Plus, it isn’t blocked from as many content provider sites as are GoogleTV devices. A built-in SD card reader makes it an ideal choice for viewing photos and home videos, too.īoxee also does a great job of combing the web for free content, and puts it all into one place for easy browsing. Boxee expertly handles video files on a network (it plays every file type we throw at it), and even pulls in cover art and metadata where it’s missing from your files. If someone on your list owns a lot of home video or downloaded content, the Boxee Box really shines, in terms of file support. Roku devices don’t have DLNA or uPnP capability, so they are also unable to access files stored on your home network.īuy one for your favorite illegal downloader, cord-cutter or Slingbox owner. The Roku XS includes a USB port for playing media files, but the file support is sorely lacking. Someone who is primarily interested in watching digital content they already own. * The Roku XS ($100) is perfect for your favorite Angry Birds addict, with a motion-sensitive remote and a free copy of the game included. * The HD and XD ($60 and $80, respectively) stream HD video – up to 720p for the HD, and 1080p for the XD model. * The LT ($50) is a little purple box with component out, perfect for connecting to an older TV. Roku’s streaming player comes in four different flavors, all of which include the same access to streaming content, but with slightly different specs: Roku also counts the best streaming content selection of the boxes listed here – it offers Netflix, Hulu Plus, and Amazon Instant Video, as well as a huge variety of free channels. Roku is one of the easiest boxes to set up and use (Disclosure: My parents got a Roku for Christmas last year). So without further delay, here are our favorite streaming boxes this holiday season: This list is far from exhaustive - there are other players we’d include if we could, and also tablets and game consoles - but we know you have other things to do and read today. Well have no fear this Black Friday, because you’ve come to the right place! We’ve sampled lots of streaming players over the past year, and logged many hours observing their individual strengths and weaknesses. Even if you’ve had the opportunity to try a few out, your favorite device may not be the best one for the person you’re shopping for – it really depends on what they like to watch. After all, “everything” probably includes at least one TV and a streaming subscription or two, right?īut there are so many devices on the market right now that selecting one for a gift can be overwhelming. This holiday season, a streaming video player could be just the gift for the person on your list who has everything.
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