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Which one for Internet content?

1463 Views 9 Replies 6 Participants Last post by  gmd024, 
J
Hi all.

I've tried reading all I could but I'm still a bit lost.

Here's what I want to do:

Netflix and/or Amazon, preferably both.

Internet content like I would get with a P/C connected to a router.

I have a wired router with two unused ports. Both computers are connected to this router.

I'll be running a Cat5/6 cable from the router to my AV system.

What I'm trying to figure out is which box (Roku, Boxee, etc.) will, if connected to the router, not only give me the usual services like Netflix and Amazon, but will also give me Internet like a common computer.

Hope I've explained it ok.


Thanks!
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Brajesh
Easy... Roku 2 XS . I ended up getting one even though I already have a Boxee Box, Popcorn Hour A-210 and WD TV Live Plus. If Internet streaming is your top priority, Roku does it best.


You'll get everything except "Internet like a common computer". For this, you'll need a Boxee Box (no Amazon) or a HTPC.
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J

Quote:
Originally Posted by Brajesh /forum/post/20823708


Easy... Roku 2 XS . I ended up getting one even though I already have a Boxee Box, Popcorn Hour A-210 and WD TV Live Plus. If Internet streaming is your top priority, Roku does it best.
Click to expand...

Thanks Brajesh. That's the one I was leaning towards.

To make sure I have it right:

As I posted, I'll be running a cable from my router to my system.

Conncting the cable to the Roku will enable me to browse the interent like I would on a computer?

There are some upcoming things on some websites my wife reads a lot that she wants to be able to watch on the big TV.


Thanks again!
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H

Quote:
Originally Posted by Jacksmyname /forum/post/20823723


Thanks Brajesh. That's the one I was leaning towards.

To make sure I have it right:

As I posted, I'll be running a cable from my router to my system.

Conncting the cable to the Roku will enable me to browse the interent like I would on a computer?

There are some upcoming things on some websites my wife reads a lot that she wants to be able to watch on the big TV.


Thanks again!
Click to expand...

A few things worth noting:


- The only Roku 2 box that has an ethernet jack is the XS. So, if you absolutely must use a wired connection, make sure you don't buy the Roku 2 HD or XD models.

- None of the Roku boxes have a web browser. So no, you won't be able to "browse the internet like I would on a computer". That being said, you may still be able to find the content you are looking for through one of the Roku channels that are available. You'll just have to do a little research to find out.
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J

Quote:
Originally Posted by hps70w /forum/post/20823903


A few things worth noting:


- The only Roku 2 box that has an ethernet jack is the XS. So, if you absolutely must use a wired connection, make sure you don't buy the Roku 2 HD or XD models.

- None of the Roku boxes have a web browser. So no, you won't be able to "browse the internet like I would on a computer". That being said, you may still be able to find the content you are looking for through one of the Roku channels that are available. You'll just have to do a little research to find out.
Click to expand...

Thank you. That's what I was concerned about.

Do any of the boxes have a web browser? That seems to be the piece of info I can't seem to figure out.

Thanks again.
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I
If you need the web browser, Boxee has that. It does not currently have a built-in app for Amazon VOD, however. It does have a great Netflix client. I don't know if Amazon blocks the Boxee browser, as I've never tried to access it like that. You could look into a combo of PlayOn software and the Boxee box, which would give you everything you need.
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Brajesh
If you need unrestricted web browsing, going HTPC is the only route. Boxee, Logitech Revue (GoogleTV) & some other streamers have web browsing, but certain sites (like free Hulu) are blocked. Some streamers (like Viewsonic NexTV VMP75) don't support Flash.
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M
Google TV has everything you just mentioned. Too bad the $99 deals are all gone.
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J
Thanks to everyone for the help.

I can now figure out what I'll need.


Thanks again!
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mayhem13 /forum/post/20824188


Google TV has everything you just mentioned. Too bad the $99 deals are all gone.
Click to expand...

Just checked Best Buy and Amazon online - both are still offering the Revue for $99.99
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