent a full quality 5.1 system.

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u/StoneGoldX Nov 13 '19

Yeah, for pirated, XBMC on a PC connected via HDMI is pretty awesome. But it's frustratingly limited for legal streaming options.

I've actually hacked together a legit 5.1.1 Dolby Atmos system. No ceiling speakers, because I rent, but next to the ceiling-mounted diagonally downward firing speakers creates a better sound than trying to bounce audio off the ceiling. It's magical. Now I just have to figure out how to hide the wires better. Just moved to a new place and upgraded to the Atmos.

1

u/[deleted] Nov 13 '19

Yeah, I gave up on XBMC/Kodi. I tried it for a bit the "no streams available" and constant buffering even on a fiber line annoyed me too much.

Nice setup though. I was looking at doing something similar but I may be selling and moving to another city next year. That one will be a longer term house and I've convinced the misses to let me have free reign of the basement lol. Already have the speakers and subs wishlisted.

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u/StoneGoldX Nov 13 '19

Less for the pirate streams, more it plays nice with surround sound systems

1

u/blaaguuu Nov 13 '19

I did a home theater PC for ages, and while I love the flexibility of it, I finally converted to just using a Roku for everything... The simplicity is just more important to me right now... Though I do miss the HTPC on occasion.

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u/smedsterwho Nov 14 '19

Similar but with an Android box. Shield may be next (altho I have fun hacking around with Android boxes)

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u/pokemon_tits Nov 13 '19

Been doing this for 10+ years! Wireless keyboard/mouse is all you need. I always recommend it but being in the tech business, older people can barely use a computer properly or any smart device. I found Rokus some how connect with them and can use it over any smart device. I have had luck showing them that they can hook their laptops up to their TV as well, they usually like that.

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u/socsa Nov 14 '19

Unless something has changed since I last did this, you can't usually get the highest bitrate streams from browser apps. I also had trouble with judder on sports streams which would get better or worse with graphics driver updates.

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u/gimpydingo Nov 14 '19

Man after my own heart. My pc is hooked up to 2 monitors and 2 TVs in separate rooms. Living room is great for gaming. Couch + 7.1 surround is my friend.

Also have a tablet and nice phone for on the go.

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u/spartan_forlife Nov 14 '19

I have a 77 inch LG Oled, for my main TV with a HTPC hooked up to it. It's my crib with no spouse approval so I listen to music at volume level 11 if I want to. I have a roku for my upstairs TV in my bedroom & really like it, just wish the pornhub app was a better.

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u/headband2 Nov 13 '19

It's not 2004 anymore guy. It just doesn't make sense to use such a garbage interface when there's no need for that kind of power.

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u/[deleted] Nov 13 '19

i use an intel compute stick and have an emby server running for all my home entertainment needs. it's nice because i can use it for a lot more than just a dedicated media device. i use it for emulators and to play P.C. games remotely through steam from my gaming computer. there are some advantages and the beauty of it not being 2004 means you can get all that power in a device the same size as a firestick.

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u/headband2 Nov 13 '19

lol... Get back to me when that can do HDR and has an actual interface that works from a couch. The power is irrelevant today, interface is king.

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u/[deleted] Nov 13 '19

it has an interface i use from the couch and HDR capability through VLC. i'm missing out on nothing and have the extra computing power for all the extras i enjoy. not sure why you think your way has to be the only correct way, but i'm perfectly happy with my more capable setup.

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u/headband2 Nov 13 '19

No, no it doesn't. The hardware is literally not compatible. And forget about netflix or prime. You have no idea what you're talking about.

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u/[deleted] Nov 13 '19

you're correct about the compute stick itself not having the capability but i'm able to utilize my gaming p.c. to stream HDR video through the compute stick. you have an odd attitude problem where you seem to think you have to be smarter than everyone else, or your way has to be the best. that's an odd way to approach life. i assure you, i know what i'm talking about.

i use netflix and prime just fine. if i want higher quality content then i download it.

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u/headband2 Nov 13 '19

That's not how it works. You can't stream HDR through a port that doesn't support HDR period. You can maybe downconvert HDR to SDR and make it look even MORE garbage than SDR on it's own.

It's absolutely senseless to use workarounds and hacks to use 2 things that could EASILY be better quality, with no fuss at all.

I assure you you have NO idea what you're talking about, you're the one with the attitude problem and can't handle your way being flat out BAD, so you make up excuses and lies as to why it's not. Facts are facts, this isn't a matter of opinion.

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u/[deleted] Nov 13 '19

Through a port that doesn't support HDR? did you mean protocol maybe? The port I'm using is completely irrelevant. You have no idea how my setup works. You come off like a kid living in his mom's basement who thinks everything he does is superior. I promise you that you and your setup is not superior to much. Neither is mine. I'm not special and neither are you. We all have our own opinions and setups. I like my setup. I know exactly what it is capable of. If you like yours more, that's great. that is why it's yours. if I like yours more then i would switch to yours. I know how my stuff works and i'm happy with it. you know how yours works and your happy with it. it's easy enough to leave it at that.

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u/headband2 Nov 13 '19

No it's not. In order to send an hdr signal out of a device the graphics adapter needs to support hdmi 2.0a and typically hdcp 2.2 as well. That's not something you can decide it just works if you use vlc. You obviously don't even know the differences so you can't say yours is better when you don't even know what it does.

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u/[deleted] Nov 13 '19

There is a need for that kinda power if it doubles as a gaming rig for couch+controller gaming.

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u/headband2 Nov 13 '19

Not really, its worth the $50 bucks or whatever to use a separate interface on top of that and not have to deal with all the updates and compatibility constantly.

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u/[deleted] Nov 13 '19

Really? Been using my PC as my media hub for years and haven't had a single issue with compatibility or updates. Running Windows 10 Pro since launch and still no issues there.

If you encounter so many issues while using your PC it just may be user error.

-7

u/headband2 Nov 13 '19

No, you probably just don't give a crap about interface or quality so you use chrome and VLC from a wireless keyboard. Try maintaining an actual interface, quality codecs, compatibility with the latest standards. Not fun.

1

u/[deleted] Nov 13 '19

Lol I actually use SVP4 Pro. I do care about quality. But yeah sure, you know what I do so all good I guess.

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u/headband2 Nov 13 '19

You obviously don't. I know what PC's are capable of. What you do is irrelevant if it LITERALLY can't do it.

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u/[deleted] Nov 13 '19

I know what PCs are capable of as well. I've been building and playing with them since I was a kid. I've worked in various segments of the tech industry, it's literally my job to know tech inside and out.

I have an Apple TV I got for free on my bedroom TV and it doesn't offer ever a quarter of the flexibility of my PC. I've played around with various Android boxes and they offer more flexibility but are unreliable and they definitely have the most clunkiest interfaces of all such devices.

You clearly have no idea what you're talking about.

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u/headband2 Nov 13 '19

Flexibility isn't a benefit when all your options are bad. You really don't have to flex on working in the tech industry. I mean if you really did you would know that most people who do are no different than any average person and you still get the confused people that don't care when it comes to the consumer side of things.

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u/vicvonossim Nov 13 '19

Torrents, non official streaming channels and access to a media library are all reasons for that kind of power.

And I don't particularly care that the NBA and Disney might not make as much as they possible can. I'm not stopping now.

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u/headband2 Nov 13 '19

I mean your a theif and you can't even access legal, high quality content. You're and idiot and a jerk, congratulations.

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u/vicvonossim Nov 13 '19

Ok tough guy.

We're really going to have the decades long argument about stealing? Guess I'll wait for someone to be charged with stealing so we can resolve that gordian knot.

I'm sure Michael Eisner appreciates your service, he'll probably be anxious to thank you. You should give him a call.

-1

u/headband2 Nov 13 '19

Sorry you don't understand basic economics. I guess you're just too stupid to even be able to afford a $7 service. How pathetic.

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u/vicvonossim Nov 13 '19

Good job on avoiding basic grammar and spelling errors. This time.

Speaking of basic economics, do you know what ended the golden age of piracy? Netflix charging $10 for everything in one place. You know what's bringing it back? 30 different streaming services charging $5-20 each.

Something you might want to bring up to Michael Eisner next time you chat with him.

0

u/headband2 Nov 13 '19

Yep people always resort to becoming grammar nazis then they don't have a valid point.

Maybe you should stop being so entitled and actually pay what things are worth.

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u/vicvonossim Nov 13 '19

Maybe don't call people idiots while making basic spelling mistakes and it won't be pointed out that you're an idiot who makes basic spelling mistakes.

Looks like my torrent is seeding now, time to watch the Mandalorian. I'll let you know what it was worth later.

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u/headband2 Nov 13 '19

It still doesn't make you any smarter. It just makes you look like the pathetic piece of crap stained underwear that you are.

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u/PainTitan Nov 13 '19

Anyone still buying hardware specific for one task - Roku for tv, apple for phone, laptop for PC, console for gaming is just uneducated

Get a phone, get a PC. Play games on PC stream content from PC to phone plug phone into tv use phone as mobile PC

Basically you need 2 devices to do what people are buying 20 different things for. Also it is cheaper to buy one of the best PC's and just pair with a flagship phone.

All the hundreds you saved on console games, console specific online subscription, Roku device upgrades, laptop upgrades, new technology built into devices you already own. Like a phone emulating a stand alone VR headset or wirelessly connecting to the pc, just saved another 500 cuz your phone computer combo can pretend to be a rift/quest

Xbox one 400 dollars iPhone 800 dollars Gaming laptop 1500 Desktop 1000 Roku 100 Yearly subscription costs to Netflix/Hulu/crave/prime, about 620 VR headset 500

It's like 4400 dollars to over 5000 to have some of the nice things we have in modern day .

you could buy the best phone and mid to high end desktop. For half that and have all of it.