Ron Schenone

Apple TV, Roku, Boxee Box, Or A Gaming Console, Which Do You Use To Stream Video?

Posted by on Sep 2, 2010 | 4 Comments

With all of the new devices available for streaming video to a HDTV, I have taking a looking at the devices available. I have been a Netflix users for years and I am on the $9 a month plan which includes video streaming. I also have a 12Mbps Internet speed and have used video streaming on my laptop without issue. I also connected a Nintendo Wii to my HDTV, but notice that the picture quality was just OK. The Wii streams in SD only.

I took a look at the HD Roku being offered by Netflix for about $70. This also includes a wireless connection built into the system. In addition, I know that some of the newest Blu-Ray players now also comes with Netflix streaming ability built-in as well as wireless connectivity. After looking at all of the different connections, I am leaning toward the Roku.

So my question to you is this?

Is a Roku a good device or do you have a better recommendation?

Comments welcome.

  • http://www.gavincampbellonline.com Gavin

    With our wireless provider limiting the amount of bandwidth we are allowed to use a month I don’t know how these services will survive. I’m not sure how much data these hi def videos use but the max we have I think is 95 gig and they you pay as you go over.

    I use a modded XBox 1 to stream to one room. A xbox 360 to stream to another and the WD TV LIVE HD to stream to my bedroom. All over wireless.

    Of the 3 I like the XBox 1 running XBMC as it is sooooo much better. Plays anything and allows me to easily move around in video’s. Then the WD TV with the 360 coming in last because it doesn’t play subtitles.

    I may pick up an Apple TV as the price is unbeatable. But I want to see more reviews of it first when it is released.

  • http://wp3.lockergnome.com/nexus/blade/ Ron Schenone

    Hello Gavin,
    Thanks for sharing your experience with us.
    It is appreciated.
    Regards, Ron

  • Philip

    I’ve got a Sony Blu-Ray player with streaming capabilities & I love it. It not only works with Netflix, but also Amazon, YouTube & a whole host of other services, many are free!

    I used my XBox 360 for the netflix streaming for a while, but they charge a monthly fee & I wanted a Blu-Ray player for my HDTV anyway.

    My vote is to go for the streaming Blu-Ray player.

    Philip

    • http://wp3.lockergnome.com/nexus/blade/ Ron Schenone

      Thank you Philip.