Having already configured a VLC-powered Google TV configuration with USB hard drives for a relative without the router or download speed needed for reliable streaming, I'm now trying to configure a similar setup for another relative with a non-smart TV and an even slower download speed.
The only requirements for such a device would be the ability to be controlled entirely with a remote, a USB-A or USB-C port compatible with USB hubs and media storage devices, and the reliable playback of videos of assorted codecs and file extensions. As Roku, FireTV, and Android/Google TV streaming sticks tend to be plastered with ads as a means of promoting content within their ecosystems, an alternative HDMI device that minimizes the number of button presses between turning on the TV and and reaching the navigation menu for videos on attached USB storage devices would be preferred.
I know it’s probably not what you’re looking for in terms of budget, but I use an Apple TV with a portable router called Beryl AX connected to an USB Drive when I’m traveling. To any hotel’s dumb TV I connect the ATV, and then my router through Ethernet. And there you go, all my travel drive to see and use with Infuse.
Infuse is super powerful and through name parsing you get this media “wall” interface, just as Netflix so to speak. You a get zero ad experience over all.
On the plus side this Router can connect to any Wi-Fi and re-route the traffic (kinda like a repeater but fancier), so you get your own private Wi-Fi and your ATV has also internet.
Edit: I don’t know about any of those systems you mentioned, but using a ad-filtering DNS (like AdGuard) you may be able to stop ads over there. It worked for me with Tizen OS.
AppleTV with Infuse is my setup also. It makes everything else feel like the fucking stone age. Copying files, ads and slow Android device interfaces…never again. The AppleTV remote is also great.