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.

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Ready to cut the cord?

Apple TV 4K 32GB (2nd Generation) (Latest Model) - Black

Roku - Streaming Stick® 4K (2021) Streaming Device 4K/HDR/ Dolby Vision with Roku Voice Remote and TV Controls - Black

Amazon - Fire TV Stick (3rd Gen) with Alexa Voice Remote (includes TV controls) | HD streaming device | 2021 release - Black

Amazon - Fire TV Stick 4K with Alexa Voice Remote, Dolby Vision, HD Streaming Media Player (includes TV controls) - Black

Roku - Ultra Streaming Device 4K/HDR/Dolby Vision, Voice Remote with Headphone Jack, Lost Remote Finder - Black

Amazon - Fire TV Stick 4K Max Streaming Media Player with Alexa Voice Remote (includes TV controls) | HD streaming device - Black

Chromecast with Google TV - 4K - Snow

Apple TV 4K 64GB (2nd Generation) (Latest Model) - Black

Amazon - Fire TV Stick Lite (no TV controls) | HD streaming device - Black

Apple TV HD 32GB (Latest Model) - Black

Roku - Express 4K+ (2021) Streaming Media Player with Voice Remote, TV Controls, and Premium HDMI® Cable - Black

Roku - Express HD Streaming Media Player with High Speed HDMI Cable and Simple Remote - Black

Roku Streambar Pro - 4K/HD/HDR Streaming Media Player & Cinematic Sound, All In One, includes Voice Remote - Black

NVIDIA - SHIELD Android TV Pro - 16GB - 4K HDR Streaming Media Player with Google Assistant - Black

Roku Voice Remote Pro – Rechargeable Remote with TV Controls for Roku Players, Roku TV, and Roku Streambars - Black

Apple - Siri Remote

Roku - Streambar Powerful 4K Streaming Media Player, Premium Audio, All in One, Voice Remote and TV controls - Black

Package - Apple - Apple TV 4K 64GB (2nd Generation) (Latest Model) and Rocketfish™ - 8' 4K UltraHD/HDR In-Wall Rated HDMI Cable - Black

Sanus - Streaming Media Panel for Most Small Devices up to 3 lbs- Compatible with Most TVs - Black

Amazon - Alexa Voice Remote (3rd Gen) with TV controls | Requires compatible Fire TV device | 2021 release - Black

Amazon - Fire TV Cube 2nd Gen Streaming Media Player with Voice Remote (includes TV controls) | HD streaming device - Black

Package - Apple - Apple TV 4K 64GB (2nd Generation) (Latest Model) and Rocketfish™ - Rocketfish 4' 4K HDMI Cable - Black

Google - Chromecast Streaming Media Player - Charcoal

Package - Apple - Apple TV HD 32GB (Latest Model) and Rocketfish™ - Rocketfish 4' 4K HDMI Cable - Black

Devices for Streaming TV & Movies

Streaming Media Players: An Overview

Choosing the Best Streaming Device for You

Streaming Devices: Compatibility and More