Streaming media
Streaming media refers to the many different ways that you
can use the Internet to enjoy movies, TV shows, music, video games, and more.
With so many streaming options available, choosing the ideal streaming media
player might take a little bit of research. This guide will help you find the
streaming device and content services that best fit your lifestyle.
Streaming media is video, audio and video games that are enjoyed
on your TV, laptop, tablet or smartphone via the Internet. If you've ever
watched a YouTube video, enjoyed a movie on Netflix or listened to music on
Pandora, then you've used a streaming media service.
Not only does streaming media save on shelf space, since the
media lives in the Cloud rather than on a disc or hard drive, it also delivers
your movies, shows, sports, music and games virtually anywhere you can connect
to the Internet. Plus, more and more services are adding eye-popping 4K UHD
streaming and convenient voice control to their technology offerings.
Streaming Media Services
Whether you're a movie buff, a TV show enthusiast, a gamer, a
music lover, or you're looking for cable alternatives, your streaming media
options are virtually limitless. Just keep in mind that many of these services
require a rental fee or a monthly subscription. Check out some of the popular
options below to find the right ones for you.
From new releases to classic films, you can find just about
anything you're looking for on the growing array of streaming services out
there. Most services offer movies and TV shows, but here are a few that a fan
of the silver screen should check out: Netflix, Amazon Instant Video, VUDU,
iTunes, Blockbuster On Demand
TV & Sports Enthusiasts
One of the best things about streaming TV is that you can watch
your favorite shows (even many new releases) when you want, where you want. You
can find everything from prime time TV to news, and even sports. Here are a few
of the most popular streaming TV services: Hulu, Sling TV, Twitch, PBS,
Netflix, Amazon Instant Video
Music Lovers
Streaming isn't just for TV. Find your favorite music tracks and
albums from the bands you love on one of the many available music services.
Then, stream through your home theater system, or even directly to compatible
speakers. Every music lover should check out these services: Pandora, Spotify,
iTunes, iHeartRadio
Gamers
Expand your gaming horizons by streaming select games on your
PlayStation 4 or Xbox One console, on an NVIDIA SHIELD streaming player, or on
your PC. Join thousands of other gamers online by streaming from popular
services like: GameFly, Twitch, YouTube Gaming
Cable Alternatives
Maybe you're just looking for a way to save some money by
cutting the cable cord. If that's the case, your best bet is finding the right
combination of streaming services to fill your entertainment needs.
Streaming Media Players
Streaming media players act in much the same way as your cable
TV or satellite set-top box. But, instead of delivering cable or satellite
content, a streaming media player connects your TV to the Internet. Many of
these devices link to your home Internet wirelessly, then plug directly into
your TV. Learn more about some of the popular streaming media player brands,
right here.
Amazon Fire TV
Amazon Fire TV comes in two versions: a small, portable
streaming stick that's ideal for entertainment on the go, and a set-top box for
your home theater. Either way, you get connected to services like Netflix,
Amazon Instant Video, Hulu, and many more. Some Amazon Fire TV models even
support 4K UHD streaming for outstanding picture quality.
Apple TV
Apple TV is compatible with most of the popular streaming
services — like Netflix, Hulu, and YouTube — and is the only streaming media
player with iTunes. If you've purchased videos or music on iTunes through a
different device, that content will be immediately available on your Apple TV.
Your entire library goes with you wherever life takes you.
Google Chromecast
Chromecast is a media streaming device that plugs into the HDMI
port on your TV. Simply use your mobile device to cast your favorite TV shows,
movies, music, sports, games, and more to the TV you already own. Chromecast
works with your iPhone®, iPad®, Android device, Apple® computer, Windows laptop
or Chromebook. If you're looking for a device capable of streaming 4K content,
check out the Google Chromecast Ultra.
NVIDIA
NVIDIA SHIELD is a streaming media player that connects you
instantly to content from services like Netflix, Amazon Video, Hulu, Pandora,
Spotify and many more. Plus, NVIDIA players support streaming content in
dazzling 4K HDR resolution, and you can enjoy the convenience of voice control.
NVIDIA players also stream games from services like GeForce, which make it a
great choice for PC gamers.
Roku
Roku streaming media players have a wealth of available apps
(including popular services like Netflix, Hulu, Pandora, YouTube, and video
games) and an easy-to-use interface. There are several Roku models to choose
from, including set-top boxes and portable options that are only about the size
of a thumb drive.
Multipurpose Streaming Devices
You don't always have to add a separate device to stream your
favorite content from Internet services. Many Blu-ray players, gaming consoles,
and even TVs can connect directly to your home network — often wirelessly — for
added convenience.
Smart Blu-ray Players
No need to leave your disc collection behind. A smart Blu-ray
player gives you the best of both worlds in one affordable package. Most of the
latest Blu-ray players are smart-enabled, which means they will stream media
from a variety of services, including Netflix, Hulu, YouTube, Pandora and more.
Many of them have the ability to stream in 4K UHD quality. Plus, they'll play
your entire DVD collection.
Gaming Consoles
If you're passionate about video games, the Xbox One and the
PlayStation 4 are excellent streaming media options. Besides being able to play
all the latest games, both consoles play Blu-ray Discs and DVDs, while offering
several popular video and music streaming services (including Netflix, Hulu,
Crackle and more).
If price point is a factor, the PS3 or Xbox 360 might also suit
your needs. The PS3 offers several streaming services and plays Blu-ray Discs.
The Xbox 360 offers streaming media services as well, but it doesn't have
Blu-ray capabilities.
Note that Xbox consoles may require an additional monthly fee to
use streaming services.
Smart TVs
Smart TVs let you stream media and surf the Internet with no
additional hardware needed. With a smart TV, the streaming features are built
right into the TV itself, and you can use a single remote for changing
channels, navigating your streaming content and surfing the Internet
If you're looking to stream your favorite movies and TV shows,
but don't want to sacrifice picture quality, look for Ultra HD Smart TVs that
deliver 4K resolution.
Voice Control
Increasingly, streaming media remote controls are being built
with voice control capability. With this technology, you speak into the remote,
like it's a microphone, to control what you watch. Just say what's on your mind
and the streaming device will find the best match. This way you don't have to
jump from one streaming service to another, or scroll through a seemingly
endless lineup of titles to find the one you're looking for. And best of all,
you can say goodbye to the frustration of "typing" in the name of a
movie, show or album using the arrows on your remote. Voice control does the
work for you.
Streaming with a DVR
Another way to bring the world of streaming content to your home
theater without adding another device, is to choose a DVR that offers streaming
capabilities. Brands like TiVo and others, offer DVRs that not only record your
favorite cable or satellite content, but also connect directly to
Internet-based services like Netflix, Hulu, Spotify and more.
Other Things to
Consider
Internet Speed
One important factor to keep in mind is that your Internet speed
will greatly affect the quality of your content. You'll want to check your
Internet speed before making a streaming media player purchase. We recommend:
- A wireless-N router or better
- At least 10Mbps download speed
when using a single device, or 20Mbps if you plan on streaming 4K content
Without the proper Internet speed from your provider, you might
experience lag and stuttering. If you have several devices sharing a single
Internet connection (including smartphones, tablets, computers, etc.) your
speed requirement for streaming could increase substantially.
Cutting the Cord
When it comes to streaming content, a big question is: can I get
by without my cable or satellite service? With more and more content available
all the time — including live TV, the number of people who are saving money by
cancelling their cable and satellite service is growing. Plus, with a little
information and the right antenna, you can get local channels in Full HD. Check
out our links below to learn more.
Remote Control
Since the remote control serves as a link between you and your
streaming device, it's important that your remote has the features you want.
Several streaming media players come with a remote that looks and acts similar
to that of your TV. Smart TV remotes also come with built-in buttons for
navigating your streaming services, which can even include a full QWERTY
keyboard. And, of course, some remotes come with voice search features.
Chromecast doesn't come with a remote at all, and instead lets
you use your smartphone or tablet as a remote. This offers additional
functionality that many people enjoy.
Setup
Geek Squad® is here to help get your streaming media players up
and running by answering any questions you have, or by coming to your home to
get everything set up for you.
If you choose to perform the set up yourself, just remember to
have your Internet password handy and make sure that you have the cables you'll
need. Additionally, your device will likely require you to set up an account.
Follow the instructions, included or on the screen, to set up your device.
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