Andriod / Amazon / Google TV do I need a PC ?

[Mike]

Hi all

This may sound a simple question but with the above services do I need a TV or does it plug into the back of a monitor ?

Reason being I have a PC monitor which I wouldn't mind using in the kitchen !

Also can you watch normal actual time TV or is it all catch up channels etc ?

Thanks for the help and for your time

Regards

Mike

[Kabaal]

Depends whether the monitor has speakers built in, most don't.

[General Maximus]

Originally Posted by Mike

do I need a TV or does it plug into the back of a monitor ?

no, the reason why you need the stick is because it runs its own OS/software and is entirely self contained. Think of it as having a pc with all the components inside to run an application but you need to connect it to a monitor to see what is going; the sticks are the same. The principle behind them is "streaming" over the internet and as such the core piece of equipment you would need (as well as a tv) is a wireless router so the stick can connect to the internet. If it is something you think you are going to use a lot I can't recommend investing in a proper router enough.

Originally Posted by Mike

Also can you watch normal actual time TV (broadcast tv in real time) or is it all catch up channels etc ?

All the sticks run on software and revolve around apps and as such you are looking at BBC iplayer, 4OD etc which are all on demand/catch up apps and you wouldn't be able to watch Coronation Street at the same time it is on normal tv. I do believe Sky allow you to do this via Sky Go which is an online service you can access over the internet but it needs to be run from a device such a phone/tablet/laptop and isn't available on a stick.