Apple TV, Xbox TV, or other?

Cafe Society
21

I heard about Roku in a dif thread for the first time yesterday. I’m trying to decide between that and a Wii as a gift.

Does the Roku support streaming music?

Is the Roku limited much by the computer itself?

Can it be switched between computers easily?

I think that Netflix would be the content 90% of the time so I’m thinking that a wii would provide more options (games, fitness etc)

22

What the…? here’s cnet.com’s comparison between the Roku LT and the Apple TV, which looks like it was updated yesterday:

And here’s a comparison between the Ruko 2 and the Apple TV:

23

I saw that Cnet article, saw the $50 price for a RokuLT on Amazon, and immediately ordered it. It should be delivered tomorrow. I see that Amazon also gives you a $5 credit towards streaming video when you activate your Roku, which is good for at least one movie.

24

One last stupid, stupid question: both Roku and Apple TV will be able to access my wireless network, right? The whole point of this is so that we don’t have to try to run either cable or an ethernet cable to the middle of the room (there’s a power outlet nearby, so that’s not an issue)

25

According to the website, all of the current Roku models have built-in wi-fi.

26

Which means that they communicate with your home network??

Or does that mean that you can get Netflix (and other channels) directly without needing to have your home computer system involved???

27

All the Roku boxes and Apple TV can connect to your home network. They do not connect to Netflix directly on their own - that would require something like 3G. They also have an ethernet connection if you want to just connect a wire instead.

28

Only the most expensive Roku 2 boxes have ethernet ports - the cheaper ones are Wifi only, removing the ethernet port as a cost savings most likely.

29

Oh, good catch. Thanks.

30

Yes, Roku removed the Ethernet port when they made the Roku 2. My Roku(original) is the cheap model and has it. I have Wifi, but still have the Roku hard wired in.

31

Just got my RokuLT today. From opening the box to watching The West Wing on Amazon streaming took 25 minutes and it seems to work great.

32

eta: When you activate your Roku on Amazon, you get a $5 credit (offer good until March I think). Also, when I went to order a movie from Amazon via Roku, it only offered the HD version, which is $1 more than the SD version available via the website. I just went ahead and ordered it on my laptop and it plays fine on TV via Roku.

33

I received my Roku LT this week also. Seems pretty neat so far. I bought mine at Amazon too, but know nothing of the credit. I’ll look into it.

34

[Roku just released a free app that makes your Iphone/Ipod/Ipad work as a remote for the Roku. This was available third-party for a charge, but it’s now free and from Roku.

Just a heads up.](‎The Roku App (Official) on the App Store)

35

You don’t need an apple TV for that, just a cable.