Top 5 Media Streamers of 2016

Internet video, undoubtedly one of the most preferred entertainment for the contemporary genre. If you too are a fan of internet content, media streamer is the thing for you. Now, what are media streamers? Well, you can define them as trendy set-top boxes designed to deliver internet & streaming content to your TV directly. Some of those can also deliver movie & music files saved in a computer or hard drive. It's to note here that media streamers can induce an advanced smart TV factor to a regular TV.

Yes, the huge craze for media streamers have led to the mushroom growth of many such devices but the catch is that not all of them would be "the thing" for you. A compact comparative study is much needed to fish out the best media streamer for you. Thus, before you proceed to have your pick on media streamer, you should be careful about checking certain points.

• Your chosen one should carry a healthy reputation in the market

• Make sure the streamer you are going for is compatible with your favorite entertainment portals. For example, not all streamers support Hulu Plus or Pandora.

• If you want web browsing facilities, check out beforehand your streamer offers such convenience.

• Don't forget to check which files it supports and which ones it doesn't.

• Make sure you are handy with the controls of the streamer.

• If you want to use your multimedia library with the streamer, opt for the one which offers USB input that will support easy connection with hard drive.

• Finally, the streamer resolution must not be less than 720 p

Here is a brief on the top 5 media streamers in 2016:

1. Roku Streaming Stick

With an outstanding rating of 4.5 stars on 5, Roku Streaming Stick is a current favorite of both experts and smart users when it comes to best media streamer. One of the most fascinating bits about the streamer is that it accommodates 500+ channels or apps and most importantly all of them are quality ones- such as BBC iPlayer, ITV Player, Spotify, Crackle, Now TV and so on, added to Netflix. There is a remote control that automatically connects to Streaming Stick while the user can even control the device via smartphone through Android or iOS app for convenient streaming of music, videos or photos from the device. It's light, portable and plugs into your TV. If you are having problems in plugging it into your TV, you can use extension cable.

1. Google Chromecast 2

The Google Chromecast 2 receives applauds for its advanced Wi-Fi antenna. The previous Chromecast was just restricted to 11b/g/n single-band but the new one supports updated 11ac standard & dual-band (2.4 & 5GHz). It's quite an affordable option & offers amazing contents, mostly the biggies like Netflix, Blinkbox, BBC iPlayer, BT Sport, YouTube & Google Play Movies. A trendy feature, Fast Play, has been added in the upgraded version which assures 80% faster experience. It can predict what the user would be watching next & gets it all-ready in almost a flash. Isn't that really cool?

1. Amazon Fire TV Stick

It's another much appreciated streamers acknowledged widely with a great 4 star rating. The streamer not only offers Amazon's Prime Instant Video but also its major rival Netflix- along with other popular portals such as BBC iPlayer, YouTube & Demand 5. For music lovers, there is the facility to access Amazon Musix, Spotify, Muzu.TV, Ministry of Sound Radio & Musixmatch apps. You will be glad to know that the Amazon streamer has come up with a robust hardware, including 1 GB RAM, dual-core CPU, double-band 802.11n MIMO Wi-Fi. Thus, you are getting a pretty responsive option here which can even withstand fussiest of button pushes. Moreover, you will have instantaneous playback as the device can predict what the user is about to watch. Finally, the streamer accommodates Dolby Digital Plus so that you can enjoy decent audio.

1. Apple TV

With a powerful and sleek hardware, Apple TV occupies a premium place in the best list of streamers today. You are promised of optical audio output, complete 1080p output & Ethernet port in case you don't exactly prefer its 802.11n wireless. The device is compatible with Netflix, YouTube, Hulu Plus, AirPlay, iCloud & iTunes – which makes it amazing for iPhone or Mac users. The current users of Apple TV are especially happy with its flawless streaming. Finally, the streamer assures a breezy navigation thanks to its slender remote control while iPad/iPhone users can even enjoy a remote-control app for better control flexibility here.

1. Sky Now TV Box

If you want a great media streamer while staying on a tight budget, there cannot be a better option that the 2015 Sky Now TV Box. It assures easy accession to the versatile Sky entertainment, sport and movie programs without the user being a Sky-contract member. It's equipped with 11a/b/g/n dual-band Wi-Fi & also supports wired connection, USB port & Micro-SD card slot- all these would be activated soon. Apart from Sky contents, the streamer even assures access to ITV Hub, BBC iPlayer, Vimeo, TuneIN Radio, Spotify, Facebook, BBC Sport, YouTube, Demand 5 & All 4.
So, when are you going to have your own media streamer this year?