Update 12/2/2020 - After using this for a couple weeks i went and disconnected both the Roku and Chromecasts for good. i've even stopped using the smart tv apps and only use this unless i happen to be watching something in 4K or 8K only then do i use the built in TV apps. i didn't expect much from a $17 dollar stick let alone that i would prefer it to all our other streaming media devices.
We already had a Roku premiere plus 4K unit however we get dozens of OTA channels with our antenna and wanted something that could put all our media in one spot, using one device. should also note we had a couple chromecast dongles as well.
The stick comes with what you need to get started. Batteries, charger, cable, hdmi connection and an hdmi extender for those who need one. If unsure how it all connects I included photos showing that. Ours was linked to our existing amazon account when it arrived. It was as simple to install as you could hope for, no rocket scientist needed so to speak.
We have streaming services like YouTube TV, Amazon Prime, Netflix, CBS all access, etc. As said we also get a lot of OTA channels using our antenna thanks to our signal amplifier. Once setup is complete by pressing the ‘tv with rabbit ears’ you will go to the channel guide section. There it starts out with the OTA channels, then YouTube TV and so on.
Also you have the ‘home’ button. That takes you to the main page showing all your media sources and recently used channels. There is a menu across the top with viewing options. On the far right as we have a recast device, there is DVR. So again everything all in one spot using one device, just what we wanted.
The remote response is fast, much more than expected. Compared to the Roku premiere plus 4K response times it is blazing fast which honestly that surprised me. that considering the Roku cost 6X what I paid for this stick. Picture quality to my eyes is no different than if viewing using the stock smart TV apps or Roku device.
Plenty of useful options and settings with the device. As mentioned we have the amazon recast and paired with this stick the two together are a wonderful. The first one worked so well I ordered a second for our mom. I only bring that up because she still cannot set the clock on her old VCR. Anything even remotely tech related means I get to do it for her.
This fire stick and the remote are so well designed I was able to give her one. It took me all of ten minutes to show her how to use it. since she not only can use the fire device, tv how she wants and when she wants but it also gave her a little positive, confidence boost being able to use tech that before was always too complicated for her to use.
The only minor negative is voice control. Sometimes it gets it right other times it doesn't but does get to the 'general neighborhood' so to speak.
We got both of ours when they were priced at seventeen bucks. Well worth it and then some in all of our opinions in this household. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this to anyone. Those intimidated by tech or those like myself who simply want everything in one spot with one remote to access it all from.
Carbon emissions from the lifecycle of this product were reduced compared to similar products or previous models.
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