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 dont know if these devices are available worldwide, but we, Indonesian, have 2 cheap devices exactly for that. ZTE B860H V5 and HG680FJ. It's like $10 without remote, and another $1 for the remote.
It came locked by one of our ISP, but you can easily unlock it and put anything you want in it. Linux, OpenWRT, or just regular Android TV. ROM choices are limitless.
While I certainly have a budget, the problem with the lowest-end Google TV / Android TV devices is that while they work fine for their intended purpose of streaming, they're less likely to flawlessly support the most demanding of video codecs while processing video output locally via VLC or another media player.
https://youtu.be/k9CyFiU3Lko?si=U_nQ6g-AHYV91YRu
Here is an alternative Piped link(s):
https://piped.video/k9CyFiU3Lko?si=U_nQ6g-AHYV91YRu
Piped is a privacy-respecting open-source alternative frontend to YouTube.
I'm open-source; check me out at GitHub.
It's a actually pretty capable device tho. It has s905x2 processor which is on par or better than RPi4.
Guess I'll have to see if it's available anywhere then; thanks for the suggestion!