The Best Media Streamer?

[soeasy 0]

Hey Guys!

 

I am having a difficulty in choosing a media streamer... My friend recommended 3 ones, Roku 3, Apple TV and Google Chromecast.

 

I want to enjoy more videos(including the local videos) on my HDTV with the new coming streamer. Which one is the best?

 

Thanks a lot for your help!!!   

[legallink 187]

I have the Roku 3 and did a similar analysis recently.  The Apple TV walled garden means really no Media Browser (except for maybe through a browser).  A lot of people like Chromecast, but I preferred the Roku 3 (a little more power, in my opinion I like the user experience better, and I think it has more channels/apps.).

[ebr 15579]

Another thing to realize is that the Roku and Apple TV are comparable in what they are but the ChromeCast is a different thing altogether.  All the Chromecast does is allow you to send content from another device to your TV - but you need that other device and it needs to be compatible with the CC (most are).

 

The Roku and Apple TV are streaming devices in their own right with access to a store for apps and other content and with an interface built directly into them.

 

As legal stated, if you want Media Browser on it, you won't want to choose the Apple TV at this point.

 

Another newcomer to consider is the Nexus Player which is running the new Android TV platform and we will have an app available for it soon.  You need to look at the content you want to access and then see what is available on each of the platforms to make your decision.

[soeasy 0]

Thanks so much for your help.

 

As you mentioned, the Roku and Apple TV can access to a store for apps and other content. If it contains my local video library? I have downloaded many videos from online websites and iTunes store.

 

 

[Macburp 110]

Another option worth considering is the multitude of Android TV boxes produced by Chinese manufacturers such as Keedox, Tronsmart. Minix and Justop. These boxes all run a version of Android v4 (usually kit kat). Points to be aware of -

 

- there are lots of rip-off copies of these boxes about. Do a lot of reading and try to find a reputable vendor

- the remote is usually not very good. As kitkat is designed for touchscreen, you should invest in a good air-mouse to use this type of box

- while the hardware is usually good, firmware / ROMs are not so good. Its worth looking at the Finless ROMs that have a good reputation running on these boxes

- the TV version of the Android mobile app is still a work in progress

 

Having said that, many people here have got good results from these boxes. Worth considering

[Koleckai Silvestri 1151]

Another thing to take note of is that your iTunes videos are infected with DRM. They will only play on Apple devices or iTunes. You won't be able to stream these on Roku or Android TV devices. At least until you strip the DRM off. You may be able to cast them to Chromecast though.