Smart TV (what's the best way to watch npvr in another room?)

[smiffypr]

I have been using npvr for many years with the living room TV connected via HDMI to a windows computer. I can use a WMC remote, wireless keyboard or wireless mouse.
I now would like to put a TV in the bedroom and would like to be able to watch npvr without having another box and just using the TV remote control.
I could get a TV with a "full internet browser" and use the npvr web server, but I don't know how I would skip or fast forward through adverts with a TV remote.
I have set up a "smart tv" (for someone else) in the past using DLNA and that TV remote had >> and << buttons, so that worked okay, perhaps I just need a TV with the right remote buttons?
I would imagine if I use an app on the tv I would still have the same issue.
Any ideas or recommendations for TVs that will do the job?

[BrettB]

I could get a TV with a "full internet browser" and use the npvr web server, but I don't know how I would skip or fast forward through adverts with a TV remote.

The NPVR web browser is designed to be used directly on a computer with a keyboard and mouse--not a 10' interface with a remote. Additionally, not all stream formats can be played directly with the web app browser interface, so many programs would require transcoding on the server. In your described case, you definitely don't want to try to use the NPVR web interface.

I have set up a "smart tv" (for someone else) in the past using DLNA and that TV remote had >> and << buttons, so that worked okay, perhaps I just need a TV with the right remote buttons?

I would imagine if I use an app on the tv I would still have the same issue.

The "right" remote is definitely going to be a critical factor in your use case, so you'll want to look at that carefully. In some cases (I believe particularly with Android TV devices) you may be able to pair other 3rd party remotes directly with the TV which can give you great flexibility in finding a remote that has the buttons you want/need.

Any ideas or recommendations for TVs that will do the job?

As Martin stated in another post, the "smart TV" technology is going to be constantly changing. And what might be a good fit now might not be a good fit in a year or two. (The Roku is a perfect example!) That is why using an inexpensive (i.e. $20-$50) dongle type device is really the best "future proof" option.

Personally, if I was looking to purchase a Smart TV today to use with NextPVR, I would definitely go with an Android TV device which could run the uidroid client. That will give you (at this time) the best 10' user experience plus (always/generally?) also give you the option of connecting a 3rd party remote via bluetooth so that you can select whatever remote button configuration you want.

[smiffypr]

The 10' issue should be okay as I'm looking at a 55" screen, which just leaves the control issue.
Looking at the Hitachi 55 Inch 55HAK6150UH, ( https://www.argos.co.uk/product/9346552 ) it is described as an "Android TV" and one of the reviews states "Runs on android so you can add and side load apps of your own choice". Also it has << and >> buttons on the remote which may be useful. Also if I get it from Argos I can take it back (within 30 days) if it doesn't do what I want it to. Does that look like a good idea?

[BrettB]

The 10' issue should be okay as I'm looking at a 55" screen, which just leaves the control issue.
Looking at the Hitachi 55 Inch 55HAK6150UH, ( https://www.argos.co.uk/product/9346552 ) it is described as an "Android TV" and one of the reviews states "Runs on android so you can add and side load apps of your own choice". Also it has << and >> buttons on the remote which may be useful. Also if I get it from Argos I can take it back (within 30 days) if it doesn't do what I want it to. Does that look like a good idea?

I believe that you would be able to load uidroid on it and then you will get the same UI that you are used to.

[mvallevand]

If you want the built-in Android player then you really don't know what chipset you are getting. It is kind of like saying "I have a Windows PC can I do ...."

What is going for you is it is a 2021 model, so it should be fairly current. I found this spec sheet https://www.displayspecifications.com/en/model/ef1e1cb6 and it doesn't mention Android but it seems to have good support for current standards but YMMV.

Martin

[smiffypr]

I'll give it a try, in the knowledge that they will refund me if I'm not happy with it.

[mvallevand]

If the number keys don't work in uidroid, open a support post here https://forums.nextpvr.com/forumdisplay.php?fid=67

Martin

[smiffypr]

Got the tv, got the app loaded, now to get it to work. I've posted my problem in the correct forum I hope.
https://forums.nextpvr.com/showthread.php?tid=64137

Thanks for your help so far.