Stream video from the internet to your TV? Why not: It’s better than cable, and it’s getting 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 dated; however, Apple TV still works best within the Apple ecosystem (no surprises!). Also, if you’re looking to buy the player that’s best suited for streaming your personal collection of digital media, 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 features 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’ll probably be disappointed to learn that there’s still no official YouTube channel in the offing.
All those channels are neatly arranged 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’ll search the entire multitude of channels it supports and tell you where to find it. ‘What are you looking for.
There’s also a “private viewing” or “silent” option, thanks to an innovative remote with built-in headphone jack, so you can watch without disturbing others by plugging the included in-ear headphones directly into the remote. The remote 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 recently redesigned motion remote mentioned above.
Roku supports 1080p HD, dual-band wireless, an Ethernet port, a USB port, and a 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’s a small but mighty device; relatively cheap. Apple, your move!
With all the new video streaming possibilities these devices provide, maybe it’s time to say goodbye to your cable or satellite bills!
