home media servers: AppleTV vs Roku vs Chromecast - motoring|underground

Samtrak · #1 11-09-2013, 09:35 PM

does anybody here have a streaming media server at their home?

which kind do you have?
do you like it? why?

holiday season is around the corner!

werD · #2 11-09-2013, 11:52 PM

Almost bought a Roku, went with the Apple TV3 instead as it pairs/works so easily with the rest of the Apple crap I have. Actually really enjoy it so far, use it more than I though I would.

Still need to work on a bulk storage setup to feed the AppleTV and to build smaller libraries from for portables... Wish FreeNAS had better options to use, need to tinker more with that.

cooldaddy · #3 11-10-2013, 09:03 PM

bought a Roku HD a few months ago (before their recent line up change) and like it.

The main reason to get it was to use it as an alternative to cable, by using netflix and amazon prime, without needing to use a laptop/pc. We have lots of Apple stuff but the Roku seemed like a cheaper option and we don't use iTunes for shows, movies etc so we didn't consider the appletv.

The Roku is pretty simple, too simple sometimes. But it does what it needs to do. No longer have cable. I wish it came with a simple youtube solution, but I know there are ways to make that work too.

MrBattle · #4 11-10-2013, 09:48 PM

apple tv is great if you invest in apple products... I have all my movies already converted for itunes and stream em over my network.

Konstantinos · #5 11-11-2013, 02:38 AM

I really love my AppleTVs, but have tons of content on the server in the house, so it's great if you have a lot of content. Apple TV and Roku are very similar but I think Roku has a lot more content (Apple TV is always adding more). If you have mostly Apple products already, it's a clear no-brainer to get an Apple TV so you can also AirPlay. If you're more android/windows, then go with a roku

Drew · #6 11-11-2013, 01:51 PM

I'm another happy AppleTV owner. I've had it for 6 months and enjoy what it offers. I watch Netflix on it all the time, and have used it for YouTube and Vimeo. I mostly use it for playing the music I have on my computer over my stereo system. I didn't even look into the other systems due to all of the other Apple products I have.

VicSkimmr · #7 11-11-2013, 03:15 PM

We use a Roku downstairs and our Wii U upstairs. Really like them both but I really like using the Wii U gamepad as a remote for Netflix.

MrBattle · #8 11-11-2013, 03:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Drew

I'm another happy AppleTV owner. I've had it for 6 months and enjoy what it offers. I watch Netflix on it all the time, and have used it for YouTube and Vimeo. I mostly use it for playing the music I have on my computer over my stereo system. I didn't even look into the other systems due to all of the other Apple products I have.

I think a lot of people forget the best remote for the appleTV is your iPhone. you can use the keyboard on your phone for youtube and searching.

AllBlack05S · #9 11-11-2013, 03:36 PM

With five Macs in the house Apple tv was on the list but we went Roku3.

I don't have anything but music in iTunes and play that via air play to speakers in the house. If I decide I really need YouTube videos on my tv my android tablet has a full size hdmi out port. Not having an iPhone and with the Mrs considering switching to android ruled out the Apple tv on the remote usability side since I did see a few complaints about the Apple remote.

With Netflix and Hulu plus we have nearly every show we watch plus more movies for a tenth of the cable bill with pay per view movies tacked on. Hockey and football are handled by either an air hdtv antenna or the local bar.

thebestever · #10 11-11-2013, 04:13 PM

so we just got a smart tv and it has apps and crap so there is no need for me to get a roku anymore... we also use the ps3, but probably won't anymore now that we have the new tv.

i think i am going to get the boy a chromecast for xmas, he watches a lot of soccer so we are always connecting the laptop to the tv via hdmi cable...

risu · #11 11-11-2013, 07:13 PM

Went with a Roku 3 after using the features on our Blu-ray, no complaints so far. Only minor issue is wi-fi connectivity sometimes has gremlins on the Roku, but nothing too bad.

AllBlack05S · #12 11-12-2013, 04:21 AM

Did the math tonight. Internet and Cable with no on demand rentals (with dvr box) was $665/year MORE than just the (same) internet, a roku box, Netflix, hulu plus and the full seasons of walking dead and American Horror paid for on vudu (with the thousands of movies available on Netflix and hulu paid for not $2-6 extra each as a bonus)

AllBlack05S · #13 11-12-2013, 04:22 AM

Moved my airport express next to the Roku just in case Lol

Samtrak · #14 11-12-2013, 06:36 AM

excellent!

im feelin the Apple TV as we are all mac all the time at our crib.

i guess next is the network storage with movies and music to access !

will the Apple TV browse network drives for content?

MrBattle · #15 11-12-2013, 02:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Samtrak

excellent!

im feelin the Apple TV as we are all mac all the time at our crib.

i guess next is the network storage with movies and music to access !

will the Apple TV browse network drives for content?

as long as iTunes is connected to that network drive. I just have an external on my desktop and thats what the apple tv reads