I just recently received both the new Apple TV and Roku XD/S. I was really undecided between them and thought what the heck just get them both and send back the one you like the least.
I am not really going to get into a detailed review of each. Just going to sort of give a run down.
First of all content wise, the Roku wins hands down. And apparently they are continuing to add with Hulu Plus coming soon. The Apple TV of course will give you Netflicks, YouTube, Flicker, Podcast, iTunes, Streaming from your own computer. The Roku gives Netlfix, other movie services like Amazon and of course many other things like MLB etc. Lots of content on the Roku.
When I really compared the content and though about what would I really be watching or using, the Roku while it definitely provides more content has a lot of junk on it that I would never watch. It also doesn't allow me to stream my own content at least not without having to jump through hoops.
I also found the interface on the Roku to be sluggish at times and streaming not as smooth as the Apple TV. I have to say that Apple did an excellent job optimizing the Apple TV to run very fast and everything just pops. Of course I think it would also depend on your internet speed too.
The Roku has its advantages though in that it does stream at 1080p, while the Apple TV will only do 720p. However, I honestly couldn't really see the difference in comparing. I also think for streaming purposes it just makes sense to do 720p.
Apple Radio channels in my opinion sound horrible by comparison to some of the radio content Pandora, MOG on the Roku. However, when I listen to those it won't be on my TV. I have an iPod Touch and iPhone 4 for that purpose, so that is of little advantage for me personally, though I can see this being important for others. I've also heard that Slacker maybe added to the Roku at some point too.
Over all I have to say that if I was not already so invested in iTunes with all my content along with using MobileMe, that I'd likely go Roku all the way. I really do recommend it strongly. I think they have done an excellent job with this product and I think they will continue to expand the content.
However, at the end of the day given my own personal situation I did decide to keep the Apple TV. The smoothness, the speed at which it operates and of course the integration with all the content that I already have in iTunes, just makes it a no brainer. I've ripped tons of movies using Handbreak in iTunes.
In summary, I think the Roku for most would likely be the better product, but I think for me the Apple TV will do the job.
I know some will knock the Apple TV simply because it is an Apple product. I think this version of Apple TV will be better than previous versions. Roku has certainly made great improvements in these newer versions over previous ones. You also can select from 3 models starting at $59 up to $99.
It will be interesting to see what Google TV does in this market at some point too.
I am not really going to get into a detailed review of each. Just going to sort of give a run down.
First of all content wise, the Roku wins hands down. And apparently they are continuing to add with Hulu Plus coming soon. The Apple TV of course will give you Netflicks, YouTube, Flicker, Podcast, iTunes, Streaming from your own computer. The Roku gives Netlfix, other movie services like Amazon and of course many other things like MLB etc. Lots of content on the Roku.
When I really compared the content and though about what would I really be watching or using, the Roku while it definitely provides more content has a lot of junk on it that I would never watch. It also doesn't allow me to stream my own content at least not without having to jump through hoops.
I also found the interface on the Roku to be sluggish at times and streaming not as smooth as the Apple TV. I have to say that Apple did an excellent job optimizing the Apple TV to run very fast and everything just pops. Of course I think it would also depend on your internet speed too.
The Roku has its advantages though in that it does stream at 1080p, while the Apple TV will only do 720p. However, I honestly couldn't really see the difference in comparing. I also think for streaming purposes it just makes sense to do 720p.
Apple Radio channels in my opinion sound horrible by comparison to some of the radio content Pandora, MOG on the Roku. However, when I listen to those it won't be on my TV. I have an iPod Touch and iPhone 4 for that purpose, so that is of little advantage for me personally, though I can see this being important for others. I've also heard that Slacker maybe added to the Roku at some point too.
Over all I have to say that if I was not already so invested in iTunes with all my content along with using MobileMe, that I'd likely go Roku all the way. I really do recommend it strongly. I think they have done an excellent job with this product and I think they will continue to expand the content.
However, at the end of the day given my own personal situation I did decide to keep the Apple TV. The smoothness, the speed at which it operates and of course the integration with all the content that I already have in iTunes, just makes it a no brainer. I've ripped tons of movies using Handbreak in iTunes.
In summary, I think the Roku for most would likely be the better product, but I think for me the Apple TV will do the job.
I know some will knock the Apple TV simply because it is an Apple product. I think this version of Apple TV will be better than previous versions. Roku has certainly made great improvements in these newer versions over previous ones. You also can select from 3 models starting at $59 up to $99.
It will be interesting to see what Google TV does in this market at some point too.