As more shows and movies are being streamed on the Internet, the demand is growing for ways to take what we watch on the small computer screen to the home’s main screen. So we’re pitting two new heavyweights against each other. But is there a winner in this new Internet-TV space yet? Depends on what you’re looking for.
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APPLE TV
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_Price: $99
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_Features: Rent movies and TV shows and stream media from your computer to your television. Stream Netflix. Search YouTube, podcasts, movie trailers, Internet radio and photos from Flickr and MobileMe. Requires high-definition TV with HDMI port, an iTunes Store account, Internet connection and HDMI cord (not included).
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_Ups: In typical Apple fashion, this has a simple, clean design and is quick to set up. The AirPlay feature is handy for anyone who watches movies on a portable device, like iPod Touch or iPad. Start a movie when you’re out, and you can continue watching it from where you left off on the Apple TV when you get home.
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_Downs: You can’t buy anything from the Apple TV device, which provides only rentals. You’ll have to take the extra step of purchasing a film on the home computer, then use the Home Sharing feature to stream it to the widescreen TV. Searching is tedious when using the remote (included) to scroll through an alphabet. If you have an iPod Touch, iPad or iPhone, the Remote app will fix that with a touch-screen keyboard to help you hunt for that YouTube video faster.
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_Bottom line: Apple has a massive selection of HD movies and shows for rent, but the concept isn’t unique; I can rent the same content from my cable provider. And anyone with a Wii, Xbox or PS3 can already stream Netflix. Those who will get the most enjoyment from this are iTunes users…