Introduction
When you first set up your new smart TV, the pre-installed streaming apps probably seemed fine. But after a while, you likely started noticing their limitations. The interfaces are clunky, the search is hit or miss, and new shows or movies you want to watch may not even be available. A dedicated streaming device can solve all these problems and more.
A better user experience
Streaming devices like MECOOL TV, Fire TV, and Apple TV provide a much more intuitive interface than most smart TVs. The home screens are simple to navigate, search works well, and they offer features like voice control. Everything just feels smoother and more responsive.
More content options
The major streaming devices give you access to pretty much all the major streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and HBO Max. They also offer thousands of free TV channels, movies, and shows. If there’s something specific you want to watch, chances are good that at least one of the devices will have it available. Your smart TV’s options probably pale in comparison.
Frequent updates
Unlike most smart TV software, the software on devices like Roku and Fire TV is updated frequently to add new features, fix bugs, and improve performance. So, your experience actually gets better over time. Updates also mean that new streaming services are added quickly as they launch. With a streaming device, you'll always have the latest and greatest.
Private listening
If you want to watch TV without disturbing others, most streaming devices offer private listening options. You can pair wireless headphones to the Roku or Fire TV to listen at your own volume. Or, connect headphones directly to the remote on some models. Your smart TV probably doesn’t have anything comparable.
A streaming device is an affordable upgrade that can make a world of difference in your streaming content experience. Once you start using one, you’ll wonder why you didn’t ditch your TV’s built-in options sooner.
Elevating Entertainment Options
A streaming device opens up a whole new world of entertainment options. Your smart TV may offer a few popular apps, but a dedicated streaming device provides thousands of options to choose from. Want to watch the latest hit show or movie? A streaming device has you covered.
With a streaming device, you get access to virtually every major streaming service like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video and Disney+. No more being limited to whatever apps your TV maker provides—you can enjoy your favorite content, all in one place. Many streaming devices even offer live TV streaming services like YouTube TV or Hulu with Live TV so you can cut the cable cord for good.
A streaming device also provides a better overall experience. The interfaces are faster and easier to navigate, search is improved, and they get frequent updates to keep improving the software. Many streaming devices offer advanced features like voice search and control. Who wants to endlessly tap through menus and keyboards when you can just say “Play Stranger Things on Netflix”?
With a streaming device, you’ll unlock a world of entertainment and a premium smart TV experience. Your shows, movies, live TV, music, games, and more—all at your command through a fast, feature-packed interface. Isn’t it time to elevate how you stream? A streaming device lets you stream smarter by putting thousands of entertainment options right at your fingertips.
The Value of Device Investment
Access the Latest and Greatest Apps
Streaming devices are designed specifically for streaming content, so they typically offer access to the latest and most popular apps before smart TVs. For example, Disney+ and Apple TV+ launched on Roku and Fire TV devices on day one, but many smart TV owners had to wait weeks or months to get the apps on their sets. And niche services often only support streaming devices. If there's a new streaming service you're excited to try, chances are good it will come to streaming devices first.
A Better Experience
In general, the software and interfaces on streaming devices are superior to what you'll find on most smart TVs. They're faster, easier to navigate, and more customizable. Many let you rearrange the home screen to put your favorite apps and channels front and center. Roku devices offer a variety of fun screen savers and themes to customize the look. Using a streaming device is simply a better overall experience, with less lagging, buffering, and frustration.
Accessories and Special Features
Some streaming devices come with useful accessories or offer special features you won't find on a smart TV. For example, Roku devices work with Roku's voice remote which lets you search for content just by speaking into the remote. Fire TV Cube has hands-free Alexa voice control built right in. Some devices offer gaming capabilities as well, with the ability to play simple games or connect Bluetooth gamepads. If 4K and HDR video quality are important to you, streaming devices can provide updates to support the latest standards, so you know you'll always have access to the best picture quality available.
While a streaming device may seem like an unnecessary extra cost, it provides so much added value that for most people, it's well worth the investment. Your streaming experience will be faster, smoother, and more customizable—and you'll always have the latest apps and features at your fingertips. For the modest price of most streaming devices, that's a streaming experience worth paying for.
Embracing Digital Transformation
Cut the Cord
Ditching cable or satellite service—also known as “cutting the cord”—is easier than ever with streaming devices. You’ll gain access to many of the same shows and movies as traditional pay TV, but at a lower cost. Most streaming devices offer popular streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and HBO Max. Between them, you’ll have access to thousands of movies, TV shows, documentaries, and more.
Apps Galore
Unlike most smart TVs, streaming devices offer thousands of apps to choose from. In addition to major streaming services, you'll find apps for YouTube, Spotify, Pandora, and countless others. Many devices also offer casual gaming apps, fitness apps, and apps for kids. Whether you want to stream music, play games, get a workout in, or keep the little ones entertained, streaming devices have you covered.
Frequent Updates
Software updates are released frequently for streaming devices to ensure the best possible experience. Updates often bring performance improvements, new features, additional streaming service integrations, and security patches. Because streaming devices are dedicated to delivering streaming media and apps, companies like Roku, Amazon, and Google can focus solely on building the best software and interface. Smart TV makers, on the other hand, have to split their focus between hardware, software, and everything in between.
Voice Control
Many streaming devices offer voice control through virtual assistants like Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant. You can use your voice to launch apps, play TV shows and movies, control playback, get recommendations, and more. Voice control is an easy, hands-free way to navigate your streaming device and find what you want to watch.
Streaming devices unlock a world of entertainment and make it simple to cut the cord. If you want the best selection of streaming services, apps, and voice control, investing in a dedicated streaming device is well worth it. Your new smart TV is great for its picture quality, but for software and overall experience, streaming devices can’t be beat.
Unleashing Home Theater Potential
A streaming device opens up a world of entertainment options for your TV. Rather than being limited to whatever apps came pre-installed on your set, you'll have access to thousands of channels, shows, and movies.
A Universe of Content
With a streaming device like Roku, Fire TV, or Apple TV, you'll have access to a seemingly endless library of content. Enjoy popular services like Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and Prime Video as well as live TV from Sling TV, YouTube TV, and Hulu + Live TV. There are also apps for every major sports league so you'll never miss a game.
A Faster, Smoother Experience
Built-in smart TV software often feels clunky and underpowered. Streaming devices typically offer a much more responsive interface with quicker load times. They also receive frequent software updates to squash bugs, improve performance, and add new features. Many now offer voice remotes so you can instantly search for content just by speaking into the remote.
Take Your Shows on the Go
Some streaming devices like Roku and Fire TV let you download content to your mobile device so you can keep watching even when Wi-Fi isn't available. They also offer companion mobile apps that act as a second screen, providing show info, cast details, and the ability to control playback from your phone or tablet.
Advanced Audio Options
If you have a surround sound system, a streaming device will give you more control over how audio signals are processed and output. Options like Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and Dolby Digital Plus provide an immersive surround sound experience that brings movies and TV shows to life. Many streaming devices can also send lossless multi-channel surround signals to an AV receiver for the best possible sound quality.
A streaming device is an affordable upgrade that can transform your regular TV into a full-fledged connected home theater. For under $50, it's a smart investment that provides access to an ocean of entertainment along with a faster, more feature-packed experience than any built-in smart TV software can deliver. Time to cut the cord and unleash your TV's true potential.
Convenience and Accessibility
One device, all your content
Why juggle multiple remotes and inputs when you can access everything from a single streaming device? A streaming box gives you a unified place to watch content from apps like Netflix, Hulu, YouTube TV, and Sling TV. No more switching inputs and hunting for the right remote. Everything is in one spot, just a click away.
Always up-to-date
Unlike most smart TVs, streaming devices get regular software and security updates to keep your experience smooth and safe. They also frequently add new content partners and update the apps you already have. So while your TV's built-in apps remain static, a streaming device will keep improving over time.
Take your content anywhere
Some streaming devices, like Roku devices and the Amazon Fire TV Stick, are portable. You can easily pack them up and take them with you to watch your content anywhere with an internet connection. Connect to a hotel TV or bring one along on vacation—your shows and movies can come too.
More apps, better apps
A streaming box typically offers thousands more apps than any smart TV. And the apps are usually higher quality, with better designs and more frequent updates. You'll have access to live TV streaming services, on-demand video, music, games, news, sports, and so much more. Whatever you're in the mood to watch, play or listen to, there's probably an app for that.
Voice search and control
The latest streaming devices feature voice remotes with built-in voice assistants like Alexa or Google Assistant. You can easily search for content, open apps, rewind, fast forward, pause and more using just your voice. Voice control makes the streaming experience even more convenient and helps you find what you want faster.
While smart TVs have come a long way, streaming devices still offer significant benefits. For the ultimate connected living room experience, a streaming box should be part of your setup. Your shows have never been so easy to access!
The Future of Media Consumption
Streaming devices are the future of how we’ll watch TV and movies. If you’re still relying solely on your cable subscription, it’s time to evolve with the times. Here are a few reasons why streaming devices should be an essential part of your media setup:
Access to More Content
Cable packages are limited to what your provider offers, but streaming opens you up to a whole world of content. There are thousands of apps available for streaming devices like Roku, Fire TV, and Apple TV that give you access to movies, TV shows, news, sports, music, games, and more. No longer will you be stuck with whatever’s on TV at the moment—you can watch whatever you want, whenever you want.
It’s Extremely Affordable
While cable bills seem to go up every year, streaming is very budget-friendly. Many streaming services start at under $10 a month, and some are even free. If you ditch cable altogether, the money you save can pay for several streaming subscriptions and still put money back in your pocket. Streaming devices themselves are also very affordable, often under $50.
Stay Up to Date with the Latest Technology
Technology is always changing, and streaming devices are frequently releasing new updates to give you the latest features and best experience possible. Things like voice control, 4K streaming, and personalized recommendations are constantly improving. Your smart TV’s software, on the other hand, typically only receives updates for a limited time before the company moves on to new models. Streaming devices are dedicated to providing you with the best technology for streaming, so you can enjoy new innovations for years to come.
While a streaming device may seem redundant if you already have a smart TV, it can open up a world of content and features your TV doesn’t offer. As streaming continues to become the dominant way we consume media, a dedicated streaming device is essential for any entertainment setup. The low cost of entry and abundance of choice means there’s never been a better time to start streaming.
Making a Smart Lifestyle Choice
Adding a streaming device to your entertainment setup is one of the smartest decisions you can make. While your new smart TV may seem impressive, its built-in software probably leaves a lot to be desired. Streaming devices offer a superior experience that can enhance how you watch TV in many ways.
For starters, streaming devices typically have a cleaner, more intuitive interface than your TV. They make it much easier to find the content you want to watch from services like Netflix, Hulu, and YouTube. You'll spend less time scrolling through confusing menus and more time enjoying the shows and movies you love.
Streaming devices also provide faster, more responsive performance. They have more powerful processors designed specifically for streaming media, so apps open quickly and navigation feels smooth and seamless. Compare that to your TV where apps can feel slow, laggy, and frustrating to use.
You'll also enjoy more streaming choices with a dedicated streaming device. They provide access to thousands of apps, channels, and skills that your TV simply can't match. You can watch live TV, listen to music, play games, get news updates, and control smart home devices all through the same interface. New services are being added all the time too, so your options will only continue to expand.
Lastly, streaming devices receive frequent software and security updates to fix any issues, optimize performance, and add new features. Smart TV software is often abandoned shortly after you buy the TV, leaving it vulnerable to bugs, glitches, and even malware. Streaming devices provide long-term support so you always have the latest and greatest experience.
For a small upfront cost, a streaming device yields big benefits. It's a smart lifestyle choice that can enhance how you enjoy and interact with media for years to come. Making the switch is well worth considering if you're looking to get the most out of your home entertainment system.
Conclusion
Overall, a streaming device is a worthwhile investment for any cord cutter or smart TV owner. They offer a simple way to access all your favorite streaming services in one place, with a intuitive interface that's easy to navigate. Not to mention, streaming devices receive frequent software and security updates to give you the latest features and keep your information safe.
If you're on a budget, a basic streaming stick like the Roku Express or Fire TV Stick is really all you need. For 4K streaming or gaming, step up to a Roku Ultra, Fire TV Cube or the new Chromecast with Google TV. Can't decide between platforms? Go with a Roku - they offer the widest selection of streaming apps and a neutral platform that doesn't push any particular media service.
A streaming device also makes a great gift for anyone with an older TV. For just $30 to $50, you can instantly upgrade their entertainment experience and access to streaming video. And since they're so compact, a streaming stick is easy to hide if you want it to be a surprise!
When you think about how much a streaming service membership costs each month, a streaming device is a minimal additional expense that will pay for itself quickly. Not to mention the money you'll save by cutting the cord on cable. If you love streaming media, a dedicated streaming device is really a must-have accessory for any TV.
So don't rely on your smart TV's built-in apps alone. Get a streaming device and unlock a world of entertainment options, an improved interface, and frequent updates to keep things running smoothly. Your binge-watching and streaming adventures will thank you!
FAQs
Q: Why should I invest in a streaming device for my home entertainment?
A: Investing in a streaming device enhances your entertainment options, providing access to diverse digital media content and elevating your viewing experience.
Q: How does a streaming device contribute to cost savings in the long run?
A: Streaming devices facilitate cord-cutting, allowing personalized content access and reducing the need for traditional cable subscriptions, resulting in long-term cost savings.
Q: What are the key benefits of integrating a streaming device with other smart devices?
A: Integration with other smart devices enhances the versatility of your home entertainment system, providing seamless connectivity and advanced technological features.
Q: Can streaming devices enhance the home theater experience?
A: Yes, streaming devices unleash the potential of your home theater by creating an immersive viewing environment with high-quality audio, visual experience, and interactive smart features.
Q: How do streaming devices contribute to convenience and accessibility in media consumption?
A: Streaming devices offer on-demand entertainment, portability, and user-friendly interfaces, providing convenient access to digital media anytime, anywhere.
