[Electronics-Talk] Fire stick and Apple TV

Thu Aug 25 12:57:43 UTC 2022

			I once had direct TV and yes they do deliver the audio description.  They also have a talking box now.  The issue seems to be that, with you, nobody bothered to try to tell you how to access it or that the Geeny box can actually give you voice guidance.  Anyhow, I switched to an Apple TV 4K 64 GB because I wanted as much Dolby atmos for my sound bar as I could get and while it’s true that the other services like Fire TV cube and now fire TV directly support Dolby atmos through Disney plus, HBO max and netflix, (if you pay for their most expensive package) they don’t let you hear any Apple music in Dolby atmos the way that Apple TV does.

As for the search, Alexa will find search results in some apps but not others.

Sent from the first computer with built-in screen reader access for the blind:

Sincerely,

The constantly barefooted Ray

> On Aug 24, 2022, at 4:37 PM, Rik James via Electronics-Talk <electronics-talk at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> Just to mention, I'm always hoping to learn more from this community. Thanks
> to all of you. 
> Here is my current way finding in this world of streaming devices and trying
> to use them.
> If anyone sees where I have gotten some of this wrong, please reply. I am
> only just learning and trying to uncover the truth in my own world of
> exploring.
> 
> I have the Amazon Fire Stick 4K. I have had it now about 18 months. I like
> the Voice View. The speech voice could be a little easier for me to
> understand , but I am working it okay. I did get a TCL Roku TV. But boy,
> that voice is just impossible, so I guess I'm sticking with the Fire Stick.
> I wonder if the voice using the Roku device is better?
> 
> The Search feature with the Fire Stick using the remote is nice, where you
> hold down the button above the circle on the remote and state your search,
> and the Amazon fire stick will populate the exact or next closest things.
> But one thing about that. It only will populate your screen with items in
> the Amazon world. Amazon thing, or to state it more clearly, if you have a
> subscription purchased through Amazon, then those shows will appear in the
> rows of programs and suggestions. If you are using other apps and have a
> subscription with them directly, pressing the Search microphone will not
> yield results.  This is disappointing. I don't see where to Search directly
> in apps using a voice. Does anyone know?
> 
> I found that I didn't like not being able to just search through each app
> and find stuff, so I decided to subscribe directly to the individual
> streaming services, after trying them for a few months through Amazon.
> 
> It may be time to abandon my satellite service through DirecTV. It's been 23
> years. My reason is mostly this. I guess there is no way that they can
> actually deliver the AD (audio description) which is available through these
> streaming apps, it makes sense to adapt to using the streaming as my
> principle way to enjoy entertainment. The audio description world is really
> exploding. But hey. I want AD on my current favorite series, one that is set
> where I live, YELLOWSTONE. I just got Peacock and was disappointed to see no
> AD on that show so far.
> 
> I'm using these apps currently: Paramount Plus Premium, Hulu Premium No Ads,
> and Peacock TV Premium no ads, HBO Max. And of course the Amazon's Prime
> Video.
> Between those, you have a lot of the programming from networks. But some of
> them are continuing to only be on the cable and satellite. Maybe using the
> Live TV on one of those gets your more, I don't know.
> 
> Each app seems to have advantages and disadvantages as to how they work,
> like the players and such and navigating them, and how to set up the audio
> description. Learning how to navigate and turn on AD and subtitles can be a
> tricky deal. And then it may work one time and not the next time. After all,
> I guess we have to remember they are computers. Right?
> 
> I can't decide yet which I prefer the best for the software and player. But
> Paramount Plus may win the tech award. Peacock just got better, I noticed
> this week. So maybe all of them are refining how they work.
> 
> I tend to not like to see the monthly billing. So I see where they have
> annual subscriptions which shave off a couple months from the cost of doing
> it monthly.
> I had Disney Plus to watch the Beatles film Get Back. But now, I just let it
> go. I enjoyed all 8 hours of the film for the last time on Monday. Bye-bye,
> Mickey.
> 
> I hope this little sharing note is of use to someone.
> Sometimes I reminisce for when I was a kid. 3 channels on a TV antennae. If
> nothing was on, I could always entertain myself. Heck I did not even have a
> VCR until I was what age? Hmm? Well, put that in the trivia and memoirs
> book, Rik.
> 
> Rik James
> Bozeman Montana
> Host of radio music program Americana Backroads, KGLT-FM Saturdays 12 to 3
> p.m. Mountain time.
> Streaming at KGLT.net
> 
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Electronics-Talk <electronics-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of
> Christopher Chaltain via Electronics-Talk
> Sent: Monday, August 22, 2022 12:11 AM
> To: Discussion of accessible home electronics and appliances
> <electronics-talk at nfbnet.org>
> Cc: Christopher Chaltain <chaltain at outlook.com>
> Subject: Re: [Electronics-Talk] Fire stick and Apple TV
> 
> I assume the exclusive content on Apple TV is Apple TV Plus. This content
> would be available on all Apple devices and anything supporting Airplay. You
> could even bring it up on a browser on a PC and then use Chromecast to a
> device that supports it.
> 
> --
> Christopher (AKA CJ)
> Chaltain at Outlook
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Electronics-Talk <electronics-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of
> David Andrews via Electronics-Talk
> Sent: Sunday, August 21, 2022 5:55 PM
> To: Discussion of accessible home electronics and appliances
> <electronics-talk at nfbnet.org>; 'Discussion of accessible home electronics
> and appliances' <electronics-talk at nfbnet.org>
> Cc: David Andrews <dandrews920 at comcast.net>
> Subject: Re: [Electronics-Talk] Fire stick and Apple TV
> 
> Tracy,  You decide, in part based on what you want in terms of programming.
> Apple TV has a bunch of programs it offers, and I think they are only
> available via Apple TV.
> 
> The fire Stick, Roku etc., give you a way to access different program
> streams, such as Netflix, Disney, Peacock etc. Also amazon.  There is a lot
> of spill over as you can access multiple services with different hardware,
> or phone apps, or a computer. It all can be a little confusing!
> 
> Dave
> 
> At 09:16 AM 8/18/2022, Tracy Carcione via Electronics-Talk wrote:
>> Hi Dennis.  Why do you like the Apple TV better?
>> Tracy
>> 
>> 
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: Electronics-Talk [mailto:electronics-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On 
>> Behalf Of Dennis Long via Electronics-Talk
>> Sent: Thursday, August 18, 2022 8:53 AM
>> To: 'Discussion of accessible home electronics and appliances'
>> Cc: Dennis Long
>> Subject: Re: [Electronics-Talk] Fire stick and Apple TV
>> 
>> They hook into the TV.  I personally like the Apple TV better.  I have 
>> both products.
>> 
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: Electronics-Talk <electronics-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf 
>> Of Tracy Carcione via Electronics-Talk
>> Sent: Thursday, August 18, 2022 8:22 AM
>> To: 'Discussion of accessible home electronics and appliances'
>> <electronics-talk at nfbnet.org>
>> Cc: Tracy Carcione <carcione at access.net>
>> Subject: [Electronics-Talk] Fire stick and Apple TV
>> 
>> Can someone explain to this old gal about the Fire stick and the Apple TV?
>> Do they hook into the TV, or into the cable box?  Do they only work 
>> with smart TV's?
>> 
>> I looked up both of them, and I saw that they are both small things, 
>> but the Apple TV costs a lot more than the Fire stick, but what is it?
>> It's too small to be an actual TV.
>> 
>> I keep trying to understand these things, and I've googled, but what 
>> I've found assumes a basic level of understanding I don't have.
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> I've been using my iPhone to access various free TV apps, and I'm 
>> wondering if one of these extra doodads would be better, though the 
>> phone is pretty satisfactory. There is no one in my household who 
>> actually can see what's on the TV. We only care about sound, and 
>> getting audio descriptions when they're available.
>> 
>> Tracy
> 
> 
> _______________________________________________
> Electronics-Talk mailing list
> Electronics-Talk at nfbnet.org
> https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnfbnet.org%
> 2Fmailman%2Flistinfo%2Felectronics-talk_nfbnet.org&data=05%7C01%7C%7Cc78
> 468c902b449dfba5208da83c868e7%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C6
> 37967194027865147%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMz
> IiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=Qg62cTyly8mBbBLdL
> 2nQ86NELaUyjk%2FBAntsjHHT6FU%3D&reserved=0
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> Electronics-Talk:
> https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnfbnet.org%
> 2Fmailman%2Foptions%2Felectronics-talk_nfbnet.org%2Fchaltain%2540outlook.com
> &data=05%7C01%7C%7Cc78468c902b449dfba5208da83c868e7%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb4
> 35aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C637967194027865147%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoi
> MC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&a
> mp;sdata=ZQDOlf14%2FC4Z9COVC57n5giMEbiduSGV22cs8I4Evcw%3D&reserved=0
> 
> _______________________________________________
> Electronics-Talk mailing list
> Electronics-Talk at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/electronics-talk_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> Electronics-Talk:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/electronics-talk_nfbnet.org/rixmix2009%40g
> mail.com
> 
> 
> _______________________________________________
> Electronics-Talk mailing list
> Electronics-Talk at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/electronics-talk_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for Electronics-Talk:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/electronics-talk_nfbnet.org/rforet7706%40comcast.net