Having already configured a VLC-powered Google TV configuration with USB hard drives for a relative without the router or download speed needed for reliable streaming, I’m now trying to configure a similar setup for another relative with a non-smart TV and an even slower download speed.
The only requirements for such a device would be the ability to be controlled entirely with a remote, a USB-A or USB-C port compatible with USB hubs and media storage devices, and the reliable playback of videos of assorted codecs and file extensions. As Roku, FireTV, and Android/Google TV streaming sticks tend to be plastered with ads as a means of promoting content within their ecosystems, an alternative HDMI device that minimizes the number of button presses between turning on the TV and and reaching the navigation menu for videos on attached USB storage devices would be preferred.
Many of non-smart TVs support playing videos from USB 🫡
Good point; something I’ll have to try before I decide on buying anything. Problem with some media players could be the lack of support for changing between audio and subtitle tracks on the fly for multilingual support, so in both the case of the TV itself and anything I plan on buying I’ll have to do more research first I guess, since unfortunately Amazon listings are often bereft of non surface-level technical specs.
In any case you can just buy a raspberry pi, or even better a lenovo thinkcentre, or anything. I just wanted to let you know that many TVs support it, though it’s a little bit of pain
In any case you can just buy a raspberry pi, or even better a lenovo thinkcentre, or anything. I just wanted to let you know that many TVs support it, though it’s a little bit of pain