Streaming Media Players
Apple TV vs. Roku XD vs. Boxee Box
Home theater aficionados are always looking for new ways to add cool functionality to their television set. Streaming media not only connects the user’s television to the Internet, it aligns with streaming media services like Netflix, Hulu Plus, or Amazon streaming. These powerful, relatively inexpensive little boxes leave the potential open for purchasers to get rid of cable entirely. With the price point of these streaming media players at around a month's worth of cable, the value is evident. But which streaming media player is best? Let’s take a look at how Roku’s XD, Apple TV, and the Boxee Box compare.
Apple TV
Every Apple device comes with tremendous benefits, as well as unexpected inconveniences. The key word to Apple products is proprietary: Apple products are designed to work with Apple products, and nothing else. That said, Apple TV is the most stunningly functional product listed here. The interface, which uses an iPod-like remote control, is cleanly designed. You’ll find Netflix, Hulu Plus, Youtube and Apple’s iTunes. Using Airplay, you can broadcast video to an iPad, iPod or computer. Apple TV is the easiest to use of these products—you don’t have to be a computer expert to enjoy television using Apple TV. iTunes functionality is a plus—with the massive iTunes library of music, movies and television, there will always be something on.
Unique Features
- Airplay for connecting other devices wirelessly
- iTunes store
- Better Netflix experience
- No annual fee
- Best remote
Best for
- Families
- Apple lovers
- Those that want an easy to use media player
- Linking the same media player account to other computers in a home
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Roku XD
Roku’s XD provides streaming media to your television at an insanely low price point. Relatively easy-to-use plug-in apps enable Netflix, Hulu Plus, Amazon streaming video services, and even Angry Birds. You still need to be a little computer savvy to use it, and the remote can be frustrating—especially when trying to enter text into a search engine without a keyboard. While the box is capable of streaming at 1080p, most popular streaming services like Netflix will only stream 720p. Compared to the Boxee Box, you won’t find a lot of options for inputting data. The Roku simply isn’t designed for effective home network sharing. However, for streaming it’s extremely functional. The Roku XD is a truly viable alternative to purchasing cable television.
Unique Features
- Inexpensive
- 1080p
- Great for Netflix
- Great for Amazon streaming
Best for
- Money Savers
- Families that want to get rid of cable
- Casual gaming
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Boxee Box
The most ambitious of set top boxes, the Boxee Box from D-Link features USB, SD card slots, home networking, a bevy of apps, and an extremely unique remote control with a near-full QWERTY keyboard on the back. Unfortunately, this product may have a few too many bells and whistles. The Boxee Box is the most expensive media player on this list, the most full-featured and probably the most difficult to use. However, extremely computer savvy users may find the most benefit from the Boxee Box. Its open networking options, host of inputs and user-designed apps, and clever design and interface ideas may appeal to some users.
Unique Features
- SD card slot and USB
- Network sharing
- Includes HDMI cable
- Unique remote with small keyboard
- Social networking features
Best for
- Tech lovers
- Those with a lot of media on their home PC
- Those who desire a complete keyboard interface
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