HBO Max is not available on a Vizio SmartCast TV, but AirPlay and Chromecast can help.
Category: Devices
As streaming has increased in popularity, so has the selection of streaming platforms, with Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Google TV, and Roku just a few of the options now available. With so many streaming platforms and players to choose between, picking the right one can be as important as choosing the right streaming services.
TV and streaming player FAQs
Below are answers to some of the more commonly asked questions about streaming devices, including smart TVs and streaming players.
What is a streaming player?
Streaming players make it possible to stream movies, shows, and more over the internet. Generally speaking, streaming players are most commonly thought of small boxes that connect to a TV. However, many devices act as a streaming player, including smart TVs, game consoles, and more.
Why do I need a streaming player?
The most common reason why you might need a streaming player is that you’re existing devices don’t have any smart functionality. However, you may also need a streaming player if you want to access apps on a different operating system. A last, but just as important, reason why you might need a streaming player is to get an upgrade in performance and a more reliable streaming experience in general.
Do I need a streaming player if I have a smart TV or game console?
No, not necessarily. If you already have a smart TV, by definition, you already have a streaming device. As long as the TV can connect to the internet it is highly likely to have the ability to download apps. The same is true with game consoles, and especially modern ones like the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series S/X. If the smart TV or console is an older model, then it is possible that it might not be supported anymore.
How do I choose a streaming player?
The best way to choose a streaming player is to decide on what you want from it. For example, if you only want to access Netflix and other streaming apps, a cheap streaming player will work just fine and save you money. If, for example, you also want to access apps and content you normally access on an iPhone, then an Apple TV player is probably going to be the best option. In general, factors to take into consideration when choosing a streaming player include the price, design, operating system, app support, and 4K.
What are some of the best streaming players?
There are a wide variety of streaming players to now choose from, but the Apple TV 4K, Chromecast with Google TV HD/4K, Fire Stick 4K, Fire TV Cube, Nvidia Shield TV, Roku Streaming Stick+ and Roku Ultra are some of the best streaming players in our opinion.
HBO Max subscribers can manually update the Samsung smart TV app or set apps to automatically update when a new version becomes available.
Apple TV with Apple TV+ can be downloaded on a variety of Amazon’s Fire TV devices, including Fire Stick and Fire TV Edition TVs and players.
Apple TV+ is not just for iPhone, iPad and MacBook. Here’s the full list of smart TVs, players and other devices you can stream Apple TV+ on.
Although there’s no Discovery+ app available to download on a Vizio TV, Prime Video Channels, AirPlay or Chromecast might be able to help.
YouTube TV is available to download and watch on a Samsung smart TV although not every TV model is compatible with the live TV streaming app.
Xfinity customers can sign in to Peacock on their X1, Flex or though the service’s website and take advantage of a free Premium subscription.
How to Watch Netflix on a MacBook
With no macOS Netflix app available, subscribers will need to use an alternate method for watching shows and movies on a MacBook.
YouTube TV is unavailable on Comcast’s Xfinity Flex platform, but that could change in the future following Google’s Roku live TV shortcut.
Whether looking for a new streaming device or tired of app issues, the Chromecast with Google TV is an ideal replacement for a Roku player.
Although Xfinity X1 and Flex services are currently missing Discovery+, that could change later in 2021.
How to Watch Sling TV on a MacBook
While there’s no Sling TV macOS app, there are options for streaming Sling on a MacBook or Mac computer.
Sling TV can be watched on many smart TVs and streaming players, but it’s worth making sure the ones already available at home are supported.
Discovery+ is currently unavailable on Sony’s PS4 and PS5 and it’s unclear if or when that will change.
It is worth checking whether the smart TVs, streaming players and devices in the home work with AT&T TV before signing up.
There are a few ways to stream Discovery+ networks and shows on a Samsung smart TV.
Before signing up to Discovery+, it is worth checking if all your smart TVs, streaming players and devices are currently supported.
If you’re ever asked for payment to activate a Roku device or for technical support, don’t pay.
The NVIDIA SHIELD TV is one of the most powerful streaming players available. Here’s what you need to know before buying.