Yeah...being unable to steam via Control seems to be spreading like a virus.
I read the User Manual for your Philips 55PFL5601/F7, and it appears this online system you had previously noted is Net TV and Net TV controls its apps. Here's a copy-and-paste...
Net TV
Net TV offers internet services for your TV. Use the TV remote control to browse the Net TV pages. You can play movies, listen to music and much more, all from your TV screen.
– Because Net TV is an online system, it can be modified over time to better serve its purpose.
– Some Net TV services can be added, changed or stopped after some time.
– You cannot download and save files or install plug-ins.
Meaning, Net TV controls the weird stuff you can stream. This feature reminds me of a quote of Henry Ford, "Any customer can have a car painted any color that he wants so long as it's black."
I suspect those buttons for Netflix, Vudu and Youtube on the Philips remote are launching Net TV.
I'd take another look at those how-to articles to download apps onto your Philips. These articles may be instructing how to download and use apps outside of Net TV. Of course, this won't solve your problem with streaming via Contour, but the crux of your problem may be streaming via Contour.
Page 48: www.download.p4c.philips.com/.../55pfl5601_f7_dfu_aen.pdf
I just checked all of my 3rd party apps and they are now launching and working. I see others with this issue, and someone said they had called and Cox wasn't even aware of it. I did a little research last night and saw that some earlier Philips TVs (pre-2017) will not allow for the manipulation of preset apps, and will not allow for downloading of any app stores (Google Play being the main one mentioned for Philips). I honestly don't know how old my set is. My parents bought it, and it sat at their house for a few years before they gave it to me, but it's most likey 2015 or so. So I guess I'm just stuck with the Net TV apps or the BS I deal with on Cox/Contour. Thank you for the article though, I'll see if there is anything I can do.
Get a dedicated streaming device. I trust these reviews:
www.soundandvision.com/.../top-picks-streaming-media-players
So, how do those devices work? Do I just install them and then I can navigate to the apps I subscribe to and log on with a code or something like that? Would I have to just buy the device, or is there an additional monthly fee for using Fire Stick or Roku or whatever?
I can only speak for Roku but I'm sure other devices are similar. I think the biggest difference between devices is from where the device downloads its apps, for example, Roku downloads from Roku...Chromecast from Google Play...Fire Stick from Amazon.
You buy these devices in a store. For example, I searched "Where to buy a Chromecast?" and "Where to buy a Fire Stick?" and "Where to buy a Roku?" and got the same 3 results: Best Buy, Walmart and Target. If you don't have these stores, go to the website of a store near you.
You just connect the device directly to your TV set. Do you have any HDMI ports available on your Philips TV?
The model of my Roku requires an HDMI cable; however, some models are so small, it can connect directly into an HDMI port like a USB stick. If you purchase a device requiring an HDMI cable, check its package at the store for what's included. If the device doesn't include an HDMI cable, buy an HDMI cable while at the store.
Connect the device to an HDMI port and, if needed, to an electrical outlet. Power up your TV.
There is an HDMI Select button on your Cox remote and if you've entered a good pairing code, the button will launch the HDMI Input screen of your Philips TV. This screen has to be from your Philips TV because only your Philips TV can detect what's connected to its HDMI ports.
Once you get into the User Interface of the device, you can add and remove apps. All apps are free to download; however, I sure some apps, such as HBO Max, require a subscription fee. If you already subscribe to HBO via Cox, the User Interface will instruct you what to do. It's very easy.
You may, however, need to go to the HBO website to get an activation code to enter into your User Interface. I'm unsure how this worked because it's been a while since I've activated my subscription on Roku.
I think I got everything but if not...just ask.
