![]() ![]() – Only compatible with casual Android gamesīBC iPlayer, ITV Hub, Demand 5, All 4, Google Play Movies and TV, Sky Store, Sainsburys Entertainment, Amazon Video, Netflix, NOW, Flixster, Crunchyroll, Viewster – Cheap price for entry level Streaming Stick – Motion control remote (only for Roku 3 box) – Remote with headphone jack for private listening (only on Roku 3 box) – microSD slot for expanded memory (only on Roku boxes, not the Streaming Stick) – Search multiple VOD channels by title, actor or director (The only downside is that in the US, you can get a Roku box with 4K support, something that is yet to be released in the UK.) With a competitive starting price and easy-to-use interface (complete with app store for customisable menus), not to mention Roku’s development of a universal voice search to allow you to find titles across multiple VOD platforms – and a feed that updates you with movies coming soon – this is quite simply what a set top box should be. It trumps Fire TV, though, thanks to its inclusion of NOW, for those wanting contract-free Sky streaming. The company’s devices, whether a Roku 2 or Roku 3 set top box, or the cheaper Roku Streaming Stick, offers all Freeview catch-up services, and is currently the only device other than Amazon’s Fire TV to offer both Amazon Prime Video and Netflix. In an increasingly crowded market, Roku has become the go-to device for streaming consumers – and little wonder. – Streaming Stick only compatible with casual Android gamesīBC iPlayer, ITV Hub, Demand 5, All 4, Amazon Video, Netflix, Curzon Home Video, Plex, Vimeo, Flixter, Red Bull TV, VLCįrom £79 for Fire TV box and £34.99 for Fire TV Stick (both often on sale from Amazon at a discount) – Streaming Stick does not support 4K (only up to 1080p) – Heavily pushes Amazon titles to buy/rent, even when available on Netflix – Voice search only limited to Amazon titles – Expensive (if getting the box) – although cheaper than Apple TV – “Casting” of content available from Amazon Fire TV phones and tablets – 8GB hard drive storage – Fire TV Box includes microSD slot for expanding memory – All Freeview catch-up services available – Both Netflix and Amazon Video available The new 2015 Fire TV Box (note: not the stick) also includes 4K support. The Walking Dead), plus Amazon’s own in-house gaming developers, make it a compelling option – while the less powerful Fire TV Stick provides an attractive budget alternative. A strong selection of catch-up services (this is the only device to offer UKTV Play) and the Fire TV box’s ability to play a decent array of Android games (e.g. Netflix, BBC iPlayer, NOW, iTunes, NFL, NHL, Hopster, Vimeo, Crunchyroll, YouTube, Sky News, WWE Networkįrom £129 for the 32G version and £169 for the 64G version.Īmazon’s Fire TV has swiftly established itself as a major contender in the set top box market, thanks to its speedy interface, voice search and offering of both Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. – No optical audio out (available on the old Apple TV box) – No other Freeview catch up services available – Growing library of games available in App Store – Universal voice search lets you find films / TV shows across multiple services ![]() – Only way to access iTunes library on the TV With Amazon Video still absent, will the little black box ever be able to compete with the wider selection of apps offered by rivals? On the plus side, for Apple customers, AirPlay means that iOS devices can “cast” video content onto the living room telly. The new (2015) version of the Apple TV has an improved user interface, better functionality and a larger App Store – but still primarily relies upon the iTunes Store for its content. And, if you’re looking for a particular VOD service, we’ve got a head-to-head look at which apps are available on each set top box. We’ve already reviewed the main contenders for your catch-up budget in depth, so here’s a brief reminder of the pros and cons of each, from price and design to interface and major apps. We’re here to help with a streaming media device comparison guide. Is BBC iPlayer available? Does it have Netflix? For watching purchases on your iPhone, you’ll need iTunes. If you want to see things from Freeview, you’ll need ITV Hub or All 4. Which streaming media device is best? That depends on what you want to use it for. The problem is that everyone wants a piece of the streaming pie: there are now so many set top boxes that it’s hard to tell them apart. For those without a smart TV, streaming media devices have become a must-have in the age of VOD, allowing people to catch up with TV programmes and binge on movies. With Black Friday upon us once again, the high streets will be filling up with people shopping for a bargain in the sales. ![]()
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