Streaming Media Players

If you’re like many people, streaming media players are changing the way you watch television. Rather than just turning on the television, picking a channel, and viewing whatever is broadcasting at the moment, you’re able to watch movies, sports, TV shows, and listen to music and play games, on demand. Streaming content does not have to download, rather you’re watching a continuous data stream facilitated by your choice of streaming device connecting your television to the internet. And, with more and more content becoming available in awe-inspiring 4K UHD, the popularity of streaming is on the upswing. Several companies have recently launched services that also enable you to view live TV programming using media players, making streaming a viable alternative to traditional cable service.

To get started streaming TV, you’ll need an HDTV, a home network and a broadband internet connection, along with one of the available media players. Plus, you’ll need a subscription to your streaming service(s) of choice, like Hulu and Netflix, for example. And while what you want to watch may dictate which dedicated media streaming device you get, you may also want to check if you already own a multimedia player that can stream content, like a gaming console, smart Blu-ray player, smart television, or DVR/streaming player. Once you’ve figured out your best streaming device option, you may also want to address the system’s sound capabilities. Consider upgrading the speakers in your television with a soundbar that provides stereo or surround sound, or incorporate a wireless multiroom audio system into your home entertainment setup to pump the music, or TV soundtrack, to several rooms in your home.

If you’re looking for the best in resolution, detail and sharpness, a 4K Ultra HD TV is the way to go. While many new televisions have some smart features, not all TVs and multimedia streaming devices offer all the features and options you may want. If your TV’s smart capabilities don’t cover all your preferences, you can consider several streaming media players that will provide access to a wide variety of content, including 4K content. Most streaming devices have an HDMI interface, which means you can use a standard HDMI cable for either HD or 4K signals, without compatibility issues. Once you get an idea of how your setup is coming together, you may want to consider getting a universal remote to control not only any streaming devices, but also your television, and your audio and video sources. Some universal remotes include voice command features, so that’s another option for you to consider.