i tried using a linux machine with plasma bigscreen but it just wasn’t for me, and I kinda miss my chromecast’s simplicity. So is there any streaming box or whatever that’s decently easy to set up and also respects my privacy? I know that it’s basically impossible but I just want to know what the best option is. Also I’m in europe so no Onn. boxes and stuff. I would also like it to be second hand since the prices are a bit better

thank guy i love drew gooden

  • tiz@lemmy.ml
    3·
    4 hours ago

    Off topic. But if you’re willing to invest some time, LibreELEC might be your best bet.

  • sic_semper_tyrannis@lemmy.todayEnglish
    31·
    10 hours ago

    Try Kodi with a Debrid service such as TorBox. There’s a Flatpak to try it out on an existing computer then you can make a dedicated RPi5 LibreElec box if you like it. The UI setup isn’t easy but once you figure out how to set it up nicely it works great.

    PS. This is piracy stuff but that’s the only way you’ll get privacy. Be very wary of popular piracy streaming boxes like the VeeSee as they come loaded with malware.

  • skarn@discuss.tchncs.de
    9·
    17 hours ago

    I mean, you are on a privacy subreddit, e don’t mention how much exposure you’re willing to tolerate, and exposure to who.

    With a Chromecast your streaming provider knows what you’re watching, and Google know what you’re watching.

    Using a degoogled android means giving up on high end widevine support, which means that even if Netflix (or everything else) works, you’ll be stuck at 720p low quality.

    By pirating, putting everything on a Jellyfin server, then streaming via upnp no one is watching (maybe your TV manufacturer, depends) and maybe you don’t even need a streaming box, but of course a used Nvidia shield with lineageos will make for a better experience.

    • goofsqueak@lemdro.idOPEnglish
      11·
      44 minutes ago

      I mainly just want something where the company that makes the box doesn’t collect all of my data, I’m not crazy about privacy like that

  • Brkdncr@lemmy.world
    10·
    19 hours ago

    Roku used to be ok. It’s not anymore. They put ads in your face while also collecting revenue from streaming services you’ve signed up through them.

  • TrollAccount69@lemmy.ml
    81·
    18 hours ago

    Appletv4k

    Get the last version instead of this one because it’ll save you a pile of money and you’ll still have updates for seven years.

    E: if you haven’t ever bought Apple stuff secondhand, they take extreme measures to prevent theft and reselling which takes the form of device lockout. What this means is that someone might be selling a locked out device that can’t be recovered to you. Make sure you actually see that the device goes to the first time setup screen (or have the seller do a reset in front of you) or use a marketplace like eBay that does very easy returns.

    • twoBrokenThumbs@lemmy.worldEnglish
      2·
      18 hours ago

      If you don’t use a google account what do you do to get apps? Fdroid? I also suspect not having an account removes the Chromecast functionality.

      • skarn@discuss.tchncs.de
        4·
        17 hours ago

        There’s always aurora. And you can install the streaming apps directly on the shield.

        But you can forget high quality paid streams. Without a proprietary ROM you’re confined at low quality 720p for all the DRMd streaming providers.

        (Of course no such problems streaming your ripped blue rays from your Jellyfin server)

  • comrade_twisty@feddit.org
    112·
    19 hours ago

    Apple TV is the best choice currently imho.

    It does not bombard you with ads and the tracking is not as bad as Google and Amazon.

  • flatbield@beehaw.orgEnglish
    4·
    18 hours ago

    I am not sure why Ubuntu installed on hardware in a media center box is not fine. Just use a wireless keyboard and track ball combo. Stream with any web browser. Very simple. We have done this for 20 years.

    • GMac@feddit.orgEnglish
      3·
      18 hours ago

      If the living room remote control experience is needed, flirc and a skip remote is great too. Used that for years with kodi.

  • Majestic@lemmy.ml
    51·
    18 hours ago

    Apple TV4k. No ads on Home Screen, prompts for permissions like location data use by apps, etc.

    Anything else I could recommend would cost at least as much or more and either require ADB commands/rooting process and installing alternative launchers OR lack the ability to use commercial streaming apps.

    Price new is significantly lower than the Shield pro.

    So far due to old stock prices haven’t gone up but once they release a new model due to AI RAM crisis I expect an increase of $30-$50 at least probably including the used market. It’s not cheap but it’s cheaper than most of the “nice” Android running devices.

    Pair with a pi-hole or firewall with DNS blocking capabilities and you can do a lot more to block tracking by the apps themselves though obviously only so much without breaking them.

    • Cricket@lemmy.zip@lemmy.zipEnglish
      5·
      18 hours ago

      I’m just waiting for the new Apple TV to be released (when, Apple???) to get one. Unfortunately, they recently cranked up the prices even for the current model: $199 and $249. That means that it’s no longer significantly cheaper than nvidia shield pro ($200).

      I’m still going to get the Apple TV eventually, but wanted to let you know. The price increase caught me by surprise. If I had known about it and that Apple would delay the new one so much, I would have bought the current model at the old price.

  • PowerCrazy@lemmy.mlEnglish
    3·
    17 hours ago

    I just use an Intel Nuc. I’ve been using it for >10years now and it still does 4k no problem.

  • Steve@communick.newsEnglish
    4·
    18 hours ago

    Tracking is the standard operating procedure for all streaming services and devices. There is no option that doesn’t track what you watch.