Basics on Streaming Devices

Streaming devices are devices that allow you to stream video, audio, and other multimedia content from the internet to your TV or other devices. There are several types of streaming devices available in the market, such as smart TVs, media streaming boxes, and streaming sticks.

Smart TVs are TV sets that come with built-in streaming capabilities, allowing you to access various streaming services such as Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, and YouTube directly from your TV without needing any additional devices. They usually come with their own operating system, which may be based on Android, webOS, or another platform.

Media streaming boxes are standalone devices that connect to your TV via HDMI and allow you to stream content from various services over Wi-Fi or Ethernet. Examples of popular media streaming boxes include the Roku Ultra, Amazon Fire TV, and Apple TV.

Streaming sticks, on the other hand, are small, portable devices that plug directly into your TV's HDMI port and connect to the internet over Wi-Fi. They offer similar features as media streaming boxes but are typically less expensive and less powerful. Examples of popular streaming sticks include the Amazon Fire TV Stick and Google Chromecast.

In general, streaming devices are a convenient way to access a wide range of multimedia content from the internet without having to pay for a traditional cable or satellite TV subscription. They offer a lot of flexibility and convenience, allowing you to watch your favorite TV shows, movies, and other content on-demand, at any time and from anywhere.

Setting Up A Smart Home

 Setting up a smart home involves integrating various devices and appliances in your home with a central hub or control system that allows you to automate and remotely control various functions. Here are some steps to follow when setting up a smart home:

Choose a smart home hub or control system: There are several smart home hubs or control systems available in the market, such as Google Nest, Amazon Echo, and Samsung SmartThings. Choose one that is compatible with the devices you plan to use and suits your needs.

Identify the devices and appliances you want to automate: You can automate a wide range of devices and appliances in your home, including lighting, thermostats, security cameras, door locks, and entertainment systems. Choose the ones that you want to automate and ensure that they are compatible with your chosen smart home hub.

Install and connect your devices: Once you have identified the devices you want to automate, you will need to install them and connect them to your chosen smart home hub. Follow the manufacturer's instructions and ensure that each device is working correctly before moving on to the next one.

Configure your smart home hub: Once you have connected all your devices, you will need to configure your smart home hub to control them. This involves setting up routines, schedules, and other rules that tell your hub how to interact with your devices.

Test your smart home: Once you have set up your smart home, test it to ensure that everything is working correctly. Try out different scenarios and make adjustments as needed to ensure that your home automation is working as expected.

Expand your smart home: As you become more familiar with your smart home, you may want to expand it by adding new devices or integrating new services. Follow the same process of installing, connecting, and configuring each new device to ensure that it works with your existing setup.

Setting up a smart home requires some planning and investment, but it can provide you with significant benefits in terms of convenience, energy efficiency, and security. By following the steps outlined above, you can create a smart home that meets your needs and enhances your lifestyle.

Understanding Smart TVs

 When looking to purchase a new TV there are some features you need to be aware of, I will explain some of the features below. No matter what model or brand of TV you see nowadays you have seen or heard terms of the different specs for each computer. Smart TVs allow users to access a wide range of internet-based services and apps and also stream content. 

Smart TVs come with a range of features, such as voice control, virtual assistants, built-in web browsers, and even gaming capabilities. They can also be connected to other devices in your home network, such as smartphones, tablets, or laptops, allowing the user to connect to your favorite media. 

Smart TVs are more interactive and customizable television viewing experiences. Allowing the user to tailor the viewing experience to their preferences to create more personalized experiences with personal electronics.

• Display Type - refers to the technology that provides the light to the screen. There are a few options available nowadays
• LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) - is a flat panel display that uses liquid crystals. 
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• LED (Light Emitting Diode) - is a type of LCD that uses light-emitting diodes to backlight the display 
• offers superior brightness
• high color contrast
• the center is the best viewing angle
• OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diodes) - 
• offers high color accuracy& perfect contrast 
• wide viewing angles
• the picture that is practically blur-free
• Screen Size - is the size of the screen measured diagonally from a top corner to a bottom adjacent corner
• Resolution - Describes the number of pixels, both horizontally and vertically that are used to capture videos. The higher the resolution the better the quality that is seen. 
• HD (High Definition) - offers full HD, good picture quality, and smaller and older TVs
• Full HD (Full High Definition) - clearer and sharper than standard HD. 
• 4K UHD (Ultra High Definition) - 4X the pixels of Full HD, lifelike images and graphics
• 8K - 16X pixels of Full HD, upscaling technology can give images better quality even if they are not true 8K. 
• High Dynamic Range (HDR) - proposes a wider range of colors and brightness levels. Brings true-to-life colors and stunning graphics to your TV
• Backlight Type - is how the TV receives light to the display. 
• Edge-lit: the lights are on the edges of the display with zones of vertical LEDs.
• Most popular and affordable LED form TVs
• Good overall brightness and tones but could have some uneven brightness
• Direct-lit: the lights are on the edges and behind the screen for more light consistency than the Edge-lit
• Bright color & high contrast
• Good light consistency
• Full array: is direct-lit with local dimming for greater contrasts with up to 100 zones of LEDs. 
• Deeper darks and richer colors
• Lifelike images
• Greater Contrast
• Refresh Rate - the number of frames per second that the device can produce natively without any enhancement. With higher rates, pictures are smooth and seamless
• Smart Capable - refers to the TV being able to connect to the Internet either via wired or wireless connection (Wi-Fi). If the TV is Smart Enabled you will be able to stream video content or movies from a variety of platforms (Netflix, YouTube, Hulu, Spotify, etc). 

No matter which brand of TV you pick these terms will help you make the best pick for your needs. The evolution of TVs is also always evolving and updating with new technologies as they are introduced and created.