The Roku was my introduction to streaming media players. I bought it in 2011 and I have to admit I wasn’t really sure I understood what it did when I bought it. But once I wrapped my head around it, it became one of my favorite electronic devices. I use it all the time to watch Netflix and Amazon Instant Video content on my TV as well as to listen to music from my Kindle Fire and mobile phone through my TV speakers.

The Roku box is a little smaller than the Apple and Amazon players, but a little thicker. From left to right in the picture below: Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV.