![]() The problem is, most can't hold a candle to a separate streaming device in terms of app selection, updates, search and ease of use. If futzing with another clicker seems like too much of a hassle you might be tempted to just stick with your Smart TV. For that, you'll need a hub-based Harmony like the Home Control. I recommend Harmony, although IR-only models like the Harmony 650 can't control the streaming sticks. Incorporating a streaming device into your system adds some complexity and another remote, so investing in a good universal model can be worth it for the convenience. A good alternative is to use wired Ethernet, as long as your streaming device supports it. Many streamers need a good Wi-Fi connection as well, and since they connect directly to your TV, you need to have plenty of bars in the living room. Most entry-level broadband packages will suffice, but streaming video quality may suffer especially during prime-time hours in the evening. You'll also need a decent Internet connection. If the TV you're connecting to lacks HDMI, your only resort is an older streamer like the Roku 1. Nearly every streamer sold today requires an HDMI input, which excludes older TVs. ![]() Sarah Tew/CNET You need HDMI, broadband Internet and good Wi-Fi. The exception is 4K, which varies by device, and HDR ( don't ask). You have to fire up the Amazon app on your phone or tablet and use the "casting" feature - namely Google Cast on the Chromecast and Android TV devices, or AirPlay for Apple TV - to watch on your TV.Īll Roku and (duh) Amazon Fire TV devices have native Amazon apps that can access every video on Amazon. You can watch Amazon content on those devices, but it's not as simple as clicking on the app icon. If you want to take advantage of Amazon Prime's unlimited streaming, or the retailer's vast catalog of for-rent and to-buy TV shows and movies, you should know that access varies.Īpple TV, Chromecast and Android TV boxes like Nvidia Shield do not have a native app for Amazon. ![]() Amazon access varies.Īlong with Netflix and YouTube, Amazon is one of the most popular streaming video sources. New apps are added to these devices all the time, but there are still some gaps.Ĭheck out our comparison chart for details on app access across devices. Just about all of these streamers have apps for Netflix, Hulu, YouTube, HBO, Showtime, Watch ESPN, Plex and PBS Kids, and all offer many, many more. Sarah Tew/CNET Anything else I need to know? Most of the major video apps are covered on every device. Still too expensive? Raspberry Pi ($35), maybe? There's also the WD TV ($135), which is like VLC for your TV. If you're geeky enough to prefer Kodi instead, get an Amazon Fire TV device and side-load away, or use the old Google Nexus Player. Less affluent file-hoarding geeks should just use the excellent, free Plex app, which is available on every device above (except for the old Apple TV). You want local file access, but Shield is too expensive. Nvidia Shield ($200)īuilt to appeal to tech geeks, the Shield with Android TV comes with a game controller and excels at serving up those thousands of "files" you have on your computer or network attached storage drive. You want 4K, gaming and local file playback. ![]() You're so into Amazon content, the stick isn't enough: Amazon Fire TV ($100)įire TV devices push Amazon stuff pretty hard, but maybe that's OK with you, or you like the selection of games, or you want the cheapest 4K streamer. Or, don't save the $10 and get the Fire TV stick with the voice-control remote ($50 total). The Roku stick is a better all-around choice, but maybe you're really into Amazon's TV shows and movies and would rather save $10. Cheapest device with an actual remote: Amazon Fire TV stick ($40) Still interested? Here's the best option today. What else you got? You must have a 4K streamer right now: Roku 4 ($130)ĤK TV shows and movies are rare and often expensive, don't look much better than non-4K streams, and are probably already available on your 4K smart TV. Sarah Tew/CNET None of those apply to me. ![]()
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