We haven't had a proper TV in over a decade. I would like to have something other than my laptop to watch streaming media, DVDs, Netflix, etc. Can you explain how this works in 2013? I imagine we'd buy something like this Samsung LED HDTV and some kind of speakers. Then what? Do we plug it into a laptop? What exactly is Apple TV and how does it stack up against Roku? This seems like it should be a simple question, but I feel like a caveman emerging from the dark, and am fairly bewildered at all of the options and variations out there. [more inside]
posted by barnone on Feb 11, 2013 - 26 answers

Roku vs AppleTV3 vs WDTV Live vs Boxee in Canada? [more inside]
posted by antifuse on Apr 17, 2012 - 20 answers

Tell me about Apple TV. [more inside]
posted by synecdoche on Oct 29, 2011 - 28 answers

I want to stream Netflix and iTunes videos to my TV. I have a 4th gen iPod Touch. Is there any reason to get an Apple TV rather than just one of those Apple component or composite cables? [more inside]
posted by still_wears_a_hat on Jan 16, 2011 - 8 answers

Which 1080p HDMI media streamer should I purchase? [more inside]
posted by Perplexer on Sep 3, 2009 - 5 answers

So between Netflix streaming and AppleTV I'm considering dropping cable entirely. Pretty much the only thing holding me back is football. How do you all watch sports? Caveat: I don't have a local sports bar nearby, and honestly I'd rather not spend all day Sunday in a bar.
posted by JReed on Dec 15, 2008 - 25 answers

What's the best solution for streaming HD media from a PC? [more inside]
posted by YoungAmerican on Nov 29, 2008 - 20 answers

I want something just like an Apple TV, but without the reliance on iTunes. Specifically, I want to view DIVX/XVID content from my Vista PC, wirelessly, with DVI output. With a $200 budget, have I no hope? [more inside]
posted by onshi on Jan 12, 2008 - 14 answers