Archived Thread

NFT: Smart TVs to stream games

Dang Man : 9/25/2020 4:05 pm

Ok, so admittedly I am not a tech savvy guy but my kids have been bugging me to buy a new TV that we can take outside and watch games on etc. Regular smart TVs are cheaper than outdoor TVs so I’m happy to carry in and out when needed.

In my research I’ve found that different TV makers have agreements with different channels for their apps. Even Verizon, for example, doesn’t seem to have one for LG TVs, which I was close to buying. At the risk of sounding like a dope, which make is best if I want access to cbs, fox, nbc, abc and ESPN? YES would be nice too, but I’m sure they’re a pain to deal with. Do I need to download separate apps for each channel? Is the Fios app a good way to go or do I bite the bullet and go with another streaming provider? This TV will be used just once in a while so looking to minimize monthly charges. I’m not even sure if I’m asking the right questions. Sorry.

Thanks all in advance.

No expert either but

jtdukedfw : 9/25/2020 5:11 pm : link

I can tell you that you will need a service provider to get local channels and ESPN. I went with Hulu + since we already had Hulu and it is $60 a month. The only drawback, which i didnt know when we subscribed, is no NFL Network. Which is kind of a drag. Hulu also has tons of shows and movies so you will never be bored. I am not sure about TV Makers and channels but i know if you started getting them all separately you will be running up a pretty good monthly bill. For YES I am not sure I did read that Hulu carries YES in home markets. I am in Dallas (ugh I hate saying that word) so I dont get it.

From a smart TV perspective I would go with the Roku's of which i would highly recommend the TCL's if you are on a budget. Great picture mid range on the price. Easy interface.

Smart TV ecosystems suck

BH28 : 9/25/2020 5:16 pm : link

If you are still going to have a cable service like fios or something like that, your best bet is to buy a chromecast.

You plug the chromecast into your HDMI port and then you can stream from your computer or smart phone directly to your TV through the chromecast. Don't even waste your time trying to find a TV that has the apps you want. Most wont.

jt is correct. To get the networks you will need a streaming

RDJR : 9/25/2020 5:24 pm : link

provider that offers live tv. My Samsung Smart tv offers most apps, but I still use a Roku on it because the Samsung user interface is cumbersome and the Roku loads faster. I have Hulu + Live TV and FUBO for live TV. FUBO offers NFL Network and Redzone, Hulu does not.

I went with an Android TV for this reason

PatersonPlank : 9/25/2020 5:30 pm : link

Its not a one-to-one vs your tablet, but its close. I think Android TV has the best ecosystem for obvious reasons. I chose a Sony, but there are a few others out there too.

.....

CoughlinHandsonHips : 9/25/2020 6:39 pm : link

Are you local to the gmen? Could also plug an HD antenna into the back for the fox, CBS, NBC, etc

Mattering on where you live

Existenz : 9/25/2020 7:08 pm : link

Just hook up an HD antennae to pick up all the local stations. I would also recommend the Amazon Fire Stick or other streaming device to plug into the TV for other sources. Usually the smart TV programs are not great and dated (not easily updated cause you're relying on the TV manufacturer) ESPN is part of the Disney+ streaming package now so that might work but never tried. I actually just use a friends cable log in to get ESPN games.

Don’t pick a TV based on apps or smart features

Jim in Fairfax : 9/25/2020 7:08 pm : link

For minimal cost you can get what you need from a Roku, Amazon Fire, Chromecast or Apple TV. Choose based on picture quality.

RE: Don’t pick a TV based on apps or smart features

Eman11 : 9/25/2020 8:24 pm : link

In comment 14984258 Jim in Fairfax said:

Quote:

For minimal cost you can get what you need from a Roku, Amazon Fire, Chromecast or Apple TV. Choose based on picture quality.

Totally agree. There are many different things ways to watch but you can’t get around inferior picture quality. Gotta have that, and go from there.

I’m watching the Yanks while down in Florida on a Vizio 4K smart tv. I have the FoxSportsGo app on my phone, and logged into my son’s cable account in NJ. to get the Yes broadcast on my phone and then I just airplay it onto my tv. The newer Visio’s are compatible with Apple airplay.

Obviously being out of market the key for me is having access to a NYC market cable provider or I’d be watching it on the Marlins Fox station.

Couple thoughts for what you want

bhill410 : 9/25/2020 8:59 pm : link

Don’t listen to folks regarding picture - if it’s outdoor figure it will be a beater tv and buy a 50-60 inch for 250-400. If you leave it outside get a cover and assume it will last 2 years.

Get a fire stick or chrome cast or something like that. 95% of games you can get via an app. For instance yes us randomly on fox sports and nbc Carry’s sny. CBS is actually only one that is kind of a bitch right now.

After reading the posts above I guess it depends on the size

PatersonPlank : 9/25/2020 11:17 pm : link

of TV you want, and quality, outside?

I firmly believe Android TV is the way to go but the Sony's are the good ones and they run a little more expensive. If you are just looking for a cheap, but still 55 inch TV, then a Hisense/Insigna, etc., with a Roku, may be the best way to go. Get YoutubeTV or Fubo and you have NFL Network and Redzone

RE: jt is correct. To get the networks you will need a streaming

uncledave : 9/26/2020 8:22 am : link

In comment 14984232 RDJR said:

Quote:

I believe YouTube TV also recently got the NFL package option. I got a Samsung smart TV a couple weeks ago at Best Buy. Worth the extra hundred by comparison to the cheaper models. You’ll have it for a while and use it well so I’d go up in quality if it makes sense. I’m glad we did.

As already mentioned, depending on your location

Scyber : 9/26/2020 8:24 am : link

a simple HD antenna may be enough to get the locals (Fox, CBS, NBC, etc). Then you can use the ESPN and NFL apps by logging in with your TV provider account.

I did just that.

johnnyb : 9/26/2020 10:00 am : link

I purchased a ONN 50 inch TV from Walmart. ONN is the Walmart brand. It is LED 4K and Smart with Roku built in. With Roku I am able to stream the NFL Network, ESPN, Redzone and major networks.

$218 for the TV, easy set up and works great. Highly recommended.

Thanks all for your suggestions

Dang Man : 9/26/2020 10:23 am : link

I found a nice Samsung and I may try an HD antenna to get the local games. This TV will only be used on occasions, maybe once or twice a month if I had to guess, while the weather is still nice enough here in NJ. I figure if that doesn’t work then I can look at getting one of the streaming services but I’m going to try to avoid the monthly fee at the onset.