Here we will discuss the latest craze in integrated TV entertainment. This new technology is sweeping the nation. There are several new devices on the market today that can turn your TV into an incredible center of entertainment. Some of these amazing features include: Surfing the internet right from your TV while still watching your shows, streaming online HD content straight to your TV without a computer, watching YouTube videos right on the big screen, checking your e-mail right from your remote, enjoying audio and video content stored on your computer without being in front of your computer, etc...
Other media that's compatible with most of these units include: Hulu Plus, Netflix, Amazon Video on Demand, and iTunes. The best part is that new services and content are being added to these devices all the time. Incorporating the internet and streaming online content into our television viewing experience is undoubtedly the future of entertainment.
The four major players currently pioneering this new technology are: Google TV, Apple TV, Roku, and Boxee Box. We will also discuss one other up and coming offering in this exciting new world of technology, the Western Digital WD TV Live HD Media Player. While not quite as popular as the others, Western Digital's device is still very impressive in it's own right. With that said, let's take a closer look at each of these fine products.
Google TV - Sure to be one of the leaders in this new generation of entertainment, Google TV delivers some of the best features in the business. As we know, Google rarely debuts a product or service that doesn't do well and Google TV should be no exception. Their service is currently accessible via three different devices: The Logitech Revue Companion Box, the Sony Blu-ray Disc Player with Google TV, and certain new models of Sony Internet TV's. Google TV even allows you to enjoy all your favorite Google apps right on your TV! Another benefit of Google TV is that it's the only service that seamlessly integrates with Dish Network satellite TV service. No other television provider can offer its customers this type of connectivity with a device like these. Dish Network customers who order the Logitech Revue Box through Dish Network even get a huge discount on the retail price. Click here to sign up for Dish Network today and once your system is installed you can order the Logitech Revue directly from Dish Network for only $179.00! That's at least $100 less than even Amazon's already low price of $279.99!
Apple TV - Another up and coming player in home entertainment industry is Apple. Best known for its unique computer systems, smart phones, and portable media players, Apple is now expanding into the world of internet television. The easy-to-use and affordable Apple TV device gives you the power to enjoy content from Netflix, YouTube, and iTunes. You can also stream internet radio, access Flickr photos, and use MoblieMe galleries. With an interface that users of other Apple products will find very familiar and plug-and-play setup, Apple TV is a simple solution that everyone can use. Apple TV may lack some desirable features such as an internet browser and access to an app store, but their affordable price makes this unit a fairly good choice in this growing segment.
Roku 2 - Besides the two biggest names in this ever expanding new genre of technology, there are several other rapidly-growing companies throwing their hats into the latest entertainment arena. Among them is Roku, an offering that certainly looks as if it will easily hold its own in the streaming media industry. With a basic box starting at just $49.99, price is sure to be something that makes this particular device very appealing. Roku gives you access to tons of great content including: Netflix, Hulu Plus, Amazon VOD, YouTube, Flixster, Pandora, MLB.tv and many more. It lacks a browser, like the Apple box, but definitely offers a lot for the asking price. The good news is that all Roku boxes are HD compatible. They range in resolution from 720p to 1080p depending on model.
Boxee Box - Another up and coming provider in this exciting new world of entertainment is the Boxee Box by D-Link. Well known for their countless years in the wireless networking industry, D-Link is putting their WiFi expertise to good use by joining this new market segment. Their device is just as capable as the others we've discussed here. Not only does Boxee have a built-in internet browser, but it also has a huge array of compatible apps for you to enjoy. Available content includes: Netflix, VUDU, MUBI, Pandora, Flickr, MLB.tv, NHL.com, Vimeo, and many more. Boxee even ups the ante with some very popular additional services like: access to Facebook and Twitter, the ability to enjoy video, music, and pictures already stored on your computer, and the Watch Later Boxee companion that makes it possible to send web videos, including TV shows online, to your Boxee from any internet browser! The Boxee Box is also proud to bring you a critically-acclaimed, easy-to-navigate user interface and remote control with a built-in keyboard.
WD TV Live - Last but not least is the WD TV Live box by Western Digital. The industry leader in digital storage media has also jumped on the bandwagon with a very impressive set-top box. This remarkable device lets you watch all your HD content in full 1080p resolution on your HDTV, no matter what type of files you use or where you have your media stored. Simply connect your MP3 player, USB flash drive, or external hard drive directly to the WD TV box and you can see everything on the big screen! You can also enjoy content from YouTube, Live 365, Blockbuster On-Demand and Pandora just to name a few. The WD TV Live is also very easy to setup and use, so everyone in the family can take advantage of everything this powerful little device has to offer.
All the devices discussed above are ready to be purchased online right now. Simply click the link of your choice below to see the product details page.
Logitech Revue Box with Google TV and Keyboard Controller - $128.98
Sony WiFi-Enabled 1080p Blu-ray Disc Player with Google TV - $179.99
Sony Internet TV's with Google TV - Click here for pricing
Apple TV MC572LL/A (Newest Version) - $94.99
Apple TV MB189LL/A (Older Version) with 160GB Hard Drive - $422.95
Roku 2 LT Streaming Player 720p - $49.99
Roku 2 HD Streaming Player 720p - $69.99
Roku 2 XD Streaming Player 1080p - $77.09
Roku 2 XS Streaming Player 1080p - $99.99
Boxee Box by D-Link - $174.95
Western Digital WD TV Live Network-Ready HD Media Player - $118.00
Western Digital WD TV Live Hub 1 TB Media Center - $179.00
Sony SMP-N100 Streaming Media Player with WiFi - $49.99
Sony SMP-N200 Streaming Media Player with WiFi - $61.73
Products and services proudly featured on this page: