# Apple TV vs Roku vs ? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [November 3, 2012, 4:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/apple-tv-vs-roku-vs/639770 "2012-11-03T16:04:00Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 16\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [November 3, 2012, 4:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/apple-tv-vs-roku-vs/639770/1 "2012-11-03T16:04:00Z")
A while back, I thought about getting a streaming media box. Yesterday I caught the episode of _South Park_ where Randy buys a Blockbuster Video store, only to find that no one rents physical videos anymore. That reminded me that watching obscure vids would be easier if I had a streaming box. I found this [review of Apple TV vs Roku](http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-33199_7-57320715-221/apple-tv-vs-roku-which-streaming-box-should-you-buy/). Now, I became an Apple guy in 2005. I find Apple much nicer and much less annoying than Microsoft. Apple TV is a natural, right? But when I read an ‘Apple TV vs …’ article months ago, ISTR that there were some limiting factors to Apple’s offering. I can’t remember what they were. Anyway… > [@c|net](#): > > The Roku LT earned our Editors’ Choice Award for two major reasons: price and content. Roku’s $50 streaming box has a truly impressive lineup of content, including Netflix, Amazon Instant, Hulu Plus, Pandora, HBO Go, [MLB.TV](http://MLB.TV), NHL GameCenter, Epix, Crackle, Picasa, Flicker, Mog, Rdio, TED Talks, Revision3, [TWiT.TV](http://TWiT.TV), NASA, and CNET. You can see a full list on Roku’s site, and the company has been aggressive about continually adding more content sources. YouTube is strangely missing from that list and is available on the Apple TV. OK, Roku has lots of options. Realistically, I’d probably sign up for Netflix. I went to Hulu last year, but I didn’t and haven’t spent much time there. (I might if I had more time. But then, I might get to some of my unread books instead.) NASA is nice. I’ve missed it on my cable since I moved away from L.A. I watch YouTube on the computer, and don’t need it on TV. Fifty or sixty dollars seems like a bargain. > [@c|net](#): > > The Roku LT also offers a breakout composite video cable, so it will work with older, non-HDTVs; the Apple TV only has an HDMI output for video. I bought my Phillips LCD TV in 2006. It’s not HD, and I’m not sure of the input options. I know it’s hooked up to the cable with composite leads. I would like a larger, HD TV, and the SO seems amenable to that idea, so the only reason I’d need to worry about hooking up the old TV is if I decide to put a TV in my room. > [@c|net](#): > > The Apple TV started out as a relatively limited streaming-video box, but consistent updates have transformed it from a glorified Netflix player to one of the best streaming-video boxes you can buy. But the article doesn’t specifically say what Apple offers. I’d like to get NASA. > [@c|net](#): > > If you’re willing to pay for content, the browsing experience on the Apple TV is best-in-class for movies and TV shows, with large cover art, Rotten Tomatoes ratings, and straightforward navigation. Pay for what content? Netflix and Amazon are givens. What are they talking about? > [@c|net](#): > > Another feature that’s easy to overlook is content portability. Any movies or TV shows that you purchase (not rent) on the Apple TV are stored in the cloud, so \ you’ll be able to download that content to an iPhone or iPad to watch, say, on a long flight. \ However, that’s no longer an Apple-exclusive benefit, as content purchased on the Roku LT through Amazon Instant can be downloaded to an iPad via the new Amazon Instant iPad app. I don’t have an iPad (yet), but I’ve often wished I could copy a couple of my DVDs onto my computer so that I can watch a movie during a flight. I assume that I could download a Netflix or Amazon movie onto my computer? > [@c|net](#): > > And then there’s AirPlay, which lets you stream music, photos, and videos directly from an iOS device (iPod Touch, iPad, or iPhone) to your Apple TV. I don’t stream music, so that’s not a factor. Might be nice if I could stream a video from my MacBook Pro to the TV. The bottom line is: > [@c|net](#): > > Best choice for existing Apple owners: Apple TV > **Best choice for bargain hunters:** Roku LT/HD > **Best choice for variety of built-in content:** Roku LT/HD > **Best interface:** Apple TV > **Best for non-HD TVs:** Roku LT/HD > **Best for non-techies:** Apple TV > **Winner of the August 2012 CNET Prizefight:** Apple TV, by a nose OK, it sounds like I could use either one. As I said, my viewing habits are rather limited. I want to watch Netflix and Amazon rentals. I want to be able to download my rentals to my MacBook and/or (future) iPad. If I’m reading the article correctly, I should be able to accomplish these downloads anywhere I happen to be. (Not sure why I’d need a box for that, since I wouldn’t be travelling with the box.) So: Do you agree that Apple TV ‘wins by a nose’? Or are there features on the Roku that I might find useful? What about other boxes? Since this is quite new to me, please feel free to explain the whole streaming video thing to me. ‘All the kids know about it’, but I’m rather behind the times. The extent of my streaming video experience has been YouTube and watching _Survivor: Ponderosa_ and such. ---
**Author:** ![jacobsta811](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jacobsta811/32/2893_2.png) [@jacobsta811](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jacobsta811)\ **Post date:** [November 3, 2012, 8:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/apple-tv-vs-roku-vs/639770/2 "2012-11-03T20:49:57Z")
> [@Johnny\_L.A](#): > > Pay for what content? Netflix and Amazon are givens. What are they talking about? > > I don’t have an iPad (yet), but I’ve often wished I could copy a couple of my DVDs onto my computer so that I can watch a movie during a flight. I assume that I could download a Netflix or Amazon movie onto my computer? > > I don’t stream music, so that’s not a factor. Might be nice if I could stream a video from my MacBook Pro to the TV. Pay for content from Itunes - probably the primary way to get shows on your AppleTV is to pay for them by episode or by season from itunes (you can do the same thing with Amazon Instant Video - but Amazon also has Netflix like Prime Instant Video as well). You _cannot_ download a Netflix movie on your computer, ever. You can download movies from Itunes that you paid for locally, and movies that you “buy” from Amazon Instant Video, but not Amazon Prime videos. I believe the AppleTvs support video streaming of some sort from Ipad/Macbooks,etc - but I don’t have one. I do have a Roku, and the easiest thing I found is Roku + PlayOn (buy lifetime subscription - sometimes the Roku is free with it - [http://www.playon.tv](http://www.playon.tv)) - the Playon channel adds hulu (“regular” and totally free like the computer - not “plus” which actually has less than you can view on your computer for free). Plus the various network websites and more. Then the Roku itself adds Netflix, Amazon, CNN international, and a few others I don’t use much. ---
**Author:** ![jasg](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/f0a364/32.png) [@jasg](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jasg)\ **Post date:** [November 3, 2012, 9:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/apple-tv-vs-roku-vs/639770/3 "2012-11-03T21:48:02Z")
Jacob - a couple of questions. 1. Does PlayOn + Roku require the same PC Server software used by other devices or is it standalone? 2. Can you use multiple Roku devices? At the same time? ---
**Author:** ![jacobsta811](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jacobsta811/32/2893_2.png) [@jacobsta811](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jacobsta811)\ **Post date:** [November 3, 2012, 11:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/apple-tv-vs-roku-vs/639770/4 "2012-11-03T23:02:56Z")
Playon does require a PC running while accessing it (or laptop, whatever - something running windows 7 or earlier). I can use multiple Rokus at the same time - it depends on how fast your PC is, it has to transcode the video on the fly from whatever format it is in on hulu, etc to what your Roku can support. Multiple Rokus worked for me on a Phenom II x4 965 no problem. I haven’t tried anything slower but I am pretty sure something like an i3 or FX-4100 would have plenty of juice to run two at once. With one at a time I think pretty much any PC would work - it can buffer longer at the beginning and reduce video quality if it has to, I think. ---
**Author:** ![jasg](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/f0a364/32.png) [@jasg](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jasg)\ **Post date:** [November 3, 2012, 11:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/apple-tv-vs-roku-vs/639770/5 "2012-11-03T23:30:54Z")
Thanks jacob - I’m not interested in having my PC running as a server for this. It is far away from my projector and other video stuff. ---
**Author:** ![jacobsta811](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jacobsta811/32/2893_2.png) [@jacobsta811](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jacobsta811)\ **Post date:** [November 3, 2012, 11:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/apple-tv-vs-roku-vs/639770/6 "2012-11-03T23:37:02Z")
It needn’t be close, the PC itself isn’t connected to the Roku physically - it just needs to be on the same network. Edit to add, and wholly controlled by the Roku - you browse hulu directly on the Roku, etc. ---
**Author:** ![Algher](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/3d9bf3/32.png) [@Algher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Algher)\ **Post date:** [November 4, 2012, 1:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/apple-tv-vs-roku-vs/639770/7 "2012-11-04T01:02:25Z")
I have the Apple TV - no experience with the Roku. I like the mirroring from my iPad to my TV via the Apple TV. I also like being able to control it from iPad and iPhone - yeah, I am an Apple geek. I use iTunes to rent movies and TV shows - that is where the information with reviews, etc. comes in. I have not turned on the Hulu Plus option. I do use Netflix and the interface is great. It is very easy to use, which I also like. ---
**Author:** ![jasg](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/f0a364/32.png) [@jasg](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jasg)\ **Post date:** [November 4, 2012, 2:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/apple-tv-vs-roku-vs/639770/8 "2012-11-04T02:04:00Z")
> [@jacobsta811](#): > > It needn’t be close, the PC itself isn’t connected to the Roku physically - it just needs to be on the same network. Edit to add, and wholly controlled by the Roku - you browse hulu directly on the Roku, etc. I realize that, but can the Roku bring it out of sleep mode? ---
**Author:** ![TheChileanBlob](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thechileanblob/32/435_2.png) [@TheChileanBlob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TheChileanBlob)\ **Post date:** [November 4, 2012, 3:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/apple-tv-vs-roku-vs/639770/9 "2012-11-04T03:42:41Z")
I’d just like to mention that Youtube _is_ available for Roku. I think it’s technically one of the “unofficial” channels, but it’s easy to add and works fine. I had forgotten it wasn’t a regular channel. ---
**Author:** ![D-bear](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/aeb1de/32.png) [@D-bear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/D-bear)\ **Post date:** [November 4, 2012, 6:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/apple-tv-vs-roku-vs/639770/10 "2012-11-04T06:30:55Z")
I’d love to know how to add Youtube to my Roku. I can’t find a private channel code that works. ---
**Author:** ![antechinus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/fbc32d/32.png) [@antechinus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/antechinus)\ **Post date:** [November 4, 2012, 6:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/apple-tv-vs-roku-vs/639770/11 "2012-11-04T06:37:47Z")
Why not just get a computer on a stick with hdmi output to the tv monitor? Use it to browse via wifi, or plug in a ethernet cable. You can then stream tv shows and movies off the net or of your nas. Can also stream music or play online games. ---
**Author:** ![Merneith](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/57b2e6/32.png) [@Merneith](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Merneith)\ **Post date:** [November 4, 2012, 9:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/apple-tv-vs-roku-vs/639770/12 "2012-11-04T09:43:24Z")
> [@Johnny\_L.A](#): > > Now, I became an Apple guy in 2005. I find Apple much nicer and much less annoying than Microsoft. Apple TV is a natural, right? But when I read an ‘Apple TV vs …’ article months ago, ISTR that there were some limiting factors to Apple’s offering. I can’t remember what they were. Anyway… Here’s the bottom line: 1. Apple TV allows content from netflix & hulu & iTunes 2. Roku allows content from netflix & hulu & Amazon instant video. The one you want depends on where you get most of your content. Apple TV plays nicely with your current apple products but if you get most of your videos via Amazon - it’s no good for you. And vice versa. Personally, I get my content via Amazon & Netflix, and I use an Xbox 360. > [@](#): > > I bought my Phillips LCD TV in 2006. It’s not HD, and I’m not sure of the input options. I know it’s hooked up to the cable with composite leads. I would like a larger, HD TV, and the SO seems amenable to that idea, so the only reason I’d need to worry about hooking up the old TV is if I decide to put a TV in my room. Oh, yeah. Before you buy anything else, you definitely should consider getting an HD TV - and since you should do that, you should consider getting an internet-ready TV. For example, this one here - > **[Amazon.com: Samsung UN32EH5300 32-Inch 1080p 60 Hz Smart LED HDTV (2012 Model) :...](https://www.amazon.com/Samsung-UN32EH5300-32-Inch-1080p-Smart/dp/B0074FGNJ6)** > > Product Description Samsung 32-inch LED HDTV Amazon.com It’s a Samsung and it includes internet abiliities, with access to Facebook, netflix, hulu and amazon video. Basically, it’s like having a TV with a built in Roku. These internet ready tvs come in all sizes & prices so you’ll want to shop around. There’s no Apple and/or iTunes version of these tvs available, though. > [@](#): > > But the article doesn’t specifically say what Apple offers. I’d like to get NASA. I don’t have a Roku, but I know Apple TV only offers a few things, and Nasa isn’t one of them. Apple TV, as it exists right now, is mostly just a way to get iTunes content on your tv. See here for their whole lineup: > **[TV & Home](https://www.apple.com/tv-home/)** > > Simply connect Apple TV, HomePod mini, and other accessories to experience a smart home that runs flawlessly across your devices. > [@](#): > > I don’t have an iPad (yet), but I’ve often wished I could copy a couple of my DVDs onto my computer so that I can watch a movie during a flight. I assume that I could download a Netflix or Amazon movie onto my computer? You can buy videos via itunes or Amazon instant video and play them on you computer. You can’t do this with Netflix. > [@](#): > > I don’t stream music, so that’s not a factor. Might be nice if I could stream a video from my MacBook Pro to the TV. You could certainly do this with Apple TV, if you bought the movie via iTunes. > [@](#): > > OK, it sounds like I could use either one. As I said, my viewing habits are rather limited. I want to watch Netflix and Amazon rentals. I want to be able to download my rentals to my MacBook and/or (future) iPad. If I’m reading the article correctly, I should be able to accomplish these downloads anywhere I happen to be. (Not sure why I’d need a box for that, since I wouldn’t be travelling with the box.) You can watch content from Netflix, Hulu, iTunes & Amazon Instant video on your Macbook and on your iPad. If you want to watch that content on your TV, then you’re limited to what I said up top. Apple TV - can’t watch Amazon Instant Video Roku/Internet TVs - can’t watch content from iTunes Whichever one you want depends on your content acquisition habits. ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [November 4, 2012, 3:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/apple-tv-vs-roku-vs/639770/13 "2012-11-04T15:35:31Z")
You know, I’d forgotten about Internet-ready TVs. And we’ve been wanting a larger TV anyway. Thanks for the link. I found a 46" Sony that looks reasonable. ---
**Author:** ![TheChileanBlob](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thechileanblob/32/435_2.png) [@TheChileanBlob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TheChileanBlob)\ **Post date:** [November 4, 2012, 3:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/apple-tv-vs-roku-vs/639770/14 "2012-11-04T15:47:53Z")
> [@D-bear](#): > > I’d love to know how to add Youtube to my Roku. I can’t find a private channel code that works. Well, dammit. I don’t remember where we got it. We added a bunch of private channels when we got the box a year or two ago, but now I can’t figure out how we got youtube. In googling I found some info about going through Plex or Playon but I think we just added it as a channel on its own. I saw that Roku recently disallowed youtube but ours works fine. Better leave well enough alone. Sorry ☹ ---
**Author:** ![John\_Mace](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/john_mace/32/185_2.png) [@John\_Mace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Mace)\ **Post date:** [November 4, 2012, 3:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/apple-tv-vs-roku-vs/639770/15 "2012-11-04T15:52:55Z")
> [@D-bear](#): > > I’d love to know how to add Youtube to my Roku. Interesting thread, as I’m thinking about this, too. I have nothing really to add except I love seeing phrases, like the one I quoted, that would be incomprehensible to everyone on the planet just a few years ago. ---
**Author:** ![What\_the](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/f4b2a3/32.png) [@What\_the](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_the)\ **Post date:** [December 20, 2012, 1:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/apple-tv-vs-roku-vs/639770/16 "2012-12-20T13:51:25Z")
> [@John\_Mace](#): > > Interesting thread, as I’m thinking about this, too. I have nothing really to add except I love seeing phrases, like the one I quoted, that would be incomprehensible to everyone on the planet just a few years ago. Did you make a decision **Mr Mace**?