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

  • skarn@discuss.tchncs.de
    12·
    11 天前

    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
      21·
      10 天前

      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
    12·
    11 天前

    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.

    • twoBrokenThumbs@lemmy.worldEnglish
      5·
      11 天前

      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
        6·
        11 天前

        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)

    • Jakeroxs@sh.itjust.works
      1·
      10 天前

      Starting to get a little long in the tooth these days, the pro is still my primary streaming box but I got a random ONN stick from Walmart while on vacation and its noticably snappier and on a newer android OS then the shield.

  • comrade_twisty@feddit.org
    122·
    11 天前

    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.

    • goofsqueak@lemdro.idOPEnglish
      2·
      10 天前

      forgot to mention but is it easy enough to install a third party youtube app with built-in adblocking, kinda like smart tube? I literally can’t watch youtube without adblock (sponsorblock is a nice bonus too)

  • TrollAccount69@lemmy.ml
    81·
    11 天前

    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.

  • tiz@lemmy.ml
    6·
    10 天前

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

  • Steve@communick.newsEnglish
    5·
    11 天前

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

  • PowerCrazy@lemmy.mlEnglish
    4·
    11 天前

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

  • flatbield@beehaw.orgEnglish
    4·
    11 天前

    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
      4·
      11 天前

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

  • sic_semper_tyrannis@lemmy.todayEnglish
    41·
    11 天前

    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.

  • nshibj@lemmy.world
    1·
    8 天前

    My setup is not perfect, and needs a bit of tinkering, but might adjust to what you want: Xiaomi Mi Box S TV with custom DNS blocking all tracking from Xiaomi and Google.

    For apps I mostly use F-Droid via the client Flicky, but I also have a throwaway account on the Play Store for some case where I need an app from it.

    I have an older Mi Box model, I’m not sure if it’s still possible to change the DNS in newer models, but since you are looking for second hand, this should suit you.

    Years ago I found instructions on Reddit on how to change the DNS in the Mi Box, and switched to NextDNS, where you can activate several blocklists to block tracking and ads, and it has specific lists for Xiaomi and Google. If you are interested I can look for the instructions and share them with you. The only thing needed to do this is a remote ABD shell app on your phone, I used the one recommended in the instructions I found, from the Play Store (this one), but there might be alternatives in F-Droid.