The Best Devices for Streaming in 4K

Is a streaming stick for me?

Here's the tea. If you have a pretty new 4k smart TV, you already have access to everything a streaming device can do. But if you have an outdated smart TV or an older TV that's just not smart at all, a streaming device will help you with fast, seamless access to Netflix, HBO, Apple TV, and everything else you stream. It's a great stop-gap if you are not quite ready to invest in a new TV.

What are Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos?

Dolby Vision is essentially Dolby's proprietary enhanced version of HDR (high dynamic range). If the content supports it, it makes the visuals you're seeing more dynamic, allowing the colors to pop and viewers to see them the way artists intend. It's all about enhanced contrasts and deeper colors.

Dolby Atmos is a surround sound technology developed by Dolby. It is a way of simulating full surround 3D audio without requiring quite as many perfectly positioned speakers. Perfect for recreating that movie theater experience at home.

Which is better: the streaming stick or the larger devices?

It depends what your priorities are. If you want a device that you can hide behind your TV without taking up any space, the stick is a convenient (and portable) choice. If you want something that has access to all those advanced features we've been talking about, you'll likekly have to go with one of the larger devices like the Google TV 4k streamer.