Stream internet video to your TV? Why not: it’s better than cable, and it gets better every day!
Probably the most popular streaming devices available today are Apple TV and Roku.
Roku, in its recent third incarnation, looks cooler than ever: a vastly improved new interface and five times faster processor speed make Roku 3 faster and more responsive than any other video streaming box on the market.
Roku’s sleek new interface makes the competition seem almost old-fashioned; however, Apple TV still works better within the Apple ecosystem (no surprise there!). Also, if you’re looking to buy the player that’s best suited for streaming your personal digital media collection, Apple TV is a better option.
The Roku Streaming Player 3 is easy to set up, even for those of us who feel a bit apprehensive when first faced with a new tech device.
Roku 3 has over 700 channels: Netflix, Amazon Instant, HBO Go, Vudu, Hulu Plus, Spotify, Pandora, MLB.TV, Amazon Cloud Player, just to name the most recognizable names. However, you will probably be disappointed to learn that there is no official YouTube channel in sight yet.
All of those channels are neatly organized in a grid, so switching between services or scrolling through menus is quick and easy.
If you’re looking for any digital title or actor, for example, you can type their name into the new cross-platform search: it will search the entire multitude of channels it supports and tell you where to find them. ‘What are you looking for.
There’s also a ‘private viewing’ or ‘silent viewing’ option, thanks to an innovative remote with built-in headphone jack, so you can watch without disturbing others by directly plugging the included in-ear headphones into the remote. The remote control itself is improved: mount it wherever you want, because it can work without you pointing it at the device.
With the new Roku 3 you can also share photos via Facebook, Flickr and Picasa, or play games thanks to the newly redesigned motion remote mentioned above.
Roku supports 1080p HD, dual-band wireless, Ethernet port, USB port, and microSD slot.
Of course, the quality of the video will vary depending on the speed of your existing Internet connection (which can also vary during the course of the day).
It is a small but powerful device; relatively cheap. Apple, your move!
With all the new streaming video possibilities these devices bring, it might be time to say goodbye to your cable or satellite bills!
