NHRA. TV

[sfw1960]

Sounds like an intersting, but uncommon setup.

For whatever reason, I’ve lived for 3 years with NHRA.tv streaming from iOS devices to Samsung, which I’m thinking is a common config for people, and it’s recently become so frustrating that it’s not worth even trying. I’ll stick to the fire tv stick, it works almost flawlessly.

We've had Sharp, Sanyo, Samsung & Toshiba Flat screen TVs over a few decades - and while the Toshiba puked only 5 mo. into warranty, so they had to replace the PSU board (with a heavier regulator) ~ it's decades old & won't quit. We don't even unplug it for/during storms!
(Our "WX Radio"!)
Oh, and by far the Samsung is the newest and the most disappointing of the ones -- we did have it setup to WiFi but the lack of updates means I want it air gapped.

Now that video box...
It's 15 yr old hardware - I used an old mid tower (but it could fit in a small 8*10*10 box easily) - the CPU has onboard HDMI video - so the full 25w used is easy on the BTU's and kWH's too.

Surprisingly, the video (IGP/GPU) specs are pretty current for compatibility reasons (OpenGL, DX12 Etc.).
With 8 GB RAM & a Samsung 128G SSD it's a secure way to surf your butt off in TV land.
I've built, sold & repaired more than I can remember, so I'm definitely with you Chris, on the easy way is usually good too.
I just detest when an "internet appliance" doesn't act as expected and tech support is usual "sorry"... the pain is real, but I try to avoid it when possible.
Seeing a Roku, Fire TV stick, Etc. on sale for $20-30 - well read the reviews!!
OK maybe not that bad - but when it doesn't work it's frustrating!!!!

RAS

AMD Radeon HD 8400 IGP Specs

AMD Kalindi, 600 MHz, 128 Cores, 8 TMUs, 4 ROPs

www.techpowerup.com

AMD Athlon 5350 Specs

Kabini, 4 Cores, 4 Threads, 2.05 GHz, 25 W

www.techpowerup.com