Streaming device for 720p
I think it really is just a personal preference.
Personally, I prefer the set-top streamers (like the Express 4k+) as opposed to the Streaming Sticks. I think they perform a bit better and dissipate heat better.
Due to the fact that Roku offers a free HDMI extender for their Sticks (to address the potential heat issues) and also the fact the Stick uses a proprietary long-range wireless receiver power cable (LRWR) that you must purchase from Roku if it ever breaks/fails just makes me avoid the Stick units.
If the power adapter or cable breaks/fails on one of the Express or Express 4k/4k+ models, you can run down to Walmart. Best Buy, etc, and buy a standard micro-USB for a few dollars and you are back in business.
This Roku developer link will at least let you see the hardware specs between the units. All the newer Roku devices discussed in this thread/price-point are pretty similar.
Extender = HDMI extender. Sticks supposedly plug directly into an HDMI socket, but there can be problems: The stick may not fit if the TV’s sockets are recessed, also there may be heat and RFI (Radio Frequency Interference) around the socket. Any of these results in wanting to move the stick away – by using an HDMI extender. (Which is just an HDMI cable with a female socket on one side.)
External Wi-Fi receiver is the dongle that comes with the Stick (Sticks only – other Rokus build the Wi-Fi into the box.) probably designed this way, due to the potential RFI problems I mentioned above.
Connector is the connection of this Wi-Fi dongle to the Roku. You see stories of these breaking, getting loose, falling out. I suspect that this is often at least partially due to users plugging everything in, and then just letting it hang however it happens to hang. A little Velcro back there might prevent issues in the future.
THANK YOU so much. This is so much clearer now and makes total sense.
Really appreciate.
