TRENDnet TUC-ET5G USB-C 3.1 to 5GBASE-T Ethernet adapter
The TRENDnet TUC-ET5G USB-C 3.1 to 5GBASE-T Ethernet adapter is capable of some serious data throughput -- up to 5Gbps over existing Cat5e or better cabling. ...
There is no single best device, but here's the best of the best.
Today, "cord cutting" — switching off from cable or satellite TV to over-the-air (OTA) and the Internet for your television — still isn't common. But it's getting there.
Adobe recently found that Internet TV watcher hours increased by 388 percent in the last year. On top of that, TV networks, such as HBO , CBS, and Univision are all bringing their offerings to Internet-only customers. I fully expect at least half a dozen other networks to follow these first three to Internet in 2015.
So, what are the best devices to bring Amazon Instant Video, Hulu Plus, Netflix, and all these other Internet TV video broadcasters to your home? Well, it depends.
You see, I've been watching commercial video on the Internet and Digex's ISP TV since 1995. For the last three years, the only TV I've been watching has been either OTA or over the Internet. In that time, I've used — and still use — numerous devices, but I have yet to find a perfect one for all my needs.
What I have found, however, are six devices that do a darn good job. Each has its own strengths and weaknesses.
You'll notice that one kind of device I don't recommend is any kind of "smart" TV. In my experience, none of them are that smart. Specifically, no one seems to do a good job with their user interfaces (UI). I could live with a yucky interface, but what I can't live with is that they all do a lousy job of updating their firmware. That means, for example, that when CBS, HBO, and Univision start coming to Internet screens in early 2015, I don't expect any smart TV to support them immediately.
That said, here's my personally tested best of the best TV media extenders for 2014. When possible, I also give the best Black Friday deal I've been able to find for each one.
Caption by: Steven J. Vaughan-Nichols
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