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.
|
Advocacy Groups Want the Messenger Kids App to Be Shelved
Despite Facebook's insistence that its Messenger Kids app is safe, child advocacy groups want it to be shelved. Find out more about their concerns.
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.
31 Nifty Tips to Make Your Phone Work Longer and Faster
Let's learn some handy tips that will make your smartphone last longer.
The Future is Made of Self Healing Concrete
Keep tabs on the most recent technological advancements we're likely to see in the near future.
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.
Turn Your Old Android Phone Into Something Brand-New Today
Instead of consigning your old Android smartphone to the dustbin, consider these 11 great ways of giving it a new lease of life. Learn how to do so today.
Want Windows on Your Mac? It's Now Free!
Need to install Windows 10 on your Mac? It’s quite easy, actually.
It’s Almost a Crime Not to Use These Free Nifty Websites
Check out 15 really useful websites. They are completely free to use!
My Email Has Been Hacked! What Should I Do Next?
Don’t panic if your email has been breached. Just follow these steps to secure yourself.
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.
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.
The Most Useful Keyboard Tricks for Microsoft Word
These Word Tricks are guaranteed to make you a master of typing!
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.
You Should Try These Awesome YouTube Alternatives
YouTube isn’t the only video site out there. Here are some cool alternatives that are worth trying.
Get the Most From Your Smartphone With These Tips & Tricks
These best tips, tricks and hacks for iPhone, Android, and Samsung users.
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.
20 Easy Solutions To Your Annoying Computer Problems
A collection of 20 tips to help you troubleshoot common computer problems with ease!
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...
Minimize Exposure to Cellphone Radiation with This Guide
Our cellphones can be harmful to our health because of the radiation that they give off. Learn these 14 ways of minimizing your risk of exposure to it.
Android 14: Learn All the New Features in the Newest Update
Sit back and learn what's new in your android phone in this informative video.
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.
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.
9 Underrated Free Websites That Will Make Your Life Easier
Yes, there are still many more useful websites you don’t know about!
5 Ways to Get the Most Out Of Your Security Systems
Learn some useful tips in this article that will let you know if your security system is working efficiently or not.
7 Things on the Internet Archive You Never Knew You Needed
The Internet Archive offers a lot more than you realized!
These Free Apps Turn Your Photos Into Beautiful Paintings
Your photos will look artistic with the help of these free apps.
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.
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!
Your iPhone's Volume Buttons Have Tons of Hidden Features!
There is more to your iPhone's volume buttons than you knew about!
No Antivirus? Try These Free Online Virus Scanners Now!
Don’t have an antivirus installed? No problem. Try these free online virus scanners instead.
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.
Everything You Need to Know About Bitcoin
The following article is an unofficial guide to Bitcoin and will explain everything there is to know about it.
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.
Can A.I. Outperform These 20 Professionals?
Here's a comparison video we're all secretly curious about...
5 DIY Solutions to Better Organize Your Cords and Cables
Computer cables have an annoying tendency to tangle and create an unseemly mess. Here are some easy ways to prevent that.
5 Ways to Make Your Wi-Fi Safe From Attacks & Hacks
Make sure you protect your Wi-Fi network against these common attacks.
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.
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.
BEWARE! These File Types Could Contain Viruses
Be careful before you click any file these days. Hackers may have used them to hide viruses.
How the FBI Caught the Most Notorious Hacker
This is the story of one of the most successful hackers in the world and how the FBI caught him.
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.
Guide to Chat GPT: What It Is and How to Use It
This beginner's guide to Chat GPT will help you take your first steps in using this helpful chatbot.
10 Safe & Free Movie Streaming Sites Anyone Can Use
Check out some of the best free and legal streaming sites for your next binge.
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!
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!
7 Tips to Follow When a Computer Hangs or Freezes
Take note of these steps that will help you unfreeze a computer that freezes or hangs regularly.
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.