Katarzyna Petru
Computer under the television? That used to be all the rage – miniPC, Kodi, films on the drive, everything beautifully arranged. But it's 2025 now and streaming has changed the rules of the game. Today, there's no need to mess around – all you need is a box, apps, and a remote control. Nevertheless, I still see people trying to launch Netflix or Disney+ through a browser on a laptop connected to the TV. Sure, it can be done. But that's like eating soup with a fork – you might catch something, but why bother?
The computer doesn't like the sofa
The PC was not designed for comfortable viewing from the sofa. The mouse on the floor, the keyboard on your lap – this is not the UX of your dreams. And even if you are using an air mouse or some app with a remote, you are still in the browser. And there? 720p, sometimes 1080p, without HDR, without Atmos. Netflix requires Edge, appropriate hardware, and an HEVC license. What about the other services? Quality like it's 2015. Only YouTube plays fair – because there is no DRM.
Micro-cuts and lack of fluidity? Welcome to the world of PC
Another issue – refresh rate. The computer by default operates at 60 Hz, while European content is at 50 fps. The effect? Judder. Change to 50 Hz – now the American 24 fps starts to fall apart. Browsers can't handle automatic switching, and Kodi, although great, does not support most popular platforms. So you watch "on a half measure" and don't even know that it can be better – until you fire up the same series on the streaming device.
Power flows, quality stands still
The computer consumes power even when it does nothing. 40–60 W is standard, and sometimes even more. A device with Google TV or Apple TV uses a maximum of 2–3 W during operation and below 1 W in standby mode. The bills will let you know about it. And now add to that the lack of decent applications – most services only work in the browser. Navigation is a nightmare, the UI is unreadable, and there are no download options. Netflix has an app for Windows, but this exception does not revolutionise anything.
If you game – sure, a PC makes sense. Steam, Epic, GeForce Now, Big Picture – everything runs smoothly, especially with a controller and a good monitor. But for streaming? Leave that to the specialists. Apple TV 4K, Nvidia Shield or Chromecast with Google TV handle it better, faster and cheaper. You have native applications, HDR, Atmos, Dolby Vision, full compatibility and no fuss. And all of this from the remote control. Just as it should be.
