(ThyBlackMan.com) If you’re like a growing number of people around the world today, you have likely cut the cord with your cable company and live-TV providers and choose instead to stream content directly to your home or other location.
Now, while it’s all well and good to watch your favorite shows and the latest movies on your laptop, this isn’t generally the best way to get super comfortable or to enjoy surround sound and stunning visuals. Instead, it is worth investing in the latest streaming media players so you can watch content on your big screen.
Many of the most popular and easy-to-use devices that are dedicated solely to streaming are now incredibly affordable (many are under $100), and come with a raft of features. If you’re keen to set up a comprehensive streaming service today, no matter where you live, read on for some of the best gadgets you might want to use in tandem with it for your ultimate viewing pleasure.
Apple TV
If you’re a devoted Apple user you probably won’t be able to go past 
the company’s Apple TV. This system will enable you to stream all of your iTunes content to your TV screen (something that can be a struggle on other devices), as well as services like Netflix and Hulu Plus. Apple TV also boasts voice control, and has the tech giant’s usual easy-to-use interface. In addition, the remote used with the device has been updated since it first came out, and now is better functionality than ever.
Many users like Apple TV because with it, you can send content from your various Apple gadgets (iPads and newer iPhones, plus the latest computers) directly to your television screen, using the iOS Airplay system. This means that you can watch shows which have been uploaded onto a number of network websites, such as ABC.com, NBC.com and CBS.com.
Roku
A device that regularly gets picked out as the best of the set-top-box bunch is the Roku. This product has been released in various incarnations that have all rated well with techies, but the current version, Roku 4, is even better and more feature-packed. The system is also user-friendly and simple to set up.
The Roku box is considered to be the most comprehensive device for streaming on the market so far because it gives customers access to a wide variety of services, including Netflix, Hulu Plus, Amazon Instant Video, Vudu, and Rocku.
Furthermore, the product also boasts additional “channels” for users to enjoy, and all together features a whopping 2,500-plus channels. The 4K-compatible device (something the Apple TV is not) also has a powerful and intuitive cross-platform search feature that can scroll though numerous services to help users locate their favorite content, and notify them if there are any price drops over time.
Purchase the Roku 4 and you will surely like the product’s discreet size and design, as well as the included remote control that features a built-in headphone jack. This addition is handy when you need to listen to shows wirelessly (and quietly) at any stage.
Amazon Fire TV
If you are a regular Amazon customer, you’re sure to be interested in the company’s first streaming set-top box, the Amazon Fire TV. This system is particularly popular amongst the firm’s Prime members, and is quite a versatile machine.
Fire TV has 4K capability, a helpful voice-search feature to let users find their preferred content more easily, and it delivers a stack of free streaming television series and movies to enjoy. The slimline device also makes it easy to watch content on services such as Netflix and Hulu, and is even compatible with a dedicated video-game controller (sold separately) that works with various mobile games like “Grand Theft Auto III” and “Minecraft.”
WD TV
For something a little different, check out Western Digital’s WD TV Media Player. This box, unlike most of the other devices, does not focus on streaming services such as Netflix. Instead, the WD TV is the perfect product for those who want to be able to send pretty much any type of file (whether video, audio, or photograph) from their external hard drive to their TV screen.
If you have a large digital media database at home, you’re likely to appreciate this system. The WD TV can play very large high-definition video files smoothly, without having issues as many other devices would, and can also handle a broad range of files formats like AVI, MKV and MP4.
Staff Writer; Mike Cherry
