Roku vs Boxee vs ?

[atkinsmt]

Found out about these over the weekend and was trying to figure out which way to go.

Here's my situation. I don't have cable, satellite, etc., and would prefer to keep it that way. I do, however, want to order some of the sports programming (ie. MLB, NHL, etc.). As I understand it you can buy one of these and then order the package, without having to have cable, etc.

Which one of these is better for this? What's the difference between them? The Boxee is noticably more expensive.

[mlschop]

Originally Posted by atkinsmt

Found out about these over the weekend and was trying to figure out which way to go.

Here's my situation. I don't have cable, satellite, etc., and would prefer to keep it that way. I do, however, want to order some of the sports programming (ie. MLB, NHL, etc.). As I understand it you can buy one of these and then order the package, without having to have cable, etc.

Which one of these is better for this? What's the difference between them? The Boxee is noticably more expensive.

FYI regarding sports programming...all internet based services do local blackout, so if you plan on watching local games, you won't be able to get them.

[LoisLane]

I’m not sure about Roku… but I can speak for Boxee. I think it’s one of the greatest things ever invented! It’s well worth the investment. And if you’re not looking to get cable/satellite services then you will definitely benefit from Boxee. You have access to 3rd party apps that have live streams of your favorite channels. There is an endless library collection of tv episodes and movies… I have yet to see a movie or episode that I requested not be available.

[yoyo]

how fast is your internet connection?

[atkinsmt]

Originally Posted by yoyo

how fast is your internet connection?

About 6Mbps and 1Mbps.

[yoyo]

Originally Posted by atkinsmt

About 6Mbps and 1Mbps.

might want to check around and see if that's enough to give you a smooth experience.

[atkinsmt]

Originally Posted by yoyo

might want to check around and see if that's enough to give you a smooth experience.

That's what I was afraid of. Unfortunately that's as good as it'll get for me. I'm in a new development in the middle of the city but there's no cable for DSL. I'm using wireless.

[yoyo]

Originally Posted by atkinsmt

That's what I was afraid of. Unfortunately that's as good as it'll get for me. I'm in a new development in the middle of the city but there's no cable for DSL. I'm using wireless.

i'm certainly no authority on this stuff. i stream to my tv via a wifi enabled bluray player and it works perfectly, but my internet download speed is nearly 20 Mbps

[erosewater]

6mbps is plenty for streaming

[sloppyjoe]

Just to give you an idea of what speed can get you what: I have 3Mbps (DSL) and I get ESPN3 on the second highest quality, if not the highest. As well as medium HD on netflix streaming. I can usually just barely keep up with 720p youtube and high quality at giantbomb.com and tested.com.

Apple TV is another option. I hear Google TV is/was horrible. PS3 does netflix and MLB.tv. Xbox360 does netflix and ESPN3. Can't remember if any console does NHL yet.

The only thing that keeps me from getting the sports things are the local blackouts. But ESPN3 is pretty awesome and I don't have blackout problems with it.

Might want to check out tested.com. They reviewed the Boxee and probably one or two other similar ones in the last few months.