Welcome to the ultimate guide for the world of streaming, brought to you by Diko!

This guide uses embedded links to help you navigate to your desired sections as you follow the step by step guide to configure your environment. Please make sure to follow the guide based on your platform of choice based on Google/Android TV devices. Please note that Google TV is simply a new variation of Android TV. In the guide you will notice a notation of ATV vs GTV in areas where there is a slight difference between them.

Every relevant link (if there is a difference!) will have a prefix of either GTV [Google TV] or ATV [Android TV]. Note the slight variations in naming convention between the two.

If you're looking for the reason I no longer recommend Fire TV based devices, please read this short explanation.

The guide is divided into 4 main sections:

• 0.x Pages - General important explanation about the overall options available to you using this guide
• 1.x Pages - Initial setup process for new devices
• 2.x Pages - Installing and configuring your streaming apps and services
• 3.x Pages - Customizing your device User Interface for a simpler and lighter UI
• 4.x Pages - Troubleshooting guide (highly recommend reading if you encounter any minor issues!)

After following this guide for the first time you will be able to just use the Apps repository for any potential future update. There is no need to follow through this guide again. Having said that, it is worth following the guide to identify any potential enhancements to the user interface, as they will get updated over time as well.

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I would HIGHLY RECOMMEND you have a look at the 4.x section (Troubleshooting), as it will point out the most common issues with quick fix resolutions for them. You will notice that at the bottom of the guide in every page you are on you have a quick link to access the troubleshooting guide!

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• The current streaming devices I would most highly recommend using are (in order of preference):
  • The performance beast - Nvidia Shield
  • Best value for money - MeCool KM2 Plus
  • The traveler's option - MeCool KD3
  • Solid performance - Google Chromecast with Google TV
  • The budget option - Onn 4K Google TV Box

Obviously, you may also use any TV that has a built-in Android TV platform with this guide. Having said that, not all Smart TVs have an Android OS as its platform. Here is a quick reference guide for the most popular TV brands (this list is always changing as more brands adopt ATV/GTV as their OS platform).

The streaming devices I listed above are great options with proven performance benchmarks and a decent price point with some promotions for lower cost every once in a while.

• The Apps repository I maintain is organized in a simple to use interface and is accessible via the Unlinked app.
  • Unlinked provides an easy way to navigate the store and to immediately install downloaded apps..
  • Though some of the apps will present an option to auto-update them (and you should!), some don't.
  • Use the app store to check for an updated versions of the apps you chose to install. I would recommend doing so once a month, or if the app that you're currently using is manifesting inconsistencies in returned results or crashes.
  • These apps may and will occasionally stop working. This is why I have several alternatives for each section, as you'll see later in the guide.
  • I specifically organize the apps in my repository in each section in order of stability and performance. Having said that, each one might have a different user interface and it's 100% a personal preference. Use either one you like or replace with a different one if it stopped working or if you prefer a different interface.
• Before starting with this guide, make sure you have your device of choice already connected to your TV and powered on.
  • Make sure you have configured all the initial personal information setup, like;
    • Link your device to your personal Amazon or google account.
    • Some devices will also give you the ability to sync your device remote with your TV control and even receiver in certain cases. Will make it much easier to control your volume for example from the same remote vs using multiple ones.
    • Some of you may already have official accounts with some streaming services (such as; Netflix, Hulu, Disney+...). Make sure to install these apps in the regular relevant app store on the device and configure them. (you may choose to cancel some of those services after using this guide though... 😳)
• I would highly recommend viewing this guide on a large display, like a minimum 10" tablet or laptop.
  • On a phone’s display there's a high likelihood of missing steps and/or display distortion.
  • You can always use the side chapter reference in the guide to skip to the specific area you want to explore further.
    • I would highly recommend following the step by step guide if this is your first time running the process!
    • Just use the right menu to progress to your next step.
  • Just below the title of each page in this guide, you can see the the date of the last update for that page and number of revisions.
    • By clicking on the revisions link you can see comments on what major changes each revision had for that page.
    • You can use that info to figure out of any important update happened that you may want to incorporate into your build.

I personally do not host and/or provide any actual content!
I am only providing links to apps available to all and maintaining this guide to make it easier for anyone who wishes to install these apps and configure them.

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