ethernet connection for Netflix amazon etc.

However if I can improve audio and or video I am willing the dish out the $1,000.00 for the Zappiti streamer. Do you people think it would be a waste of money or do you think I would see a improvement in audio and or video going from the Zappiti via HDMI to the A/V processor.

Honestly I think it would be a waste of money. I have an LG B8 based OLED TV. I never use the TV’s streaming services, and "live" in the Roku ecosystem unless I’m watching a Bluray or off-air broadcast. The 4K high dynamic range stuff I watch off Amazon is amazing.


If LG has all the services you need, stick with it and stay simple. If you find an app / streaming service it doesn’t have, consider the Roku. Right now the Roku Premiere is $30 off their website. The "ultra" which just adds a faster CPU is $80.  The Roku is there for me mainly because of Crunchyroll. I also think they have a nicer user interface in terms of switching apps.


https://www.roku.com/products/players


Best,

E

Amazon limits the resolution to 720p and audio to 2-channel stereo on all iOS devices such as iPhone, iPad, etc.  However, the Amazon resolution is not limited when using an Android device (android phone/tablet and any media player that uses Android O/S such as the Zappiti or Zidoo players).  If you know for a fact that the resolution is not limited on AppleTV, then maybe it is the exception.  NOTE: that the AppleTV could still be outputting 1080p or 4K to the TV, even though the Amazon app is limiting the resolution internally.

As regards to Erik's statement.  I have evaluated the Amazon FireTV cube.  It is surprisingly good for a small device that uses a switching wal-wart power supply.  However, the sound is a bit bright and harsh.  I compared this to a TIVO unit that is using a Teradak linear power supply and tested Amazon streaming.  The TIVO unit with linear power supply just blew away the FireTV cube in both video and audio quality.  Video was sharper and more saturated and bolder in color.  Audio was extremely good without any harshness.  Both of these were tested using the same HDMI cable into the same TV.

Also, not all HDMI cables are created equally.  They all have different results in both video and audio.

I use a Roku Ultra and have been very happy. I stream Hulu Plus and Netflix. It also enables me to stream my Blu Ray collection from JRiver Media Center through their media player. I still can't figure out (I would love too) why the surround sound tracks are not picked up by my NAD and have just about given up.  It is really not a huge issue, because I really only use the feature when my son wants to watch his disney movies, so the physical disc stays in great shape.