TV & Home Theater

[bobberuchi]

Pros?

Cons?

Do they work independently of a computer.  I have been led to believe that the Chromcast simply streams to a TV from your computer.  Where the Fire Stick will access the programs and stream directly from the router

Is that correct

What about Apple TV

[bobberuchi]

VS Roku.

While doing research seems 3 out 4 sources ( that at least I respect) all recommend the Roku, unless you into using it for games.

What I would like ideally is one I can manipulate with my computer, as keyboard and mouse are a lot faster than using a remote.

[xl]

• Most streaming devices can work independently without your computer.
• I believe Chromecast has added feature when it can display content from your computer.  Apple TV has the ability to display content from Apple devices.
• if you have a "Smart TV", they basically have similar features built in to watch movies.
• in recent months, I'm starting to see interest on Android TV devices for streaming content.  That is XBMC or Kodi.  You might want to research these devices too.
• unlike a laptop.... these streaming devices are small and I've found wifi reception not as good.
• I much prefer the image quality from my cable provider.  Cable has less buffering issues and I don't need to worry about my monthly data cap.
• Apple TV if you have a lot of iTunes content.

[Derek-BBY Retired: Senior Social Media Specialist · Accepted solution]

I have used Roku, Amazon Fire TV Stick, and Chromecast over the past few months and definitely prefer Roku.  It has a ton of options when it comes to apps and a variety of different channels.  I have also not had any connection issues with Roku like I have with the other two.  It feels like I spend more time watching the screen buffer than the actual movie when using Amazon Fire TV Stick and Chromecast.  I have no idea how everything interacts with gaming because I am not a gamer, but I would highly recommend Roku.

I hope that helps!

[bobberuchi]

Thanks Derek that helps quite a bit.  I like to have opinions from actual users.  The gaming aspect is of zero imporance to me as far as the device goes.

I did some further research last night and it appears if you have an iDevice, Android or Window tablet/phone you can use that to control the Roku as well.

Based on your opinion and other reviews I have found with a number of negatives regarding the other devices I am going to go with a Roku.

thanks