If you’re looking for an awesome stocking-filler this year, then I’ve got just the gadget for you. Today I’m going to give you the low-down on one of the top stocking-fillers for 2018: the streaming device. Also known as a ‘media streamer’, this is an easy way to give your old TV a massive upgrade.
Christmas is a time for media streamer gifts
Christmas is coming and I have to admit—I cannot wait! So many awesome pieces of tech out there this year, and if my wife has picked up any of the shameless hints I’ve been dropping, I expect I’ll be recycling a lot of wrapping paper this year.
When I discover a must-have piece of tech, whether it’s an upgrade of something that I already own, or an entirely new gadget, I spend a lot of time researching the options. I’m not the type of person to go out and buy the first model I happen to find—I do my homework. And today I want to share everything I’ve learned about media streamers with you lucky readers of the Best Buy Blog.
Smart TVs
Almost all the latest TVs are ‘smart’ TVs, meaning that they come with a proper operating system which allows you to download and install apps that let you to connect to the internet and stream all your favourite movies and TV shows. And in 2018, it is all about the streaming services, so whether you subscribe to Netflix, Amazon Video, CraveTV, YouTube Premium, or any one of the vast (and ever-growing) array of options out there, you need to make sure your TV is primed and ready to deliver content at the touch of a button.
If you don’t already own a smart TV, and you’re not ready to upgrade your current model, then you are the perfect candidate for a streaming device. Streaming devices are kind of the equivalent of the old set-top cable box, but nowadays you don’t need a cable guy to come around and drill holes in your wall and splice cables—you can easily do the install yourself. All you need is a HDMI input on your TV and you’re good to go.
Even if you do own a smart TV you might still need a media streamer. If, like my wife, you are a devotee of the Handmaid’s Tale, and you want to rent it on iTunes, then you need to own an Apple TV. Similarly, if you have purchased movies or TV shows through iTunes, you’ll need an Apple TV to view them
Do you have a 4K TV?
First of all, I want to point out that the kind of media streamer you buy depends on the kind of TV you own, or more specifically, it’s resolution. A 4K TV needs a streamer capable of delivering 4K content, so keep this in mind when you’re choosing your device.
Ok, let’s talk about some of the best media streamers on the market.
Google Chromecast
The Google Chromecast is now in it’s third generation, and according to one Best Buy customer review it is ‘blazing fast’, and very quick to boot up. The Chromecast is a great option if you already have a Google Home or a Google Home Mini, because you can control your TV using voice commands, and as you’ll see in this video review of the Chromecast by Best Buy Blogger Jacob McCourt, it actually works really, really well!
Click here to read the full review of the Google Chromecast.
There is also the Chromecast Ultra if you want to stream 4K content, and if you’re an audiophile you may be interested in the Chromecast Audio.
Apple TV
Apple is certainly the best known name in the media streamer segment, and I’ve been using the Apple TV for years now. It was a game-changer for us when we decided to cut the cable cord. If you’re already in the Apple eco-system and own an iPhone, iPad, MacBook and Apple Watch [why isn’t it called an iWatch?] then you are probably predisposed to going with an Apple TV as your streamer of choice. As I mentioned earlier, if you have an iTunes account and you like to buy or rent content there, you’re kind of tied to the Apple TV. Otherwise you might find advantages in the other devices mentioned here. For one thing the Apple TV is the bulkiest and most obtrusive of the streamers available at Best Buy. It’s designed to sit in plain view, whereas the others are designed to hide behind your TV.
The Roku Streaming Stick
Roku is probably the least well-known of the media streamer manufacturers, but the Roku Streaming Stick is nevertheless well worth considering. It is easy to set up and has a fantastic interface. As well as all the paid-for services that are available through Roku like Netflix, Amazon Video, etc., it is easy to find lots of free content, including the Roku Channel. The Streaming Stick is also voice activated, so you can speak right to the remote control and search for your favourite shows, or movies by your favourite director. You can also control your TVs volume and power through the Roku remote. The beauty of the Roku search function is that it searches across all the installed services to find what you’re looking for, which is really neat.
If you need a 4K option, check out the Roku Streaming Stick+. In my opinion, Roku Streaming Sticks are the best value out there in media streamers.
The Amazon Fire Stick 4K
Finally I want to mention the Amazon Fire Stick 4K, which is actually the cheapest of the 4K-enabled media streamers. Like the Roku Streaming Stick, the Amazon Fire Stick has voice control built into the remote itself.
Click here to see the range of media streamers available at Best Buy.
Hopefully you’ve benefited from my knowledge of streaming devices today and you’re ready to go out and buy one for someone special in your life. If you have any quesitons or comments I’d love to hear them!
I still have an old fashion T.V. so it looks like I could really use a Google Chromecast
We have an abox. Works ok.
Right now my kids and I use Xbox and a Google Chrome and it seems to be working just fine
nice xmas present
If I was looking at a dedicated steaming device I think I would go with the Apple TV so I can easily use my purchased iTunes movies. For now though I am content to use my XBox One.
Remember, some gaming consoles are also streaming devices, and they allow you to play amazing games.
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