gdgt

An HTPC is definitely a great choice because you have tons more options with content, but it's not as user-friendly as say a Roku or Boxee Box. It feels pretty clumsy working with a keyboard and mouse on your couch to navigate things. If I had to get a set-top, I'd probably go with the Boxee Box because they're doing a pretty decent job covering more bases with standard television/live TV, local content, and apps/web content.

Considering how much easier it is to hook up a Roku Box than set up an entire HTPC/extra computer, I nearly always advise to just go something like a Roku, especially since the top-end Roku boxes can easily play additional video from a flash drive using the USB port. You're saying you want to stream internet content and Hulu, Roku is a great bet. They have good customer service and are consistently updating their box to squash bugs and open up support for new services.

I own a Roku and a Revue, and while I like Google tv, I find I use it more as a way to view webpages or Facebook when I'm on the couch, and not a way to stream content. Roku thou, I use quite a bit, lots of streaming content from many providers. While I haven't used the boxee box, I have used the boxee program installed on a pc, and it has many of the same features as Roku, only I find Roku to be much easier to use than Boxee so I stay with it. Honestly thou, even though I think Roku is done quite well, I still think a PC with an HD out is still the way to go, since all content available.

Also, while not one of your choices, I also find my Xbox is becoming a viable replacement for such digital streaming boxes, since the recent update, you now have Hulu, Netflix, Epix, Crackle, Last FM, Youtube, iHeartRadio, Zune, and ESPN. Espn being a major thing, since that one isn't available on the others, well except for a PC. Also I buy allot of Content, and have a Zune Pass on the Zune network, since I own a Zune and a Windows Phone, so Xbox has become a major player in my entertainment life. Which now it even has Verizon FIOS and will have Comcast soon, but if your cutting the cord those really don't do you any good. Although, I personally have Dish Network, so I will never be using those either.

Anyway, my recommendations are Roku, Xbox or just a PC.
I do think Google TV will start to shine not too far off in the future thou, after the last update it's greatly improved from it's first version, but still allot of improvements need to be made, to actually give what Google has promised out of it.

One box to rule them all.... Sure would be nice. :-) We cut the cord 2 months ago but I've played with media alternatives for a long time.

Roku has good channels and is pushing content. This is the only one I've seen (& device that I have) that has Amazon prime streaming in the application and not web browser dependent. Local content is either via USB or 3rd party app on computer. I'm not sure why but this device always feels old.

Boxee is nice for local network content and has integrated OTA tuner. Irritation with Boxee is their 'shows' don't have an option to view only free Internet episodes. I will dig down to find that it's a "rent or purchase" show. App selection is standard web places, nothing unique or exciting.

Apple TV is most used here due to longevity in house with lots of podcast, BD digital copies, and other purchased content. The more applications that will do AirPlay is keeping this box at the top. I've had Elgato EyeTV devices for years so the collection of saved OTA shows is quite large.

We also have the TiVo with Amazon Instant Video (not prime capable) and OTA recorded content. Limited channels and streaming option is making me think we don't need this box any longer. This is not a Premiere but the cost of upgrading isnt a value.

I got rid of my Google TV because I have plenty of computers and tablets for a web browser.

Netflix is on everything. Hulu Plus is on Roku as app. An HTPC is the most flexible but also the most complex. Windows Media Center is good if you have Windows and Xbox for extenders. What I recommend is to pull the cable plug and use the saved money to play with multiple devices to find the one(s) that you like. :-D

I've had the Boxee software, and eventually the Box since the latter's launch. The Box crashes consistently, seemingly from what feel like memory leaks; gets sluggish the more I use it, eventually locking up, since it's purchase, and through every single iteration of their software updates. It's still better at playing different types of media than the XBOX 360's in-interface media player, and has a better interface than the 360's Media Center Extender, but I still wouldn't recommend it to anyone.

I'm going to keep it until I drive it into the ground, and grab whatever alternative is available at the time that it dies.

I wanted - and still want - to love the Boxee box, but it's always managed to disappoint me. If it died today, I'd probably go Roku.

I'm in Canada, BTW, so streaming doesn't matter much to me, this opinion is based upon local media interaction.

We cut the cord a while back and I have to say that your best option is an HTPC with a USB tuner kit for OTA programming. Windows Media Center is an excellent DVR plus it has the added benefits of having all additional options available (Hulu, Netflix, ESPN, etc). You can even install Boxee on it if you prefer that interface as well. Also, if you want to watch and record at the same time, add a second tuner card. That simple.

With that said, the biggest issue I've encountered is trying to get all the info in Media Center into the bedrooms. With Media Center extenders going the way of the DoDo bird, it's not realistic (cost wise) to use an Xbox 360 in every room as an extender (this is the only option). Now I'm limited to watching my recorded shows in one place. I also have all my movies in vob (video_ts) format. Media Center plays them with no issues. Unfortunately that can't be said for all the other media hubs. If anyone has any recommendations on this, I'd gladly listen.

Overall, not watching any media in the bedrooms hasn't been too bid a deal for myself. For my kids, that's a different story. But not having the $80+ bill coming in every month has been more than enough reason to deal with minor inconveniences.