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Roku Takes Aim at Chromecast and Apple TV With $49 Streaming Stick
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Most TV HDMI ports go down or to the side for precisely this reason. But, if yours does not, you should be able to find an HDMI "L" adapter at Monoprice for about $2.50.
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I'd only argue with the "Now that ..." part. It's always been easy and buying a "smart" TV for the "smart" function has always been a waste of money.
We're shopping around for a (low-end) TV. Came across a JVC model which is a "smart" TV only because it includes the old Roku Stick in the box. That's the kind of smart TV I'd buy.
I have profiles on my Roku 3 netflix app.
But in other news - on what planet is this headline accurate. Roku, for YEARS has been competing with Apple TV (and at lower price points). Why does this article make it sound like this new (updated) model is magically different?
This is good competition for the low end (Chromecast is obviously the reigning champion there, and I don't see much to displace that if every up-front dollar is sacrosanct).
But, I still prefer the separate box with Ethernet jack and integrated power supply (as opposed to a USB wart), integrated with my home network and media library (iTunes, obviously). Roku is tempting as a second device only because it has Amazon Prime support which AV lacks. Otherwise, I've been much happier using my AppleTV 3 (and the ATV "Take Two" before that) than my relatives who have a Roku device, just from the day-to-day interface functions. Really, at $99 and less, you should buy the device that fits in with your lifestyle; up-front price is the least of the concerns!
What could Roku do to tempt me over?
First, supply an HDMI pass-through option. Switching HDMI sources on the TV sucks. Just let the HDMI source plugged into the Roku through unless the Roku gets activated, then overlay Roku's UI on the pass-through. This isn't rocket science, but no support for it yet.
Second, ethernet is a must. Save the wifi for devices that move around. Home theaters built these days have ethernet jacks at the ready; it is silly to require precious wireless bandwidth to be used to stream video to a device that doesn't move. I'm okay with paying more for an add-on adapter of some sort, but it has to be available.
Third, non-streaming media purchases and rentals. I hate being at the whim of a sometimes-fickle internet connection while watching a show. It doesn't happen often, but a download-to-play approach like supported by the AppleTV is far, far superior to the buffer-a-few-minutes approach necessitated by Amazon et al (including M*Go, so far as I can tell). Let me buy content and store it locally. Let me rent, download, and then play it from my local machine.
But, I still prefer the separate box with Ethernet jack and integrated power supply (as opposed to a USB wart), integrated with my home network and media library (iTunes, obviously). Roku is tempting as a second device only because it has Amazon Prime support which AV lacks. Otherwise, I've been much happier using my AppleTV 3 (and the ATV "Take Two" before that) than my relatives who have a Roku device, just from the day-to-day interface functions. Really, at $99 and less, you should buy the device that fits in with your lifestyle; up-front price is the least of the concerns!
What could Roku do to tempt me over?
First, supply an HDMI pass-through option. Switching HDMI sources on the TV sucks. Just let the HDMI source plugged into the Roku through unless the Roku gets activated, then overlay Roku's UI on the pass-through. This isn't rocket science, but no support for it yet.
Second, ethernet is a must. Save the wifi for devices that move around. Home theaters built these days have ethernet jacks at the ready; it is silly to require precious wireless bandwidth to be used to stream video to a device that doesn't move. I'm okay with paying more for an add-on adapter of some sort, but it has to be available.
Third, non-streaming media purchases and rentals. I hate being at the whim of a sometimes-fickle internet connection while watching a show. It doesn't happen often, but a download-to-play approach like supported by the AppleTV is far, far superior to the buffer-a-few-minutes approach necessitated by Amazon et al (including M*Go, so far as I can tell). Let me buy content and store it locally. Let me rent, download, and then play it from my local machine.
I believe so. I am not interested in it though. So I sold mine. I also sold two of my neighbor's and one of my coworker's. Everyone of then went for over $200.
Given how much of the AppleTV's space is dedicated to the power adapter I wonder if Apple will go the same route here. Turn AppleTV to a plugin.
The other way would be to merge AirPort and AppleTV in to one line.
Start with a plug-in AppleTV move up to a time capsule that can play the any media files stored on it as well as stream AppleTV content.
The other way would be to merge AirPort and AppleTV in to one line.
Start with a plug-in AppleTV move up to a time capsule that can play the any media files stored on it as well as stream AppleTV content.
For that rare tv that has HDMI sticking straight out towards the wall, they do make HDMI 90 degree adapters.
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I don't mind having a power adapter. My apple tvs just sit on my wall mounted TVs behind the TV. Never see them. I haven't yet wired up all my TV locations with an Ethernet plugs yet. They all just connect wifi for now but I'd rather have a wired connection, something the chrome cast or other plug ins won't do.
Google's approach with chromecast was pretty unique at the time. I think Apple actually updated the Apple TV to allow chromecast like streaming of iTunes content in response to the chromecast.. The point is however that the market is incredibly competitive, especially if Amazon releases a box soon.
Apple would really need to step it up to charge a higher price point. Going the Tivo route, or game console route might do it though.
I agree with you. Buying a smart tv only for the "smart" aspect of it is dumb. We recently bought a new tv for our main tv room and we got a really good deal on a smart tv. So I moved our Roku upstairs and I have to say having only one remote (we always misplace the extra remotes for blu ray, etc.) downstairs for managing the smart and regular aspects of our tv is convenient. Obviously that shouldn't be the only reason to get a smart tv, but I wouldn't dismiss them completely if you are getting a good deal on it.
So, basically, you want Roku to license "AppleTV" to make their own AppleTV, but with Amazon? That falls into: pipe dream.
This device really isn't a huge AppleTV competitor, despite the headline. Roku 3 is.
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It's really quite simple. You have a reciprocating saw, right?...
Apple TV has had them since they were introduced.
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It sucks. I've never gotten a clear, non-jerky picture.
I hate it when device makers sell out their interface that way. My Sony blu-ray player has a dedicated button for Netflix and Sony's own online streaming service, but I'm a Hulu+ subscriber. And there's no way to change either of those buttons to open the services of my choice.
L-Bracket HDMI
there are tons of hdmi adaptors out there... check on Amazon. I'm surprised your set doesn't have hdmi ports on the side or ones that face down, which is what this and many other dongles are designed for.
I have two L-brackets so my side connections don't have weird wires sticking out the side and I can send them backwards with my other cables. They work perfect, and I still have full hdmi features (ARC + CEC).
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For the limited functionality of apple tv and their trend to miniaturize everything, I would love to see apple develop something like this. iDongle, apple tv stick, apple tv mini ... whatever they call it, I would buy it (perfect for travel). It would be nice to see it released simultaneously with an upgraded apple tv with a more robust feature set.
there are tons of hdmi adaptors out there... check on Amazon. I'm surprised your set doesn't have hdmi ports on the side or ones that face down, which is what this and many other dongles are designed for.
I have two L-brackets so my side connections don't have weird wires sticking out the side and I can send them backwards with my other cables. They work perfect, and I still have full hdmi features (ARC + CEC).
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For the limited functionality of apple tv and their trend to miniaturize everything, I would love to see apple develop something like this. iDongle, apple tv stick, apple tv mini ... whatever they call it, I would buy it (perfect for travel). It would be nice to see it released simultaneously with an upgraded apple tv with a more robust feature set.
I just don't understand the appeal of these stick devices. Without an IR port, you're stuck with an additional remote, which should be one of the things that advancement in technology gets rid of. Or even worse, having to use your phone to control the device. It may seem cool at first, but it's super inconvenient.
Selling old Apple TV 2 boxes for $200?! What, just because it can be jailbroken? I don't understand... please explain if you would be so kind.
Does Roku do Airplay?
Considering you can get a new Apple TV for $99 with a $25 iTunes card through today (March 5th), or do what I did several months ago and get a refurbished latest model Apple TV for $75, I don't see saving $25 worth it to lose Airplay.
I have an original Apple TV also, but I don't use it as I LOVE the Airplay feature on the latest model, especially here in Italy. I use the Netshade program on my Mac, iPad, or iPhone to watch American TV shows, and then I can project them to my large screen through the Apple TV.
Considering you can get a new Apple TV for $99 with a $25 iTunes card through today (March 5th), or do what I did several months ago and get a refurbished latest model Apple TV for $75, I don't see saving $25 worth it to lose Airplay.
I have an original Apple TV also, but I don't use it as I LOVE the Airplay feature on the latest model, especially here in Italy. I use the Netshade program on my Mac, iPad, or iPhone to watch American TV shows, and then I can project them to my large screen through the Apple TV.
"Roku Takes Aim at Chromecast and Apple TV With $49 Streaming Stick" - If I remember correctly the Roku 1, 2, and 3 all competed with the Chromecast and Apple TV. They all came before this stick. Also, the Roku 1 can be had for $48 so this $49 pricing of a Roku product is not new. The title makes it seem like Roku is just now getting into the streaming set-top box business with a competitive price.
This! Yes. The first version of the Roku stick was limited to certain TVs, but this one is open for all TVs (Just like Chromecast). I'd rather do that too because you know in two years time there will be something totally different.
I am hanging on to my 4 year old Plasma!
You realize the ATV2 sells for $200-250 on ebay right? You can sell it and pick up Three 3s at the current $75 pricing.
It has! I tried plex over a year ago on the Roku and hated it. I just bought a new Roku and been using Plex on it every day. It's not the official Plex client but someone took the code and went with it. RARflix. It's awesome.
https://forums.plex.tv/index.php/topic/79897-rarflix-modified-roku-channel/
https://forums.plex.tv/index.php/topic/79897-rarflix-modified-roku-channel/