Gone are the days of traditional TV watching! The streaming world has captured the hearts of many, and it’s time to get with the programme if you haven’t already.
The Stepping Stones to Streaming
Jumping into the streaming pool is simple when you know what’s required. First off, a zippy internet connection. Remember the days of dial-up and those torturous load times? With streaming, you want none of that. For standard streaming, you’ll need at least 3Mbps; for the fancier 4K stuff, look at 25Mbps and upwards. And if you’re someone who hates waiting, aim for 100Mbps to ensure everything’s smooth sailing.
Of course, you’ll need a screen. Most modern TVs and computer monitors have got you covered with HDMI ports, ready for streaming action. But if you’re in the market for a new telly, consider smart TVs; they come ready with internet and streaming apps. Though, a heads up, not all smart TVs support every streaming service.
Picking Your Streaming Device
Now, to the fun bit. Think of streaming devices as the middlemen, bringing the world of online content straight to your screen. For instance, the Amazon Fire TV Stick is this nifty little device that’s practically a smart TV in a USB drive. It lets you stream popular apps like Netflix and even comes with Amazon’s voice assistant, Alexa.
If you’re watching your pennies, the Onn FHD streaming stick is a good shout. It pairs up with Google TV and Chromecast, offering a pretty neat 1080p HD resolution. For a slightly steeper price, its sibling, the Onn 4K Android Stream Box, offers 4K streaming.
And for the Apple enthusiasts, there’s the Apple TV 4K – a sleek black box offering storage and integration with other Apple devices. Another idea is to use sites as StreamTipz to get the latest streaming tips.
Diving into the Streaming World
Alright, you’ve got your gear. Let’s set things in motion! If you’re not using a smart TV, you’ll want to connect it to your chosen device. Most TVs have a variety of ports; pick the right one, often labelled as HDMI. Then, venture into the land of Wi-Fi. Hook up your streaming device to the internet, and you’re almost good to go.
Lastly, it’s showtime! Sign in to your favourite streaming apps and delve into endless entertainment.
Why Add a Streaming Device to Your Smart TV?
Even if your TV’s a smarty pants, adding a streaming device can up your viewing game. Older smart TVs can sometimes be laggy, or worse, not have the app you’re itching to use. A streaming device can breathe new life into your older TV, giving it an entertainment facelift.
Old TV? No Problem!
Worried your older model TV is left out of the streaming party? Fear not. With the magic of HDMI ports and various adapters, you can connect streaming devices or even your smartphone or tablet.