says it's "uber-popular". I'm not a luddite exactly, (obviously I use a computer) but I'm not tech savvy either. Wonder if you might suggest to me what are my better options.. I don't subscribe to cable or satellite tv.. i'm using an indoor digital antenna from radio shack to pick up tv signals via airwaves. Have wireless for internet, was thinking about picking up a Roku an older version for financial reasons. But, are these other devices better than Roku?

Last edited Fri Apr 4, 2014, 03:40 PM - Edit history (1)

Chromecast is a mediocre experiment by Google and just another one of their data spies.

If you are on wireless internet, you'll be eating up your plan with streaming video, which is the top function for any of these devices. Really meant for a direct broadband connection.

there was a minor increase on the wireless monthly bill, but I don't think it was about the streaming, I think it was just a scheduled increase creep. (I think).

So Apple tv is actually a modem device kind of like a Roku modem? sorry if this seems like a lame question.

I'll stick with Apple TV

Except for the lack of youtube it has everything the rest have and a lot more.

They added it last December.

Seriously, the ONLY time ANYONE should buy an AppleTV over a Roku is if they're already straightjacketed into the Apple ecosystem and have a ton of iTunes content to access. For anyone else, the Roku is a better deal. Same price, better wifi support, more than 1000 channels, more powerful hardware, a superior interface design, MUCH better remote, more format support, and most importantly UNIVERSAL SEARCH (something that AppleTV completely lacks, and makes the device so much nicer to use).


Virtually every third party reviewer has said the same thing. The Roku is a better device for everyone not heavily invested into the Apple ecosystem (which is the majority of people).

Roku has an HBO Go app, but it does not work for Comcast Xfinity customers, therefore it is worthless to me.

Comcast is actively blocking HBOGO support for the Roku and Sony Playstation. The application itself works fine, but your provider is making the conscious choice to block it. It's another reason why I'll never use Comcast.

One can only imagine the kind of deals (and money) that Apple and Microsoft had to make to get Comcast to unlock the gates for the AppleTV and XBox.

Personally, I think Amazon's box will be the end of Roku. Up until now, Amazon was pushing Roku as the Apple alternative. Now, Roku is on it's own.

And it's a shame too, because Roku was the innovator here. I still have a Roku. It's a great little gadget, but I had to switch to Apple because of HBO. I also have stuff in the Apple ecosystem, and enjoy using the airplay feature with my Apple devices.

I think. If my wireless internet connection (U-Verse) supports the device.

I don't do ITunes.. so then I should stay away from Apple Tv, is what I'm figuring from comments here.