Just a couple of short notes. I spent years working with windows OS. Just a few years ago (enter Ios and Andriod) the language was download an App. The term App is simply a new term for what used to be an windows file *.exe 0r a program file. We used to download a program, now we download an app.
As you know, new tvs have wireless which can download different channels. Older tvs (maybe 8 or 10 years old) usually do not. If your tv cannot download channels such as sling, youtube, roku - etc. then you can add that wireless feature by adding Roku or Firestick device. Most plug into an HDMI port on the computer, then the Roku or Firestick wireless connect to you home wifi.
I have always used Roku. We have 5 tvs that use Roku. I like it and it does very well. Once Roku or firestick is connected, you can subscribe to other channels, either pay or free. For example, Netflix is $13.99 and you can sign up with by using your tv.
There was a reason I specifically did not get firestick, but don't remember what that was. Sorry.
I will also mention standard tv stations. I will refer to that as air tv - not Airtv brand. I will also now refer only to Roku, because i have not used Firestick. If you are using Roku and you want to change from Roku (which in input HDMI port), you must change the source or input on the tv to watch air tv.
Air tv can be incorpated into Roku..
But I use a device and service called Tablo for that. There are several features that make it much better and easier.
1. Tablo is a central device that connects to to your wifi network via ethernet port. The outside antenna (for air tv) lead connects ONLY to the Tablo device. If you have Roku or Firestick and Tablo, the tv needs no other wires connnected other than plugin power. Everthing is now done via wireless. The Tablo device transmits its own streaming wifi to the Roku device. When you turn on the tv, Roku starts. Then the Roku menu comes up with all you channels, including Tablo which is air tv. You will no longer need to change the input or source from HDMI.
2. The last connection on Tablo is for a usb hard drive like Passport. For recording programs on the air tv stations.
3. The reason air tv is difficult it the menu. Hard to know what and when things are on. Tablo can provide that. You will get a free sample of the 2 week ahead menu when you first start with Tablo. But if you want the menu as the sample, it is a one time fee of $150 lifetime connected to the one Tablo. Not cheap, but very good. Air TV will probably be the first place you look for entertainment. I use air tv (Tablo), a simple Sling plan, and Netflix.
4. If you do not want commericals during recorded programs, you may choose to subscribe to a Tablo to delete commercial (on recorded programs) for $20 a month.
The Tablo device runs about $130, menu if you choose $150.
This is just information and while I think Tablo is a great value and there are other ways to record, this one is very good, but just wanted you to be aware of options.
I was paying $185 for satellite service. My total subscription cost now with Tablo, Roku, and having air tv, Sling, and Netflix is $60 after the investment in Tablo and Roku.
I am sure there are other services and devices compatible with Firestick to do the same. I now have the best tv service I have ever had at about 1/3 of what I used to pay. I look at the change like this. An streaming or satellite service for let's say $130 a month is $1560 a year. $60 a month is $780 a year + 130 Tablo + 50 Roku +$150 menu = total of $1110.00 the first year because of eq, then $60 a month. No contract and services can always be canceled or added.
I hope this info helps a little. When you make choices on what devices you want, then choose what will fit what you want. You will find it easy after that. You will like tv much better.
Sorry, guess that was not really my definition of short.
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