About the author:
"Neal Bricker loves writing about tech and contributing on various websites and blogs. You can find his work all over the web."
Internet content like movies, music and YouTube videos
is not done justice to by watching it on a screen on your PC or laptop. The
only way to maximize streaming content is through your TV but up until recently
there has been no easily identifiable way to do this in a way that is simple,
straightforward and cost effective. However, things have changed now as there
are many gadgets available that allow us to enjoy internet content on our television screens. Plus, the easy availability of
internet bundles has also made things smoother. You can get a good bundle here:
http://www.directspecials.com/directv-internet.html.
There is a lot of money in this industry, which is why
big companies are producing content for the internet and hence the demand for
such devices is on a constant rise.
To help you pick the right gadget for watching internet
content on your TV, given below is a list of some of the best such gadgets.
Roku 3 - $80-$100
This high-end media player offers 2000 channels and services including YouTube, Netflix,
Amazon Instant, HBO Go and Hulu Plus. The Roku 3 is easy to use with a clean,
simple interface. As a box instead of a stick, you would expect it to have
higher performance and that is what you get with its fast processor. The box is
accompanied by a remote which is simple and easy to use. It comes with
headphones, though, which does seem slightly unnecessary given it pushes up the
price. Overall, it is an easy way to access a lot of online content.
Amazon Fire TV -$99
Amazon is clearly trying to sell this on this ability to
stream content to your TV as well as gaming. It comes with a remote control and
if you’re willing to pay more, a video game controller. With a graphics
processor to support the gaming aspect, some gamers will be tempted especially
with the fairly wide range of games available. One plus is that it pre-loads
content that it thinks you might enjoy. However, at the higher end of the price
range, are you buying this to play games or watch content? Although no HDMI
cable is included,
Google
Chromecast - $36
This is an excellent budget option that plugs directly into your HDMI port on your TV. Connecting
to WIFI, this enables you to watch content from Netflix, YouTube, HBO Go, Hulu
Plus, Pandora, ESPN and MLB.TV. This a great, inexpensive way to see what all
the fuss is about with streaming content to your TV. It is controlled by your
laptop, PC or tablet. Be aware, though, that it does not allow to watch media
that you already have saved on those devices.
Check out my review here.
Apple TV 3rd Generation
Apple will always attract attention in whatever area of
technology but this time it is not wholly deserved. Whilst users can watch
their own existing content on their TV, it is only compatible with other Apple
device like IPod or IPad etc. Saving graces are that they now offer a HDMI
cable included and as always, the box is beautiful in its design. In terms of
streaming service there are plenty. But
if you’re not an existing Apple user this isn’t even
an option and even if you are, at this price range you need to think carefully.
Roku Streaming stick $40
At the lower to mid-range, this stick offers wireless
connection, no need for HDMI cables and doesn’t
require another device to control it as it comes with a control. As mentioned above, the Roku interface is
very user friendly and has wide range of services. It is certainly good value
and probably lays out the direction of here TV streaming is headed. We love
this stick but others have commented that they found the interface a little
slower than they’d like . Overall, the ease of use and range of content
make it a winner.
All these devices have carved a niche in the industry
and have their own benefits. Roku is considered the best by many, but Amazong
Fire is not very far behind. Nonetheless, the best device depends on your
budget and your requirements, so shop carefully.
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