We stream a lot video and a lot of audio, but, as with any product that needs plugging into another, we unpack the streaming devices and check what connections and accessories it has. Does it come with HDMI cable? Can it be powered by a TV’s USB port? Is there a need for an HDMI extender to plug it from the wash of cables around the rear of a TV? Aesthetics don’t count much for streaming devices, but functionality does.
And then there are the means of operating the device. We’re interested in the quality of the remote, its responsiveness and feel. If there’s voice control we use that to see if it’s quicker or easier than navigating with just the remote.
Of course, there’s the interface for the streaming device itself, and we use it extensively, just like any owner would, digging into how fluid and responsive it is, and whether it’s easy to find what you want. The advent of voice control ensures we’ll be testing how well the microphones receive our voices, how accurate the response from the voice assistant is, and how the digital assistant responds to commands.
Buffering is an aspect we consider, how speedy the device can be when loading up a stream (this, of course, is dependant on your internet speed). We’ll scour the app library to see which apps are supported and how it compares to other options on the market.
Then it’s time to actually watch and listen. Streaming devices can have an effect on picture but not necessarily a great one, and are reliant on the quality of your home cinema kit. Nevertheless, we’ll pay attention to the video, HDR and audio formats that are supported, assessing whether the streamer has everything you need to watch and hear your favourite content in the best way possible.
Finally, every element is judged against the price. If a streamer represents good value generally, we’ll be a little more lenient on aspects we’re not fans of. If it’s expensive, then the streamer has to put in a suitably powerhouse of a performance.
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