By: The BitMar Team.
Image Source: Gemini.
Many individuals now consume media through streaming services. This raises a core question for anyone setting up their home entertainment system: Should you utilize the built-in smart platform of your television, or should you connect a dedicated streaming box?
Smart televisions come equipped with a built-in operating system and a selection of pre-installed applications. This integrated approach offers convenience. You can access streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Hulu directly from your television's home screen, without the need for any extra devices. A report from Consumer Reports highlights this ease of use as a primary advantage of smart televisions.
However, dedicated streaming boxes, such as Apple TV, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, and Nvidia Shield, often offer advantages. One key consideration is processing power. Streaming boxes frequently possess more powerful processors than those found within smart televisions. This can result in faster navigation, quicker application loading times, and a smoother overall user experience. A TechHive article indicates that streaming boxes often have enhanced responsiveness.
Another significant factor is the frequency of software updates. Streaming box manufacturers are typically very focused on providing regular updates to their devices. These updates improve performance, add new features, and address security vulnerabilities. Smart television manufacturers, in contrast, distribute updates less often. An older smart television could lack support for the latest streaming applications, or the newest features within existing applications.
Application availability can vary. While many popular streaming services are available on most smart television platforms, some niche or newer services appear, first, on dedicated streaming devices. A review from CNET examining various streaming devices often notes the breadth of application availability as a crucial differentiator.
Voice control capabilities represent an area where streaming boxes have often demonstrated an advantage. Many streaming devices integrate with popular voice assistants, such as Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. This integration allows for sophisticated voice control over content selection, playback, and even other smart home devices. While many smart televisions also offer voice control, the features, and responsiveness, may not compare favorably to dedicated devices.
Ultimately, the superior choice depends on your individual priorities, and usage patterns. If you prioritize absolute simplicity, and primarily use a few of the most popular streaming services, your television's built-in smart platform will serve you adequately. If you value performance, frequent updates, broader application selection, and superior voice control, a separate streaming box represents a worthwhile investment.
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