Streaming Media Player Buying Guide

In 2007, the popular movie rental service, Netflix, expanded its offerings to include streaming capabilities, allowing users to watch select movies and TV shows directly on their computers. Not long after, Hulu.com rose to prominence with its own selection of streaming content, including the latest episodes of trending TV series. With the right hardware, users could even stream these feeds directly to their TV, greatly expanding their home entertainment options. This surge in streaming content has even led to cable companies fearing a decline in subscriptions as more viewers opt for online streaming services.

With streaming media's rapid rise in popularity over the past few years, consumer demand for devices that simplify the process of watching streaming content on a TV has skyrocketed. There are more options than ever for home entertainment, but this abundance can also lead to confusion. Shoppers aiming for smart purchases may find themselves overwhelmed by the variety of devices, all claiming to offer the best streaming experience.

Your choice of streaming device should partly depend on the services you plan to use. If Netflix is your go-to service, for example, look for a player that clearly supports Netflix streaming. Fortunately, Netflix is one of the most widely supported services, so finding a compatible player shouldn’t be difficult. Similarly, players that support Hulu are also easy to find. Amazon Instant Video, another popular service, also boasts a vast library of movies and TV shows. While services like Vudu and iTunes offer streaming media, they aren’t as widely supported, and finding compatible devices may be more challenging.

In addition to movies and TV shows, you may also be looking for devices that support other types of media. Some devices allow you to stream YouTube videos or access music services like Pandora and Last.fm. For sports enthusiasts, players offering MLB.tv, NFL Sunday Ticket, or ESPN3 are worth considering. Many devices also support streaming from photo-sharing websites like Flickr.com.

Once you've identified the services you most want to use, the next step is to learn about the different types of streaming media players available. Continue reading on the next page for more details.

Types of Streaming Media Players

Streaming media players come in many varieties, and some may better suit your personal preferences than others. Beyond the specific services they support, you’ll want to pick a player that fits your unique needs.

First, there are the basic streaming media consoles. These devices are designed specifically to stream media, without any other significant features. They are ideal for users who are content with their current entertainment setup and only need streaming functionality. The most popular device in this category is the Roku, the first player to support Netflix streaming. Since then, Roku has released more advanced models and offers a variety of additional streaming services. Other options to consider in this category include the WD TV, Apple TV, Google TV, and Boxee Box.

If you already own a TiVo or a gaming console, you might already have a perfectly capable streaming device. Along with its recording features, TiVo can stream Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon content. Several gaming consoles, like the Sony PS3, Xbox 360, and Nintendo Wii, also support streaming. So, if you've been considering buying a gaming console, its streaming capabilities could be the perfect reason to make the purchase.

If you're not into gaming but want a versatile device that can also play DVDs and Blu-ray discs, consider one of the many DVD/Blu-ray players that offer streaming capabilities. Brands like Insignia, LG, Panasonic, Samsung, and Sony offer Blu-ray players as well as HDTVs and home theater systems with streaming functionality. If you're already planning to upgrade your home entertainment setup, this could be a great option to combine streaming with your new equipment.

Lastly, if you're interested in streaming content on the go, you might want to consider streaming directly to a mobile device. While people often prefer watching Netflix and Hulu on their TVs rather than their mobile devices, streaming YouTube videos on smartphones and tablets remains incredibly popular [source: Carmody].

What other factors should you consider when choosing a streaming media player?

Streaming Media Player Considerations

With so many options available, selecting a streaming media player can be challenging. You'll need to weigh various factors, such as the services offered, additional features, and price. While no player may be a perfect fit for your exact needs or budget, by exploring the different choices, you can find the best value for your money.

We've already touched on some of the streaming media services you'll want to think about. While most consoles include Netflix, fewer support your favorite streaming music or sports services. For example, the Sony PS3 offers NFL Sunday Ticket, a service that was previously exclusive to DirectTV customers. This is one of the reasons CNet recommended the PS3 over the Xbox 360 and Nintendo Wii when reviewing the best gaming console for streaming [source: Falcone].

Another advantage of the PS3 over other gaming consoles is its ability to play Blu-ray discs, which raises the issue of additional features. Some users may find a basic streaming console like Roku sufficient — either because they don't need gaming or Blu-ray support or because they have other devices that meet those needs. For others, these extra features make the higher price tag worthwhile.

While price is certainly a key consideration, you'll need to go beyond the initial cost of the player itself. For example, streaming with the Xbox 360 requires an Xbox Live Gold membership, which carries an annual fee. This cost is in addition to any subscription fees required for individual services. If you don't already have a Netflix account, for instance, you'll need to sign up to access Netflix content on your streaming player. The same applies to Hulu Plus and most other streaming services.

Usability is another important factor to consider. To determine if you like a specific player, try out its interface at a store display or ask a friend who owns the device. For gaming consoles, using a remote control instead of the gaming controller to navigate the screen might improve your experience. Additionally, not all players come with built-in Wi-Fi, which could be a crucial feature if your TV lacks easy access to a wired Internet connection.