Currently they do not have a Netflix subsription so that's something I would consider including for a month or two as part of the present. My biggest overall concern is that I do not have either product myself so I do not know how user friendly these are to married empty nesters in their 50s. My parents would likely use it on their 10+ year old monster 65" rear projection tv so HD is a must. They have a very nice speaker system too, but I don't think that should really affect the choice.
I like how the Apple TV is bigger than just netflix and you can rent movies for $1. I don't like how everything you do with the Apple TV seems to have a price and is peacemeal. Also that the selections for the cheap movies are very limited and often my parents would "strike out" in not seeing something they want to watch as a $1 or $2 special. Unless I am mistaken, I like the fact that I can put their movies on the computer, put them into Itunes and they can stream them from there.
I like how the Roku does do things other than Netflix, but it's basically a Netflix box and will have 1080p within a year or so. My dad is a big baseball fan, but I don't think he would subscribe to the MLB channel or watch it enough to make it worth it. I don't have any experience with Amazon on demand or some of the non-Netflix services on the Roku box.
Anyone want to give me their take on my situation? Anyone have both Roku and AppleTV and tell me which one they prefer? If you have either box I would also appreciate your feedback on the experience.
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I am thinking of getting my parents either a Roku or Apple TV for a Christmas present.
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I have both and here are my thoughts....
I have had my Roku player for about two years and after the first few software updates the performance has been very good (for the past 12 months). The 1st gen Roku players have multiple interfaces for video and sound, similar to the current $99 unit, in contrast to the Apple TV which only has HDMI. These options come in handy if you want to connect to a home theater system that doesn't have an optical input. My Roku has G wifi, not N.
I ordered my Apple TV the day they were announced and received it a few weeks later. The unit was very buggy until the latest software update to iOS 4.1, now everything works great, maybe better than great. The unit only has HMDI so if you are running low on HMDI connections to your TV this could be an issue.
The setup:
I have the Roku connected via component (720p) to a 42" 1080p LCD TV. It only has 2 HDMI ports and they are used by my cable box and DVD player, however I had the Roku connected via HDMI before this DVD player and I cant tell the difference.
I have the Apple TV connected to a 35" 720p Plasma TV. It has three HDMI ports and they are used by the Apple TV, cable box, and home theater setup. I also have my son's xbox 360 connected via component at 720p.
The comparison:
There is no comparison between the Netflix interface on the units, the Apple TV is hands down gorgeous compared to either the Roku or xbox360 for using all services. The remote is small but simple and when I don't feel like looking for it I can use the apple remote app on my iPhone or my wife's/kid's ipod if they are near. The menus for all other services are far superior as well. The search functions are much easier on the Apple as well. Both units stream SD or HD movies with no interruptions or issues, so I see no advantage of G versus N wifi in this case. Once the video starts rolling I would be hard pressed to tell any difference between the two. It's all about the user interface. Even the artwork is shown on the ipod/iphone remote control app, very cool.
This for that: The Roku has a much better selection of channels and as a Pandora subscriber I'm a little upset that Apple doesn't have "an app for that". Another Apple disappointment is that my home theater system (came as a bundle with my TV) is a low end all in one unit with a SPDIF digital input and the Apple has TOS/optical and they don't connect.
I haven't had a chance to use Airtunes or play my itunes library via my Apple TV because I don't listen to music in my TV room. For music I connect my iPhone or iPad to my Yamaha receiver and listen that way (again no optical output on the phone or pad).
Which would I but if I needed a third? The Apple TV interface is so well done that I would have no other choice. The size, simplicity, and Apple quality have me sold. Also, the internal power supply is so nice when it comes to keeping the wires neat.
I hope this review helps. It should also be noted that I have a slight bias toward Apple products and that after 20 years as a DOS/Windows/Palm user I have converted to Apple/Mac products over the past year for myself and my family and couldn't be happier. All the support issues with all of my products have gone away. I spend my time using my computers and devices rather than maintaining the, I expect the Apple TV will be similar.
Update - 11 months later
OK, so here are my thoughts 11 months after that post. I have lived with my Apple TV in the living room (past 12 months) and the Roku in my bedroom (past 24 months). I have just disconnected my Roku and installed a 2nd Apple TV in the house and here are my reasons why;
Apple TV:
Paul B.
I have had my Roku player for about two years and after the first few software updates the performance has been very good (for the past 12 months). The 1st gen Roku players have multiple interfaces for video and sound, similar to the current $99 unit, in contrast to the Apple TV which only has HDMI. These options come in handy if you want to connect to a home theater system that doesn't have an optical input. My Roku has G wifi, not N.
I ordered my Apple TV the day they were announced and received it a few weeks later. The unit was very buggy until the latest software update to iOS 4.1, now everything works great, maybe better than great. The unit only has HMDI so if you are running low on HMDI connections to your TV this could be an issue.
The setup:
I have the Roku connected via component (720p) to a 42" 1080p LCD TV. It only has 2 HDMI ports and they are used by my cable box and DVD player, however I had the Roku connected via HDMI before this DVD player and I cant tell the difference.
I have the Apple TV connected to a 35" 720p Plasma TV. It has three HDMI ports and they are used by the Apple TV, cable box, and home theater setup. I also have my son's xbox 360 connected via component at 720p.
The comparison:
There is no comparison between the Netflix interface on the units, the Apple TV is hands down gorgeous compared to either the Roku or xbox360 for using all services. The remote is small but simple and when I don't feel like looking for it I can use the apple remote app on my iPhone or my wife's/kid's ipod if they are near. The menus for all other services are far superior as well. The search functions are much easier on the Apple as well. Both units stream SD or HD movies with no interruptions or issues, so I see no advantage of G versus N wifi in this case. Once the video starts rolling I would be hard pressed to tell any difference between the two. It's all about the user interface. Even the artwork is shown on the ipod/iphone remote control app, very cool.
This for that: The Roku has a much better selection of channels and as a Pandora subscriber I'm a little upset that Apple doesn't have "an app for that". Another Apple disappointment is that my home theater system (came as a bundle with my TV) is a low end all in one unit with a SPDIF digital input and the Apple has TOS/optical and they don't connect.
I haven't had a chance to use Airtunes or play my itunes library via my Apple TV because I don't listen to music in my TV room. For music I connect my iPhone or iPad to my Yamaha receiver and listen that way (again no optical output on the phone or pad).
Which would I but if I needed a third? The Apple TV interface is so well done that I would have no other choice. The size, simplicity, and Apple quality have me sold. Also, the internal power supply is so nice when it comes to keeping the wires neat.
I hope this review helps. It should also be noted that I have a slight bias toward Apple products and that after 20 years as a DOS/Windows/Palm user I have converted to Apple/Mac products over the past year for myself and my family and couldn't be happier. All the support issues with all of my products have gone away. I spend my time using my computers and devices rather than maintaining the, I expect the Apple TV will be similar.
Update - 11 months later
OK, so here are my thoughts 11 months after that post. I have lived with my Apple TV in the living room (past 12 months) and the Roku in my bedroom (past 24 months). I have just disconnected my Roku and installed a 2nd Apple TV in the house and here are my reasons why;
Apple TV:
- The interface is just so much better and faster, especially the search function
- Seemless integration with family iOS devices including iPods, iPads, and iPhones for both the remote control app as well as AirPlay
- The YouTube interface is great where-as I couldnt get the YouTube channel to install on my Roku
- I dont miss the channel selection of the Roku (which is much more extensive)
- I love the integration to iTunes, iPhoto, etc
- AirPlay - push content from your iPxx to the TV or AirPlay speakers - awesome
- AirPlay - I can control the volume from my iOS remote. This may not sound like much but it is huge. I have an AirPort Express with AirPlay connected to my Yamaha receiver.
- iOS Remote - yes I already mentioned this app, it really works well and from anywhere in the house via Wi-Fi not IR or BT.
- I was initially turned off that the AppleTV did not have a Pandora app.
- However I can initiate Pandora from AirPlay on any iPxx... that I have nearby.
- I can also select any or all AirPlay clients that I wish and control the volume on all simultaneously (or individually)
- On the Roku I could only output to one TV not the whole house. Also, with no volume control I found myself running around or not listening as much as I would like.
- I really wanted to love this box because it has so much potential
- I actually installed Plex media server on my Mac and added a private Plex channel to my Roku to watch my movies (this worked fine but had a very basic menu system)
- I appreciated the additional audio/video outputs but never used them.
- I will probably give this unit to an older family member that is not so techy.
- I heard folks complain about technical issueswith iTunes all the time, the 1st thing I ask is what OS they are using. In every case I have never heard this complaint from a MAC user.
- That being said I'm not an iTunes fan, maybe I'm just too old but I like to arrange my music in folders and not be concerned with ID3 tags which iTunes seem to rely on.
Paul B.
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Unless your mom & dad's 10+ year old TV has HDMI (which it can't), the AppleTV is out.
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I have both and think it's fun to have both -- especially if you have an other iOS device -- but would start with a Roku. Both devices have Netflix, and both are simple to operate, but Roku is even simpler to operate and even richer in content than Apple TV as currently configured (i.e., without an app store).
In addition to having Netflix, Roku matches Apple TV with access to Youtube, MLB and thousands of Internet video podcasts, including the TWiT, Revision3 and CNET networks. PLUS it gives you valuable paid options that Apple TV lacks so far, such as Hulu+, and the Mog and Rdio music-on-demand services. It's an amazing bargain.
What Apple TV really adds is the ability to stream from your desktop or laptop PC AND do Airplay from iOS devices. The streaming and Airplay are fun and I wouldn't want to be without it, but if I could have only one device, Roku wins. It's simple, cheap and works all by itself without need of a Google or Apple "ecosystem"-- and new Roku apps are coming all the time.
The whole business about owning a movie rather than renting is important only if you have kids, IMO, and then of course it's better to own. Advantage again to Amazon on the Roku Box. The top-of-line Roku also has a USB port for your photos, music or videos, which Apple lacks. And, if you lacking an Apple TV, you can always play stuff from your iPad, iPod or iPhone through a hardwired connection to your Roku.
Adding it all up, the clear winner is Roku. Best value model for my money is the Roku XD, which goes for $80, does 1080p and has a wireless N connection. All it lacks is the USB port and the 5 mhz wireless channel, both of which I never use. For the most reliable Netflix connection, you'll want ethernet anyhow.
In addition to having Netflix, Roku matches Apple TV with access to Youtube, MLB and thousands of Internet video podcasts, including the TWiT, Revision3 and CNET networks. PLUS it gives you valuable paid options that Apple TV lacks so far, such as Hulu+, and the Mog and Rdio music-on-demand services. It's an amazing bargain.
What Apple TV really adds is the ability to stream from your desktop or laptop PC AND do Airplay from iOS devices. The streaming and Airplay are fun and I wouldn't want to be without it, but if I could have only one device, Roku wins. It's simple, cheap and works all by itself without need of a Google or Apple "ecosystem"-- and new Roku apps are coming all the time.
The whole business about owning a movie rather than renting is important only if you have kids, IMO, and then of course it's better to own. Advantage again to Amazon on the Roku Box. The top-of-line Roku also has a USB port for your photos, music or videos, which Apple lacks. And, if you lacking an Apple TV, you can always play stuff from your iPad, iPod or iPhone through a hardwired connection to your Roku.
Adding it all up, the clear winner is Roku. Best value model for my money is the Roku XD, which goes for $80, does 1080p and has a wireless N connection. All it lacks is the USB port and the 5 mhz wireless channel, both of which I never use. For the most reliable Netflix connection, you'll want ethernet anyhow.
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I have the Apple TV. If you already have an iPhone or an iPad, this is the perfect companion. My wife is able to handle an iPad, and all she wants is to have audio on our living room speakers, or quickly show photos to others on the TV. All of our music and pictures is on the iPad, so streaming from an iTunes server is not necessary (and APple TV does not support DLNA streaming). Also be warned: I tried a few NAS devices with an integrated iTunes server, and none of them were able to stream video; audio and pictures were fine. But switching audio, video and pictures form iPad to my TV or speakers is just a finger tap away, which is super handy.
Other than that, the Apple TV is limited. In Germany, it offers YouTube and a very few other things, but I would not recommend it for serious media streaming.
However, if this is for your parents, usability may be a premium issue, and nothing beats Apple when it comes to ease of use.
Other than that, the Apple TV is limited. In Germany, it offers YouTube and a very few other things, but I would not recommend it for serious media streaming.
However, if this is for your parents, usability may be a premium issue, and nothing beats Apple when it comes to ease of use.
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I don't have an Apple TV, but I would definitely recommend the Roku. I think Amazon VoD probably has a better selection than iTunes does on the Apple TV, since Apple restricts theirs to rentals only while Amazon will let you do purchases as well. The interface isn't as sleek as the Apple TV, but once you've got it set up it's probably every bit as simple. It's also about $40 cheaper than the Apple TV, so you could take that extra money and use it for that Netflix subscription, or perhaps Hulu+ if you wanted.
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I have both the Apple TV and the Roku. Yes, you can stream the movies to your Apple TV but there are some stipulations. For one, you will need a clean wireless N network to get the streaming to work right. Plus other than Netflix and iTunes, you dont have many other choices for movies.
From what you said, I too would recommend the Roku box. It has both Netflix and Amazon video. Also, it has HuluPlus if you want to go that route. MLB and other internet based programing is also available.
From what you said, I too would recommend the Roku box. It has both Netflix and Amazon video. Also, it has HuluPlus if you want to go that route. MLB and other internet based programing is also available.
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I just made this choice for a gift for my sister. Although I want an Apple TV for myself, I got her the Roku because 1) she does not have the itunes eco system investment that I do, and 2) her tv has component TV input, but no HDMI.
When I purchased from Roku, I got an email for a free month of Hulu Plus.
When I purchased from Roku, I got an email for a free month of Hulu Plus.
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I too am torn between the Apple TV and a Roku. I'm pretty biased towards Apple products and I highly desire the integration of my iPhone/iPad/Mac with the Apple TV. However, it does seem quite limited in its services.
I'm thinking I'll give up the integration and eye candy menu system for functionality in this battle. It seems Amazon has a great selection of VOD and typically at fantastic prices with the option to purchase or rent, with regular promotions. Plus being able to use Hulu+ and other services seem really great.
Ideally, I'd love to see some sort of marriage between the two, but seeing as how Amazon is iTunes' biggest competitor, I doubt this will ever happen.
I'm thinking I'll give up the integration and eye candy menu system for functionality in this battle. It seems Amazon has a great selection of VOD and typically at fantastic prices with the option to purchase or rent, with regular promotions. Plus being able to use Hulu+ and other services seem really great.
Ideally, I'd love to see some sort of marriage between the two, but seeing as how Amazon is iTunes' biggest competitor, I doubt this will ever happen.
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