Apple TV vs. Roku?

[amdhunter]

I was asked to choose and install 3 of these for my sister. I want to get her something friendly and useful. All her TV's are 1080P, so I was leaning towards the Roku, but I kind of like the idea of the Apple TV.

It will be mostly used for Netflix. I've Googled around a LOT last night, but it seems everyone is biased one way or another.

What would you guys choose and why? No jailbreaking. As payment, I'll be getting one of the choices also.

 

[cronos]

Personally I would get a Roku, or in fact a WD TV Live Plus because of the additional features (mainly to play my own movie/tv show collection).

Consider Apple TV only if she's a somewhat dedicated Apple person (own a Macbook/iMac/iPhone/iPod, has a huge library of music/movies/tv show in iTunes, etc).

 

[Dulanic]

I have heard nothing but great things about the Roku and was thinking of getting one myself. I do believe Roku supports Hulu and Apple TV does not? I could be wrong I havent read up lately to see if Apple added that. Not to mention Apple TV is 720 and Roku XDS is 1080 too.

I guess the Apple TV has the "cute" factor going for it? Again I am not 100% positive but I am pretty sure the Roku offers more. The only exception I am assuming is videos from iTunes which would IMO be cheaper on amazon VOD or netlix or hulu.

 

[amdhunter]

All she has is a single PC laptop, and is mainly looking for Netflix support. Pandora, Hulu, etc., doesn't concern her at all.

I don't want to get a WDTV at all. Mines craps out with newer MKV files and left a bitter taste in my mouth. (compressed header problem or whatnot.)

Can the Roku play 1080P mkv over the network? If so, I'll just get that...so I can have one - lol!

 

[cronos]

I was only mentioning WDTV because you asked 'what would you guys choose?'

If it's just straight up Netflix for your sister then I'd go for a Roku. The major selling points of the new Apple TV are the iTunes integration, seamless transfer between iMac/iPhone/TV, and the TV shows 'renting' (or whatever it's called). If she's not going to use these features then it's pretty pointless to get it imo.

 

[boomhower]

Can the Roku play 1080P mkv over the network? If so, I'll just get that...so I can have one - lol!

Depends on the network but the box is capable. I would go with the Roku. The Apple TV just doesn't give near the functionalily.

 

[Dulanic]

AFAIK neither support mkv files. I believe you need to convert to play mkv files.

 

[amdhunter]

AFAIK neither support mkv files. I believe you need to convert to play mkv files.

Ah, that would suck. Looks like the Roku it is. I'll be placing an order for them in a few minutes. <3 Amazon Prime.

 

[ponyo]

AFAIK neither support mkv files. I believe you need to convert to play mkv files.

Not of the box stock but ATV2 with XBMC will play just about anything.

 

[amdhunter]

Not of the box stock but ATV2 with XBMC will play just about anything.

At a decent framerate?

 

[poofyhairguy]

Not of the box stock but ATV2 with XBMC will play just about anything.

He said no jailbreak or the ATV would easily win for that.

 

[amdhunter]

He said no jailbreak or the ATV would easily win for that.

Yeah. No jailbreaking. Don't feel like supporting them once it's installed.

 

[amdhunter]

Last question. It seems that I have to enter a credit card to enable the Roku on first setup. Is this still true?

If so, I am going to place the orders for 3 Apple TV's right now. I don't feel like calling to activate these devices without a cc. :|

 

[Sheep]

Yes, you have to enter a CC to activate the Roku.

I bought a Roku solely to stream Netflix and Amazon and didn't realize the amount of other content it has. I've become completely addicted to being able to watch Giant Bomb videos (their Quick Looks are fantastic), Onion News Network, BBC World News and Al Jazeera (through the Nowhere TV channel) since getting the thing.

 

[amdhunter]

Yes, you have to enter a CC to activate the Roku.

I bought a Roku solely to stream Netflix and Amazon and didn't realize the amount of other content it has. I've become completely addicted to being able to watch Giant Bomb videos (their Quick Looks are fantastic), Onion News Network, BBC World News and Al Jazeera (through the Nowhere TV channel) since getting the thing.

Dammit...lol, I guess I am flip flopping again.

Will I have to activate each one with the same cc number? Or can I do it once and all the rest will activate?

 

[Dulanic]

I'm pretty sure it would take less time to activate them than you are spending on talking about this portion of this decision I would think that wouldnt be a large portion of your decision making.

 

[zerocool84]

If you're already in the Apple ecosystem then get the AppleTV but if you're not get Roku. AppleTV's interface sucks, searching for anything is a huge pain. Plus the remote horribly sucks. You basically need an iPhone or iPad to make it easy to navigate.

 

[Sheep]

Dammit...lol, I guess I am flip flopping again.

Will I have to activate each one with the same cc number? Or can I do it once and all the rest will activate?

I believe you can just do it once and then link all subsequent Rokus to your account. I don't recall being prompted for my CC info again when I added a second Roku unit in my living room.

 

[amdhunter]

Update: Got an Apple TV, downgraded it to 4.2.1, installed XBMC and I am an extremely happy camper. My sister wants the Roku for the Facebook integration, so I'll be buying that for her later.

I really like the Apple TV so far, and even though it's 720 only, I really don't mind.

 

[shortylickens]

As with all things, Apple charges much more for the same or less functionality, but of course is usually easier for people to start using without a seminar or help guide.

If she doesnt wanna meddle with anything, I suggest Apple.

 

[ponyo]

Update: Got an Apple TV, downgraded it to 4.2.1, installed XBMC and I am an extremely happy camper. My sister wants the Roku for the Facebook integration, so I'll be buying that for her later.

I really like the Apple TV so far, and even though it's 720 only, I really don't mind.

I love my Apple TV. I installed Plex and XBMC on six ATV2 units and all are running without a hitch. Plex was rough alpha/beta at first but 0.7 Release Candidate 1 is actually pretty good and usable. It still has trouble playing certain videos but it's getting there. If I could get it to play subtitles easily like XBMC, I would use Plex little more as I like the simpler interface and integration with the default Apple menu. XBMC is still the best and turns mediocre ATV2 device into a must/great device.

If you have any Apple products like the iPhone, iPod, or the iPad try the Home Sharing and AirPlay with the Apple TV. It just brings everything together.

 

[Pliablemoose]

As with all things, Apple charges much more for the same or less functionality, but of course is usually easier for people to start using without a seminar or help guide.

If she doesnt wanna meddle with anything, I suggest Apple.

Apple TV is relatively cheap. If you're counting pennies, they're more expensive, but $20-$30 more is really nothing. Although I like HTPC's with storage & OTA tuners a hell of a lot more than either of the options in this thread.

 

[DivideBYZero]

Can I play DNLA delivered content on an Apple TV?

 

[amdhunter]

As with all things, Apple charges much more for the same or less functionality, but of course is usually easier for people to start using without a seminar or help guide.

If she doesnt wanna meddle with anything, I suggest Apple.

Tried to convince her, but she saw the Facebook app on her brother-in-law's TV and now she "must have" it. Her husband is turned off by it being "only 720p" also...lol

Damned thing looks incredible on my 50" Plasma. :biggrin:

 

[amdhunter]

If you have any Apple products like the iPhone, iPod, or the iPad try the Home Sharing and AirPlay with the Apple TV. It just brings everything together.

Yeah. I spent all my time jailbreaking + traveling back and forth with it. I can't wait to get home tonight so I can finally set it up the way I want with my iPad.