Smart TVs and Taplist.io

This article is all about using Smart TVs with Taplist.io.

Can I run Taplist.io on "smart" TVs?

Like all HD TVs, you can use a "smart" TV as the TV itself, but it is unlikely the Taplist.io App will run directly on the TV. You will need to add a Fire TV Stick.

There are a few exceptions, however, where it may be possible (see below).

Why can't I run the app directly on my smart TV?

There are many, many different kinds of "Smart" TVs, each with different features and functionality.

Unfortunately, technical standards, quality of support, and reliability for these TV platforms vary widely. Some "smart" TVs don't have the processing power or technical features necessary to render the menu. We've heard about others that initially worked, but crashed unexpectedly (and at the worst possible time).

Our number one goal for your TV menu is reliability. We have found, through years of experience and hundreds of thousands of real hours of usage, that running the app on a dedicated TV stick — and not on the TV itself — is the single best way to build a rock-solid, reliable system.

In addition, using a separate devices makes it easy to add or replace a menu panel, without having to worry about what's inside the TV. In most markets, Amazon can send you a new stick overnight or even on the same day. When customer happiness is on the line, you can't beat that kind of fast turnaround.

What are the costs of a Fire TV Stick?

Please see our Fire TV Guide for the latest links.

Generally, Fire TV sticks are available for $20-$40 depending on options and promotions. Even at the high side, our customers have found them to be an incredibly good value.

Products that compete with Taplist.io often require special, proprietary computers costing $100 or more, per panel.

Are there any Smart TVs that do run the app directly?

Recently, Amazon and their partners have begun making "Fire TV"-branded TV sets. These sets have the Amazon App Store built-in, and can run the Taplist.io app directly.

Generally, if your smart TV has either the Amazon App Store or Google Play App Store built in, you can search that store and find and install the app. Otherwise, your best bet is using the tried and true Fire stick.