Internet to TV: The Most Popular Gadgets
When it comes to streaming Internet video to your television, there are a number of gadgets out there that can help you get the job done. They are as diverse as the internet plans you subscribe to.
As with many things in life, some of these gadgets are better than others and after a few years of trial and error testing, these four truly stand out as some of the best. Let’s take a look at the devices that top the list.
Apple TV
When it come to Apple products, there are always rumors flying around about what’s coming next. Some are true and some aren’t and when it comes to Apple TV, it looks like you will be using a separate Internet TV extender for a while longer as no TV manufacturers have announced having a built in unit just yet.
So, what does Apple TV offer to its audience? For $99, you can access all of the TV shows, movies and other video services housed in the Apple iTunes store. You can now also integrate streaming service subscriptions such as Netflix, Hulu Plus, and PBS. And, with a little help from the newer versions of iOS, you can now stream your content to your iDevice with ease.
Roku
Roku is another very capable Internet streaming device.
For only $59, you can stream just about any Internet based video streaming service on the planet. With access to over 1,000 Internet channels, popular subscription services such as Amazon Instant, Crackle, HBO GO, Hulu Plus, Netflix and VuduDo, you simply can’t go wrong with this little device. The best part is that Internet video streaming with the Roku isn’t limited to English speaking audiences only. The Roku is the only major streaming device that gives you the option of watching multiple Internet channels in other languages such as Spanish, Arabic, and more.
Google Chromecast
While Google’s Chromecast device isn’t nearly as luxurious as Apple TV or the Roku, this one trick pony let’s you watch anything you can find on the Internet on the big screen for a small cost.
At $35, Chromecast will take whatever it is you are watching on your phone, tablet or laptop and puts it on your TV. It also supports a few video on demand services like Amazon Instant, HBO GO and MLB.TV, but the selling features here are the low price point and ease of use.
Samsung BD-F5100 Blu-ray Disc Player
If you still like watching DVDs and Blu-rays but want the flexibility of watching Internet video as well, Samsung’s BD-F5100 is the device to buy. This is an affordable unit that allows you to combine all of your media watching functionality into one device.
So, which one will you choose? The luxurious Roku? The iDevice integrated Apple TV? Or the very capable, yet budget conscious Chromecast?
