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The Shield has a remote-finder button on the unit, a feature available only via the Shield TV app with the Pro model.Īpart from price, the main differences between the models are related to memory and storage. There’s built-in support for the voice-powered Google Assistant, and they will work with Amazon Alexa devices. #Universal media server roku media player androidBoth systems’ smarts are based on the Android TV platform. #Universal media server roku media player plusIt includes the same fast processor and AI upscaling capability, plus support for Dolby Vision HDR and Dolby Atmos and DTS:X 3D sound. Though the pricier Nvidia Shield TV Pro model (below) seems more like a game console that does streaming, the Shield TV’s unusual cylindrical shape gives it a more streaming-focused appearance. But with the Apple TV app now becoming available on more devices, including smart TVs and streaming players, owning an Apple TV may become less important than in the past. It uses the phone’s light sensor to compare the color balance with industry-standard specifications, then auto-adjusts the video output so that you don’t have to tweak the TV’s settings.īest for: Those who are already invested in the Apple ecosystem and use iTunes for content-and don’t mind paying a premium for an Apple device. There’s also a unique color-calibration feature that works with your iPhone. The device also has a new processor for improved graphics and video, including support for high-frame-rate (60 frames per second) Dolby Vision HDR. (It is still touch-enabled for directional swipes, though.) We tested the 32-gigabyte version, but a 64GB model is also available. The much-awaited updated player has a few notable new features, including a redesigned Siri remote with a clickpad rather than the love-it-or-hate-it touchpad. All work well, so your decision comes down to price and personal preference.Īpple TV has always made sense for those who already live in Apple’s world, and this new model is no exception, though it remains among the priciest streaming players available. The streaming devices below are listed alphabetically. Like all the products that Consumer Reports tests and rates, all the streaming devices we test and rate are purchased at retail outlets. We also judge companies by how they handle security procedures, such as encrypting all user communications by default, enabling automatic security updates, and protecting against known security vulnerabilities. We evaluate the various ways brands collect, use, and share consumer data how well they protect it and how transparent the companies are about their data practices. ![]() Some models also support the Dolby Vision or HDR10+ formats.Ĭonsumer Reports has now added data privacy and security scores in the ratings for all the streaming devices we test, in addition to attributes such as picture quality and ease of use. All models support the HDR10 format, and many now also support HLG, which is likely to be used by some “Next Gen TV” broadcasters when they start sending these new over-the-air TV signals. ![]() When done right, HDR boosts a TV’s brightness, contrast, and color, making the pictures on the screen look more like real life. The newest 4K models in our streaming media device ratings support high dynamic range (HDR) technology. Prices for the 11 models below range from about $35 to $200, but they fluctuate throughout the year, so look for a deal during promotions. In general, streaming devices are either set-top models or small players that plug directly into an HDMI slot on the TV. So you need to decide on a platform as well as a specific model. #Universal media server roku media player softwareThe 4K streaming media device market is dominated by just software platforms: Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Google Chromecast, and Roku. And if your smart TV is a few years old, you might find that the apps for streaming services you use are outdated or missing altogether. These add-on devices might outperform your smart TV’s built-in system, or they might offer features or services you can’t get from that TV. In my own home, four of our five smart TVs are connected to either an Amazon Fire TV, an Apple TV, or a Roku streaming player. In addition, plenty of us who have smart TVs decide to add a streaming device. That leaves a lot of people who need a streaming device to access online content providers, from Amazon Prime to YouTube TV. ![]() homes that have internet access now own a smart TV, according to research firm Parks Associates. If you’ve bought a TV lately, there’s a good chance that it’s a smart TV with the ability to stream TV shows and movies, no extra devices needed. ![]()
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