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FEATURE TECH

LET’S GET PHYSICAL!

4K Ultra HD discs have the advantage over streaming in that they deliver better picture and sound quality, because there’s no compression of content involved. You get a more dazzling and detailed picture that’s yours to keep forever. So, if you’re still into spinning physical discs or you're a diehard movie collector, the Panasonic DP-UB820 is the Rolls Royce of 4K UHD Blu-ray players, with support for Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10, and Dolby Atmos. It can also upscale Blu-rays and DVDs to near 4K quality (depending on the source), breathing new life into collections.

Want a wider range of apps, easier subscription management, recording capability, or a simple interface that puts all your entertainment needs into one handy hub? These streaming devices have got you covered. Words Scott Hocking THE STREAM TEAM Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max Amazon’s most powerful streaming stick can supercharge your 4K viewing, with Alexa voice control, fast app launching and smooth navigation – even when your home Wi-Fi is packed, thanks to Wi-Fi 6E support.

Fetch Mighty 1TB Smart PVR The Fetch Mighty is a seriously

smart little box that rolls free-to-air TV channels, premium content, streaming apps, and on-demand movies into one simple interface controlled by a single remote with voice control option. Equipped with four HD tuners, it can record up to six shows simultaneously, pause and rewind live TV, and explore a myriad of content via universal search. The Fetch Mighty also supports 4K HDR and Dolby Atmos content, and 4GB RAM and Wi-Fi 6 ensures smooth performance.

The Firestick 4K Max provides access to over 350,000 movies and TV shows (including free catch-up channels), and supports Dolby Vision and HDR10+ content, as well as immersive Dolby Atmos sound, for cinematic visuals and audio. Beyond movies and shows, gamers can stream Xbox Game Pass titles directly, with no console required. It’s your one-stop entertainment hub! With 16GB storage – double that of its predecessors – there's plenty of space for all your apps, games, and future updates. Plus, it doesn’t just stream – it can also turn your TV into a smart display showcasing over 2,000 artworks, or handy widgets like weather and calendars.

Chromecast with Google TV 4K Say goodbye to app hopping – this streaming dongle brings all your favourite entertainment into one easy to-navigate home screen. Whether you're bingeing in stunning 4K HDR or asking Google Assistant to find a rom-com starring a specific actor, this intuitive little streaming puck is at your command. Get personalised recommendations based on your viewing habits and subscriptions, and there are even family-friendly profiles with parental controls.

Hubbl 4K Hub The Hubbl 4K Hub streamlines your streaming. Instead of bouncing between apps and channels, it combines streaming services and free-to air TV (no aerial required) into one easy-to-use interface. Easily search across all apps by actor, genre, or title, or just ask via the voice-controlled remote. And with support for 4K, Dolby Vision, HDR10, and Dolby Atmos, compatible content will look and sound amazing. Hubbl also tracks what you're viewing and can offer

personalised watch lists. You can even stack three or more eligible subscriptions into one account to save on fees, and pause and restart subscriptions, or add new services, anytime. Whether you’re a sports fan, a serial binger, or just want an easier way to watch TV, Hubbl’s all-in-one setup is the way to go.

Setup is simple – just plug it into any TV’s HDMI port (even older, non-smart TVs), connect to Wi-Fi, log into or set up a Google account, and stream on!

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17/4/2025 1:22 pm