Quick query re roku/chromecast/firestick

Peartree

I don't have an aerial and, for my second TV, am using freesat via an old sky box.  I have SkyQ on the TV I use most.  The quality is now very poor on the second TV so I thought I'd just get roku/chromecast/firestick instead - and also it will make it easier to watch AppleTV, etc, without casting from my phone or laptop.

Anyway.  All the services say you can access live TV but am I right in assuming this is just via the individual apps like iPlayer, etc?  When there is a big event - like an election or something - I do like easily clicking between the news channels/BBC/ITV.

On these systems would I have to open each of these apps individually then click in to the live TV options or can swapping between say, BBC1 and ITV1 be done with a single click?

Thank you for your help.

Rodders53

As the old $ky box means you have a Hybrid LNB install is the old $ky(HD) box connected direct to the second TV by hdmi for best quality or is it sent via analogue RF means to it?

If analogue RF then a cable to that location from the dish LNB and move the box should make a big difference to picture quality.  (It may be possible to re-use the existing RF cable to extend the LNB feed, or not - depending on distance and cable quality.  A new cable from LNB to location should be possible, though.)

A new Freely TV might be able to do what you desire, as might $ky's Glass TV or their $ky Stream device.  Or a $ky Q mini for the second TV.  I don't believe any of the streaming sticks have a multi-broadcaster live implementation, yet.

Peartree

It's connected by a co-ax cable under the floorboards, the box is in one room, the second TV in another a good 10 meters away.   I suppose I could use the co-ax to pull an HDMI cable through, assuming the old sky box has an HDMI port.  I'll think about that one. 

However, I'm assuming what you're saying means I couldn't do one click between channels on any of the options I was considering?  

I have thought about Freely but can't really justify a new TV at this point.  I'll see if there are any offers too good to miss on Black Friday or in January!

Thank you for your help. 

Peartree

I should also have said I don't want to spend any more money with Sky or any other provider.  I'm sick of all the faffing around with them to get the best deals!  As I'm in a place with extremely poor aerial reception, I'm a bit stuck but am now watching the developments with Freely with interest.

Neil49

We use a Roku stick on our kitchen TV due to the lack of an aerial connection. You are correct that this involves opening each app separately and it's quite a slow clunky process.

It definitely doesn't sound suitable for you. 

Peartree

Thank you so definitely not Roku.

jbrassy

I have a Chromecast with Google TV. If you want to switch from BBC News to Sky News (for example), you would have to switch apps. I'm not aware of any app that's available that let's you easily flick through channels like a normal TV. I don't think this will be the case on any of the devices you mentioned.

That aside, I do recommend Chromecast with Google TV as I think it's good value. You can normally get the HD version in the sale for £30.