![]() ![]() Once you’ve plugged in your streaming device, you’ll need to sign in to your home’s Wi-Fi network. The first thing you’ll need to do is plug the device in, switch your TV over to the HDMI input you’re using and start following the instructions that appear on the screen. Almost all streaming devices plug into your TV’s HDMI port - and usually a power outlet as well. If you use a smart TV, you can skip down to step two. We recommend going with the Roku if you have an older TV. This lets you use any streaming device you want, but there have been complaints about this not working very well with streaming services. You can also purchase an HDMI to RCA adapter to convert your TV. Roku is the only streaming device manufacturer that makes a device (the Roku Express+) that works with the red, yellow and white composite jacks found on older TVs. You can still stream with the right equipment if you have an older SD TV without HDMI ports. This saves you a lot of time searching through individual apps and the money you might have spent to rent a movie that’s already included in one of your subscriptions. They make it easier to navigate back and forth between services and allow you to search for titles across every app available on the device. Streaming devices also provide a better ecosystem for all of your streaming apps. If you want to watch Mulan, but Disney+ isn’t on your TV, you’d be out of luck. Most smart TVs come with a handful of pre-installed streaming apps, and you might not be able to add anything beyond that. There are two major advantages to using a streaming device over the built-in options on your smart TV: You’ll get access to more streaming services and a more user-friendly interface and search system. If you don’t already have one, it’s not worth spending the $300+ just to stream video.ĭo I need a streaming device with a smart TV? Gaming consoles are another popular method of streaming, but it’s really a secondary use.Unfortunately, it might not have every app you want and there’s often no way to add new ones. If you’ve bought a TV in the past 10 years, chances are it’s considered “smart” - that is, it connects to the internet and has streaming apps built-in. Smart TVs are the most popular way for Americans to access streaming services, with 31% using this method.They also provide an easy-to-navigate interface and the ability to search for titles across every streaming service. The breadth of streaming apps available is the main draw while your smart TV might not have HBO Now built-in, for example, every major streaming device does. Streaming devices like Roku and Amazon Fire TV cost around $40, plug into your TV’s HDMI port and give you access to every streaming service imaginable.Once you have a fast enough internet connection, you’ll need a way to access streaming on your TV. Streaming device, smart TV or gaming console Use our speedtest below to see what you’re currently getting. ![]() You should aim for at least 5 Mbps of download speeds, but that number will need to go up even higher if more than one device is connected at a time. Most TVs still fall into the HD category. They produce the best picture money can buy, and as such, they put a lot more stress on your internet connection. Today, SD TVs are no longer produced, and Netflix is the only major streaming service to even offer an SD plan - mostly as a way to promote its lower starting price.ĤK TVs exist at the opposite end of the spectrum. The last time a TV show broadcast in SD was 2014, and most TVs started being manufactured in HD instead of SD around 2009 when the FCC mandated that all TV signals be transmitted digitally. Standard-definition resolution is a dinosaur at this point. Not sure what type of streaming you’ll be doing? There’s a good chance it’s HD. To stream videos in HDR or 4K, at least 25 Mbps is recommended.To stream videos in high definition (HD), at least 5 Mbps is recommended.To stream videos in standard definition (SD), at least 3 Mbps is recommended.In our guide to internet speeds, we recommend a few different minimums for various types of streaming: Fast internetĪ happy streaming experience starts with your internet connection. Even if you don’t, you shouldn’t need to spend more than $50 to get set up. While streaming TV can seem like a complicated endeavor, you probably already have everything you need right in your home. ![]()
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