Once you decide to watch online TV, the next question is what hardware to watch it on. Any connected device should be suitable. From a desktop PC, laptop, smart TV, tablet, games console or smartphone. We look at the best hardware to make cutting the cord an easier process and giving you TV access anywhere around the house and even while you are out and about.
Apple lead the market even without trying. The Apple TV set-top box offers a seamless streaming experience. The problem with Apple is that the box is a closed system, so you can only run content from Apple's ecosystem and iTunes and the number of apps available is small. Read our Review
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Against
Seamless syncing with all other Apple products through AirPlay
Entertainment downloaded for your iPhone can be viewed on Apple TV
Top-notch user interface
Have to convert all your video files in to mp4 format
Only plays local files from within iTunes
Limited number of apps/ channels available
WD TV Live
The WD Live is a low priced streamer at around $69, and will play any format and files that you throw at it from the home network via DNLA. It also runs streaming services such as Netflix, Youtube, Hulu Plus, Spotify, Tunein and Vudu amongst others. A good choice if you have a lot of downloaded media files. Also has an iOS and android remote app available.Read our Review
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Against
Low price
Decent mix of online and network streaming
Customisable interface
USB to add hard drive
Limited selection of streaming apps
No internet browser
No inbuilt storage
No official sports apps for MLB, NBA, or NHL
Roku
Roku is probably the leading streaming box after Apple. The device runs many channels and was the original Netflix box. Read our Review
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Against
Choice of models to suit price
Fast, intuitive and customizable setup
Carries both official and unofficial channels for plenty of content
Limited ability to watch content from your computer
Cannot play Youtube Video's
Not all channels available for all models
Android Streaming Boxes and Sticks
Because Android is open source, many manufacturers are putting it in their devices. The result is a large number of small Apple TV sized boxes which run android. Also plentiful are android HDMI sticks which plug into any TV set and transform it into a smart TV. Generally Boxes are priced from $60-$100 and sticks a little cheaper. These devices run Android OS and can play HD content, can run XBMC and apps, have multuple USB and ethernet ports.
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Against
Cheapest boxes around
Run most catch-up services, Netflix, Hulu Plus etc.
Cheap way to get a smart TV
Some can be slow (check if dual core and running latest Android OS)
Little storage onboard although you can plug in a USB HD
Some apps no good as require touchscreen
Android Tablets & Phones
Android tablets and phones such as the Samsung Galaxy range offer everything that Apple products do but without running as a closed system. This means it is easier to run more apps from the Google Play Store on an Android. Devices offer beautiful HD screens, wireless connectivity using DLNA.
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Large, full 1080p HD screens
Standard micro-USB charger
Expandable storage
Removable battery
Huge variety of apps and entertainment for purchase/download
Streaming video is dependent on data speeds available in your area
Not all entertainment apps available for Apple phones and tablets are developed for Android
Laptop/Desktop Computer
PC's and laptops can run movie files and access all streaming services. You can also create a HTPC (home theater PC) by installing media center software such as XMBC, Windows Media Center, etc. are an amazing option for hard-core do-it-yourselfers that want more power and the ability to do more with their entertainment. Read our Reviews
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Against
Can use to stream everything including all catch-up and streaming services
Can rip DVD's and download content
Easy to expand storage and graphics performance
Takes forever to power up compared to tablets, phones or boxes
Prone to Viruses
More expensive than specialty boxes
Not very portable
Apple iPhone & iPad
Many people swear by Apple products for use as mobile entertainment hardware, iOS devices have an intuitive interface that syncs seamlessly to all other Apple devices, and allow the purchase and download of music, shows, movies - and boasts an unparalleled number of media apps. Read our Review
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Against
Seamless syncing with all other Apple products through AirPlay
Entertainment downloaded for your iPhone can be viewed on Apple TV
Top-notch user interface
Retina display
Largest number of apps available of any mobile device
Streaming video is dependent on data speeds available in your area
Proprietary charger
No expandable storage or removable battery
Sony Playstation
Sony's Playstation 3 comes with a built-in media center, enabling streaming entertainment but requires some hacking to get the best possible experience. If you already have one, there's no need to invest in a companion box, but unless you're big on PlayStation games, there's no reason to choose it over other devices. Read our Review
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Against
A sleek interface with a number of available channels (including Netflix)
Will upconvert SD frames to HD on DVDs (though not on downloaded or streaming movies)
The PlayStation store offers a large variety of movies and gaming content for purchase
Sony's Video Unlimited store offers an incredibly robust search capability
Requires specific codecs to watch downloaded entertainment (which must also be transferred to the device's hard drive or connected via USB)
Does not seamlessly integrate with mobile devices
Nintendo Wii
The Nintendo Wii has an intuitive interface that is foolproof to operate. It has the standard channel offerings (eg Netflix, Hulu+, Amazon), but doesn't offer the same level of content customization that comes with the more sophisticated PS3 and Xbox platforms. Read our Review
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Against
Clean interface
Standard channel offerings
Easy wi-fi set up
Minimalist design
Channel offerings not as robust as other platforms
More of a gaming center than a media center
Unless Wii games hold an appeal, it would be better to go with either a more sophisticated console or a cheaper streaming box (e.g. Roku)
Microsoft Surface
Microsoft have come late to the tablet party with the Surface tablet. Designed to be used as both a tablet and main computer. With multiple configurations and price points available, Surface is one of the more customizable pieces of hardware in the field. Read our Review
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Flash support (unlike iPAd)
HDMI output (via dongle)
Bluetooth/USB support
Standard: Hulu, Netflix apps available
App store has various multimedia players
Can either sideload, load, or stream content from a NAS
Models can be expensive if they are being dedicated to media
limited storage
Microsoft Xbox 360
Xbox's entertainment platform is one of the slickest out there. With multiple channels, Kinect add-ons, and Microsoft's media software, and a clean, sleek user interface, it's the best gaming console/entertainment center hybrid out there. Read our Review
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Against
Integrative Microsoft platform works wirelessly with Windows computers
Beautiful user interface
Large channel selection
Multiple movie purchase/download options
Xbox Live social network
Expandable storage
It has a higher entry price point than other comparable platforms
Some Microsoft features require paid subscriptions
Kinect hardware is not included and must be purchased separately
Slingbox
Watch YOUR TV from anywhere with an internet connection with the Slingbox and its SlingPlayer software. You never need to miss a live event - even if you're stuck on a train (or at a wedding!), and all those hours of content on your DVR are available at all times as well, which means you have no excuse not to catch up on Mad Men. Read our Review
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Against
Watching content you're already paying for
No blackouts
Multi-device
No subscription fees
Easy to set up
Box location is dependent on having adaquate internet upload speed
There is a navigation lag
Google Chromecast
Google's small thumb sized dongle caused more of splash when it was released than Google TV ever did.Once plugged into the HDMI socket you can access streaming services such as Netflix and use your mobile device as a remote. But the real beauty is the wireless streaming you can throw at the TV from computers, laptops, tablets and smartphones. Read our Review
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Against
Cheap as chips at $35
HD screen mirroring from Chrome web browsers
Plugs straight into HDMI socket and connects via WiFi
Needs a power source (unless your TV has a powered HDMI port)