While in days gone by a simple aerial was the method by which a TV received a signal this has changed in the digital age and there are now a number of ways that programs can be delivered. Television set top boxes which can provide content to a TV through an internet connection have become common in recent years and they are a simple way to receive movies, TV shows and music. There are a few companies that now produce set top boxes, with a couple of the most popular to consider being Apple TV vs. Roku.
When looking at Apple TV vs. Roku, cost is generally one of the first factors to take into consideration. Roku has three options available for their set top boxes, with the cost for these varying from $59.99 for the basic device to $99.99 for their most advanced device. The basic Roku set top box will work with virtually any TV and is capable of playing High Definition 720p video. The more expensive device comes with additional features and can play 1080p video, has an enhanced remote control and also a USB port which enables stored photos, videos and music to be played on a TV. To use a Roku box it is simply wirelessly connected to an internet service.
In comparison Apple produces the Apple TV set top box which is available at $99 and this also works with most televisions and connects wirelessly to an internet service. Roku therefore provides more options when compared to Apple, although in terms of cost the best Roku device and Apple TV are comparable in terms of their capabilities and there is no real difference in price between these.
With there being little difference in cost, looking at Apple TV vs. Roku in terms of services available is a consideration. A Roku set top box provides access to 16 TV and movie channels with some of these including Netflix, hulu plus and amazon video. They also have 5 sports channels and these include MLB TV and the Ultimate Fighting Championship. The channels accessed through a Roku device include free and premium channels. However, to access the premium channels you must sign up to these, although Roku itself charges no additional fee for watching these through its service.
The Apple TV service on the other hand offers the chance to rent new movie titles as soon as they come out with the cost of this being $3.99 for new HD movies and $0.99 for TV shows. Apple TV also offers access to Netflix plus a number of top internet sites including YouTube, mobileme and flickr. Apple TV can be controlled using an iPod, iPad or iPhone using a free remote app from the Apple store. If you have one of these devices therefore Apple TV may be the better choice. However, like the cost, there is little to choose between Apple TV and Roku services and it can really come down to personal preference as to which service better suits your viewing needs.
When considering Apple TV vs. Roku both provide a good service and have a range of options for streaming movies, music and television shows to your TV. If you enjoy having on-demand entertainment available whenever you want it, either one can be a good option to consider.