Smart TV features without a smart TV?

Munchkinsmum

We'd like to buy a TV for my daughter - however the smart TV we liked the look of has poor reviews due to it being the new Tizen OS and missing a lot of catch up TV.

We'd like Netflix as a priority, I player and Amazon, but the other free catch ups such as itv and 4 would be a bonus.

I've now been told you can get things like now and fire stick to do this - does anyone have recommendations for the most user friendly with the simplest interface? We like how simple smart TVs are - press a button and it's there - and would rather it wasn't complicated but have never used anything like this before.

Thanks

Dan-Dan

I have just bought the Roku stick

Its pretty good , and is easy to navigate around , i liked it over others because 4OD is a channel you can add easily , it also has 5 on demand and ITV player

Very good it is

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Roku-3500EU-Streaming-Stick-Black/dp/B00K71I68K

Be aware that if the TV is on the wall and doesnt have HDMI input on the bottom , this stick probably wont fit

Swipe

I swear by my chromecast (£30) but it won't do 4od . itv or 5od

VisionMan

You could add a smart box to a non-smart TV. A YouView would be my recommendation at £175. BBC iPlayer, ITV Player, Ch's 4 & 5, and Netflix. No Amazon though.

DCFC79

I have used now TV albeit via a console and not the box and its easy to navigate.

I have the fire stick and again its easy to use.

Maybe a daft question but I take it you have WiFi at home eg a WiFi enabled router setup ?

almillar

I feel the need to point out that the PS3 and Xbox 360, both a lot cheaper now, have lots of 'smart TV' features, as well as playing games, and you may already have one?
Also a Youview recorder as above will give you TV recording and lots of 'Smarts'.

Dan-Dan

I dont think recommending a £175 you view box is very money saving , especially when OP never mentioned recording facilities being a requirement

almillar

Youview can be had for much less than that - second hand boxes, free with BT and TalkTalk, and maybe OP already has a recorder of some sort and could consolidate?

datlex

Amazon fire tv has apps for Netfllix, Iplayer, Demand 5. It also has TVplayer. Obviously to access Amazon Prime Content you need a prime subscription. Unfortunately no 4od and no itv player.

On a now tv box you can get Iplayer, ITV Player, All 4 and Demand 5. But no Netflix or TVplayer or Amazon Prime. You can also get the Now paid for services such as 11 non free view channels.

Tropez

Personally, I really like my Roku 3 but unfortunately, Amazon Instant Video isn't available on the UK version. Everything else you want is though.