There’s nothing better than a streaming stick with an HDMI cable, like the Roku Streaming Stick HD, to bring new life to an older TV without using up too much of your available space. This tiny device fits snugly behind your set, rather than hanging down on the side like one of those clunky afterthoughts. Plus, it often draws its own power directly from your TV, keeps clutter at bay, and provides a simple way to set up a crowded area.
An easy and versatile streaming stick
Roku simplifies the install process with fast install times, a familiar home screen, and a stick design that does not block adjacent HDMI ports. Since the device is designed to hide behind the TV, it adds little to no clutter to a media stand or wall mount setup. This small size also lets you easily move the device from one TV to another, so you can carry your streaming apps to a different room without purchasing a second device.
The Roku user interface is among the cleanest and simplest interfaces currently available for a streaming device. Since the applications are all located in one place on the home screen, there is no need to navigate menus or flip back and forth to find your desired movie or show. In addition to serving as a portal to paid subscription services, Roku also offers its users many free movies, shows, and live TV channels, which adds to the overall value of the product. That free content will be very beneficial to casual viewers when watching in the background or with company.
The Roku Voice Remote is included with this device, and with it you can turn the TV on or off, adjust the volume, and control the Roku device without juggling two remotes. Using the voice search function also helps to quickly find a movie, app, or actor vs. using a directional button to peck your way through an on-screen keyboard.
The stick is also easy to pack and use on another TV when you are away from home. So, you can bring your apps and setup with you and use them on someone else’s TV, rather than signing into their streaming box or trying to remember all your passwords again. At $16, down from the original $30 list price, the Roku Streaming Stick HD is a low-cost, compact, and easy solution to add HD streaming, voice remote control, and a large library of free entertainment to a TV that could use an update.
