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Apple TV vs. Roku vs. blueray/internet player

Discussion in 'Technology' started by alfas, Mar 23, 2011.

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  1. alfas

    alfas Formula Junior

    Sep 17, 2009
    639
    chicago
    #1 alfas, Mar 23, 2011
    I saw the Apple TV thread here but thought I'd ask for comparisons if anyone has them.

    I think I know the answers after reading around but could use some real world users chiming in...

    BTW - both our TV's are 720i, Sharp aquos 32" & Panny plasma 50" and aren't being replaced any time soon.

    Need to get rid of cable ASAP.

    Thanks for any useful input...
     
  2. atomstrange

    atomstrange Formula Junior

    Jun 3, 2005
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    Lenexa KS
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    Nathan
    #2 atomstrange, Mar 23, 2011
    yeah i have been kicking around this idea too. I cannot wait until someone comes out with a choice of what single channels I want. When they do this, cable companies will be gone.
    I have not seen anything that comes close to this yet but I am very interested.
     
  3. Jedi

    Jedi Moderator
    Moderator Lifetime Rossa Owner

    Mar 18, 2008
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    #3 Jedi, Mar 23, 2011
    720i??? That's the limit of analog... the beginning of digital. Do your TV's have
    an HDMI input jack? If not, fuggetaboutit. HDMI is REQUIRED for Apple TV.

    Jedi
     
  4. alfas

    alfas Formula Junior

    Sep 17, 2009
    639
    chicago
    #4 alfas, Mar 23, 2011
    Yes the TV's are older and yes they both have HDMI so any of the options apply.

    The Panny is 2yrs & the Sharp is 3 or 4yrs.

    Add the fact most broadcast signal is still 720i and I'm still OK in the resolution dept..
     
  5. Jedi

    Jedi Moderator
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    #5 Jedi, Mar 23, 2011
    It's not a resolution issue... is the TV able to decode DIGITAL? 720i can be EITHER. 720p and above is DIGITAL ONLY.

    DRM requires digital communication...

    Jedi
     
  6. alfas

    alfas Formula Junior

    Sep 17, 2009
    639
    chicago
    #6 alfas, Mar 23, 2011
    they are both HD, the Sharp is an LCD & the Panny is a plasma.
     
  7. Jedi

    Jedi Moderator
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    #7 Jedi, Mar 23, 2011
    The salient issue is if the TV is "digital ready" via the HDMI.... if not, the Apple TV
    box will not show movies - only trailers and regular TV. Early HDMI was about
    resolution - 720i and up. But if not truly a digital tuner, it won't work with Apple TV.
    It's all about DRM issues... Apple TV needs to talk to a chip in the TV to make sure
    it's just a TV and not a recording device.... if it doesn't get the "right answer"
    it won't show movies.

    Jedi
     
  8. alfas

    alfas Formula Junior

    Sep 17, 2009
    639
    chicago
    #8 alfas, Mar 24, 2011
    Flat Panel Type: LCD TV
    Screen Size: 32 inch
    Aspect Ratio: Widescreen (16:9)
    Broadcast Format Displayed: 720p (HDTV) · 480p (EDTV) · 480i (SDTV)
    LCD Response Time: 6 ms
    Contrast Ratio: 1,200:1
    Digital TV Standard: HDTV Television
    Display Resolution : 1366 x 768 pixels
    HDCP Support: With HDCP Support
    Digital TV Standard: HDTV - HDTV receiver is integrated.
    Broadcast Format Supported: 720p (HDTV)
    Built-in Tuner: ATSC · NTSC
    Native Aspect Ratio: 16:9

    so will this do it?
     
  9. 4REphotographer

    4REphotographer F1 Veteran

    Oct 22, 2006
    6,197
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    #9 4REphotographer, Mar 24, 2011
    Yes, as long as it has HDMI.
     
  10. agup48

    agup48 Two Time F1 World Champ

    Apr 15, 2006
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    #10 agup48, Mar 24, 2011
    Yeah, it should work.

    720i isn't too bad for a 32", you'll definitely see a difference in a larger screen such as your 50".
     
  11. alfas

    alfas Formula Junior

    Sep 17, 2009
    639
    chicago
    #11 alfas, Mar 24, 2011
    so now that we have that figured out.

    any thoughts on the original question, apply tv vs. roku vs. blueray/streaming?

    thanks again...
     
  12. jeff

    jeff Formula 3

    Feb 19, 2001
    1,924
    North America
    #12 jeff, Mar 24, 2011
    I have all three. All three are hard wired to the internet. I have the apple and samsung blueray connected to the same tv. The apple tv has a better interface, faster and picture quality is outstanding. I don't use the samsung blueray anymore after seeing how good the apple tv is. The Roku is good but I prefer the apple tv. If you have other apple products, iphone or mac etc the apple tv is the best bet. Airplay is fun to use.
     
  13. alfas

    alfas Formula Junior

    Sep 17, 2009
    639
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    #13 alfas, Mar 25, 2011
    thanks for the thoughts...
     

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