The age of entertainment has changed, and if you’re not streaming your favourite content from the likes of Showmax, Netflix, and Amazon, you’re missing out. Of course, a lot of TVs do have built-in smart and streaming features, but some don’t, and if you want to turn essentially any device in your household into a media-capable device, we’ve rounded up some of the best streaming boxes and media players to pick up this Black Friday:
PriceCheck tip: For the best streaming experience, invest in a media player or streaming device to convert your TV into a slick, modern smart TV. Connecting to your favourite streaming service has never been easier with a top-quality streaming device like the Google Chromecast or Xiaomi Mi Box.
Xiaomi Mi Stick
Powered by Android TV 9.0, the little gadget comes with Built-in Chromecast and supports over 5,000 apps from the Play Store, including Netflix, DStv Now, YouTube, Spotify, Prime Video and more. The Xiaomi Mi TV Stick has 1GB of RAM and 8GB of built-in storage and in terms of connectivity has HDMI 2.0, Micro USB, Bluetooth 4.2 and dual-band WiFi. For audio, it supports Dolby Audio and DTS-HD. It’s also Google-certified and offers the convenience of Google Assistant. Plus, it comes packaged with a Bluetooth remote that makes controlling the device a breeze.
Roku Streaming Stick +
With the most streaming apps, simplest interface, and best search platform for finding streaming providers, Roku is indeed tops in the streaming device game. The Roku Plus is one of the cheapest streaming TV options with 4K HDR and one of the most intuitive, making it a solid choice for anyone looking to amp up their streaming game.
Apple TV
If you’re an Apple user and are concerned with staying in the Apple ecosystem then Apple TV is another great choice. While Apple TV has slightly fewer features and comes in at a heftier price tag than its Roku counterpart, it’s the better choice for Apple users who will no doubt appreciate its advantages. Those include compatibility with Dolby Vision HDR, superior voice control features, a better remote, a smoother, slicker user interface, and seamless integration with all your Apple devices.
Chromecast
If you’re an Android user, the Chromecast is one of the cheapest ways to get video to stream on your TV. Unlike many other streamers on the market, it doesn’t come with a remote but works in combination with your smartphone or the voice-controlled Google Assistant acting as the remote. Use your smartphone to navigate content on Netflix, DSTV Now, and YouTube and cast it to your TV in a jiffy.
PriceCheck tip: For the best streaming experience, invest in smart TV to enjoy your favourite shows. Find the best deals on smart TVs on PriceCheck.
DSTV Explora
DSTV Explora decoder offers full PVR functionality, with the ability to record 220 hours of content for later viewing. The decoder has internal storage of 2 Terabytes enough to store about 9 days of recorded TV video footage. The Explora can also be connected to the internet to access DStv’s online Catch-Up library, giving you even more viewing options.
PriceCheck tip: One way to take your media watching to the next level is to invest in a great pair of Bluetooth headphones in order to enjoy a full surround sound experience.
Also read: Buyer’s Guide: What to Know Before Buying a Home Projector in SA