The simplest way to add tonnes of entertainment to your TV
29 Dec 15
There are several options out there to upgrade your TV to not just a Smart TV but an even Smarter TV, giving you access to lots more content than was originally available.
The most popular, and easiest, way to do this is by purchasing a Streaming Stick. What is a streaming stick you ask? Well they are little USB style devices that simply plug into the HDMI port on your TV. They are a very cost effective way to stream online services, such as Catch Up TV or Netflix, to your TV using your Wi-Fi.
Now, depending on the content you wish to view we would recommend you take a look at the Roku Streaming Stick.
Firstly… What is Roku?
Lets go back to the beginning, Roku, Inc. was founded by Anthony Wood, a pioneer and innovator in TV and digital media, back in October 2002. The name Roku means “six” in Japanese to represent his sixth company. In the early days of Roku, Anthony also served as the vice president of Internet TV at Netflix, where he developed what is known today as the Roku Streaming Player.
They now have several different Roku players available, including the Streaming Stick, all capable of streaming various online services to your TV.
What will I be able to watch?
There are over 1,700 Roku channels and counting, they offer access to ALL of the catch up TV services BBC iPlayer, ITV Player, All4 and Demand 5, as well as other streaming services including:
- Netflix
- Now TV
- Sky Store, Movies and Sports
- Google Play
- YouTube
- Spotify
- Plex
- BBC News and Sport
- Facebook and much more…
Talk about Endless Entertainment!
Also towards the end of 2014 Amazon Prime Instant Video has been added to Roku’s extensive list of available services, making it one of the best-supported on the market!
Do I have to pay?
Once you’ve purchased your Streaming Stick there are no hidden costs to maintain your Roku account. Some channels, Netflix for example, charge a subscription to access their content so you would need to set up an account or log in if you already have one. Hundreds of Roku channels are free to enjoy, like the catch up services, you choose what to you pay for and what you don’t.
What else do I get from Roku?
Well Streaming Sticks in general can offer great content, both free and paid for. Roku has lots of other great features that help you find what you want to watch, and fast.
Roku Search allows you to search across your top channels by title, actor or director using the remote, or the free Roku remote app. It’s so easy to see what’s on, what you can watch for free, with a subscription, or options to rent or buy.
According to a blog on Roku’s website in May 2015, initially Netflix, Snagfilms and Popcornflix will be featured in Roku Search, over time more channels are expected to complement this list.
Launched in April the Roku Feed™ lets you know when new movies are ready to stream, on what channel and at what price – how much easier can it be to find something to watch? It also lets you ‘Follow’ entertainment you are interested in and you’ll receive an automatic update in the My Feed section of your Roku home screen when a movie you’ve chosen to follow is available.
Choose between using the intuitive Roku remote, or you can download the free Roku remote app for your smartphone or tablet. The app lets you start a TV programme, browse through the Channel Store or beam photos, songs, and videos from your phone or tablet, directly to your TV (compatible devices only) – all from the palm of your hand.
Okay I’m sold, where can I buy?
Check out Roku’s website here to find out where you can buy the Streaming Stick.
Hey before you go!
Are you also looking to buy a new TV? Well look no further than our range of models that have a Roku Streaming Stick in the box, yep that’s right IN THE BOX ready to go so you have access to all of the above already included with your TV – you’re welcome 🙂
