CurtPalme.com Home Theater Forum

Zebu Fellenz · Joined: 21 Dec 2006 Posts: 2567

Hey Guys,

My family recently upgraded from the quarter century old 20" Panasonic TV to a 34" widescreen CRT HDTV that's only about seven years old.

The "new" TV has two sets of component inputs and a DVI input that will display 720p and 1080i.

I made a comment that it would be easy to setup a box (either a Roku, or a Blu-ray player) so they could access my Netflix account and watch movies on the TV. They like the idea and want me to make it happen.

So my question for you guys is what is the best option for doing this? We're leaning towards a Blu-ray player right now as it would replace the DVD player, and give them the ability to watch Blu-ray.

Anyone have a recommendation for a player? Cost and excellent Netflix integration are most important, under $100 would be excellent, under $150 is probably doable. Wireless connectivity is preferable but wired is also possible.

The other option is a Roku type box. Is there any advantage (other than maybe cost) to going this route?

Erik

akajester · Joined: 09 Jul 2008 Posts: 934 Location: Wisconsin

I have a Sony s570 and it works fine for Netflix. I've heard the Samsungs are a little better. To be honest, for $60 the Roku is amazing and the apps are better, updated more frequently and you'd get a ton more content to choose from. Even the $60 Roku has built in wireless. I bought the $99 version to have 1080p support, optical audio out and future usb media support.

I worry with TV apps and Bluray player apps at what point the manufacturer is going to stop supporting them. If netflix changes and you can't get a firmware update the app stops working and you're out of luck.

Roku on the other hand is all about the apps. If something stops functioning it's priority one for them.

Dale

samchn07 · Guest

it's okay, you may go ahead with Roku to set up your player and watch any sort of movies over your wide screen . .

greg_mitch · Joined: 03 May 2006 Posts: 5321

I just picked up the Roku 2 XS because I cancelled cable but kept internet. We have been using it exclusively for Amazon VOD but it ROCKS!

The thing was dead simple and streams "HD" easily wirelessly over wifi-n. Haven't tried Netflix but since I cancelled them I am realizing that Netflix streaming isn't really that great. We have found plenty of good stuff on Amazon VOD for "free" (since I was already paying for prime for 2day shipping, etc.).

I am thinking about picking up another Roku 2 XS for $90 now that they are on sale for the holidays this weekend only!

draganm · Joined: 08 Mar 2006 Posts: 8990 Location: Colorado

ecrabb · Posted: Sat Jan 14, 2012 8:43 pm Post subject:

The BD-75 is great Dragan, and if all you need is BD and Netflix, it's a steal for $60 on Amazon.

But, the Roku does a LOT more (non-BD stuff) than the Panny... Amazon Instant, Hulu, HBO GO, NHL, and if you want music, it's got Pandora and some others, plus you can set up Plex on the Roku box and stream music and video from a Plex server.

So, it just depends on which is more important. With the Panny, you sacrifice a lot of neat streaming and software upgrades to get a BD player. With the Roku, you sacrifice a BD player to get a whole bunch more streaming content, music, and much-more long-term expansion in the form of software updates.

Kinda depends on the room it's going in and what you already have. In some rooms (bedroom, for instance), I have zero interest in a BD player. A Roku or AppleTV is awesome in a bedroom - especially if you store media and shows on a server.

SC

Nashou66 · Joined: 12 Jan 2007 Posts: 16171 Location: West Seneca NY

WOW this thread is over a year old!!

What took you so long to respond Drags?

Wink

Nashou

ecrabb · Posted: Sat Jan 14, 2012 10:12 pm Post subject:

It was samchn07 - a spammer from India - that bumped the thread with his worthless comment... Then, Greg chimed in, then Drags, me, and you.

SC

greg_mitch · Joined: 03 May 2006 Posts: 5321

Oops.

Sparky015 · Posted: Sun Jan 15, 2012 2:42 pm Post subject:

I know this thread is old, but its a good topic, lol.

I just got my parents an Apple TV for their older HDTV (before they started coming with built-in apps). My parents don't have an interest in Blu Ray, but they don't have cable and dad figured out the Hulu experience on the computer and didn't want to watch movies in front of the computer screen anymore. It is really nice. The remote doesn't get any simpler since the features and selections are on the TV, which leaves the remote to look like an iPod. Highly recemmend for the electronics challenged. I've also had a great experience with the Boxie Box.

draganm · Joined: 08 Mar 2006 Posts: 8990 Location: Colorado

416ray4538 · Joined: 14 Jul 2009 Posts: 517 Location: near Toronto Ont

Blueray players connect to specific websites via wifi. Ps3 can surf and play Blueray. Right so far? So Bluray players that surf? Are we there yet or should I hold off buying a new Blueray player? Maybe just buy the PS3?