[jtwrace]

So what's the difference between these two units? 

So do sports packages cost the same?  There doesn't seem to be much info on this stuff.  What about movies?  It says there are free movies but what? 

Looking for all info that you can offer.

http://www.apple.com/appletv/

http://www.roku.com

[WC]

I have the Apple TV. You can watch Netflix or Hulu Plus subscription services. You can also rent or purchase newer movies through the iTunes store. You could also watch any movies you have in iTunes on a computer.

You could also play your music back through it, but I don't figure you would be interested in that.

If you have a newer iPhone or iPad you could send video from the device to display on your big TV. It also works with a newer Mac running Mountain Lion.

The only free stuff would be on YouTube, Podcasts, and movie trailers. I am not sure if iTunes occasionally has free movies or not.

I mainly use it to watch Netflix and YouTube.

[chrisby]

I have one of the ATV HDMI streamers as well, and quite love it as a supplement to my TV package - of course being a big fan of Apple products in general has me drinking the kool-aid, I guess.  The seamless and intuitive integration between iTunes, Netflix, etc, any A/V or  photo content on home computer networks and even iDevices is very easy to get used to, although the too slick for its own good remote necessitates an anachronistically geeky search function.

While I shudder whenever I pick up the remotes for either my Denon AVR or Motorola HD Cable box (one wrong selection and it can get very confusing ),   every time I use the Apple TV I wish for a few more instant access buttons. 


Keep in mind that this category of device is probably a loss leader product, subsidized by the content subscriptions - even to watch "free" internet content requires a minimal data plan.  They're great if don't have "conventional"  TV service and can be happy with the offerings on Netflix & YouTube, etc.

The ATV outputs both full HDMI as well as Toslink SPDIF , while the Roku 2XS  might appeal more to the gamer set

[chip]

Here is a tad older article comparing the two - http://shopping.yahoo.com/blogs/digital-crave/battle-set-top-boxes-apple-tv-vs-roku-222636085.html