Digital Receiver, Apple TV or Roku?
A digital receiver, also known as a digital media receiver (DMR), is a device for home entertainment that connects to your home “network” and retrieves your digital media like pictures, video or music from you PC and other networked media servers so that you may play then through your television.
That’s the long definition of a digital receiver. Most simply put, it means more versatility of your entertainment center.
With any digital receiver, you’ll need to make sure you have a fast broadband, not DSL, and have at least 10 Mb per second connection.
Which digital receiver is better: Apple TV or Roku?
Both Apple and Roku are great products and can stream video from the internet sites like Netflix, Hulu and Amazon.
They both offer – Neflix, Vimeo, Flickr, MLB.TV, Amazon Instant, NBA Game Time, NHL Game Center, Access to almost any audio/video podcast, and many other similarities as well.
The minor differences in digital receiver subscription availability
- Only Ruku supports Mediafly and Crackle
- Only Apple TV supports YouTube, iTunes
So what’s the difference between each digital receiver?
Roku technical specs
- 300+ channels with movies, TV shows, music, sports & more
- High-definition streaming up to 1080p HD
- Works with virtually any TV
- Enhanced remote with motion control for playing games. Uses 2 AA batteries
- Built-in wireless (Wi-Fi b/g/n) and wired Internet connectivity
Apple TV technical specs
- Stream HD movies and TV shows rented from iTunes, plus content from Netflix, YouTube, Flickr, MLB TV, NBA TV, Vimeo, and MobileMe
- Smaller, redesigned device with HDMI and digital optical audio output; connects to network via Wireless-N or Ethernet
- Silent, cool, and very low power operation in an enclosure that’s less than four inches square
- Music, videos and photos can also be streamed from PCs and Macs
- Comes with 7-button aluminum Apple remote; can be controlled by iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch via Remote app
What a popular review site had to say about each digital receiver?
CNet’s Editor Choice is the Roku digital because it offers more diverse programming that the Apple receiver. Unlike Apple, Roku works with non-high def televisions.
However, Roku’s interface isn’t as refined as the Apple TV receiver box and there is no simple way to stream video or audio files from a networked PC or Mac using the Roku.
The customer reviews of each digital receiver vary based on which brand they would normally prefer. The most negative reviews are from people whose broadband speed isn’t fast enough for the digital receiver to work properly. Again, to ensure that any receiver will work you need at least 10 mega-bites per second which is normally through cable/fiber optics.
Regardless of which receiver you choose and as long as you have a good speed for internet, you’ll enjoy the expanse of programming options.
Comparably, each digital receiver would be a great addition and boost to any entertainment center.