Video streaming is one of the trendiest things and ways to watch something in today’s time in the comfort of your house and bed. So what do you use for watching online videos and movies? Most probably your TV, which comes with the inbuilt apps or if not, then maybe a Blu ray player, right? If these features are not available, you can use an additional device that will help you achieve the same. There is a variety of media streaming hub available in the market; all you need to do is connect it to your TV and enjoy the service it provides, that too just under a hundred dollar. What more does one need? An important element that one needs to consider wisely while investing in this stuff is resolution. A detailed overview of the leading media streaming platforms has been mentioned here.
1. Amazon Fire TV
Amazon’s Fire TV system is a customised version of Android created specifically for Amazon’s content. Although you will find services of many streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu and YouTube but this fire TV stick is primarily meant to cater the and, in fact, promote the Amazon Prime media itself through its devices. If you scroll through the menu system, major findings of one would be the Prime Video and Prime Music. The value associated with this device comes from its ease by making everything available just at your fingertips.
2. Android TV
It is Google’s specialised Android-based video streamer menu system; it is nothing compared to the Amazon Fire TV stick you see. Instead, it is a more modified technology compared to Android. However, it was powerful enough in itself, and even today, it can be accessed on 2020 Sony TVs as well as the TiVo Stream 4K, but it is gradually becoming off the market as the popularity of Google TV is seeing a rise.
3. Google TV
Google TV is nothing but just a redesigned and streamlined version of Android TV. Applications and services available on it are no different. It comes with Google Assistant for voice control while Google Cast for local streaming. It was originally available on the Chromecast with Google TV last year, and it is now available on Sony’s 2021 TVs. It offers everything that an Android TV can and provides you with the same perks; the only difference is that it has a friendlier and less aesthetically crowded interface and superior content recommendations.
4. Apple TV
Apple’s content and AirPlay 2 compatibility are available in these smart TVs and media streamers; due to the recent update, it comes with a faster CPU than before and a new remote. AirPlay allows you to broadcast video from your iOS smartphone straight to your TV. The app of this TV gives you access to the majority of Apple-purchased movies and series, as well as Apple TV+ content.
5. Roku
The Roku streaming stick has various apps available on their device and offers varieties of Roku channels on their streaming device. Be it Netflix, Amazon prime video, Hulu, twitch, or services like sport, news, and international content, everything is available on the Roku streaming device. Roku Streaming Stick+ and Ultra offer you a remote with a headphones jack and other wired connection options. Along with media streaming services, Roku also offers a soundbar with benefits like streaming 4k video. It balances everything out. It can be used easily by pairing up with any Roku TV wireless speakers. The Roku TV is just like its media streaming devices; they support 4k quality, have Dolby Vision HDR, and the Roku ultra.
6. Xiaomi Mi Box 4K and Mi TV Stick
This streaming gadget connects to your TV’s HDMI connector and runs Android TV 9 Pie, allowing you to browse numerous apps and games that too on the big screen itself. It is a stand-alone streamer and operates independently with the remote. It’s a low-cost, competent gadget that is not just capable of turning a dumb TV into a smart one, but at the same time, it improves the existing experience that your smart TV has to offer.
7. Amazon Fire TV Cube (2nd Gen)
It is one of the most incredible ones available as it has hands-free Alexa voice help. The Amazon Fire TV Cube (2nd Gen) combines the features of a Fire TV streaming device with an Echo smart speaker, allowing you to watch in 4K HDR and manage the experience and connected devices just by using your voice. The redesigned Fire TV user interface fully supports the Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos specifications for high dynamic range and sound encoding, respectively.
8. NVIDIA Shield TV
Because of its cutting-edge upscaling technology and compatibility for both 4K HDR and Dolby Vision content, the Nvidia Shield TV Streaming Media Player is extraordinarily powerful. This gadget has a redesigned shield remote, the most recent version of Android TV and is driven by a neural network, which can sharpen the content significantly, resulting in HD content.
9. Google Chromecast
This is among the most affordable video streaming devices available that you will come across. It is a good small gadget, with a 1080p resolution. Amazon Prime, Netflix, BBC iPlayer, ITV Player, All 4, My5, and Now TV may all be ‘cast,’ as can Google Play Movies and YouTube TV to be cast. Spotify, TuneIn, and Tidal are some music streaming sites that can too work properly.
10. Now TV Smart Stick
If you have an old television set and want to make it a smart one, this is one of the cheapest ways. You can stream all the major streaming providers except amazon prime. Moreover, it can stream in a resolution quality of 1080p.
Also read: Advantages and Disadvantages of Technological Diversity in Higher Education
