I imagine the Netflix issue is one of control: they want their platform t9 be the only thing you watch, not just to act as another tv channel.

Have you tried gaming on the device, Mark? Playing a title like Tiny Wings or Alto’s Adventure is a surprisingly fun way to kill 15 minutes if you’re waiting for something (or you have the little one tucked under one arm and only have one hand free)

I’d be interested to see if you could recreate the scenario with Android TV, if only at the back end of your studio. Maybe put a Home device in the entrance hall and one upstairs with the TV? I have a few scattered around my house together with an Android TV and it works really well. I especially like the Xbox integration where I can launch a title with my voice upstairs and it’s waiting for me to play downstairs when I get there.