Roku, Apple TV, Boxee - what should I get to watch online content on my TV? What's the best option out there?
Apple TV is probably out for me because it doesn't offer Hulu, which I like and use often.
Roku streams Netflix (I subscribe) and Hulu, but you lose some slick options like streaming your iTunes library.
What's the best way/device/hook up/method to watch online content on your TV - with little hassle, in HD, and without dropping a boatload of cash (Google TV/Logitech revue looks tricked out, but it's $300 - ouch)
Any thoughts?
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M$4 Answers
If iTunes content is a must, then the Apple TV is looking like your best choice. While it doesn't do Hulu, the rumor is that it will eventually gain the ability to access the app store since it runs iOS... that's an unconfirmed rumor though and it may never happen or only happen on a later version...
There is another option however. You could attach a Mac Mini to your TV - that's what I've done. When I upgraded my desktop to an iMac, I attached the Mac Mini to the HD TV and it works great. I use it for netflix, youtube, dvd's, iTunes and more. I don't really use Hulu, but I do watch some shows straight from the network website - project runway (my wife got me started) and other shows like old Star Trek episodes from tv.com. I don't have to worry about if there's an app or anything like that because it's a full computer. I know it's more expensive than the Revue, but it'll do everything you want it to (if you really wanted, you could even use it as a DVR), and it's relatively future proof. If you have an iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch, you don't even need to worry about getting a wireless keyboard / mouse for it because there are apps that allow your iOS device to act as a touch pad / keyboard.
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M$
As for the Roku and the Apple TV you really have to ask yourself if you want iTunes or not. If your looking to take all the stuff you bought on iTunes and easily have it on your TV and rent movies easily for a $1 deff go with apple TV. But if your looking to take a bunch of movies and songs you illegally download (which 75% of the people do). Then definitely go with the Roku. The Roku can easily pull videos right off your hardrive on your PC and stream them to your tv. Without having to connect to the internet. Its an awesome concept really. Its like creating a server in your house for files and have th device pull them and play them on your TV. I personally am thinking about getting a Roku myself.
You can leave an optional "tip" with Mahalo's virtual currency, Mahalo Dollars. If you are asking a difficult question that might require some research, or if you'd like a wide variety of feedback, a higher tip often leads to more answers to your question.
M$You can leave an optional "tip" with Mahalo's virtual currency, Mahalo Dollars. If you are asking a difficult question that might require some research, or if you'd like a wide variety of feedback, a higher tip often leads to more answers to your question.
M$
You can leave an optional "tip" with Mahalo's virtual currency, Mahalo Dollars. If you are asking a difficult question that might require some research, or if you'd like a wide variety of feedback, a higher tip often leads to more answers to your question.
M$
@coreymac - Thanks for the kind words. Glad you found a solution that will work for you... a $15 solution rocks!
Hey @josey4628 - great answer! (and I've seen a bunch of other great answers from you around the site, too!) After a little research the Roku was the clear winner as far as "box setups" go, but I will agree that there's something slick about the idea of a full computer on a big screen? So, what did I do?
Well, given that my cable tv/dvr future is uncertain, I'm going to hold off on the Box route, and instead I got an extra power cable and HDMI output adapter for my Macbook. That way I can just plop it next to my TV and have permanent power/audio/HDvideo outputs just chilling, easy to access, whenever I feel inspired to watch something. Couple that with my bluetooth mouse and keyboard and I think I'll be in high heaven! (not to mention all the cables and adapters came out to a grand total of about $15 - sweet!)
thanks again for all your help - I look forward to reading more of your expertise on the site!
Hey @josey4628 - great answer! (and I've seen a bunch of other great answers from you around the site, too!) After a little research the Roku was the clear winner as far as "box setups" go, but I will agree that there's something slick about the idea of a full computer on a big screen? So, what did I do?
Well, given that my cable tv/dvr future is uncertain, I'm going to hold off on the Box route, and instead I got an extra power cable and HDMI output adapter for my Macbook. That way I can just plop it next to my TV and have permanent power/audio/HDvideo outputs just chilling, easy to access, whenever I feel inspired to watch something. Couple that with my bluetooth mouse and keyboard and I think I'll be in high heaven! (not to mention all the cables and adapters came out to a grand total of about $15 - sweet!)
thanks again for all your help - I look forward to reading more of your expertise on the site!