One of the biggest advancements in TVs is the 4K standard, in which resolution is four times that of regular HD. Chances are good that if you bought all but the cheapest TVs in the past year, your new one has 4K capability. But 4K content, outside of streaming services such as Netflix, Amazon and Hulu, has been limited. That's about to change: Late last year the FCC approved rules that will allow broadcast TV to develop programming using the 4K standard. I predict that sports events will be among the first to show content in 4K.

While over-the-air broadcasters catch up, streaming services such as Netflix and Amazon are pushing ahead with more and more 4K programming. To take advantage of that programming there are three main choices for the hardware that provides 4K streaming. All of the devices I'm reviewing today produce excellent pictures. All attach to an HDMI port on the TV, and all require fast wireless capability. They also can be connected, via ethernet cable, directly into a router.

The three devices I'm using are a bit redundant, but each has its advantages. All three provide access to hundreds, if not thousands, or streaming channels. Many of those channels, such as HBO Now, require monthly subscriptions.

The new Apple TV 4K, at $180, is the most expensive of the three 4K devices – and the best all around for producing stunning content. I recently watched the movie "Dunkirk" on the Apple TV 4K, and it was razor sharp. Even dark scenes stood out. The light scenes are theater quality. The advantage of the Apple streamer is its access to the vast iTunes library of TV programs and movies. For the first time, Apple provides Amazon Prime content, but doesn't provide access to Amazon's paid movies. You have to be a Prime member to get the free content. In addition to Amazon Prime, like the other streaming devices, there are hundreds of apps, including Hulu and Netflix, that can be accessed. The Apple TV's remote is a work of art. \Sleek and intuitive, it has Siri built in, which allows you to search for content with voice commands. Apple gave its remote touch commands, and unlike its minimalist older remotes, it has a touch pad for scrolling, fast-forwarding and selecting content. If Amazon movies and TV shows aren't important to you, and you have $180 to spend, I'd cut to the chase and get the Apple TV 4K.

Roku, a pioneer in streaming devices, has several 4K models: One plugs directly into an HDMI port on the TV, while a more expensive one sits on a shelf. The former costs $69; the latter $100. I have the $100 device, which streams 4K content at least as good as the Apple TV 4K. If money is a consideration, the Roku, with its polished and intuitive home screen, is a good choice. Its remote does not have voice commands. That could be a deal-breaker for some.

Finally, the Amazon 4K FireTV device, which hangs, out of the way, from an HDMI port, offers a remote with Alexa. Ask Alexa to find a movie and in an instant, it pops up on the screen. I can't think of a reason to buy the FireTV if you have the Roku device, since Roku offers all of Amazon's content, in addition to thousands of other channels that include Hulu and Netflix. The FireTV costs $70.

So, if the iTunes movie and TV library is important, the Apple TV 4K is one choice. If you're satisfied with mostly the same movies and TV shows offered by Amazon, Roku is the way to go.

One thing's for certain: In a few years, as broadcast, satellite and cable TV move more and more to the 4K standard, these devices will be a good investment.

ABOUT THE WRITER

Harold Glicken is a retired newspaper editor. He can be reached at harold.glicken@helpware-online.com and a collection of his columns can be found at www.helpware-online.com.