The Basics of Streaming
Content is everywhere. Making sure you get the best experience and the right gear can be a mess. These are the basics of streaming, explained.
What’s on the tube?
Streaming is an equation with two basic parts: who you pay for content, and what device you use to enjoy it.
Let’s start with the content, which comes from streaming services. There are… a lot of them. They all offer some variation on a simple exchange: you pay money every month, they give you access to movies, TV, or music. Some of them separate themselves from the pack by providing higher audio or video quality. Netflix charges a premium for their 4K HDR content. CD-quality and higher music on Tidal (and soon, Spotify) costs extra. Every service also has slightly different content libraries. Binging Stranger Things again? Netflix. Need your Marvel fix? Disney+. Want to catch every game? ESPN+.
The magic box
Devices like your Roku, Fire Stick, or Apple TV (not Apple TV+, the streaming service. Easy to confuse!) are all essentially this: a box, with some software that accesses all of your different services via apps. Once you’ve logged in to each individual service on a device, you can watch to your heart’s content.
Most streaming boxes are pretty similar to each other but have some slight differences in the apps and features they offer, like content recommendation or voice control. And it doesn’t always have to be a separate box: Smart TVs have the software already built-in, and many Blu-ray players and video game consoles can run streaming apps. Xfinity also offers X1, which combines streaming apps, cable, and your DVR into a single box.
Music in every room
Multi-room audio can get a little complicated, but with some useful benefits. Platforms like Sonos and BluOS allow you to group, name, tune, and tweak all the speakers in your home. You can also sign in to individual services within the Sonos or BluOS apps, and find music that way. Note that these apps control the hardware, not the content — you still have to pay for the actual music.
More often than not, those same devices can also come with features such as Spotify Connect or Apple AirPlay, which are slightly simpler, but less robust solutions that accomplish the same basic task: playing music wirelessly.
Press play
The world of streaming is exciting, expansive, and a little complicated. But if you’re looking to update your home entertainment experience, streaming services and devices are a great way to discover new content, or enjoy what you already know and love. Want to know more? Stop in the showroom and chat with a member of our team.
