At a Glance:
What is Roku and other Streaming Devices?
Roku vs Smart TV: What's the Difference
Have you ever wondered what the difference is between a Roku and a Smart TV? With a variety of TVs and what appears to be a new streaming device every month, what is the right choice for you? In this blog post, we'll take an in-depth look at both types of televisions to help you make the best decision for your lifestyle.
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At Bekins, you'll find Smart TVs equipped with the latest innovations in technology.
Smart TVWhat is Roku and other Streaming Devices?
This device plugs into your existing TV via the HDMI connection on the back of your TV while connecting to your wireless internet connection inside your home. This takes a “dumb” TV and makes it “Smart.”
How do Roku and other Streaming Devices work?
A streaming device allows you to stream “apps” from the internet directly to your TV with no additional hardware such as cable boxes. The smart streaming device will allow you to access Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, Max, plus many more streaming services. The important thing to remember is that most streaming services cost a monthly subscription ranging from a few dollars to over seventy dollars a month depending on what you are looking to watch.
What Types of Streaming Devices Are There?
There are many streaming devices all with pros and cons. This article is not intended to be a deep dive into the pros and cons of each streaming device.
- Roku
- Apple TV
- Amazone Fire
- Google Chromecast
- Many more…
Pros & Cons of Using Roku or Other Streaming Devices
Here are a few aspects to consider with streaming devices. There are both pros and cons associated with choosing a Roku TV for your home. Here's what you need to know:
✅ No Contracts or Monthly Fees
With a Roku TV, there are no contracts or monthly fees required. It is free to download streaming apps, however you will have to pay separately for those streaming services. This makes Roku an affordable and convenient option for cord-cutters or anyone who doesn’t want to be tied down by a contract.
✅ Prices
You can find a streaming device that starts around $20 and upwards of $150. Roku TVs are affordable, especially compared to other Smart TVs on the market. Roku TV models start at just $200 for a 32-inch model, making them an excellent option for budget-conscious shoppers.
✅ Convenience
Plugging in a new device requires less work than changing your current TV.
❌ TV Compatibility
Roku TVs are compatible with many devices but you will still encounter many instances where Roku TVs may not work with your specific devices. Your TV needs to have an HDMI connection or an HDMI adapter. If you have been holding on to that classic TV, you may need to find the right HDMI adapter to make it work.
❌ Processing Power
The computer processor inside the streaming device is limited by size, cost of the unit, and performance over an extended period. In a nutshell, don’t be surprised if within a few years you start to notice deteriorated speeds while navigating the menu of the streaming device or apps opening. This may cause frustration.
❌ Content Limitations
Not all streaming devices are created equal. Meaning, there may be some shows or TV “channels” that are available on one streaming device and not another.
❌ Limited Selection of Apps
Another downside of Roku TVs is their limited selection of apps. While Roku does offer a variety of popular apps, such as Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video, it doesn’t provide some of the more niche apps that are available on other platforms, such as Apple TV or Android TV. This can be a big drawback for people looking for a specific app or service.
❌ WiFi Requirments
Streaming devices require a reliable internet connection to function properly. Most of the streaming devices manufactured today do not have an option to “hard-wire” the device to the internet. This will inhibit performance while watching TV via streaming services.
What is a Smart TV?
Smart TVs offer consumers a variety of features that set them apart from standard televisions. At its most basic level, a Smart TV is just like any other type of television – you can watch broadcast programming with an antenna, cable box or satellite dish. However, the main difference is that it has internet connectivity options built into it, such as Wi-Fi or Ethernet connections, that allow viewers access to streaming content from various sources such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and YouTube.
There’s a vast range of quality, performance, technological benefits, remote control benefits, etc… across this category and frankly, it may be daunting to a consumer. That’s one of the biggest reasons you want to shop at Bekins, so our professionally trained electronic sales professionals can guide you through this process.
Pros and Cons of Using a Smart TV?
✅ Ethernet Connection
Smart TV’s also have hard wired internet connections to the back of the TV. This is crucial because the TV will have reliable and steady performance while streaming video content on your TV.
✅ Voice Control
In addition to this functionality, many modern Smart TVs have voice control capabilities through virtual assistant apps like Alexa or Google Assistant, allowing users to search for shows easily using voice commands.
✅ Processing Power
Instead of being limited by the processing power of your old TV, you get the latest and most powerful processor.
✅ Picture Quality
This goes a little hand in hand with processing power as well. Smart TVs generally have the latest technology to provide the best quality picture like 4K- Ultra HD and color.
✅ Best Remotes
Some Smart TVs you can find at Bekins have backlit remote controls which make it easier to see at night, or if you’re keeping the room dark to experience the best quality picture.
❌ More Expensive
Most people prefer a 55” TV or bigger, which will typically cost $700 or more. However, you can take advantage of former floor models or discontinued products which can go on clearance.
❌ Buy a New TV
Some people are not interested in replacing their current TV, especially if it still works well.
Roku vs Smart TV: What's the Difference?
This can be challenging waters to navigate with a barrage of options on the internet. If your TV is working, has a nice picture quality, and you cannot download streaming apps or the app you want, then look at a streaming device. That may solve your issue. Just make sure you do homework on what show you want to watch to ensure it is compatible with your streaming device. Remember, not all streaming devices are created equal.
Smart TVs will be more expensive than a smart streaming device; however, they offer many more benefits than a smart streaming device. Smart TV’s may provide nicer picture quality, better sound quality, higher resolution quality (4k Ultra-HD), better technological features, and a remote that you can read at night with backlit buttons.
Our Top Recommendations
If you are looking for the best streaming device you can purchase today, it is the Roku 4K Streaming Stick. It is very cost-effective that offers an array of streaming apps with an easy-to-use remote control and steady performance. If you binge watch Netflix and you can hard wire your streaming device to the wireless internet, spending a bit more money for the Roku Ultra or Apple TV 4k would be our vote. If you are in a situation where your TV is more than 5 years old, then go with one of these new televisions. You will receive many more benefits than a streaming device can provide.
➝ Related: Small Home Theater Room Design Ideas
Sony Bravia 7 4K Ultra-HD Mini-LED
➥ Shop Now: Sony Bravia 7 65" 4K Ultra HD Mini LED QLED Smart TV
The Sony Bravia 7 Mini-LED TV offers several impressive benefits that make it a standout choice in the premium TV market. The Bravia 7 Mini-LED has excellent ability to turn LEDs on and off at a rapid rate to provide excellent contrast ratio all while minimizing the “blooming” effect while watching TV. The blooming effect is when light spills over onto darker parts of the screen, making brighter objects appear to have a halo around them.
The Sony Bravia 7 also has Sony’s XR Processor, which is the engine driving the quality of the TV. The Bravia 7 also has a multitude of features including HDMI 2.1 for gaming, Studio Calibrated Modes that are specifically designed for Netflix, Prime Video, and Sony Pictures Core.
Lastly, one of the best benefits of this TV is the partnership with the Leon Studio Frame. This turns the Ultra-HD TV into a beautifully framed work of art, without the need of a separate box. When the Bravia 7 is paired with the Leon Studio Frame the TV comes with the Sony Art Frame Gallery App, which has a curated selection of 70 works of art. This TV is available in sizes 55”, 65”, 75” and 85”.
➝ Related: Samsung Frame TV Review
Sony® X90L 4K Ultra HD LED Smart TV
➥ Shop Now: Sony Smart TVs
This state-of-the-art Sony 65 inch Smart TV comes with the Cognitive Processor XR, Acoustic Multi-Audio™ technology, and Google TV - all of which combine to create an advanced viewing experience like no other.
The Netflix Adaptive Calibrated Mode ensures optimal picture quality while streaming your favorite shows and movies. Not to mention, this Sony Smart TV is also powered by Google Assistant, so you can easily access information, control compatible smart home devices, and more with just your voice. Ultimately, the Sony® X90K 65" 4K Ultra HD LED Smart TV offers exceptional features that will turn any space into a theater-like atmosphere.
For those struggling to decide between a Google TV vs Roku, the Sony® X90L 65" 4K Ultra HD LED Smart TV is an easy choice. With its unparalleled performance and intuitive design, it's sure to meet all your entertainment needs without breaking the bank.
Sony® BRAVIA 8 65" 4K Ultra HD OLED Smart TV
➥ Shop Now: Sony 65" TVs
Whether watching movies, playing video games, or streaming content from the internet, this 65 inch Smart TV offers an immersive viewing experience. With its stunning 4K resolution and perfect black levels thanks to OLED technology, this smart TV will impress even the pickiest viewer.
Enjoy clearer conversations between characters thanks to Acoustic Surface Audio＋™, which ensures dialogue remains clear regardless of background noise or loud audio effects. The Cognitive Processor XR will provide that all images are upscaled with exceptional clarity without losing their original fidelity. The XR OLED Contrast Pro helps deliver extraordinary contrast between dark and light areas on the screen, giving you greater detail in shadows and highlights while adding richness to your overall viewing pleasure.
This state-of-the-art television features innovative technology such as the Cognitive Processor XR, Acoustic Surface Audio＋™, XR 4K Upscaling, and XR OLED Contrast Pro, allowing for maximum image clarity and sound quality. It also includes Google TV with Google Assistant to help streamline your experience. So, if you're looking for an upgrade in terms of Roku vs Smart TVs or want to get the best 65-inch Smart TV out there, then the Sony® BRAVIA 8 65" 4K Ultra HD OLED Smart TV is a perfect choice!
➝ Learn More: The Ultimate Sony TV Product Guide
Why Trust Bekins Appliances and Electronics?
Bekins is a local, family-owned, internationally acclaimed appliance and electronics company in West Michigan.
Bekins is the oldest and largest electronics integration company in the state of Michigan. Their team of the most certified experts have decades of experience working with the most cutting-edge technology in some of the biggest homes.
In all, Bekins has earned more than 21 national and international honors. That does not include their regional Better Business Bureau Torch Award for Ethics.
Shop Televisions at Bekins
Stop by Bekins Grand Haven or Grand Rapids location to see what a difference buying local with an experienced staff can make. Or shop televisions online! Our friendly experts are always happy to help you decide on the right smart TV — whether you call us at 616-288-1020, use our online chat feature, or visit us in person.
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