Having already configured a VLC-powered Google TV configuration with USB hard drives for a relative without the router or download speed needed for reliable streaming, I'm now trying to configure a similar setup for another relative with a non-smart TV and an even slower download speed.
The only requirements for such a device would be the ability to be controlled entirely with a remote, a USB-A or USB-C port compatible with USB hubs and media storage devices, and the reliable playback of videos of assorted codecs and file extensions. As Roku, FireTV, and Android/Google TV streaming sticks tend to be plastered with ads as a means of promoting content within their ecosystems, an alternative HDMI device that minimizes the number of button presses between turning on the TV and and reaching the navigation menu for videos on attached USB storage devices would be preferred.
If tv cant play from usb its probably 10+ years old with small screen size. You can get brand new 40" 1080p android tv from 180€. You can just turn off internet and use it as a usb player if thats what you want. Rpi 4 4GB + psu + SD card + hdmi cable is like 120-130€ and you will still have a big pile of cables behind that old tv.
There might be better options than android tv, IDK, Im not expert. Im also not google fan, but android tv just works fine for me.
USB hubs can work, but I wouldnt put them in the same sentence with word "reliable". Maybe I just had bad luck with them... My setup is android tv + jellyfin server with sata drives
Unfortunately it's a relatively new TV that just happens to not be a smart one. Having helped my other relatives pick an inexpensive Google TV powered smart TV specifically for its VLC compatibility, I would have preferred to have done the same in this case, but hopefully I can find something that'll work all the same.
Did you try playing videos from USB? It can be done on most non-smart tvs
Otherwise you need small computer with USB or sata ports. Rapsberry pi, banana pi, intel nuc and simmilar. Lot of smart tv boxes dont have any port for storage