TV's top creators no longer need bet everything on the major broadcast and cable networks, Fool contributor Tim Beyers says in the following video.
Google (GOOGL) and Roku deserve an increasing share of the credit for the shift. Last summer, the search king released Chromecast for plugging on-demand programming into any HDMI-enabled television. Last week, Roku followed suit with the Streaming Stick, a similar device that also comes with a remote. The combination costs $50 versus $35 for the Chromecast.
Some are writing of how the more functional Streaming Stick might crimp demand for the Chromecast, especially when you consider Roku's long history as a Netflix (NFLX 0.82%) partner and maker of set-top boxes. Estimates peg the number of Roku-enabled apps at north of 1,200.
Tim says these comparisons miss the point. Instead, by increasing access to direct-to-device programming from Netflix, Amazon.com Instant Video, YouTube, and more via Wi-Fi, Google and Roku are fulfilling a key wish of the growing number of us who want anytime, anywhere programming.
Now it's your turn to weigh in. Do you own a Chromecast? Will you purchase the Roku Streaming Stick when it ships next month? Please watch the video to get Tim's full take and then leave a comment to let us know where you stand.
