Latest news with #RokuStreamingStick4K
Tom's Guide
2 days ago
- Tom's Guide
It's time to replace your TV if you notice any of these 5 issues
As far as big purchases go, TVs are relatively reliable. With a bit of luck, a new TV will last you several years — especially if it's one of the best TVs on the market. But TV hardware doesn't last forever, and depending on your viewing habits, there comes a point where replacing your TV makes sense. Make no mistake: You should feel empowered to wring every ounce of use out of your TV before you upgrade — there's enough e-waste in the world without you tossing out your perfectly good TV. However, if you're seeing these signs, then the time to upgrade is nigh. Like any computer, stuff just gets sluggish after a while. Your TV's software is one of the primary canaries in the proverbial coal mine. For better or worse, TVs have more in common with computers today than at any other point in their history. And, like any computer, stuff just gets sluggish after a while. This is especially true given the influx of regularly doled-out software updates from big-name brands like LG, Samsung and Sony. These updates are essential in keeping your TV up to date (not to mention secure), but over time, they can bog down its hardware. Unfortunately, while you can upgrade your PC's processor, but you won't be able to swap your TV processor out when it starts to slow down. You're far more likely to notice that it's lost a step if you rely on its built-in streaming features, since all of those apps are getting updates on the regular, too. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. The good news is that you don't necessarily have to replace the whole kit and caboodle if everything else about the TV is perfectly fine. My solution? Just offload streaming duties onto a dedicated streaming device with its own internal hardware. We've painstakingly tested and reviewed all of the best streaming devices on the market, but my personal favorite is the Roku Streaming Stick 4K. The Roku Streaming Stick 4K is pretty much everything you need in a streaming device. It's compact, its software is easy to use and its app support is robust. There are a ton of hidden Roku tricks to make the most of this software experience, too. It's not the most affordable streamer you can buy, but if I'm going to lose an HDMI port to a streaming device, I want it to support Dolby Vision. Roku's simple, clean interface is another massive point in its favor. Of course, if your TV's hardware is straight up failing, it has ways of letting you know about it. You don't have to be a precocious child actor in an influential psychological thriller from 1999 to see dead pixels. These dark spots on your display are exactly what the name suggests: individual pixels that have given up the ghost. Your TV doesn't have to be old for one or more of its pixels to be dead. Heck, I've seen them on TVs that have just come out of the box. At the worst of times, they cluster together, creating blotches of darkness in an otherwise normal picture. If you've clocked a dead pixel on a relatively new set, there's a good chance it can be replaced, per a manufacturer's (or retailer's) warranty. Unfortunately, if your TV is a bit older, it won't be addressed without a paid panel replacement. Depending on the make and model, it might be more cost efficient to upgrade to a new TV that fits within your budget. Of all the ways your TV's picture can visually degrade, the most likely candidate is an overall dimming of the picture. An LED TV's backlight — often an array of individual LEDs — can't last forever. This is known as the circle of light. (Sorry.) If it's getting tougher to make out details without the lights off, your TV's backlight might be reaching the end of its lifespan. Panels degrade in strange ways over time, too. I've seen backlight bleed on the edges and corners of a panel become increasingly more noticeable as a TV ages. And, while visual banding is often a product of poor upscaling or picture processing, hardware-related banding is tougher to ignore, as it remains static from one scene to the next. Think you're immune because you've got an OLED? Think again. OLED TVs are susceptible to many of these issues too. They leverage organic materials, after all. You've probably heard of the dreaded issue of OLED burn-in, but if not, I recommend taking a spin through our guide on how to prevent OLED burn-in for the full scoop. OLED TVs are uniquely susceptible to burn-in due to the nature of their display technology. Due to the materials used and a relative lack of preventative measures, this is especially true of older OLED models from 2016 to 2020 that are just now coming into old age. If you notice any of the following on your OLED TV, it might be saddled with burn-in: a ghostly, static outline, strong discoloration or permanent lines. Many new OLED TVs come with a limited warranty, some exclusively for issues of burn-in. As mentioned, newer OLED TVs also arrive with an array of software- and hardware-based preventative measures. From what I've seen over the course of my career, OLED TV-makers have gotten really good at preventing for what it's worth, there are a number of bizarre, OLED-related visual artifacts that might rear their head throughout its lifespan. I recently did a deep-dive into common OLED TV issues and whether or not they're worth worrying about. Have you recently found yourself wondering, why are TV shows so dark? You're not going crazy. The era of dark, hard-to-see content can be explained with a number of factors, but the biggest reason that folks often squint at their favorite TV series is due to how this content is shot and mastered. Most big-budget shows are produced from the top down for High Dynamic Range (also known as HDR). Most new TVs support HDR on paper, but they lack the capability to create a meaningful HDR picture. When you combine this with cinematic trends that lean into darker aesthetics, your ultra-affordable, six-year-old LED TV is bound to deliver a lackluster experience — especially if its backlight is already starting to degrade. Fortunately, in 2025, even some budget-friendly TVs are bright enough to overcome this. The QM6K represents one of the most affordable ways to land a Mini-LED TV at the 65-inch size point. It's not the brightest TV on the block, but thanks to its Mini-LED backlighting, it's bright enough to deliver a great picture in HDR. If you want to upgrade to a reliable TV without scraping the bottom of the barrel, this is a set worth considering. A TV like the TCL QM6K is what I recommend to folks who want to upgrade to a set that will make it more fun to watch new, HDR-mastered movies and shows, but who'd rather not spend upwards of a thousand bucks for the privilege. Don't feel guilty about upgrading your TV when it's technically still usable. If watching your favorite stuff is starting to feel like a chore, there are ways to improve your viewing experience without spending more than you're comfortable with and there are plenty of good ways to re-home your old TV, including donating it. When you're ready to part ways with your TV, check out our guide to recycling electronics for tips on how to send it on its way safely.
USA Today
7 days ago
- Business
- USA Today
Best Buy has a Samsung Galaxy tablet for $250 off at this back-to-school tech sale
Shop the best deals on tablets, headphones and even mini fridges for the new school year. Whether you're heading to college, upgrading your home office or prepping your kids for a new school year, Best Buy's back-to-school tech sale is packed with instant savings on top brands like Apple, Samsung, Bose, Insignia and more. From laptops and tablets to headphones, streaming sticks and even retro mini fridges, this sale is your one-stop shop for student essentials. Below, check out a few popular Best Buy deals that are available now through Sunday, August 24. Shop Best Buy deals Shop the best back-to-school tech deals at Best Buy Apple AirPods 4 Get the AirPods 4 earbuds for less than $100. All-new design with H2 chip, spatial audio and USB-C charging. $99.99 at Best Buy (Save $30) Insignia Retro Mini Fridge with Top Freezer Give your college living space a cool, retro refresh with this mini fridge on sale for less than $160. $159.99 at Best Buy (Save $60) Roku Streaming Stick 4K Get easy streaming in 4K for study breaks and binge sessions, on sale for less than $40 at Best Buy. $39.99 at Best Buy (Save $10) Samsung Galaxy Tab S9, 11-Inch, 256GB, Wi-Fi with S-Pen, Graphite Save $250 on this Samsung tablet with Galaxy AI for lecture transcription and ultra-portability for on-the-go use. $669.99 at Best Buy (Save $250) Bose QuietComfort Wireless Noise Cancelling Over-the-Ear Bluetooth Headphones Save $130 on these Bose headphones with noise cancellation and 24-hour battery life. $229 at Best Buy (Save $130) Apple iPad A16 Chip with Wi-Fi, 11-Inch, 128GB, Silver Get this lightweight, powerful iPad on sale for less than $300 for the new school year. $299 at Best Buy (Save $50) More: Bite into Apple's back-to-school deal: Students get free AirPods with iPad purchase 🍎 Insignia 48-Can Beverage Cooler, Stainless Steel Save $90 on this top-selling beverage cooler for all your back-to-school drinks. $209.99 at Best Buy (Save $90) More: The ultimate back-to-school shopping guide: Supplies, dorm essentials, clothing, snacks Don't wait! The Best Buy deals end August 24 Best Buy's back-to-school tech sale is live now, but these deals won't last forever. Whether you're shopping for a student or upgrading your own gear, now's the time to grab top-tier tech at unbeatable prices. Shop Best Buy deals
CNET
29-07-2025
- Entertainment
- CNET
Read to Finally Cut the Cord? Snag My Favorite Roku Stick for $40
Deal alert: The Roku Streaming Stick 4K is now available for $40 -- which is $10 off and a 20% discount compared to the full $50 retail price. The Roku Streaming Stick 4K is one of CNET's favorite streaming devices, making this a worthwhile deal on a device you'll be glad to have. My, how things have changed. When it comes to streaming, the stick I trust the most is my Roku Streaming Stick 4K. This small but mighty streaming gadget has allowed me to be a loyal cord-cutter club member for as long as I can remember. Nowadays, cutting the cord is simpler than it's ever been, and becoming a stream-only household is no longer a farfetched idea. If you ever wished for a place to house all your streaming services and keep track of where you left off in any movie or show, no matter where you are, my favorite streaming device is perfect for the job. And if you've been waiting for a sign to make the jump, here it is. I've had my Roku for a couple of years, and my home entertainment experience has changed drastically. Guests never cease to be amazed and always wonder how I do it and whether it is cheaper than traditional cable. From Peacock to Hulu, binge-watching the latest seasons of FX's The Bear, Love Island USA and NBC's Destination X are made easy. All that's needed is a Wi-Fi connection, an HDMI port, streaming services and the Roku Stick to access an endless amount of entertainment. Right now on Amazon, the Roku Streaming Stick 4K is $10 off, bringing it down to $40. But that's not all. The Roku Streaming Stick 4K Plus is also on sale for $11 off, slashing it down to $29. Read more: Unlock Free Prime Day Deals With a Few Simple Clicks Now Playing: 7 Tips to Get More Out of Your Roku TV 08:05 How does the Roku Stick work? Whether I'm blasting music on Spotify or watching the latest season of Top Chef, my Roku Streaming Stick has me covered. It can plug into my TV for a chill night in or into my Epson Home Cinema 1080 projector for movie nights or hosting parties. To get the full movie theater experience, I pair my Roku with the Vizio V-Series 2.0 sound bar. An added bonus is that a couple of years back, at a white elephant party, I was secretly gifted a Tzumi Bluetooth Microphone, and hosting karaoke nights hasn't been the same; guests are always impressed. Do I need a 4K TV to use this Roku stick? In recent years, 4K TVs have become more common, but the Roku Streaming Stick 4K is also compatible with older HD TVs. It offers up to 1080p resolution and upscaling from 720p. This just means that you don't need a fancy screen to enjoy a sharper picture while enjoying the entertainment you love. The Roku Streaming Stick 4K is compatible with HD and 4K TVs and more. Roku Can I still access live TV with the Roku stick? The best thing about this streaming stick for me is that I still have access to live TV. Thanks to streaming services like Peacock and Hulu Plus Live TV, I can watch the Food Network or the DirectTV Stream in real time. You might be thinking, don't all those streaming service subscriptions add up? With bundling options and internet providers offering deals with certain contracts, it can actually cost less than cable. I love the Roku Streaming Stick because it's small and portable, and I've never had any problems with it not working. Occasionally, my Roku will reboot for updates or I'll need to change the remote batteries, but that's a small thing compared with a cable box or satellite service outage. Read more: Protect Your Privacy: Essential Settings to Modify on Roku, Apple TV, and More If you want to see how this model compares to others, check out our list of the best Roku devices or the best streaming devices overall.
CNET
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- CNET
Finally Cut the Cord by Snagging My Favorite Roku Stick for Prime Day
The Roku Streaming Stick 4K is now available for $35 -- which is $15 off and a 30% discount -- even before the Amazon Prime Day sale event has officially begun. The Roku Streaming Stick 4K is one of CNET's favorite streaming devices, making this a worthwhile deal on a quality device. My, how things have changed. When it comes to streaming, the stick I trust the most is my Roku Streaming Stick 4K. This small but mighty streaming gadget has allowed me to be a loyal cord-cutter club member for as long as I can remember. Nowadays, cutting the cord is simpler than it's ever been, and becoming a stream-only household is no longer a farfetched idea. If you ever wished for a place to house all your streaming services and keep track of where you left off in any movie or show, no matter where you are, my favorite streaming device is perfect for the job. And if you've been waiting for a sign to make the jump, here it is. I've had my Roku for a couple of years, and my home entertainment experience has changed drastically. Guests never cease to be amazed and always wonder how I do it and whether it is cheaper than traditional cable. From Peacock to Hulu, binge-watching the latest seasons of FX's The Bear, Love Island USA and NBC's Destination X are made easy. All that's needed is a Wi-Fi connection, an HDMI port, streaming services and the Roku Stick to access an endless amount of entertainment. Right now on Amazon, the Roku Streaming Stick 4K is $15 off, bringing it down to $35. But that's not all. The Roku Streaming Stick 4K Plus is also on sale for $10 off, slashing it down to $30. Read more: Unlock Free Prime Day Deals With a Few Simple Clicks Watch this: 7 Tips to Get More Out of Your Roku TV 08:05 How does the Roku Stick work? Whether I'm blasting music on Spotify or watching the latest season of Top Chef, my Roku Streaming Stick has me covered. It can plug into my TV for a chill night in or into my Epson Home Cinema 1080 projector for movie nights or hosting parties. To get the full movie theater experience, I pair my Roku with the Vizio V-Series 2.0 sound bar. An added bonus is that a couple of years back, at a white elephant party, I was secretly gifted a Tzumi Bluetooth Microphone, and hosting karaoke nights hasn't been the same; guests are always impressed. Do I need a 4K TV to use this Roku stick? In recent years, 4K TVs have become more common, but the Roku Streaming Stick 4K is also compatible with older HD TVs. It offers up to 1080p resolution and upscaling from 720p. This just means that you don't need a fancy screen to enjoy a sharper picture while enjoying the entertainment you love. The Roku Streaming Stick 4K is compatible with HD and 4K TVs and more. Roku Can I still access live TV with the Roku stick? The best thing about this streaming stick for me is that I still have access to live TV. Thanks to streaming services like Peacock and Hulu Plus Live TV, I can watch the Food Network or the DirectTV Stream in real time. You might be thinking, don't all those streaming service subscriptions add up? With bundling options and internet providers offering deals with certain contracts, it can actually cost less than cable. I love the Roku Streaming Stick because it's small and portable, and I've never had any problems with it not working. Occasionally, my Roku will reboot for updates or I'll need to change the remote batteries, but that's a small thing compared with a cable box or satellite service outage. Read more: Protect Your Privacy: Essential Settings to Modify on Roku, Apple TV, and More If you want to see how this model compares to others, check out our list of the best Roku devices or the best streaming devices overall. For more discounted tech, see our curated list of the best Amazon Prime Day deals going on now.
Tom's Guide
08-07-2025
- Business
- Tom's Guide
Prime Day Roku sale is now live — 5 deals I'd get on the best streaming devices from $29
Prime Day is here, and it's the perfect excuse to upgrade your streaming setup for way less. Roku devices are some of the easiest, most affordable ways to turn any TV into a streaming powerhouse, and right now, they're seriously discounted. From the Ultimate Streaming Player (now just $69 after a solid 30% discount) to the powerful Roku Streaming Stick 4K at $34, there's a device for every setup and budget. We've tested a bunch of these at Tom's Guide, and trust me, you don't need to splurge to get smooth performance and quick access to Netflix, Hulu, Disney Plus and more. Below, I've rounded up the five best Roku deals I'd personally pick up this Prime Day. The Roku Streaming Stick Plus 2025 is the latest upgrade in Roku's lineup, replacing the previous Express 4K Plus. This newer model is smaller, faster, and more powerful, offering stunning 4K HDR and Dolby Vision streaming. With improved Wi-Fi and access to thousands of channels, it's one of the best Roku devices right now. Looking to stream in 4K? This small but mighty device delivers a crisp, cinematic experience with support for 4K HDR and Dolby Vision. It's lightning-fast, easy to use, and packed with all your favorite apps (no wonder we crowned it the best streaming stick in our review). It's a top-tier pick for leveling up any home theater setup. The Roku Ultra is the brand's ultimate streaming box, now faster than ever with a beefy quad-core processor and support for Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and Dolby Atmos. It's got Wi-Fi 6, Ethernet, USB-A, Bluetooth headphone support, and a rechargeable voice remote. At $69, it's built for serious streamers who want quality performance without any fuss. This compact streambar blends 4K streaming with enhanced audio, making it a great fit for smaller rooms. It offers sharp visuals and a clear improvement over standard TV speakers. While it's not a high-end sound system, it's a solid step up in both picture and sound quality, enough for us to confidently give it four stars in our Roku Streambar review. This is one of the best Roku TVs that makes streaming a breeze with fast Wi-Fi and instant app launches. The easy-to-use interface puts 500+ free channels, live shows, hit movies, and Roku originals right at your fingertips. You can also customize your home screen, explore endless entertainment, and enjoy automatic updates that keep your TV smarter and better every day. We're keeping an eye on the hottest Amazon Prime Day deals in our live blog, so check back often for the latest discounts on everything from kitchen gadgets to TVs. Looking for the best streaming deals? We've got you covered with the best discounted subscriptions on Amazon. Plus, did you know you can score some awesome freebies on Prime Day? Here's what's available at no cost!
