

In terms of raw hardware specifications, the Chromecast with Google TV is a much more robust offering. It supports 802.11/b/g/n/ac WiFi with 2x2 MIMO and Bluetooth 5 for wireless connectivity.
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It outputs 1080p native resolution with Dolby Digital and Atmos bitstream audio. Its embedded hardware features are minimalist - it's a 1.7Ghz quad-core MediaTek MT8695D processor, with 1GB of RAM and 4GB of storage. The $39.99 Amazon Fire Stick was the first of the two devices to arrive.
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They also lack Ethernet ports, so you'll need to have strong Wi-fi connectivity.Īfter a little bit of tweaking and hunting around the antiquated TV menu system, I had no issues getting the Dolby Digital 5.1 bitstream passthrough working on my 8-year-old 70" SHARP TV and my Sonos Beam soundbar with paired wireless surround speakers - but I had to run a software update on the Sonos and use a specific HDMI port for the surround sound via ARC to work.Īlso: When is Prime Day 2020? Plus, how to find the best deals for business I was previously using the optical connection on my Roku device for surround sound. Unlike set-top boxes like the Roku Ultra or the Apple TV, they don't have additional optical/ SPDIF outputs the surround sound audio is sent through the ARC (Audio Return Channel) port on compatible televisions via the HDMI connection. Both are "dongles" that plug directly into the television using a quick-disconnect HDMI interface powered by USB cables and small AC adapter blocks if needed. These products have a similar design and target audience, and they're made to be minimally invasive and easy to set up. The hardware: Chromecast's chip is more powerful, but Fire TV's remote is superior With last week's announcements, I decided to buy both a new Fire Stick and Chromecast and see how the two experiences compared. In a previous post, I discussed the implications of Google's most recent product announcements and how developments in the content streaming industry could lead to a new streaming war between it and Amazon, Apple, and other content owners, such as AT&T with its HBO Max service and Apple's TV Plus service.

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