Phonak Marvel - Phonak TV streamer v. Costco TV streamer - my experience

Hearing Aids
#1

I bought the Phonak TV streamer before I read here that the Costco TV streamer worked with the Marvels and is only $99. I was still within the return period for the Phonak streamer, so I went to Costco and bought theirs.

Bottom line: They look identical, but the Phonak one has a greater range. I put the Costco streamer in the same location, and it would cut out when I was in the next room - the kitchen - behind the wall separating the two rooms.

The Phonak streamer keeps the connection unless I’m in a room at the end of the house with two walls between me and the streamer. I can go outside to potty the dogs, and it doesn’t lose the connection unless I’m more than 10 feet from the house.

I decided to keep the Phonak streamer for the TV, and the Costco streamer for my computer.

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#2

Thanks for sharing.

The Costco connector serves it purpose as intended for me. I kind of like the shorter range.

#3

I’m sure it serves the purpose for the majority. I listen to music through the TV connector while I do stuff around the house and it’s impractical to have my phone in a pocket (if I’m even wearing something with a pocket), so the range was important to me.

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#4

Some newer TV sets come with bluetooth built in. Will a Phonak Marvel connect to them w/o a TV streaming device?

#5

Yes they do but it would then be one of the two Bluetooth spaces taken.

#6

Please explain. Wouldn’t the bluetooth TV adapter do the same thing?

#7

No, it is a different. It uses a proprietary wireless that is not part of the standard Bluetooth for the phones, laptops etc.

Try searching some of the Bluetooth threads. We have members who explain this very well, I am not one of them.

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#8

I have a Samsung OLED TV. I’ve paired multiple bluetooth headphones and speakers to it, but I had a really difficult time pairing the Marvels. I was finally able to pair them after deleting all but one of my other bluetooth devices, but the sound kept cutting in and out. I gave up and bought the TV streamer, which ended up being a better option anyway since I have two Android devices - phone and tablet - to pair with the Marvels. The TV streamer is separate from the two bluetooth devices I can pair with the Marvels.

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#9

Thanks. That is helpful to know. I think I’ll buy the Phonak TV streamer.

#10

Will Costco sell this $99 TV streamer to anyone??
What is the exact model number and name??
Or only to people who also buy/bought hearing aids from Costco??
Is it only sold in stores??
The range is not an issue for me…
Thank you, Tom

#11

I have Ambra aids and Compilot with FM reciever plugged into bottom and use with a Roger Pen. This is my “TV” streaming solution, just put the Roger pen next to TV speaker. I bought these items off ebay for cheap, as they are expensive new from regular channels. Cannot function without this system, so much that I have back ups for all. The Roger pen is great for meetings, omni pattern when flat and you can point it to speaker for high gain.

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#12

You can check out Ebay is where I brought my TV streamer.

#13

@johngo57: What is the exact name of the item you bought on Ebay?? There’s a million different ones offered. Ideally I’d like one that’s compatible with both Phonak Marvel AND Starkey Livio…I’ll check for Roger pen too.

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#14

@tom12010, I don’t know if you have to be a Costco member to buy it, since I’m already a member. I asked for the TV streamer compatible with their KS9 aids. I don’t see a model # on the box, but the receipt says Item # 1266799 with the description Assistive Listening Device: Phonak TV Connector Brio/KS 9.

#15

Do they just keep them in stock, or must it be ordered?

#16

I’m a member too but I was asking if one must buy the hearing aid to be able to buy the tv connector. However, now that you’ve explained what the model etc. is, I can decide if I want to travel 2+ hours to try to buy it. It’s not shown online so far as I can see.

#17

@gruuvinrob, the Costco by me didn’t have them in stock and had to order it for me. Took about a week and a half to get it.

#18

@tom12010, the woman who was at the hearing aid counter asked for my name, intending to look me up in their computer. When I told her I didn’t buy the aids there, she seemed reluctant to help me. I said to her, “Unfortunately, I can’t buy them here; you don’t carry what I need.”

I suspect her initial reluctance was because if I was in the computer, it would have shown her exactly what TV streamer to order for me. She had to - gasp! - go out of her way to look it up a different way and confirm with another employee that it was the right one.

If Costco is 2+ hours away, I’d call to see if it’s in stock. BTW, I had to pay for it when it was ordered.

#19

Same here. Had to order the TV connector and came in about a week later.

If a person knew exactly what you wanted and walked in and asked for the KS9 TV connector, I bet they would order it. A simple phone call would also answer your question.

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#20

You just have to be specific, as you say, @raudrive, that you’re looking for the KS9 TV connector.

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