Video Streaming Solutions: 12 Products to Try

By Jordan Wills, Cloud9 Smart

Now that video streaming solutions have made an impact households that used to rely solely on cable and satellite services for their entertainment enjoyment, it’s time to clear up what’s available in streaming media players in 2017.

All of the below devices stream YouTube, Netflix, HBO, Amazon Video unless otherwise noted, and thousands of other Apps – in at least 1080p. None of them are slow but the boxes are faster than the sticks or dongles that hide behind your TV (noted with **). Here are the key takeaways for each:

Video Streaming Solutions

ROKU

 

Express Use the included remote or download the App. Unbiased search across all the top channels. $30

 

Streaming Stick** Same as above but better Wi-Fi and you don’t have to point the remote anywhere specific. $50

 

Premiere+ Same as above with 4K, more dynamic color, and you can speak your searches into the remote. You can also plug headphones into the remote at night. $100

 

Ultra Same as above with Dolby audio protocols and a feature to find your remote, which now has gaming buttons on it. It also has optical out for older audio components. $130

 

GOOGLE

Chromecast 2** App controlled only, and you can control it directly from your Netflix App, YouTube App, etc. No Amazon Video. $30

Chromecast Ultra** Same as above with 4K and better dynamic range. $70

 

AMAZON

Amazon Fire TV Stick** Speak your search into the remote. $40

 

Amazon Fire TV Same as above with 4K, an Ethernet port so you don’t have to depend on wireless, and expandable local storage so you can watch if your internet goes down. $90

 

APPLE

Apple TV 4th Generation Very intuitive remote that you can speak your search into. Best choice if you have an Apple ecosystem. No Amazon Video. (4K to come next generation?) $150

 

 

 

 

 

 

MISC

XBox 1 A video game console that also streams, plays Blurays, and lets you split the screen in half. $250

TiVo BOLT ($185 – $500) – A replacement for your cable box that doubles as a 4K streamer and records up to 450 hours of content. Subscription fees apply. $185-$500

Slingbox Different idea. Access your cable box feed from any computer. $100

 

Happy streaming.

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