Streaming boxes and alternatives

[Jonny1984]

Hi all,

I'm currently looking at ditching my VM Tivo subscription and turning towards streaming content. Most of the stuff I watch is through channels that are available on Freeview, but I would like something that will play downloaded content too.

I'm pretty decent with setting tech up, so most suggestions will be doable, but I'm just overwhelmed by the choice of boxes. Are there any that I could have possibly overlooked?

[ASK1974]

What have you found already? Might be easier to help if you list what you're already looking at.

[Jonny1984]

Yeah, sorry about that

Roku 3
Chromecast
Apple TV
Now TV

Essentially, they all have different things I'm looking for. But I wanted something that can play downloaded content from an external drive or network. I would also like something that combines all of the above for their app support (Now TV with Netflix etc).

[With these feet]

Had the Roku streaming stick for just over a week and thinks its pretty good for the £49 it cost.
You'd have to see if it matches what youre after, also theres the Google chromecast which is similar but no remote.

[ASK1974]

Jonny1984 said:

But I wanted something that can play downloaded content from an external drive or network. I would also like something that combines all of the above for their app support (Now TV with Netflix etc).

In which case you probably want to look at Western Digital media players, they are able to play pretty much every file format. They lack some useful features like Airplay but if you want to stream either from the web or a local directory they're great. Netflix is built in but not Now TV, I believe Now TV isn't currently supported by external media players but I could be wrong.

EDIT : Roku does Now TV so maybe the best one box solution, but check formats compatibility with your library.

Edited by ASK1974 on Sunday 11th May 17:55

[abbotsmike]

Personally I'd go for a small computer, with windows, XBMC for stored media then internet browser for netflix/amazon instant video/youtube/etc.

[Biker 1]

I've got Chromecast which I control with either an Android phone or tablet. Works pretty good, but no web browser & the picture (at least with BT Sport) is OK, but not as good as Freesat HD. I believe they're working on browser support as we speak, & new apps appearing regularly. You Tube & iPlayer work great...
The PC option's not bad either, but Chromecast is £30 as opposed to several hundred.

[Jonny1984]

All these were pretty much my options. I suppose even combining two (Roku/Now TV and Chromecast) would still be cheaper than a media PC. I was also having a look at the Intel NUC. I wonder if they would make a suitable media machine?

[abbotsmike]

Lots of people over on ocuk happily running NUC's as media player frontends, so I guess so!