Streaming Device for Channels DVR

#1

I have a current version Apple TV 4K that works fantastic. I would like to have Channels DVR on a secondary non-Smart TV, but I don’t want to buy another Apple TV. Expensive.

I have an Amazon Fire Cube from 2018, but it’s just very sluggish with Channels and everything else really.

Which other device (non-Apple tv) works best with Channels DVR? Obviously cheaper than Apple TV is what I am asking. Otherwise I would just buy a second Apple TV and call it a day. I am open to Google / Android devices, Amazon, TiVo Stream 4K, Roku, etc. Thank you!

#2

The onn streamer at Walmart is very inexpensive

#3

Being cheap is one criterion. The primary is being very fast. Perhaps not as fast as Apple TV 4K, but as close as possible. I don’t mind spending money, but not Apple TV kind of money

#4

The modern android 4K devices provide a good balance.

Tivo stream 4K
Google tv chromecast
Onn streamer 4K

Take your pick

2 Likes
#5

I don't think there are many devices in the middle ground. Maybe the Fire TV 4K Max? But if you want performance and a good experience, I'm not sure there are many options in the bargain realm.

(This has been my personal experience across multiple Fire TV devices, the Chromecast w/ Google TV, and the TiVo Stream 4K; your experiences may vary. It also depends upon your expectations, and how you define "fast".)

1 Like
#6

I put a TiVo 4K Streamer and for some reason, lots of stuttering and flickering going on. Same recorded shows and live channels (OTA via HDHR Flex 4K) that have absolutely zero issues with my Apple TV and iPad Channels app. This is not working for me. On the other hand, streaming services content on TiVo Stream 4K (Netflix, Peacock, Paramount+, etc) stream just fine

#7

Check Settings > Playback > Advanced > Video Decoder

#8

“Hardware” selected I guess by default. Should I switch to Hybrid or Software?

#9

Worth a try

#10

What do they each mean?

#11

I tried both Hybrid and Software. They are both worse. It’s like in slow motion now. Back to Hardware