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Streaming or antenna? Which is best for Big Game viewing

The ways to watch pro football’s biggest game of the season are only growing with the help of new streaming technology and the classic traditional formats. 

To figure out a solid viewing gameplan, we turned to Blue Shirt Juan Barajas in Fresno, California, for advice. 

“Streaming devices and antennas offer their own benefits for viewers,” Juan said. “Streaming allows football fans to watch the game from virtually anywhere. Antennas that use over-the-air broadcast take internet connections out of the equation.”

Whether you plan on streaming or using an antenna, finding the right device is important.

Streaming as your star player

There are many streaming options, but Barajas starts off his interactions with customers with the same question. “What phone are you currently using?” Juan said. “Your phone builds a gateway to the ecosystem you can build with your smart devices, such as a streaming stick.”

Think about how your Amazon Fire Stick could connect with your security cameras to display right to your TV. Or how an Apple TV could be a smart hub and connect with Apple HomeKit to control your smart devices. 

Some streaming devices also allow you to do more than just watch your favorite games and shows. The NVIDIA SHIELD allows you to stream games from the GeForce library, making it a perfect addition for gamers to play their favorite titles.

Antenna as your go-to

If you’re a fan of watching the game as close to real time as possible, then consider an antenna. Antennas don’t usually have broadcast delays, so you’ll see the action as it happens on the field. 

Three different antennas options are: 

  • Indoor, which connect to a TV and work great for viewers in urban areas.
  • Outdoor, which can boost the signal and channel selection. 
  • Amplified, which are good for if you live in a more rural area. 

“Antennas are a tried-and-true technology for customer.” Juan said. “Having free HD channels that don’t need satellite or Wi-Fi to work can be a game-changer for some.”

Don’t forget your Wi-Fi 

Of course, if you end up streaming the game you need to remember to take your internet speeds into account. Streaming in 4K requires much faster internet than regular HD broadcasts. Juan recommends having speeds of at least 25 megabits per second to stream in 4K — anything less than that and you may see lower video quality and buffering.

“4K streaming will use a larger chunk of your bandwidth, so make sure you remember to check your speeds,” Juan said. “Making sure your speeds are up to par can help you avoid being benched on game day.”

Click here to shop deals on the top streaming devices for the Big Game.