SD card as system memory

[MacNerd]

I can't decide which streaming device to get! Both have features that I like.

I can get 2 Google TV dongles for the price of one Ultra.

Roku doesn't allow sideloading or adding additional memory. Google TV allows both.

Google TV has "recommendations" on the Home screen. Roku does searches but I'm not sure if it searches across apps like Google TV does.

Roku has dropped YouTube TV & will drop YouTube.

Is there a maximum size SD memory card that the Google TV will accept?

[Ashepherdson · Accepted solution]

This article will help you with the hub part of your question, as for the max size of storage, to be honest I have no idea if there is a max size that can be used, I'm not sure that there would be.  

[Ashepherdson]

Just run over your post I'm curious what the positives are for getting a Roku?  As for size limitations, are you looking at hosting some sort of Plex server?  If so you might want to consider looking at the Nvidia Shield as an alternative as it has on board storage and expandability options with no seeming limit.  Saying that I use both, and my plex server actually runs off a dedicated server in my house so it's accessible from both devices and works flawlessly.  

[MacNerd]

Even though I like the Apple TV Home screen, I don't want to spend hundreds of dollars for an Apple TV. Likewise, I don't want to spend hundreds of dollars for the Nvidia Shield. Both the Apple TV & the Nvidia Shield don't have a Mute button on the remote. I'm not going to spend hundreds of dollars on a streaming device that doesn't have a Mute button on the remote.

I like the simplicity of the Roku Home screen, but having "recommendations" on the Home screen might be nice if I can't decide what to watch.

The Ultra is the only Roku device that has Bluetooth. I can buy 2 Google TV dongles for what it costs me to buy 1 Ultra.

I was leaning towards the Ultra now I'm leaning towards the Google TV.

Roku doesn't support sideloading & adding additional memory. Google TV supports both.

I'm not interested in setting up a server.

[Ashepherdson]

Go for the Chromecast with Google home, I have all the devices you have mentioned, and migrated from an old Roku ecosystem.  It's simple, it works well, and it's a newer device so should be working for quite a while.  

[MacNerd]

Is there a maximum size SD memory card that the Google TV will accept? Does it have to be a certain minimum speed?

I've watched YouTube videos. Adding additional memory is fairly simple.

I'd need to get a USB hub, powered, I guess. Then plug in the Chromecast power adapter & SD card & ethernet adapter. The back of the TV would be a rat's nest of cables! I suppose that I can plug in a keyboard & mouse, right?

[Ashepherdson · Accepted solution]

This article will help you with the hub part of your question, as for the max size of storage, to be honest I have no idea if there is a max size that can be used, I'm not sure that there would be.  

[MacNerd]

Is there supposed to be a link in your reply? I moved the cursor over your text & nothing appeared.

[Ashepherdson · Accepted solution]

apologies i guess i forgot to hit paste, here you are

https://gizmodo.com/how-to-use-a-usb-c-hub-to-upgrade-your-chromecast-with-1846644326

[MacNerd]

Thank you!

[Jeran]

Hey there!

It looks like Ashepherdson was able to help out MacNerd, so I'm locking the thread. As always, feel free to make a new thread if you have any more questions or concerns.

Thank you for your help, Ashepherdson!

Best regards,
Jeran