Barb Gonzalez

Recognizing that the number of cord-cutters and cord-nevers (those that have never subscribed to cable) are increasing, and that they will want local programming to go along with their streaming entertainment, Terk and RCA revealed it’s new line up of stylish TV antennas.

The newest Chromecast model has hardware and software improvements. Do you need to upgrade to the second-generation Chromecast or to the Chromecast Audio?

PRICE $130

AT A GLANCE
Plus
4K streaming to UHDTV
Agnostic search finds titles in multiple services
Notifications when specific movies become available

Minus
Remote mic is inaccurate
Search can’t find specific episodes of specific seasons

THE VERDICT
If you own a 4K TV, this is a slam-dunk. If not, the advances in hardware are still enough to step up from a Roku 2.

One must wonder if Roku waited to release its fourth-generation media streamer until the aptly named Roku 4 was capable of streaming 4K content. The newest Roku box can connect to compatible UHDTVs to stream 4K movies, TV shows, and videos from Netflix, Amazon, YouTube, M-Go, and a growing number of 4K streaming sources. And though 4K streaming is the Roku 4’s main appeal, improvements in hardware and the software interface make it the best Roku box yet.

This fall brings lot of streaming news with the release of new Chromecast and Roku models as well as new features to Hulu, YouTube and Amazon Prime. It may be time to upgrade.