TV first started being transmitted in American homes back in the late 1920s, however it wasn’t until the 1950s when color TV was first transmitted and home TV sets became advanced enough to be capable of broadcasting it. In more than 60 years since, the technology has changed exponentially. Cable TV was introduced, and this was followed up by satellite. While these services moved the game on significantly, the next revolution in TV is here, and it’s taking place thanks to the streamer devices that are proliferating on the world marketplace. Let’s take a look at some of these devices by type: How They Work A streamer device harnesses your internet connection (you can plug them in to your modem via an Ethernet cable or connect them to the internet via WiFi) in order to deliver on-demand movies, TV channels and programs to your TV. They allow you to watch what you want, when you want. Many devices also have apps that can be used to control them, change the channel and other settings. In other words, they turn your smartphone into a remote when you’re watching a streaming service on your TV. Another advantage of having a streamer device is its portability – you can unplug it and take it with you to most other places that have a TV and an internet connection.
Streamer Device Types There are two principle device types that can be used for accessing streaming services, namely HDMI sticks, or HDMI boxes. Sticks tend to be cheaper than boxes, however boxes usually come with their own remote controls, the option to add storage space via SD cards and multiple input slots. A third-generation Apple TV box is pictured. HDMI Sticks
An HDMI stick simply plugs into your TV’s HDMI port. Once you’ve done this, all you need to do is set your TV’s input to HDMI (as opposed to SCART or AV, for instance) and you’re able to use it. While some HDMI streamer sticks come with their own remote control, others can be controlled via an app that you download to your smartphone. Currently, the market-leader is the Roku Streaming Stick (pictured above). It can be bought for just $40, and gives you access to a whole range of streaming media services (both free and paid). Other examples of this type of devices are the Amazon Fire TV Stick and the Google Chromecast.
HDMI Boxes Competition is fierce across the streaming media landscape, and this is definitely true regarding HDMI boxes. The main differences between streamer sticks and streamer boxes is that boxes tend to run slightly faster, as well as offering the ability to add more storage or plug straight in to your internet connection via an Ethernet cable for the smoothest-possible streaming experience. These are loads of different devices to choose from. For example, if you have many Apple devices in your home and also use an iPhone, Apple TV is the streamer box to go for. If you’re familiar with the Android operating system and like to play games, you should take a look at the Nvidia Shield Android TV box (pictured above, far right, together with its associated game controller and remote control). Roku also has a series of streamer boxes it manufactures and sells. They run on the company’s own operating system and don’t place emphasis on any one streaming service, such as how Amazon’s Fire devices are centered on Amazon’s own content.
|
4 Chrome Address Bar Icons and Their Hidden Meaning
Chrome address bar icons have plenty of hidden features that you may not be aware of. Let’s find out more about them.
Make the Most of Your Music Streaming Services
In this post, we'll be focusing on two music streaming services: Apple Music and Spotify.
Learn About the Newest Smart Christmas Lights
Enjoy a collection of the newest Christmas gadgets for decorating your home!
5 Android Tweaks You Should Know About Right Now
These 5 tips will help you tweak and personalize your android, for optimal user experience.
With These Apps, You Get Unlimited Calls With Wi-Fi
Check out these great apps that will help you make free calls with Wi-Fi.
How Fast Does Your Home Internet Need to Be?
Confused about what internet speed would be suitable for your home? Here's a quick guide that should help.
New to Spotify? These Easy Tips Will Help You Get Started
New to Spotify? Here’s everything you need to know about the music streaming service.
What Do Those 12 Mysterious 'F' Keys on Your Keyboard Mean?
Find out what those 12 curious F keys on your keyboard mean.
These 10 Keyboard Shortcuts Will Make Life Easy!
These keyboard shortcuts will help you learn the easiest ways to use your computer when your mouse is being less than cooperative!
Your iPhone's Volume Buttons Have Tons of Hidden Features!
There is more to your iPhone's volume buttons than you knew about!
How to Make Your Windows the Most Safe & Secure
Take advantage of the following video tutorial to gain comprehensive knowledge about all the crucial security and privacy settings available within Windows software.
The Best iPhone Tips and Tricks for 2023!
In this video you'll learn a bunch of tips and tricks that have just recently been added.
Check When Your Shipments Will Arrive on These 5 Websites
These helpful online tools will help you estimate delivery times and track shipments with precision and accuracy.
Can A.I. Outperform These 20 Professionals?
Here's a comparison video we're all secretly curious about...
Photo-Perfect: Learn How to Use the Basics of Photoshop
Whether you're looking to enhance your personal photos or create compelling graphics for your business, our Photoshop tutorial is designed specifically for you.
The Only Guide You Need to Clean Your Computer
Computers collect dust and dirt, causing them to slow down and heat up. Here's how to clean them:
12 Google Chrome Shortcuts Everyone Should Know
Keyboard shortcuts are immensely useful! If you’re using Google Chrome to browse the internet, we have a few neat shortcuts to share with you.
Computer Guide: How to Keep Your Computer Up-to-Date!
Follow this simple guide to update drives and resolve common issues on your Windows computer.
The New Wi-Fi is Here! This is Why You Should Try It…
Wi-Fi 7 is here, and it can change the way you use the internet!
These Shortcuts Make Using My PC SO Easy!
Shortcuts make life easier in many parts of life, and computing is no different. Here we'll show you how your keyboard can be used to speed things up.
Your Computer Mouse Can Do Much More Than You Think...
Knowing how to use your mouse can make computing so much easier than you ever realized. Here are some great tips on how to maximize the use of your mouse, which will increase your overall productivity on the computer.
10 Safe & Free Movie Streaming Sites Anyone Can Use
Check out some of the best free and legal streaming sites for your next binge.
How to Download Streaming Movies for Offline Viewing
Here's how to download movies and TV series from your favorite streaming services to watch them offline.
The Truth Behind Misleading Phone Charging Myths
We're putting down these rumors once and for all! These cellphone battery charge myths are untrue.
How to Turn Your Phone Into a Wifi Hotspot!
If you've ever dreamt of sharing your smartphone's cellular connection with other Wi-Fi-only devices, such as a tablet or a laptop, then you're in luck!
5 Ways to Make Your Wi-Fi Safe From Attacks & Hacks
Make sure you protect your Wi-Fi network against these common attacks.
Declutter Your Phone's Home Screen with These Tips
Streamline your digital life with these expert tips on decluttering your iPhone and Android home screens.
Spotting WhatsApp Spam: 5 Tips for Safe Chatting
Due to WhatsApp's increasing popularity, the number of spam texts in circulation has also grown. Here's how you can spot them.
THIS is Why You Shouldn't Take Your Phone to Bed!
A stern warning and a cautionary tale that will explain why you shouldn't sleep with your phone...
Guide: How to Protect Your Eyes When On the Computer
Eye strain can be a serious problem if you work at a computer for long hours each day. Luckily, there are various things you can do in order to prevent it.
These Free Tools Will Help You Download Any Video Online
These free tools will help you download any video online.
This One Computer Key Is Used for a Myriad of Shortcuts!
The 'Win' key is usally thought to only bring up the start menu. It actually does a whole lot more. Get a load of these dozens of shortcuts!
Take Your Computer Back to New with These Helpful Tips!
If your computer has become slow and is starting to lag, it’s probably about time you serviced it. Here's how to do it yourself, free of charge.
Make Your Browser Safer With This Handy Guide!
Make your browser more secure by following these easy tips.
It’s Almost a Crime Not to Use These Free Nifty Websites
Check out 15 really useful websites. They are completely free to use!
There's a keyboard Shortcut for Nearly Everything Here!
These shortcuts will cut down the time you waste fiddling about on the computer, and make you into something of an expert.
New WhatsApp Features: Edit Your Messages and More!
Have you tried this new WhatsApp feature yet?
ISPs Know Everything about You. Here’s How to Stop Them
What VPNs are, and who offers the best VPN service
Guide: How to Use the Hot New Video Editing App!
By watching this detailed video guide, you can become familiar with the app and start using your newfound knowledge to produce high-quality videos!
How to Identify the Owner of a Phone Number: 5 Methods
Received a call from an unknown number? Use these sites to identify the caller.
Computer Tips: All You Can Do With the CTRL/Control Key!
The control key has more uses than just copying and pasting. These are the 20 more useful keyboard shortcuts you can do with the control key.
Take an Interactive Tour of 1940s New York!
This interactive street map of New York City in the 1940s is so much fun to browse and explore! And best of all, it's completely free!
Tips That'll Drastically Improve Your Phone's Battery Life
There's nothing more annoying than when your phone runs out of battery with no place to charge it. Thankfully, there's some great ways to improve battery life!
These Free Apps Turn Your Photos Into Beautiful Paintings
Your photos will look artistic with the help of these free apps.
Most People Don’t Know These New WhatsApp Tricks (2024)
These new WhatsApp tricks and hacks are a lifesaver!
20 Easy Solutions To Your Annoying Computer Problems
A collection of 20 tips to help you troubleshoot common computer problems with ease!
Beyond Chrome: 5 Private Browsers for Better Security
For those who prioritize their online privacy, there are some alternatives to Chrome available that could be explored.