If you want to cut the cord from your cable subscription, there are many alternatives that will allow you to stream content right to your TV. With so many people signing up for Netflix, Amazon Instant Video or Hulu Plus subscriptions, it may only make sense to ditch cable and purchase a digital streaming device.
However, which one is the best?
This guide will break down the features of three popular digital media players: Amazon Fire TV, Roku and Apple TV, while explaining what sets them apart from each other so that you can get your hands on the one that best suits your needs.
Amazon Fire TV
The digital media player and microconsole by Amazon allows users to stream audio and video content right to their HD TV. There are two options for Amazon Fire TV — the Fire Stick or box. The Amazon Fire TV Stick costs $39, making it one of the best values on the market. The box will cost you $99, but both offer similar features.
Amazon Instant Video is this device's favored streaming service, so if you are subscribed to Amazon Instant Video or are a Prime user, then this the one for you. However, Amazon added HBO Go to Fire TV and will add the app to the Fire TV Stick this spring. Users can also stream Hulu Plus if they have a subscription.
Amazon just updated its software on both the Fire TV Stick and Fire TV so that users do not need Fire tablet to use the "X-Ray" feature that pulls up actor lists, trivia, soundtracks and other info while watching a movie or series. This is one of the streaming device's main selling features — and one the other devices don't have.
Fire TV has a feature called ASAP (Advance Streaming and Prediction), which predicts what you'll want to watch next and buffers the content for you so all you have to do it hit play. There is a voice search feature that allows users to search for titles without using the buttons on the remote control. There is also the ability to connect a USB drive and to connect wireless Bluetooth headphones. These features make this an option for those who don't like to spend time searching or scrolling and who want a more hands-free seamless experience.
Amazon also announced it has more than 1,400 apps and games for Fire TV, making it the best for gaming. It recently added hotel Wi-Fi network support, so this device may also be ideal for those who travel often.
Overall, Amazon Fire TV is fast, easy to use and has a relatively cheap market price.
Roku TV
Roku offers you different players, which include the Roku 1, Roku 2, Roku 3 and Streaming Stick, along with the Roku TV.
The Roku 3 retails for $79 — which might be pricey to some — and is reviewed as one of the best digital streaming players on the market. As far as content is concerned, with over 1,700 apps, the Roku offers the best. You can stream Netlfix, Amazon Instant Video, Hulu Plus, HBO Go, MLB.TV, NFL and YouTube, along with music streaming services like Pandora and Spotify.
The search option locates titles across all these services so that you can stream exactly what you are looking for. There is a headphone jack so you can listen or watch TV by yourself — a feature Amazon Fire TV Stick just added.
While Roku does offer games, the selection is not as wide and Amazon's, so if you plan on using the device for gaming too, this one isn't for you.
Instead, the Roku is ideal for those who don't favor one streaming subscription service since its main selling point is its fast 17 services search capability.
Apple TV
Apple TV just cut its price to $69 from $99 as the competition for digital streaming players rages on. For an additional $15, users will have exclusive access to HBO Now, a streaming service the other players don't offer. Besides this addition, you can also watch HBO Go, Netflix, Hulu Plus, ESPN, Sky News, YouTube and MLB.TV on Apple TV.
The main selling feature of this device is AirPlay, which allows you to push videos, music and pictures from your iPhone or iPad, so if you are an Apple user, then this device is the one for you. You can also use your iPhone or iPad as the TV's remote through the app.
There is no separate AC adapter for this device, so you can place it without having cables dangling out of it, perfect for those who don't like cluttered wires in their living space.
Overall, Apple TV is simple to navigate, cheaper than it was previously and geared more toward iTunes lovers and MacBook users than Android fans.
Each digital media player that allows you to stream your favorite shows and movies has pros and cons. While they all allow you to say goodbye to your cable bill, you need to have subscriptions to Netflix or Amazon Instant or purchase content from iTunes. Still, you will be saving money. When it comes to price, there are cheaper devices on the market, but Amazon Fire TV Stick is the cheapest on this list and you get more bang for your buck with the Roku 3.
Now, get back to watching you favorite TV series.
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Photo: Syed Ikhwan | Flickr
