Which tv streaming device to get

[globaljaco]

I feel overwhelmed and helpless to say the least Started to look around which device to get (I don’t have a smart tv), but I don’t really know what to look out for. What I’ll need (for a start) is Showmax, Netflix and Amazon Prime. Are any of the devices only offering some of the above or do they all offer everything?

From what I see options are:
Appletv
Roku
Mygica
Mediabox
Google Chromecast
Amazon Fire

Any advice will be greatly appreciated

[boanergesza1]

I feel overwhelmed and helpless to say the least Started to look around which device to get (I don’t have a smart tv), but I don’t really know what to look out for. What I’ll need (for a start) is Showmax, Netflix and Amazon Prime. Are any of the devices only offering some of the above or do they all offer everything?

From what I see options are:
Appletv
Roku
Mygica
Mediabox
Google Chromecast
Amazon Fire

Any advice will be greatly appreciated

I have a roku and an apple tv. Between the two I prefer the Apple TV mostly because I own an iPhone, iPad and Mac. The integration is just so much better.
Also the apple tv gets show max and dstv now which the roku doesn't have.

Apple experice is just more slick, but others opinions may differ.

[Kix]

I have an Apple TV 4k and a 2018 Chromecast.

Apple TV just works. Chromecast needs a device like a phone or tablet to start whatever you want to watch. Chromecast had software issues with iOS devices a while ago, which made it very frustrating. Sorted now.

[AntonN]

I agree with Kix on the Apple TV. Never ever buy a MyGica 1960. That is an absolute POS..... 1960 refers probably to the year its technology was developed in.
Expensive, no updates available, not supported device for DSTV Now, slow, poor WiFi receiver, remote packed up....and the list goes on.

I plugged in the Apple TV and working excellent after that. I do have a gripe with no possibility of increasing storage. Otherwise it is fast, excellent picture quality and so on. Except my iPad, this is the only Apple device I will use. They just work.

[globaljaco]

1960 refers probably to the year its technology was developed in.

That’s funny

[MikeBob]

+1 for the Apple TV.. the apple family works well together

[Jouko]

Apple TV, Apple TV. Fine. Those who have one of them can you install any and all apps available on Android that a person can use to watch Sports, movies, series...

Very quickly people like to see: SkySports, Sky F1 channel, Bosch 5th season or something similar. Are such available on AppleTV?

Doesn't seem so:
https://www.iphonefaq.org/archives/974401

[swakop_toe]

I decided on the Google ChromeCast 4K a year ago.
Was cheaper than the cheapest Apple equivalent.
Can't say which is better, except with the ChromeCast you require an additional device with all the apps installed you wish stream from.

[Jouko]

I would go first here:
https://www.banggood.com/search/tv-box-android.html

Find relatively new box with enough memory, mini keyboard and maybe wireless mouse. Try to double check some reviews to see if anything is wrong. Takes long time to get without courier

I did buy 2 plus one local. Work well. I do not worry DSTV or its sister companies for streaming.

Grand kids and SWAMBO are happy - high users. I can watch what I want - low user

[Paul Dold]

"What I’ll need (for a start) is Showmax, Netflix and Amazon Prime."

Firstly in choosing a box make certain that it is compatible with all of these services. Some require annoying tweaks which may or may not be satisfactory. Be careful this is not always clearly disclosed in the specs.

I have a cheap Android box and Roku and Chromecast. Roku system is smooth and easy to use but in SA in general terms won't give you the thousands of services available via an Android Box.

Never used Apple but I am sure it is equally easy to operate but again don't think it can match Android on available services.

Android boxes require some computer knowledge and probably are not as easy to operate by kids, SWAMBO's etc.

I would not buy a cheap Android box if you decide to go that route. Buy a quality set-up with a decent processor and lots of memory. There are tons of reviews on line.

Chromecast is excellent for pushing services, video and pics to your TV - from the small screen to the big screen. I use this frequently.

[reebok]

Cell Phone - Andriod - Iphone
Chromecast -R1 000 to R1 500
Google Home app free
StreamIptv - R150 pm - on IPTV Extreme app for Andriod - free or GSE IPTV app for Iphone - free or as you said Showmax, Netflix and Amazon Prime - all free app's
Stream to TV. No Smart TV necessary

[MBLife]

Have a look at these guys from SA, Henrac Technology:
www.henractech.co.za

Seems like they offer a wide range of capability.

Does anyone have experience with any of their offerings?

[Jouko]

With all of these TV box sellers have to look into the details. Same looking boxes. Some have outdated Android, small memory and storage volumes... Have to spend a bit of time not be disappointed.

In general many electronic goods sold locally are outdated models. There are up to date stuff but if an item is on special triple check. This applies also to TV boxes.

[MarcR]

...
Seems like they offer a wide range of capability.

Does anyone have experience with any of their offerings?

That is exactly the OPs issue... a million offerings out there...

Earlier thread... How to make my dumb TV smart?

I have a Chromecast on each TV in the home and a MyGica ATV 1900 PRO Quad Core Android TV Box

[TJWM]

I feel overwhelmed and helpless to say the least Started to look around which device to get (I don’t have a smart tv), but I don’t really know what to look out for. What I’ll need (for a start) is Showmax, Netflix and Amazon Prime. Are any of the devices only offering some of the above or do they all offer everything?

From what I see options are:
Appletv
Roku
Mygica
Mediabox
Google Chromecast
Amazon Fire

Any advice will be greatly appreciated

Hi Jaco,

I got the Xiaomi Mi TV Box and a 20mg Fiber line 3 months ago and never looked back.

Very happy.

Regards,
Tobie

[Dvan]

Amazon Fire is very limited in sa.
Netflix works great.
Even amazon prime is not available in SA via stick. Need to use a 3rd party app.
Not sure about showmax.

[Land Cruiser]

Amazon Fire is very limited in sa.
Netflix works great.
Even amazon prime is not available in SA via stick. Need to use a 3rd party app.
Not sure about showmax.

Kodi works awesome on the fire! :-)

[jelo]

We have a Chromecast on the TV and a cheap Windows media server for batch downloads off any interweb sources like PirateBay. The media server can also run Netflix and Showmax etc if the phones are flat or not available. You get VERY long HDMI cables so the media server doesn't have to be adjacent to the TV.

[George]

Whats the latest "must have" add ons for Kodi? Last I checked Exodus was on its way out.

[Richsav730]

I have a Mygica 582. It works, sort of, stutters badly, has connection problems and non-existent support from Mygica. I have ordered a Xiaomi Mi Box, very highly rated and after my experience with my Xiaomi cellphone I am sure it will be really good. But if you want the VERY BEST there is no doubt that the Nvidia Shield is the way to go, chews up the Apple competition for breakfast but it's expensive.