Why should I choose Boxee Box over Google TV? What device will provide a better experience for my home?
1446177
They are two completely different products. One is meant to organize and play all of your local media while offering some decent online content, while the other is meant almost entirely for online content. If you don't have local media, there's really no point in paying for the better hardware in the Boxee.
1446178
How about a Tivo premiere? seems to bring pretty much the same functionalities as google TV and boxee box?
1446179
I wouldn't say they're two completely different products... they're similar products with two different goals. Google TV is about optimizing your current TV experience. The Boxee Box wants to replace your cable/satellite provider. Go ahead and download Boxee from their website, it's free. Take a look at the shows offered and the quality your internet can handle. See if the difference is worth your cable/satellite bill. If not, maybe you should consider cancelling and buying a Boxee Box. I haven't had cable for over a year now. I actually prefer watching shows on the internet for several reasons. First of all, I get to choose what I want, when I want, without worrying about recording shows. Next, the commercials online are far shorter. When I watch regular cable now I feel like I'm watching endless commercials, it's ridiculous that you actually pay them to show you advertisements. Finally, I no longer feel like a mindless drone watching TV. I'm not watching a show just because it's the next thing on, I'm watching it because I actually want to.
841131
The browser is one of the key differences. It's not great. I have both units. Roku in the master bedroom Boxee in the Living Room. Vudu is great & has 5.1 Stereo on Boxee & HD & HDX video. Hulu Plus (right now) is only on Roku (major (major) disappointment) Netflix is great on both services. Software interface is great on both (slightly better on Boxee). If Boxee ever get's their act together... it'll be worth the $$$. I like both. If VUDU & Browser are not very important... get Roku. (BTW: Boxee has a nice interface to your home computer network. You can watch videos, view photos etc. on your TV)
1466632
I think they are very similar but the Google TV comes with the Google Chrome app already loaded. Most people are very familiar with this web browser and it works on the TV just as it does on a computer. Also every GOOGLE TV that I have seen comes with a remote that has a full keyboard on it.
612349
Just got mine this week. Netflix, Amazon, Pandora, YouTube all configured quickly and easily. The wifi is an easy setup, too. You can connect a keyboard and mouse for most functions. I used my Logitech wireless. I agree. Did not want to pay AT&T another $7 a month to rent a box. I did buy a Radio Shack DTV for broadcast, and the broadcast TV picture is excellent. Same with mp4 videos on a USB flash drive.
1791140
Yes, it is; but super limited! restricted! Only Netflix, Youtube (not all videos), Hulu, and some apps. It is Wi-Fi or wired. Not the best. Try Boxee Box if you like internet tv; it is more flexible, but does not have surround system. It is just the box, internet super ready.
1585534
I used it for Netflix for certain. It's been a long time now and I don't recall all the details.Also, these kinds of devices often change services over time, so the service mix is probably different now.As a note of caution, the service providers develop for each platform individually. The software on this box will not be the same software you use on other devices, and in fact is probably going to be very clunky and minimally functional.
1585533
I used it for Netflix for certain. It's been a long time now and I don't recall all the details. Also, these kinds of devices often change services over time, so the service mix is probably different now. As a note of caution, the service providers develop for each platform individually. The software on this box will not be the same software you use on other devices, and in fact is probably going to be very clunky and minimally functional.
1859263
I returned my logitech Revue because I could not connected with the local cable service provider. Other than, the Revue browser worked just as well as Bill's, same access. My current internet player and Revue both use android 3.? and google TV, same content just different hardware. I can get both of your queries on my present box . Hope this will help
470674
slingbox 500 is amazing & the best way to watch your tv.WDTV is work on TV but I prefer to use sony nsz-gs7 is better with google tv for full entertainment .
588329
it is not a google tv , you have a Java internet browser , you have OPERA TV APPs, you can take a look youtube is perfect netflix is perfect vimeo is not good bunch of crappy apps and perfect quality
866488
There are significant differences in the functionality of the internet apps available on various brands of TVs and BluRay players even within the same BRANDS. I have a Panasonic DMP-85K BluRay and a Panasonic VIERA TC-P42G25 42-Inch 1080p Plasma HDTV. Vieracast for Netflix functions very differently between the two units. I have a very versatile search function within Netflix on the plasma but absolutely none on the BluRay and they both come from the Vieracast server! I am limited to viewing the movies added to the instant queue via a PC (or the plasma) on the BluRay. Additionally, Foxsports and Twitter is functional on the plasma but not the Bluray. VuDu is functinal on the BluRay but not the plasma - go figure. Would give my eye teeth for HuLU but it's not mentioned on either device. I assume it's a combo of licensing and hardware restrictions but I really don't know that for sure. Searching for Netflix video on a PC is not really all that bad condsidering the option of trying to punch in the data via tri-tap or onscreen keyboards using the devices. Gotta love VierraLink though if all your equipment is compatible. BTW, the Panny WiFi adapter is dual mode and works flawlessly. The only other one that I know of that is compatible is the Netgear WNDA3100version2 for about the same price. Not a valid gripe that it isn't "built in" because the USB cable allows for multiple positioning. Also, after much research, dollars spent. and time wasted, I think it is worthwhile to get a dual band router (Netgear WNDR37AV) and devote the 5Mz to the dumb BluRays and Tvs and devote the 2.4 band to data. You will be happy you did. This router allows you to set up QOS by MAC and it makes a huge difference even with a "so-so" broadband connecton of 5Mb down. I can stream 2 HD movies at the same time without loss of quality (and check out whats up on Facebook)
328670
google tv works on internet. i am not using anything currently other than internet based streaming
709846
A browser would put me over the top as well since my htpc is currently used to access international tv and news websites for my expat wife. seems i will need two things until one compnay can give me everything, streaming media from net storage, web browser for media and basic email(i.e. hotmail), streaming media from hulu(at least), strong support from the manuf or community to add apps and new functionality.
421728
No comparison, really. I have both and struggled with the Chromecast for almost a year before I realized it wasn't what I needed. I needed something to wirelessly use my TV as a laptop computer monitor. Chromecast may work well for the Netflix and Hulu+(I don't have those) platforms but would not work well with Pandora, Comcast and others for streaming most content from the internet. It would crash within ten minutes. So I guess it all depends what you want to use it for and as a final thought, they may have updated Chromecast to accomodate more content.
155062
You can install any app that is in the android App Store. It runs android base software. Can surf the web, install and run apps, and run computer software. This box is mainly used for XBMC software and comes pre-installed. With software, there is no need for HBO GO or any other television viewing program
1644411
Boxee has Netflix... but not Hulu Plus. We just bought another ROKU because Boxee doesn't have Hulu Plus and Amazon.We wasted our money with Boxee. Yes you can search the web with Boxee.... but the software to to this is mediocre at best.I just don't bother any more.
1125060
Netflix works fine on my TV, but the "app" is not very elegant. I found it clunky and hard to navigate. I still use my Roku box to stream Netflix, as the Netflix app for Roku is far better than the Netflix app for Vizio/V.I.A.