There are a wide variety of options to choose from when deciding which streaming media player to purchase. So, how do you go about choosing the right one for you? What questions should you answer before making your purchase? Follow these informative tips and you'll be well on your way to picking the perfect player for your home.
#1 - Choose a streaming media player that is compatible with your TV and home theater system.
This is a biggie! If you choose a player that is not compatible with your current TV and home theater system, you'll end up with the hassle of having to return the player.
Is your TV a standard TV? Is it an HDTV? Does it only have 720p capabilities? Is it capable of 1800p? Do you want to run your streaming media player through your existing home theater system? Does your system have an HDMI input/output?
Be sure to check the specifications on each model you are considering. Some streaming media players do not have a separate audio output, so you'll be unable to run it through your home theater system without doing a split. Some units only work on HDTVs, and some only on standard TVs.
#2 - Choose a streaming media player that will fulfill your desires.
For what purpose is the player being purchased? Do you want to stream movies, TV shows, music, or local TV programming? Do you want to eliminate your cable provider? Are there any channels that you must have? Do you want to be able to stream your personal photos, videos, or music from other sources onto your TV? Do you want to be able to use the player for gaming? Do you want to be able to use your phone or tablet in conjunction with your player?
Investigate the websites of the streaming media players you are considering. Check to see the channels they offer that are free, ones that are paid, and how you might access any private channels you may want to stream. Check out the benefits and features of the players to make sure they are compatible with what you want to use them for. Find out what €extras€ you'll have to purchase to make the player meet your needs.
#3 - Choose a streaming media player that is backed by great customer service and a solid warranty.
Check out the websites of the players you are considering and find out what type of customer service and technical support they provide. Is the customer support free? Is there a charge? Is there a per-incident fee after the warranty expires? Find out what kind of manufacturer's warranty is included with the unit.
Some companies like Amazon.com offer extended warranties of up to three years for streaming media players. Sometimes it is more beneficial to make your purchase through companies such as Amazon.com because of their long-standing reputations.
#1 - Choose a streaming media player that is compatible with your TV and home theater system.
This is a biggie! If you choose a player that is not compatible with your current TV and home theater system, you'll end up with the hassle of having to return the player.
Is your TV a standard TV? Is it an HDTV? Does it only have 720p capabilities? Is it capable of 1800p? Do you want to run your streaming media player through your existing home theater system? Does your system have an HDMI input/output?
Be sure to check the specifications on each model you are considering. Some streaming media players do not have a separate audio output, so you'll be unable to run it through your home theater system without doing a split. Some units only work on HDTVs, and some only on standard TVs.
#2 - Choose a streaming media player that will fulfill your desires.
For what purpose is the player being purchased? Do you want to stream movies, TV shows, music, or local TV programming? Do you want to eliminate your cable provider? Are there any channels that you must have? Do you want to be able to stream your personal photos, videos, or music from other sources onto your TV? Do you want to be able to use the player for gaming? Do you want to be able to use your phone or tablet in conjunction with your player?
Investigate the websites of the streaming media players you are considering. Check to see the channels they offer that are free, ones that are paid, and how you might access any private channels you may want to stream. Check out the benefits and features of the players to make sure they are compatible with what you want to use them for. Find out what €extras€ you'll have to purchase to make the player meet your needs.
#3 - Choose a streaming media player that is backed by great customer service and a solid warranty.
Check out the websites of the players you are considering and find out what type of customer service and technical support they provide. Is the customer support free? Is there a charge? Is there a per-incident fee after the warranty expires? Find out what kind of manufacturer's warranty is included with the unit.
Some companies like Amazon.com offer extended warranties of up to three years for streaming media players. Sometimes it is more beneficial to make your purchase through companies such as Amazon.com because of their long-standing reputations.