RCA Streaming Media Players
Bookmark this page for continuous updates on the brand new RCA Wi-Fi Streaming Media Player. We also expect to post some cool links so you can get this at a discounted price.
RCA Wi-Fi Streaming Media Player Review
The RCA Wi-Fi Streaming Media Player brings you a world of movies, TV shows, music, online apps and more — without monthly cable TV or satellite TV subscriptions. Just connect it to your Wi-Fi network, connect its 1080p HDMI output to your TV and you’re ready to enjoy internet-connected content on your time and your terms. The product can instantly stream Netflix movies and TV shows (Netflix subscription required). You can rent or buy HD movies and TV shows from VUDU. You can also watch your favorite TV shows and movies on demand from Hulu Plus (subscription required). The player also delivers you a wealth of free services, such as YouTube, VUDU Apps, Pandora Internet Radio and Picasa.
RCA Wi-Fi Streaming Media Player
* Instantly streams Netflix movies and TV shows (subscription required)
* Rent or buy HD 1080p movies and TV shows from VUDU
* Stream your favorite TV shows and movies from Hulu Plus (subscription required)
* View YouTube videos
* Stream Pandora Internet Radio
* View your photos using Picasa
* Use VUDU apps
* 1080p HDMI output
* Built-in Wi-Fi (connects to 802.11b/g/n networks)
* Analog AV outputs
* Full-function remote control
* Compact size for flexibility in placement with existing AV equipment
Vik’s Recommendation
Well, the first question you ask is what technology breakthrough happened inside the RCA labs that reduced the price of streaming players by over 60% overnight? Then you discover it is not about technology. Unless some weird specifics within the hardware inside the unit is different, the broad streaming mechanism is the same. RCA has launched a mass market product simply by reducing the number of ports and features that used to make a streaming player an actual streaming player. So do not expect the comprehensive portfolio of features here involving ethernet, optical audio ports, usb, component video, and others. That being said, you can still play Netflix and Vudu quite well, and get an “OK” performance from Hulu. But you may find the YouTube app not very friendly. It requires multiple button presses, the search function is not very effective, and you cannot log into your YouTube account to access your favorites. So in our view the internet compatibility score is low. But if that is not your main criteria, then this could be a well functioning product for you. Is it market disruptive? No. Will it inspire price drops across the board by the established players in the streaming media space? Very unlikely. Does it serve the purpose? Yes, if the purpose is Netflix and Vudu.
So if $39 is all you want to spend for a streaming player, by all means get it. Else head over to Roku. Check out our review of the latest Roku XS Streaming Player 1080p here. Or just click the below link to buy from Amazon.
~ Vik
Below are some other popular RCA products from Amazon (some of which are the best in their categories). Also check out the EXTRAORDINARY RCA Lyra.