so, i'm not a big tech guy but I've been trying to figure out a way I can watch esport events on my TV rather than have to sit in front of my computer... I don't understand some of the products out there and/or if they would support what i want as there aren't a lot of great reviews for things all these pc to tv display "dongles"
was hoping some more people have better experience and can layman's term what i might be looking for.
my biggest wish would be to be able to watch streams from video game sites like "TWITCH.TV" from my desktop pc to my tv. but i keep running into things like needing line of sight (which my tv-pc or my modem/router don't have). I also don't really have a need or care to pair my phone (windows htc 8x) or tablet (asus T100) to all of this as i don't need to be SUPER connected... if its easy, sure, but at the moment just trying to keep things simple.
i guess i should just buy Chromecast and see, but all these other independent items range anywhere from $80 - $300 depending i guess on quality.
anyway just wondering if anybody has experience that could put me in the right direction.
(this may also tie into 'cutting the cord' eventually if we find this is above expectations)
thanks!!!
what i do not like about the chromecast is that you need a table or smartphone for it to work!!!
where the roku works by just plugging it into your hdtv
Roku 3500R Streaming Stick - ( New Window )
We're now thinking a TV in our living room above the fireplace would be handy when we have kids over -- right now it's a bit of a to do.
Will the amazon thing be better than an Apple TV in some way?
NOT a desktop PC? ugh that is super annoying
Note that there is an unofficial Twitch.TV channel for roku. You can read about its features and/or limitations here:
http://forums.roku.com/viewtopic.php?f=28&t=55866
It is unofficial, but it was made by one of the best independent Roku Developers out there (TheEndless).
WiDi is wireless display - it's a technology, not a particular device. If your display and your computer both support it, within short ranges it works very well by mirroring the display from your device onto your television. Same with Miracast.
Chromecast is a lightweight mirroring type device aimed at people who already own a device capable of running Google Chrome. You can either use the device as a remote control for watching streaming apps like Netflix or HBO Go, or use it to broadcast videos or web browsing from your device onto your TV. It's no frills, but it's cheap @ $35.
Roku is one step better, coming in at under $100 but providing the processing power needed to be a standalone device.
The Amazon Kindle Fire TV device is even more expensive, but now comes closer to tablet/laptop processing power so it's got more potential than the Roku, at double the cost it well should.
They're all good, but which one is the best for you depends on what you actually want to do with it. To watch streaming sports on your TV I'd say you're probably looking at a Chromecast or a Roku, but understand that those sites tend to be hit or miss when it comes to how they broadcast, so YMMV.
Google also just released an app called "Remote Desktop". You download the app on your mobile device and the extension app on Google Chrome (on your PC) and you can control your computer from your phone or tablet... From anywhere. Google Chrome does not need to be running either (to use it)
roku is easier to use today and has more apps, but chromecast projects your browser onto the TV, and I couldn't easily get roku to do that if it was even possible.
I only even got a Roku because BestBuy was out of AppleTV. and AppleTV then didn't stream Amazon unless it was over airplay.
I think Apple TV and Roku are similar, with Apple TV obviously being more geared toward Apple/iOS devices.
I'm looking forward to the Amazon Fire TV, I think I'll wait, but eventually get that, I'm already a prime customer.