Streaming media players & services

What's behind our streaming media players & services Ratings?

• Overall score
  This is based mainly on the number of features and how easy it is to use but also includes its picture quality performance. The displayed score is out of a total of 100 points.
• Picture quality
  Picture quality includes image clarity, color accuracy, and contrast of streaming video. It's based mainly on the judgments of a panel who compare each device's output to a reference. However, the quality of the video that you'll get is largely dependent on the speed of your wired or wireless network. We tested all the players using a wired Ethernet connection, if available.
• Features
  This score reflects the presence or absence of features, including the number of streaming video services, other internet services, and the ability to play media files
• Everyday use
  This score reflects how easy it is to use on a normal basis. It looks at how the remote and user interface interact for common tasks like powering on the device, navigating the menus for access to content, and how easy it is to perform common tasks like visiting websites and playing games.
• Connectivity
  This score reflects the amount and type of connections that will make the product more versatile and useful.
• First time setup
  This score reflects how easy it is to setup the product out of the box. It looks at the connection labeling, menu and remote interaction after the first time the device is powered on, and how easy it is to connect to both a wired and Wi-Fi internet connection. For advanced models this will also include how easy it is to setup universal control and other features.