[sillypog]

I'm sure everyone will enjoy explaining to their toddlers why they can't watch Daniel Tiger anymore.

We actually have Amazon Prime, but I had been streaming Daniel Tiger to the television over a Chromecast using the Hulu app on an iPad. I don't think Amazon Prime works with Chromecast so now I have to look into an alternative, equally convoluted, option.

[j2bax]

Personally, I purchased all the seasons of Daniel Tiger on iTunes so that we can watch them offline when in the car on our tablets/iPhones. I have no doubt we have already gotten enough mileage out of them to be a worthwhile purchase. Our girl will likely continue watching them over and over for another couple years. We really try to limit the amount of screentime she has, but sometimes (like when in the car) it's a better alternative than her being upset and struggling in her carseat (she's hated being strapped in since she was an infant). And if we have to entertain her, Daniel Tiger is bar none one of the best cartoons for kids out there. The real life lessons and character interactions are just outstanding. I think Fred Rogers would be very proud of the continued legacy and positive impact Daniel Tiger brings to the world.

[sillypog]

My daughter practically couldn't be in the car before we put some videos on an iPad for her, I definitely second this as a good investment. We just went with a handful of favourite episodes though - it amazes me how many times she can rewatch the same story but I think that given the option she prefers episodes she knows.

I realise now that we've been watching Daniel Tiger through the PBS for Kids app, the videos we bought on iTunes, casting to the TV over Hulu, sometimes catching the morning showing over cable, and now we have Amazon Prime over PS3 as an option. I should probably make a donation to PBS!

[rhino369]

I find a roku is much more convient than casting. Roku has Amazon, google play, and Netflix. The only thing it's really missing is Apple stuff.

The roku stick 2016 version is pretty cheap. Though if you want Ethernet you have to get a roku 3. If you want 4K you have to buy a roku 4.

[gregmac]

I switched to an Nvidia Shield (Android TV) almost a year ago, and it's by far the best media play device I've had. You can navigate with a remote (and it works great with my Harmony hub remote, which gives me one remote that can control the TV and audio). I primarily use Netflix, Plex, YouTube and Google Play Music. Very conveniently, it's also a Google Cast device.. so without switching inputs or doing anything, you can just instantly cast your phone/tablet.

Over the past 13-ish years, I've gone through a Roku, Chromecast, small form factor Windows 7 and 10 PCs, Pivos Xios, some random android box, and going back farther SageTV (amazing at its time), and a MythTV system.

[sillypog]

Roku currently has Amazon, Google Play, and Netflix. I would definitely not pay for a new device on the promise that providers will continue to support it.

[shostack]

If only their interface weren't so painful. I love what my Roku does for my media on my TV with connecting everything, but man is it clunky to navigate.

[Larrikin]

Do you use the remote or the app. I find the remote painful for all but basic navigation, but the app makes up for it. I just wish the android app was not so obviously an iPhone app and the app let you use the headphone feature.

The headphone feature of the remote is great but it kills your batteries if you forget to unplug your headphones.

[shostack]

Am I missing something? My Android and iPad apps are both just giant representations of the crappy remote that looks like this[1].

I have an older Roku for what it is worth.

[1]http://www.technologytell.com/gadgets/files/2012/09/roku-mob...

[rhino369]

I think the new stick actually lets you use the headphones connected to the andriod or ios app. I don't know why Roku 3 and 4 don't support it.

I use the remote. I like having a simple remote rather than pulling up an app on my phone. I use a harmony universal remote too. But I like the point anywhere rf remote that it comes with.

[WillPostForFood]

I recommend you get a game console - all three current and last generation consoles support Amazon video (Wii/Wii U/PS3/PS4/Xbox 360/Xbox One). Plus they can play games.

[sillypog]

There's a pretty big difference between getting a $35 Chromecast vs even last generation's console. Other than the cost, I also feel that now that I'm a parent, my consoles are just terrible reminders that I will never again have the time or inclination to play any of the wonderful games that go with them.

[WillPostForFood]

I totally get that, but maybe it can become a gateway to playing games with your kids.

[FraaJad]

Or a cheaper option of a blue ray player (I have a six year old sony blue ray player which has the Amazon video app )which you can probably get now for under $50.

[JshWright]

And 37 menu navigation options later (including the always fun 'spell words like you're texting in 1997' search functionality) you can finally watch something.

As opposed to the 'use the native UI on your phone, then hit one button to cast it' experience.

We are Amazon Prime subscribers, but I can't remember the last time we watched anything on Amazon Prime Instant Video... it's just too much of a hassle...

[sillypog]

This is definitely why I prefer the Chromecast experience over loading Hulu through the PS3 (which is actually also pretty good, given that Daniel Tiger is always on the front page). It's a small difference, but when trying to get myself and my daughter ready in the morning, any reduction in friction is appreciated.

[JshWright]

Yep...

"Dad, can I watch a show?"

"Sure honey <give her the phone>"

Now?

"Dad, can I watch a show?"

"Sorry sweetie, but I'm feeding your brothers right now, maybe in a little bit..."

[scotch_drinker]

As mentioned below, the content is still available on PBS, PBS.com and the PBS app. It's not like this is locked into Amazon only.