Of course, consumers have countless ways to stream video, including a variety of set-top boxes and streaming sticks including Google's Chromecast. Most of the high-profile streaming devices require a high-definition television with HDMI input, HDMI cable, and wireless broadband service.
For now, Apple TV and Roku have the lead in the marketplace. Roku appears to be the choice of U.S. homes with broadband connections, with 56% having one of the devices, according to research firm Parks Associates. Apple TV has earned a spot in 23% of broadband homes and Chromecast, 10%.
But look at the broader scope of TV households and Apple TV is ahead at nearly 15% of U.S. TV households, according to tech tracking firm IHS, while Roku resides in 6.4% of TV homes.
With "a competent, competitive product at the sub-$100 price point, backed by a strong brand and ecosystem, Amazon has firmly planted itself into what was formerly a two-person race," says IHS senior analyst Paul Erickson. "The respective strengths of the offerings from Apple, Roku, and Amazon combined are expected to squeeze most of the remaining oxygen out of the market for many smaller players."
So how does Fire TV stack up? Let's compare:
Amazon Fire TV
Size: 4.5" x 4.5" x 0.7"; weighs 9.9 ounces
Video: Supports 720p and 1080p resolutions up to 60 frames per second (FPS)
Price: $99.99
What can I watch?: Amazon Instant Video, Netflix, Hulu, ESPN, Vevo, Bloomberg, Showtime and more. One notable absence from the lineup: HBO Go.
Bonus features: Along with voice search and FreeTime, which helps parent limit screen time for kids, users can purchase a controller for $40 and play video games. Minecraft and The Walking Dead are among titles offered.
The Roku 3 streaming set-top box.(Photo: Roku/AP)
Roku 3
Size: 3.5" x 3.5" x 1"; weighs 5 ounces
Video: Supports 720p and 1080p
Price: $99.99
What can I watch? Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Instant Video, ESPN, HBO Go, Showtime, YouTube, Redbox Instant, among more than 1,000 music, movie, TV and sports channels.
Bonus features: The remote includes a headphone jack for private listening, and features games including Angry Birds and classics such as Pac-Man or Galaga.
Apple TV.(Photo: Apple)
Apple TV
Size: 3.9" x 3.9" x 0.9"; weighs 9.6 ounces
Video: Supports 720p and 1080p
Price: $99.99
What can I watch? Netflix, Hulu, ESPN, YouTube, Vevo, Vimeo, MLB.TV, NBA League Pass, NHL GameCenter, along with any music or videos purchased through Apple's iTunes.
Bonus features: AirPlay lets users broadcast anything on their iPhone, iPad or Mac to their TV through the set-top box. Users can also play games with dual screens, leveraging the TV and either an iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch.
Google's Chromecast, which plugs into a high-definition TV via the HDMI port.(Photo: Google)
Google Chromecast
Size: 2.8" x 1.4" x 0.5"; weighs 0.2 ounces
Video: Supports 720p and 1080p
Price: $35
What can I watch? Google Play! movies, ! TV and music, HBO GO, Netflix, Hulu Plus, Pandora, YouTube, Crackle, Vudu and Rdio.
Bonus features: From the Google Chrome browser, you can stream most video and photos; also streams music when plugged into the HDMI port on an audio/video receiver.
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The Roku Streaming Stick.(Photo: Roku/AP)
Roku Streaming Stick
Size: 3.1" x 1.1" x 0.5"; weighs 0.64 ounces
Video: Supports 720p and 1080p
Price: $49.99
What can I watch? Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Instant Video, ESPN, HBO Go, Showtime, YouTube, Redbox Instant, among more than 1,000 music, movie, TV and sports channels.
Bonus features: Like Chromecast, the Streaming Stick is great for those seeking to conserve space. It connects to your TV's HDMI input, and uses Wi-Fi to stream online content to the television.
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