Akbuk. I did do a further reply that seems to have suffered the dreaded PF disappearing trick, it wasn't controversial I assure you so I can only say it must have been the gremlins. However, perhaps I can update it taking into account later posts.
The Firestick plugs into the back of the TV via an HDMI port. You are really connecting the TV to the internet so that it becomes a relatively smart TV. The Firestick box comes with a the Firestick (of course), a power supply (charger) a short HDMI cable (in case you don't want the Firestick poking out of the back of your TV), a USB cable to connect to the power source (note that some TV's do not require a power source as some more modern ones have a USB port with a 5v power supply built in) and a hand controller (similar to a TV controller). Once connected you can get anything free which is available over the internet and of course any paid for services. A memory stick/USB combination is simply a way of plugging memory into a TV (for recording etc) and does not connect the internet, although HDMI ports also double up as inputs from a recorder that's why you need multiple HDMI's.
Early smart TV's had rather limited internet connectivity because the apps were loaded by the manufacturers. Most had a Netflix app as well as BBC iPlayer and a few others maybe, but expanding their facilities was difficult. I have a 3 year old 50" Panasonic which is one of these. It simply refuses to load any apps such as Amazon Prime so the only way I can get it is via one of my Firesticks which also gives me a lot more flexibility. My main TV is a new 55" Samsung which is much more capable and needs no new apps. Those which I use are Prime and the BBC/ITV/Channel 4/ Channel 5 recall services plus a few things like weather, 24 hour news and other interesting things. I am currently experimenting with solid state recording. Oh! I also have Chromecast so I can get recordings off my Son-in-Law's recording system their home in London. I am also trying to get the main TV to reliably connect to my Alexa based smart home system. So far it can connect to the TV OK, but trying to reliably change TV channels and programmes by voice is currently more complicated than using the old TV control stick.
Hope this is of interest and answers some of your queries
Mike.X
Again, thanks for that Mike & others for putting me right.
Until now Ive only been using two apps on the TV, YouTube & BBC iPlayer.......seems there a whole new world out there with these TVs.
Right next Q for you tech bods but before I ask, let me just say this. No I'm not tech minded BUT I can fit a boiler, seven radiators & pipework in a three days in a three bedroomed house...............its kinda horses for course & tech is the wrong course for me :-)
Not sure if Ive asked this on here before, apologies if I have, I either missed the answers or didn't understand them.
Is there an easier way to type letters for the Smart TV "search" without using the remote? (chubby fingers issue). What can I just simply add on preferably without a cable ie, can I go laptop to TV or even one of those independent rubber key pads or am I just making a paper hat of myself for even thinking that way? Feel free to say yes you are :-) Oh the TV is a Smart Panasonic & I was a Smart Plumber.