Streaming Media Player Comparison
In this section we will compare five of the some of the most popular product families in streaming media players available that cost less than $100.
The comparisons are based on typical or common home media network configurations which include stored media, home network with Internet access, and television.
The section is broken down into the following scenarios: (1) those whose primary consideration is accessing stored media in a PC environment "Home Network - Windows Media Environment";
(2) those whose primary consideration is accessing stored media in a Mac environment "Home Network - Apple Media Environment"; and
(3) those whose primary consideration is accessing online streaming media services.
Home Network - Windows Media Environment
In a typical home network with a predominantly PC media environment there may be a library of video, music, and photo files stored on an internal or external hard drive connected to the network.
| Product |
Recommendation |
Comments |
| AppleTV |
 |
In order to stream media through AppleTV, the files must be imported into the iTunes library. |
| NeoTV |
 |
NeoTV products support the file types that are common to Windows media. NeoTV devices also have hundreds of streaming media channels available. |
| Roku |
|
Roku products are not built to access media stored on the home network. |
| WD TV |
 |
WD TV products support the file types that are common to Windows media. WD TV products also come with several online services including Netflix, Hulu Plus, Pandora, and YouTube to name a few. |
Home Network - Apple Media Environment
In a typical home network with a predominantly Mac media environment there may be a library of video, music, and photo files stored on an internal or external hard drive connected to the network or on iCloud.
| Product |
Recommendation |
Comments |
| AppleTV |
|
In order to stream media through AppleTV, the files must be imported into the iTunes library. |
| NeoTV |
|
NeoTV products support the file types that are common to Windows media. NeoTV devices also have hundreds of streaming media channels available. |
| Roku |
|
Roku products are not built to access media stored on the home network. |
| WD TV |
|
WD TV products support the file types that are common to Windows media. WD TV products also come with several online services including Netflix, Hulu Plus, Pandora, and YouTube to name a few. |
Online Streaming Media Services
| Product |
Recommendation |
Comments |
| AppleTV |
|
In order to stream media through AppleTV, the files must be imported into the iTunes library. |
| NeoTV |
|
NeoTV products support the file types that are common to Windows media. NeoTV devices also have hundreds of streaming media channels available. |
| Roku |
|
Roku products are not built to access media stored on the home network. |
| WD TV |
|
WD TV products support the file types that are common to Windows media. WD TV products also come with several online services including Netflix, Hulu Plus, Pandora, and YouTube to name a few. |
