# R-Pi/Linux vs Google TV for Streaming

**URL:** https://discuss.privacyguides.net/t/r-pi-linux-vs-google-tv-for-streaming/18865
**Category:** Questions
**Created:** 2024-06-13T16:38:02Z
**Posts:** 7

## Post 1 by @ShyGuy — 2024-06-13T16:38:02Z

Would one be better off using a R-Pi w/ Linux (through browser) to stream content using VPN (to access foreign content) than using a Google TV streaming box like [this](https://www.walmart.com/ip/onn-Google-TV-4K-Pro-Streaming-Device-New-2024-4K-UHD-resolution-Dolby-Vision-Dolby-ATMOS-Hands-Free-Voice-Control-Smart-Hub/5193222892?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=0&wl13=614&gclsrc=aw.ds&adid=222222222775193222892_117755028669_12420145346&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=c&wl3=501107745824&wl4=pla-394283752452&wl5=1015355&wl6=&wl7=&wl8=&wl9=pla&wl10=8175035&wl11=local&wl12=5193222892&veh=sem_LIA&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1)

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## Post 2 by @deviancy — 2024-06-13T18:26:21Z

Jeff Geerling did a video that would interest you asking essentially the same question:

[YT](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3hFas54xFtg)

[Invidious](https://invidious.private.coffee/watch?v=3hFas54xFtg)

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## Post 3 by @exaCORE — 2024-06-13T20:12:08Z

IIRC some streaming providers such as Netflix limit the resolution you can get through the browser

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## Post 4 by @lepras — 2024-06-14T00:47:46Z

![QNrf627](https://forum-uploads.privacyguidesusercontent.com/original/2X/8/8b5bb0e72686069906e42f7c8eb11a957657703f.jpeg)

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## Post 5 by @anon73250778 — 2024-06-14T02:11:08Z

Can confirm. I watched The Witcher when it first released on Netflix over on Linux and I was wondering why its a bit blurry like 480p… because it was sending 480p data stream/bitrate…

I try to be honest in consuming media but Netflix simply dont care about us. I could probably try again in a VM, I guess.

Just buy BluRays and rip them yourself if you want to be “honest” about it. I really dont think the big media corp cares if you do it yourself with your own purchased media. Or just get them straight off _the bay_ if you want to. Frankly the more time passes, the more I think not caring and just getting it off the _naughty sites_ are the best for privacy.

Same for yt-dlp and youtube, I guess.

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## Post 6 by @Sharply — 2024-06-14T03:00:09Z

I mean, between those 2 options… of course the Pi would be significantly more private. But then you lack the QOL features and it’s not as nice of a TV experience.

I think generally I would recommend getting an NVIDIA Shield and installing LineageOS, either that or an Apple TV if you trust Apple and your content can be found on streaming apps available there.

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## Post 7 by @dumpster — 2024-06-14T05:09:35Z

The main problem with Lineage (and non-stock Android in general) is unlocking your bootloader limits your Widevine level, which many services require. I had a Shield running Lineage with Google Services. Disney+ and Hulu would not play any video at all. Also I think some other services did not provide their 4K streams (but I don’t recall which ones). HDR also didn’t work.