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Issue link: https://digital.macdirectory.com/i/1176476
NBD initially, there wasn't that much to stream; but after five generations of the product and countless me- toos like Amazon Fire and Nvidia Shield, the vMVPD (virtual multichannel video programming distributor) has become a necessity. We like it because practically all of the stuff listed earlier is available on our Roku channel. Our kids were especially happy a couple of years ago when Anthony rolled out the smartphone app so they didn't have to be tied to our TV and could watch their stuff on their mobile devices when they wanted, where they wanted. With his trademark suspenders he would never be mistaken for a content tech industry mogul like Hastings, Iger, Huang, Bezos or any of that crowd. Instead, you'd probably think he was a smart, friendly engineer who invented the DVR (digital video recorder) and a bunch of other gadgets. You'd be right. What's neat – almost indispensable in today's expanding "channel" universe – is that these things and their apps keep you from wasting time Googling every thing. Streaming devices, sticks and apps let you f lip through a warehouse full of movies, TV shows, and short videos as well as most of the new content options – ad- supported and subscription. Sure, you sign up for the subscription stuff – Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu, HBO, Disney + (missed the three- year deal so we'll go with the annual bundle) – but it saves my wife a lot of frustration looking for that show. According to a recent Hub study, 47 percent of consumers first go to their pay- TV box; but with folks cutting the cord, that box is fading.