Apple TV vs Roku

[rivan]

Considering dumping Dish, but based on Wife Acceptance Factor, the transition may be slow.

What I need are:
• trashy TV from Bravo (Flipping Out, Housewives, etc)
• Food Network
• Maybe DIY channel

• local news (have to do OTA? any way on either device to integrate the interface?)

Hulu covers the first 3, correct?

What are the pros/cons to the devices?

 

[Kaido]

Go with the Roku. You can add channels at will.

I'm a huge Apple fanboy and the AppleTV is a great device, but unless you hack it (and even then, it's limited), you're limited to iTunes playback, Airplay streaming, and the default apps on the device. The Roku lets you add channels and has a lot of variety available:

Hulu: http://www.roku.com/hulu-partner

Food shows: http://www.roku.com/channels/#!browse/food/by-popular

You can browse more channels here: http://www.roku.com/channels/#!browse/movies-and-tv/by-popular

I believe the only major shortcoming of the Roku as a streaming device is the lack of a Youtube channel, but I've read you can get it by installing the Plex channel and then streaming Youtube through there.

 

[Anteaus]

An HD-Antenna + Roku or WD-Live w/ Netflix.

I don't like Apple TV. It's too restrictive with what it decodes.

 

[charlywiggin]

Roku..more free channels...

 

[TheStu]

Go with the Roku. You can add channels at will.

I'm a huge Apple fanboy and the AppleTV is a great device, but unless you hack it (and even then, it's limited), you're limited to iTunes playback, Airplay streaming, and the default apps on the device. The Roku lets you add channels and has a lot of variety available:

Hulu: http://www.roku.com/hulu-partner

Food shows: http://www.roku.com/channels/#!browse/food/by-popular

You can browse more channels here: http://www.roku.com/channels/#!browse/movies-and-tv/by-popular

I believe the only major shortcoming of the Roku as a streaming device is the lack of a Youtube channel, but I've read you can get it by installing the Plex channel and then streaming Youtube through there.

Does the Roku support AirPlay?

 

[Kaido]

Does the Roku support AirPlay?

Nope.

 

[ImpulsE69]

Does the Roku support AirPlay?

No, but you can use Plex and Myplex and accomplish pretty much the same thing.

 

[MikeL DISH]

rivan,

It would be my pleasure to assist you with your post as I found it interesting and would hate to see you go! We carry Bravo in our America's Top 200 package and higher. The Food Network is in all of our packages. We carry Do It Yourself in the Smart Pack, America's Top 250, and Everything Pack. I hope this helps clear up a few of your concerns and if you could private message your account number to me, I can take a look at it and help you further. Thanks!