Appliances and Design Delimma aren't appropriate topics for your question.

Electronics and Home Entertainment and perhaps Computers are more suited.

Thanks dadoes. I had never noticed all of those topics at the bottom of the list - thought they were just plant related carry overs from Garden Web. I also would have assumed that home entertainment meant hosting and having guests over! Duh? Thanks for the scoop.

Now, to provide bit of info that may be helpful.

Streaming means watching network TV shows or other video material over an Internet connection. Same thing as watching Netflix and Amazon on a computer (or phone or tablet).

Smart TVs nowdays with WiFi built-in (a wired ethernet connection can usually also be used) are like a smartphone in that various apps are included and others can be installed to stream video per the choice of source material such as ABC, CBS, Paramount+, local affiliates, Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, etc ... even YouTube and music such as Pandora. Some apps/sources require a paid subscription, others are free. Some can be free (may still require a log-in account) or paid but limit what's available if not paid.

Older TVs that aren't "smart" require an add-on device to do streaming, such as Roku, Firestick, or Apple TV. The desired apps are included and/or installed to said device, which has WiFi and plugs into an HDMI port or other type of audio/video connection on the TV.

I have a smart TV with the Android TV operating system. Several apps were pre-installed and I added a few others. I've been watching the old 1966-1971 gothic/mystery/horror soap opera Dark Shadows on the free (has short ad breaks) Tubi streaming service. Netflix. ABC for General Hospital (can watch the daily episode streaming when it airs or "off-air" later in the evening, or on some other day until a given episode is no longer available).

When you buy the TV, check out what apps are included. I doubt all the one you want are available for free, but I may be wrong. I have an inexpensive TCL TV which came with ROKU and I can use it for Netflix; haven't tried anything else. In NYC, rabbit ears MAY work.

For $30, +/- a bit, Roku, Chromecast, and Amazon Firestick dongles can be purchased for access to any streaming service desired. Compatible with all TVs, only an HDMI socket is required and all TVs made in the last 10 years+ have them.

Haven't looked back at this discussion in a while. Thanks for all the input. The comparison to a smart phone is very helpful. And, I had no idea that General Hospital still exists. That's great.

We use an antenna to view local stations such as NBC, CBS, ABC, and PBS. Our antenna is connected to a tablotv device that converts the signal and records programs based on a guide. Your antenna reception should be great in a city, you could order an antenna and coax and conduct a trial.

The apps built into tv's are usually limited and provide the lowest amount of processing power and responsiveness. Moving up, you can purchase inexpensive streaming devices like roku or fire stick. At the top of the market are apple tv 4k, fire tv cube, and nvidia shield.

" The apps built into tv's are usually limited and provide the lowest amount of processing power and responsiveness. "

I have both - a smart TV with built in apps, and dumb TVs with Roku dongles. The performances of the two types of connections are not perceptively different. If anything, the performance of the smart TV is better than with Rokus on two other sets. All have equally capable strong and fast Wifi signal reception. This comment surprises me, it differs from my own experiences and in particular, there's really little "processing" of the signal needed.

We have houses in two different but hilly urban areas and over the air reception at each is not usable. It probably varies with the specific location.

From what I can tell, the Tablo products are not widely sold and are made by a small Canadian company. They're nothing more than recorders for over the air signals. The company doesn't appear to be thriving and the fact that it's selling products of limited interest is probably why.

Is this guest apartment yours? Is it down the hall, or connected to yours? If it is close enough to get your WiFi signal, then your account will also work, e.g., for your parents. If you want PBS, and what is available to you, (and you have a good internet signal), you could spring for Passport, the app on your computer or, perhaps, your TV, which access most or all of the local and national PBS programs. It's obtainable with a donation to your local PBS station, WNET-13 in NYC,

If you're looking for a simple and affordable option for your guest apartment, a Roku TV could be a good choice. Roku is a device that allows you to stream content from various services like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and many others. Some Roku TVs come with Roku built-in, so you don't need to buy a separate device.

To watch NBC, PBS, and other over-the-air channels, you'll need an antenna. Rabbit ears are still a thing, and they can work well in an apartment building, although the reception may vary depending on your location and the amount of interference from other signals.

To set up the TV and antenna, you'll need to connect the TV to the antenna using a coaxial cable. You'll also need to scan for channels on the TV to find the ones you want to watch. This process is usually straightforward and can be done using the TV remote.

If you want to watch Steelers games, you'll need to find out which network is broadcasting the game and make sure that network is available over-the-air in your area. Some games are only available on cable or satellite, so you may need to find an alternative option if that's the case.

In terms of ease of use, a Roku TV is a good choice because it has a simple interface and can be controlled using a remote or a smartphone app. You can also add and remove channels easily, so your parents can customize their viewing experience.

Overall, a Roku TV with an antenna could be a good choice for your guest apartment if you want an affordable and easy-to-use option for your parents to watch their favorite shows and channels.

An antenna is not the only choice to watch network shows and sports with a Roku, FireTV, AndroidTV or other streaming device. One can subscribe to a streaming service with live TV feeds such as FuboTV, YouTube TV, Hulu, DirecTV. Individual network subscriptions are also a choice. Networks and local stations also may have free streaming apps for local news (without network daytime/prime time shows).