Stream players are the biggest thing to happen to conventional television since the invention of the tube! You’ll now have access to streaming content, the ability to play games, surf the Internet and so much more, right from the comfort of your own living room. Through a slim, small device, stream players allow you to interact with your television and offer some of the latest in on demand media. From Netflix, Hulu Plus, VUDU, CinemaNow and many more. You can also easily browse YouTube clips, or listen to Pandora Radio.
How it works: A small box sits between your existing cable (or satellite) receiver and the TV. You can also use the remote to control your cable box, TV, and stereo. If you’re still not impressed, then try controlling it with your phone! JThat’s right! There’s an app for that as well…
Let’s take a look at a few streaming players and what you can do with these marvels of modern television:
Roku – Roku is one of the original streaming players and was designed to be amazingly easy to use. With the simple remote, you choose what you want to watch, and it starts instantly. Roku features over 700 channels, along with your choice of 150,000 movies and shows. Price point: $49.99 - $99.99
http://roku.com
Vizio Co-Star – The pocket-sized VIZIO Co-Star merges live TV and streaming entertainment into one experience, bringing apps and full-screen Web browsing to your existing HDTV without interrupting what you're watching. Vizio’s Co-Star can interface directly through your cable box allowing you to overlay your program guide. Searching for your favorite show? Vizio enables you to search not only your programming guide, but the Internet as well. Price point: $99
http://www.vizio.com/costar/overview
Apple TV – The new Apple TV with 1080p HD gives you access to the best content, blockbuster movies, TV shows, sports, your music and photos, and more, right on your widescreen TV. You can even play content from your iOS devices on your TV using AirPlay. Price point: $99.
http://www.apple.com/appletv/
Netgear Neo TV – If it's out on DVD, chances are you'll find it on NeoTV. Enjoy streaming movies and TV shows like never before. All of the usual streaming suspects are here, including Netflix, Hulu Plus, YouTube, and Pandora, along with social network services like Facebook, Twitter, and Flickr, and more specialized channels. Price point: $69.99 - $99.99
http://www.netgear.com/landing/stream/index.html
Want to see what the Emma S. Clark Memorial Library has to offer? Call us at: 631-941-4080, email us at: reference@emmaclark.org or stop in at: 120 Main Street, Setauket, NY 11733. Have a smart device? Download our mobile app at:http://emmamobile.emmaclark.org or look for it in your app store or marketplace.
--
Bob Johnson is the Manager of Information and Technology Services at the Emma S. Clark Memorial Library.
