The Stream accesses remote cloud-based apps and services, but with the ability to perform normal Windows 8 functions (such as running installed software) in a pinch. At only $199, we can see this making its way onto a lot of wish lists. For more information on this product, head to CNET.com.

There's simply no better streaming experience available than Roku. The Roku 3 is the best streaming-video box yet, with tons of content sources, lightning-fast performance, and an innovative remote with built-in headphone jack. It also has cross-platform search that scours several major TV and movie services to find content. For more information on this product, head to CNET.com.

With a $39 price tag and access to a good selection of apps, this stick makes a compelling alternative to Roku for people addicted to Amazon's services, especially Prime subscribers.The interface is zippy, and Amazon content streams lightning-fast. Supported third-party apps include Netflix, YouTube, Hulu Plus, Watch ESPN, Spotify and Pandora, as well as hundreds of games. Amazon also offers flexible parental controls, and setup is incredibly simple. For more information on this product, head to CNET.com.

On the other hand, if the person you're buying for is heavily invested in iTunes movie and TV content, he or she may get more out of an Apple TV than a Roku or Fire TV. Apple TV ets you stream all the video content in the iTunes Store to your HDTV, with purchases stored in the cloud. Netflix, Hulu Plus, HBO Go, MLB.TV, and a handful of other online media services are available, plus music, videos, and photos can be streamed from iOS devices using AirPlay. And the Apple TV's user interface is one of the best there is. For more information on this product, head to CNET.com.

If the person you're buying for loves tinkering with Android or has a big collection of movies, TV shows and/or music on the Google Play Store, this is the streamer for them. It offers good conversational voice search from the included physical remote. If you use your smartphone or tablet to Cast compatible apps, it provides access to most important services. It delivers Android games to the big screen and is compatible with optional Bluetooth game controllers. For more information on this product, head to CNET.com.

Meanwhile, if the person you're buying for has a lot of video discs and needs something to play them on, this throwback device (a "Blu-ray player") can handle the job. It also offers a high number of streaming services DLNA streaming, Miracast and onboard "super" Wi-Fi add to the unit's flexibility, and the cost of entry is fairly low. For more information on this product, head to CNET.com.

Taking your TV to go doesn't usually include taking it for a swim, but this model makes that a possibility. The Sony Xperia Z3 tablet is a portable tablet with a waterproof build. Its 8-inch screen isn't the sharpest, brightest, or most colorful, but HD content still looks great, and it offers a microSD card expansion slot for loading it with your favorite movies and TV shows. For more information on this product, head to CNET.com.

The Amazon Fire HDX 8.9 takes the movie-watching experience a step further with Dolby Atmos technology. The 8.9-inch Fire tablet produces clear and crisp audio that will reach your ears in ways that enhance what's happening on screen. This is the first tablet to offer the feature, but the Fire HDX 8.9's sharp 2,560x1,600-pixel resolution display doesn't disappoint either. For more information on this product, head to CNET.com.

The supersharp screen on the Samsung Galaxy Tab S 10.5 wows with vibrantly saturated colors and deep contrast levels. HD video looks better than real life, and the tablet's thin and light design make it as portable as a 10.5-inch tablet gets. For more information on this product, head to CNET.com.

The TCL FS4610R series Roku TV delivers the simplest, slickest, most comprehensive smart-TV experience on the market. Its superb user interface puts apps and streaming video on the same plane as regular TV. It's also less expensive than just about any other smart TV. For more information on this product, head to CNET.com.

The affordable Slingbox M1 streams video from your TV or DVR (or any analog source) to your PC, tablet, smartphone, and some streaming boxes at resolutions up to full 1080p HD. IR blasters are built into the box's body, eliminating the need for annoying extra external wires. There are no monthly charges or fees and setup is even easier thanks to built-in dual-band Wi-Fi. For more information on this product, head to CNET.com.

The Nuvyyo Tablo streams live and recorded over-the-air TV signals to other devices in your home, including iOS and Android devices, Roku boxes, Apple TV (using AirPlay) and Chromecast. Image quality is excellent on the highest setting, outpacing competitors like Aereo and Simple.TV. It has dual-tuner functionality and built-in Wi-Fi. And it's relatively affordable, even after you build in the required monthly fee. For more information on this product, head to CNET.com.