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.
|
16 Outrageous Tech Fails That You Won’t Believe Are True
Technology isn’t for everyone, as you can clearly see in these ridiculously hilarious pictures.
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.
TECHNOLOGY: How the Next 10 Years Will Radically Change
The future is a weird place. You won't believe the things the techno experts foresee happening in the next 10 years. Prepare to be shocked and amazed!
I Never Knew Skype Could Do All These Things...
Skype is a fantastic method of communication, allowing people from all over the world to keep in touch. Learn these 7 things you can do with it.
31 Nifty Tips to Make Your Phone Work Longer and Faster
Let's learn some handy tips that will make your smartphone last longer.
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.
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 Easy Way to Clean Your Computer's Keyboard
Cleaning a dirty keyboard is quite a straightforward task, as you're about to find out.
These Free Tools Will Help You Download Any Video Online
These free tools will help you download any video online.
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.
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!
These Red Flags Indicate That a Shopping Website is Fake!
With online shopping being more prevalent than ever, scams are also on the rise. These are 8 warning signs that a shopping website is fake.
Safeguard Your WhatsApp Account With These New Features
Protect your WhatsApp account with the recently released security features by the messaging giant. Find out more here.
The Truth Behind Misleading Phone Charging Myths
We're putting down these rumors once and for all! These cellphone battery charge myths are untrue.
7 Reasons Why Your Computer is Running Abnormally Slow
There are many things that could be slowing your computer down and you'll find 7 of them in this article. Take a look!
If Your Windows PC Is Slowing Down, You Should Read This
NO - a slowing Windows PC isn't a fact of life. You simply need to know a few tips and tricks that you can apply to yours in order to speed it up! Read on...
IPhone vs. Google Pixel: The Superior Choice?
Are Google Pixel phones the better choice over iPhones? Let’s find out.
Want Your PC to Run Longer? Then Avoid These Mistakes
Avoiding these silly mistakes will help you prevent damage to your computer and also extend its life.
8 Common Netflix Problems and How to Solve Them
Trying to watch the latest Netflix show and encountering problems? Here's how to fix it.
These Password Tips Will Ensure You're Safe from Hackers
Cybercrime is increasing thanks to ever-improving technology. Therefore, it's very important that you have a strong password. These tips will ensure you do!
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.
Guide: How to Take a Screenshot on ANY Device
This quick guide will help you take a screenshot on your on your Windows PC, Android device, Mac, iPhone, Chromebook, and more.
No Antivirus? Try These Free Online Virus Scanners Now!
Don’t have an antivirus installed? No problem. Try these free online virus scanners instead.
5 Ways to Make Your Wi-Fi Safe From Attacks & Hacks
Make sure you protect your Wi-Fi network against these common attacks.
THREADS: Everything to Know About Instagram's New App
Instagram’s new app, ‘Threads’, has taken the world by storm? But what is this app all about? And should you use it?
Can’t Download Facebook Videos? Just Watch This Guide
Want to download some videos from Facebook? This guide will help.
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.
Is This Monitor Best for You? A Screen Buying Guide
Looking to buy a new computer monitor? This buying guide will help make that decision easier.
Thirsty For Knowledge? Check Out These YouTube Channels
If you love to learn new things with each passing day, then get ready to discover a gold mine full of educational tools!
Lesson: How to Protect Your Devices from Hacking
A handy tutorial that we will hope will teach you the right practices to avoid your account ever being hacked.
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.
20 Terrifically Helpful Chrome Keyboard Shortcuts
Welcome to the ultimate guide to mastering 20 essential keyboard shortcuts for the Google Chrome browser!
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.
Make Everyday Computer Use Easier with These 7 Tools
Windows have many built-in tools that make everyday tasks a lot easier. However, they are difficult to find and use. This guide reveals 7 of them.
Are Your Cables a Mess? 9 Easy Tips to Easily Organize
Organize your messy computer cables with these simple and easy tricks.
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.
Customize Autocorrect Settings on Your iPhone or Android
Tired of your phone sabotaging your texts? This article will teach you to customize your phone's autocorrect settings.
SHOCKING: This is How Easily We Get Hacked by Cyber Crooks
Hackers can get almost any piece of information from us, without us even knowing. This will really make you think twice.
Struggle to Remember Your Passwords? These Tips Will Help
Passwords can be difficult to remember at times, but here are some tips that will help.
I Never Knew Repairing a Smartphone Was So Simple!
Having phone trouble? Here are 6 of the most common smartphone issues and exactly how you can fix them.
14 Useful Tips & Tricks to Get the Most Out Of Your PC
In this video, you will get to learn about some really handy computer tricks and tips that will make your life easier.
Can A.I. Outperform These 20 Professionals?
Here's a comparison video we're all secretly curious about...
Tutorial: 15 Tips and Tricks for Google Docs!
Buckle up and get ready to dive into the world of Google Docs, learning 15 tips and tricks for the beginner and power user.
How to Transfer Your Old VHS Tapes to a Computer
Do you have old family videos on VHS? It's time to make them digital so you can share them with all the family more easily! This video will show you how.
Beware! 10 Tech Scams That Could Target You in 2024
Beware of these dangerous scams in 2024.
Losing Important Emails? Here’s How to Tidy Up Your Gmail
A helpful guide to setting up Gmail filters to prevent emails from getting lost or spam overflowing your inbox.