Which "set-top" box would you recommend for me?
I'd like to stream movies from my Mac (although, they don't have to be direct streaming, they can just be downloaded to the box) that I've ripped and I have a Netflix account, so I'd like to be able to do Netflix streaming.
I have a Plasma TV, so I'd like to have a HDMI output...
I'm not tied to any of the boxes I mentioned above, but I'm very drawn to the AppleTV. I have no problem moding a box as well (I was thinking of modifying the AppleTV to put on the Boxee+ stuff).
Bonus if I can watch my TiVo recordings on the box (by transfering?)
Oh... and I want it to make me coffee in the morning...
What do you suggest?
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M$14 Answers
You'll just need to get over the HDMI with a DVI > HDMI cable and an addtional audio cable (optical).
Personal experience
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M$
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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$
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M$
I have a windows 7 media center with hdmi and dual tuner card. It works great for everything you mentioned and even more, spent less than $100.
hulu integration:
http://www.missingremote.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3499&Itemid=232
boxee integration:
http://www.missingremote.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3285&Itemid=232
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M$
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M$I own all of them, have most them running side by side, and are happy with all of them. I'm not a big moder so the only thing I've messed with is adding Boxee to the AppleTV. I don't love the quality of Boxee on the big screen although I have friends that use it as their TV.
The Roku I love for Netflix (although my wife does that through the Tivo HD's) and she really liked the special package they had for the MLB season where she could watch the Red Sox with the Boston sportscaster feed. I expect the API they're developing will cause more and more folks to push their content there.
For Tivo content you can use their Tivo to go software, pull it to your PC and then with the $10 codex you can rip the content to your iTunes and watch it through the Apple TV but God, what a pain.
And the Slingbox HD in my basement is used by friends in Europe to keep up with US shows but I use it from time to time to use on the laptop if I'm walking around the house. It is the least useful of the devices covered here... especially with services like Hulu but it fits a need when I travel outside the US.
I'd say the best bet is decide which content is the most important to you and then pick the box that is best because none of them are great at all. The Apple TV is probably the best across the board since you can do iTunes, Boxee, and if you needed you could do the conversion via Tivo To Go if you wanted to archive stuff.
The Mac Mini might be an awesome choice like the person above suggested.
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M$
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M$
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M$
http://www.tivo.com/buytivo/tivogear/software/index.html
You can already watch Netflix Video on TIVO
http://www.tivo.com/whatistivo/on-demand/watch-netflix/index.html
or BlockBuster or Amazon, plus plenty of Video podcasts are already available.
http://www.tivo.com/whatistivo/on-demand/
With TIVO Desktop you can also view photo slideshows from your computer as well....
Why do you want to spend money on another box/service?
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M$
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M$
The Apple TV has not been a picnic mind you, but in it's latest software version, is working better than ever. Do not bother using wi-fi at all. You will want to bash the box in with a hammer when you experience how long a wireless connection takes. Get enough ethernet cable to run from your router to your TV, and if you have several devices (we have a PS3, XBox360, Apple TV, and a Wii) just buy a "switch" so they can all run off one cable. My boys were much happier once we stopped using wi-fi for the Xbox. The on-line games were more stable.
Now, add the Apple TV as a device in iTunes, (entering the code on the screen) and you will be ready to watch movies. Isn't that what this whole exercise was about?
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M$You can get an AppleTV mod for any mac, I got it from this guy: http://www.wiseontech.com/downloads
Here's how I hooked it up:
1. VIDEO
Mini --- Mini DVI to DVI --- DVI to HDMI --- LCD
2. AUDIO
Mini --- 3.5mm to RCA --- sound/reciever
- - -
Ultimately, if you're going to mod the AppleTV then I thin kthat's yoru best option, but I would just insure you can use Hulu. It could just be a personal love for Hulu though I guess. I love being able to use Pandora in my home from the 5.1 though- not sure how much importance you put on that though.
You can leave an optional "tip" with Mahalo's virtual currency, Mahalo Dollars. If you are asking a difficult question that might require some research, or if you'd like a wide variety of feedback, a higher tip often leads to more answers to your question.
M$
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M$
