Roku vs. Apple TV?

[supersnoop]

DD has a macbook pro, an iPhone, and a netflix account. She watches her netflix movies on her macbook. If she wants to watch the netflix stuff on the 'regular' TV, what should we be looking for? (I don't think she has much in iTunes anymore... just music, and she uses her laptop to play that.)

Can you tell that I am "techno-stupid?"

Just about any device will allow her to log into her Netflix account on the TV. The AppleTV would allow her to broadcast whatever she's watching on her macbook onto the TV.

 

[GAN]

Something I can't seem to find a clear answer for: Do I need iTunes open on my computer to watch my iTunes content or will I be able to stream it from the Cloud with an Apple TV?

We are equal opportunity content watchers, stuff on Amazon, Vudu and iTunes. The Roku stick and box are essentially the same thing. TiVo finally, FINALLY got Amazon Prime streaming (and has Vudu) so I gave my Roku to my parents. I have a couple hundred movies in my iTunes account so have been wanting to get an Apple TV. I'd say if you don't have/plan on content with iTunes, the Roku is the way to go.

If you have Atv4 then all your content from iTunes will be available through the Atv ...no need to have iTunes open on a separate device. This includes your iTunes music -although I noticed my non-drm stuff(I believe)doesn't appear, but no surprise there. For Amazon prime content I would use AirPlay which works pretty seamlessly and looks excellent. Roku is a good device and for what they do performs equally to Atv, but my opinion is that Apple is more primed for the end-game ...which is dumping cable in the future.

 

[SonicGuy]

We are big Apple TV users (5 in the house) including 2 of the brand new ones. I can tell you the kids LOVE the new one - you can buy apps and games and they love doing that. The new remote takes some getting use to but it is pretty cool as well.

It is also significantly faster than the other versions. I was surprised at how much faster movies load. We only buy movies digitally on iTunes and more so we just watch them from the cloud. No need to have anything open on a computer. We also just stream anything from Amazon that we want to watch and have zero issues. Now we do have super fast internet (300+ mbps) so streaming and loading isn't an issue for us.

 

[Fennella Brewer]

Something I can't seem to find a clear answer for: Do I need iTunes open on my computer to watch my iTunes content or will I be able to stream it from the Cloud with an Apple TV?

We are equal opportunity content watchers, stuff on Amazon, Vudu and iTunes. The Roku stick and box are essentially the same thing. TiVo finally, FINALLY got Amazon Prime streaming (and has Vudu) so I gave my Roku to my parents. I have a couple hundred movies in my iTunes account so have been wanting to get an Apple TV. I'd say if you don't have/plan on content with iTunes, the Roku is the way to go.

I have Apple TV. I don't have to have my computer or iPad open to play iTunes. Anything in your cloud will stream. My photos act as the screensaver on the TV. I do need the iPad or computer if I want to watch anything not streamed through any of the apps on Apple TV (i.e.. CBC TV programs).

 

[GAN]

On the apple, I love the ability to watch shows on demand from abc, nbc, cbs, ESPN, HBO. The others like PBS, History, HGTV, YouTube, work seamlessly as well. Expensive, but excellent device.

 

[wenrob]

On the apple, I love the ability to watch shows on demand from abc, nbc, cbs, ESPN, HBO. The others like PBS, History, HGTV, YouTube, work seamlessly as well. Expensive, but excellent device.

Now are these apps that you pay separately for or can you access them if you sign into your content provider? Or are you using AirPlay? I got behind on one of my day time shows over the holidays and when I finally sat down to watch I found the first episode was breaking news. Cox on Demand apparently doesn't play day time tv and I could find no way to access network apps from the TiVo. The app on my iPad only went back five episodes even signed into my provider. I ended up watching a really bad copy on YouTube.

 

[SonicGuy]

Now are these apps that you pay separately for or can you access them if you sign into your content provider? Or are you using AirPlay? I got behind on one of my day time shows over the holidays and when I finally sat down to watch I found the first episode was breaking news. Cox on Demand apparently doesn't play day time tv and I could find no way to access network apps from the TiVo. The app on my iPad only went back five episodes even signed into my provider. I ended up watching a really bad copy on YouTube.

You log in with your TV provider info and it gives you access. You have to watch commercials (not as many as broadcast TV though) but still free

 

[GAN]

Now are these apps that you pay separately for or can you access them if you sign into your content provider? Or are you using AirPlay? I got behind on one of my day time shows over the holidays and when I finally sat down to watch I found the first episode was breaking news. Cox on Demand apparently doesn't play day time tv and I could find no way to access network apps from the TiVo. The app on my iPad only went back five episodes even signed into my provider. I ended up watching a really bad copy on YouTube.

That's the other thing, didn't mention because I didn't know you're situation, but I usually stream amazon through the TiVo.

 

[wenrob]

You log in with your TV provider info and it gives you access. You have to watch commercials (not as many as broadcast TV though) but still free

Thanks! A few commercials are better than no access at all.

That's the other thing, didn't mention because I didn't know you're situation, but I usually stream amazon through the TiVo.

Yeah, I stream Amazon, Vudu, YouTube and Netflix (and occasionally Hulu) from my Tivo. I always forget how to access and add mainstream apps on the Tivo, it makes me nuts when I want to add one.

Thanks to you both for answering. I have upwards of 300+ movies in my iTunes account so I think that alone will be worth it.

 

[GAN]

I can confirm that the function/fluidity of the Atv is WAYYYYYYY better than the TiVo ....and I love my TiVo!

 

[supersnoop]

I can confirm that the function/fluidity of the Atv is WAYYYYYYY better than the TiVo ....and I love my TiVo!

It's always a trade off. The TiVo stores shows to play longer calls and time shifts live broadcasts. If you don't need those features, the AppleTV is a great device. The TiVo is just more comprehensive.