Apple TV? Roku? Chromecase? Other?

dromunds

Thinking about for GF, I have no experience or knowledge. Kindly inform me on what is best? Thanks.

honestaquarian

TiVo!!!

rooftop59

I actually like the amazon fire tv the best. It loads really fast (faster than my apple tv), and has better options for streaming music (plex, logitech media server, etc.). But its definitely oriented towards people with prime, so if she doesn't have than then maybe a Roku. They are very fast and have the most apps. The only advantage of the apple tv in my mind is airplay. So if she has an iphone and wants to stream music that is a nice feature.

honestaquarian

TiVo has a LOT of the features you are looking for AND it replaces your cable box too.

rooftop59

I also have a tivo. I use the apple or fire tvs for all my streaming. They have a lot more options, and are a lot faster. I find that I watch live or even recorded tv less and less. "cutting the cord" is probably in my future.

cnh

Amazon and Apple, you're going to pay more!

If you want cheap streaming, Roku is the "easiest" to use for the technically challenged. And Chromecast is fine for smart phone users and the cheapest option with a subscription to Netflix and Hulu-that's what I use-the rock-bottom option but works fine if you have a good internet connection.

If you have an existing gamebox (X or Playstation) you can also stream through them.

And, of course, you could just buy a new SMART TV and let it do the streaming!

erniejade

Amazon fire is fast but without Amazon prime is almost a waste of money. The Roku is decent. What services goes your GF have?

Jimbo18

I am a big fan of the Roku. Tons of apps but admittedly you won't use most of them.

If you do go with the Roku, don't get the Stick. I have one and it's too slow compared to the boxes. The best value is the Roku 2, which is about $69 and has the same chip as the Roku 3. The Roku 3 has a better remote but is otherwise the same for speed and it's about $99. The Roku 4 recently came out and it's big selling point is 4K streaming. Not much content available for that, but Netflix and Amazon both have some available.

dromunds

Thanks fellas. GF has fiber optic cable for internet connection, wireless in house. Anybody use Sling TV as a streaming service? My cousin sings its virtues. What about Pluto TV?

cnh

Isn't Pluto TV just an Application that you need to stream like Hulu, Netflix, etc. I've used Pluto in that form on my Android/chromecast.

gce

I use Roku for my streaming and love it, sound and picture. You can get just about everything through Roku and they're a cheap little unit.

DollarDave

+1 on the Rokus. I have three and threw away my Amazon Fire TVs - I hate them. I get the prime stuff with the Rokus anyway. The firestick, in particular, was completely worthless as it needed resetting every couple of days to reconnect to the wireless network.

honestaquarian

Which TiVo do you have?
If it's a premier or older you could benefit from the faster processors in the Roamio's or the newest 4k capable TiVo Bolt

polk500

I have used Apple TV for years and like it easy to use and Apple TV 3 is going for around $60 US. If she is a apple girl she will love it.

Cheers, Roger

Mikey081057

Amazon TV for cheap... Slingbox 500 for balls out...

http://www.cnet.com/products/slingbox-500/

Jimbo18

I had Sling for 3 months and didn't like it much. Since I dropped cable, I didn't have a way to get ESPN or AMC and got it for that, but I had some many dropouts and freezes with it, that I dropped it. Too frustrating.

And it's not my connection, which is actually pretty strong and I don't have an issue with my Netflix or Amazon, or any of the other apps I use on the Roku.

Mikey081057

Check out the features on the 500... I travel alot and get to see all my games on my tablet pc or phone....maybe the old ones were iffy ... mine works like a champ... unless comcast or the elec co. are effed.

Jimbo18

Nice price on the Roku 3. I think it's only for today though

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00UJ3IULO/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00UJ3IULO&linkCode=as2&tag=biip_121415_dotd-roundup-20&linkId=6WKSDXO5T6XMPQB2

dromunds

That's for all the helpful advice fellas. Appreciate it.

kevhed72

We have been through 2 Roku boxes and love them. Now we run Netflix through our new Sony TV and the XBox one. I am going to start using it much more because I am sick of watching TV and having 40% of what I watch be a commercial!!!

mikeyb128

Roku or Apple. Both super easy to use. If anyone has trouble using Apple TV, there are underlying issues. Apple has great picture and sound. The roku stick is in the bedroom and Works great. Turn your not so smart tv Into one. Both are awesome roku being cheaper. I cut the cable almost a year ago, don't miss commercials that's for sure.

RamZet

Apple tv if you're an iTunes person and Roku 3 or 4 if you're an Amazon Prime person.

Also the new Apple tv is very different from the last Apple TV.
New apple tv only has HDMI out, unlike the Roku 4 that has an optical out.