Last updated on 2012-04-15, by Tony

4 Good Streaming-media Boxes For Selection

In March 2012, the debut of The new iPad has proved to be a magnificent ceremony in scientific field. However, it seemed that The new iPad had disappointed many as an updated version of iPad 2 other than a new generation of iPad.

In April 2012, the release of update to Apple TV disappointed people again. The update to Apple TV just makes a few modifications on former Apple TV, some of which are even not essential. Due to this, Apple TV 2012 may not be the first choice when you need a streaming-media box. This post will take you to have a view at four good streaming-media boxes in the market.

1. Apple TV

On a pay-pre-view basis, all the videos and TV shows on iTunes Store are available. The hard disk has been replaced by a documented internal 8 GB flash storage so that it can support smooth playback of streamed media. It has a glossy finish around the sides and a matte finish on the top that does a good job of resisting fingerprints. However, few apps for Apple TV are available.

More importantly it is created by Apple, the same producer of iPhone, iPad and iPod. It can synchronize or stream photos, music and videos from a computer running iTunes. Sine Apple TV can just support mp4 or mov files with neither USB nor SD card ports available, you can just convert videos to mp4 files. Convert swf files to mp4 files with Moyea SWF to Apple TV Converter or convert other videos to mp4 files with Video Converter.

2. Roku

Though small in size, it can support Wi-Fi connection perfectly. It offers dozens of Internet video and audio services like Netflix, Hulu Plus, Pandora, NHL, NBA, and MLB. To this extent, Roku gains its own advantage over Apple TV since Apple TV can’t support services like Hulu Plus.

A Wii-like motion controller is designed for casual games like Angry Bird, which is also the only game available in the market. However it doesn’t support streaming media for networked PCs. Even with the support for USB files, the supported video formats are still too limited. Hence you may need a converter like Video Converter to help you.

3. Boxee

With attractive user interface, two-sided RF remote includes a QWERTY keyboard and quirky cubelike design, it is sexy in design. Except for that, it is also powerful in function. While Apple TV is trying to provide apps for Apple TV, apps for Boxee are already available which makes it more powerful. While Apple TV can support just support mp4 and mov files, Boxee can support videos of various popular formats. While Apple TV users are complain about the lack of SD card and USB ports, Boxee users are already enjoying videos stored in their SD cards.

4. WD TV Live

Produced by Western Digital, it is designed to plays videos, images, and music from USB drives, high-definition video through an HDMI port, and standard video through composite video cables. Though it requires paid subscriptions or pay-per-view fees for its best channel, it is featured by advanced format support, friendly interface and good video and sound quality. Various streaming services like Spotify, Netflix and Hulu Plus are available.

All in all, Apple TV is not the only selection for consumers though it is a good one for those Apple product buyers. You can select streaming-media boxes that most fit by referring to this post.