Consumer Products are a part of personal finance, so occasionally you'll see an article here about something that grabbed my attention - thanx to Renaissance Investments for this one!
Just don't give up your cable connection quite yet. Apple TV, Boxee, Netflix - all three arrived in Canada late last year but with one major disadvantage. We got the watered down Canadian versions instead of the more sophisticated American models.
To be sure, the set top box hardware is the same, it's just what the boxes are allowed to do or, more importantly, not to do. To give the most egregious example, in Canada, Apple TV doesn't even offer TV shows, one of its main draws in the US.
So, is it even worth opting for internet TV?
The answer depends on how much you're prepared to pay to start experimenting with streaming TV while you continue to pay cable bills. Here are some of the pro and cons of internet TV.
Apple TV $119 - While Apple TV won't get you your favourite shows just yet, you can use this palm-sized set top device to watch movies from iTunes, show off your photos on the big screen at family gatherings, and set up a house-wide sound system. With any luck, it won't be too long before an agreement is forged that will allow Canadians, who don't have a US iTunes account, to watch their favourite shows. At that point, you'll be more familiar with streaming TV and can crunch the numbers to decide whether it's worth it to give up cable altogether.
Boxee $229 or free - Boxee is a set top device that finds shows and movies available on the internet and puts them on your TV. The software was originally developed as open source and geek types can set it up without buying the new box, which is manufactured by D-Link. The box's main selling pint is supposed to be ease of use. Alas, according to the reviews, it is far from a no-brainer and, given the price tag and the restricted access in Canada to entertainment providers like Hulu, it's probably not worth your while. Stick with the free software if you're up for it.
Netflix Canada $7.99 per month - You can stream Netflix Canada to both Apple TV and Boxee as well as to Wiis and Xboxes. But there's on big problem. Even though you can watch all the moves and TV shows you want, Netflix Canada's selection has been described as similar to the discount DVD bin at your local drugstore. Netflix has said it wants to improve the selection but needs more customers and revenues to do so, creating a chicken and egg situation. Before you sign up, check out the selection and make sure there's enough available to keep you entertained.
Roku - This set top box is very highly rated but only available in the US with no plans to enter the Canadian market.
Google TV - It's not in Canada yet either but the reviewers have deemed it expensive and over complicated so at least we don't have to feel bad about being left out of this one.
Me, I'll stick to my satellite for awhile yet - with the occasional downloads from CBC (gotta watch my Dragon's Den!)
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Anyone who is with me and owns a Logitech Revue will say it - the thing rocks. Google TV as a platform rocks. As a DISH Network customer I was able to pick one up for a discounted rate of $179 and have not regretted that purchase at all. And, as a DISH Network employee, I can tell you that the integration with DISH's DVR is unmatched. No other company allows you to search your entire DVR and guide + anything on the web all in one seamless interface. I highly suggest checking it out, you won't regret it. This is the future of TV.
ReplyDeleteHmmmm - you're in the US - we're in Canada. I appreciate that you're doing your job scouring posts for stuff like this - but maybe you could READ the article before you post on it?
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