Set-Top Boxes | Video Game Consoles

Today, you can watch and rent movies on Netflix, rent and purchase from Amazon, download from iTunes, or stream directly from Hulu. Some might even resort to downloading the film for free via BitTorrent. As the digital revolution continues its march, and as digital sales continue to rise, online movie companies are starting to realize that the best way to reach the consumer is by delivering movies straight to the TV set. We present a run-down of all the current set-top boxes on the market to help you make a qualified purchase.

Set-Top Boxes: Get Internet content directly on your TV

2Wire Blockbuster OnDemand

Blockbuster’s set-top box by 2Wire streams in Blockbuster OnDemand titles.

Cost: $99, plus credit for 25 movies
Where to Buy: Only available via company website.
Company website: http://www.blockbuster.com/download/ondemand
More information: Read our post

AppleTV

Apple TV is Apple’s set-top box, which offers the ability to stream iTunes content directly onto your TV. There is also built-in YouTube integration, plus a Boxee add-on.

Cost: $229
Where to Buy: All major retailers.
Company website: http://www.apple.com/appletv/
More information: Read our post

Brite-View CinemaCube

Media player that hooks up to your network. Plays files via USB or off the network.

Cost: $64.99
Where to Buy: Only available via company website.
Company website: http://www.brite-view.com/cinemacube.php
More information: Read our post

HDHomeRun

Record full HD 1080i TV programming directly to your computer. Also functions as a DVR.

Cost: $149
Where to Buy: Only available via company website.
Company website: http://www.silicondust.com/products/hdhomerun
More information: Read our post

Myka

A BitTorrent set-top box, which gives you access to dozens of movies, TV shows, music, and video games.

Cost: 250 GB = $199 | 1 TB = $299
Where to Buy: Only available via company website.
Company Website: http://www.myka.tv/
More information: Read our post

Roku

Watch Netflix Instant, Amazon Video On-Demand, and MLB.tv content on your TV. You’ll need subscriptions for these services.

Cost: $99.99
Where to Buy: Only available via company website.
Company Website: http://www.roku.com/
More information: Read our post

Slingbox

Watch TV or DVR from your television remotely on your laptop or mobile phone.

Cost: Slingbox Solo $179.99 | Slingcatcher $199.99 | Slingbox Pro-HD $299.99
Where to Buy: Only available via company website.
Company Website: http://www.slingmedia.com/
More information: Read our post

TiVo

Record, pause, and rewind live TV. Also provides access to Netflix “Instant” and YouTube.

Cost: Varies between type of DVR + Type of service. Consult their Shop page.
Where to Buy: All major retailers or shop online
Company Website: http://www.tivo.com/
More Information: Read our post

Video Game Consoles: Not just for kids

Microsoft Xbox 360

Purchase and rent movies via Xbox LIVE. Watch Netflix Instant with Gold membership.

Cost: Xbox 360 Arcade (256MB) – $199.99 | Xbox 360 (60GB) – $299.99 | Xbox 360 Elite (120GB) – $399.99
Where to Buy: All major retailers.
Company Website: http://www.xbox.com/
More information: Read our post

Nintendo Wii

Watch YouTube via the Internet Channel. Video downloading coming soon.

Cost: $250
Where to Buy: All major retailers.
Company Website: http://www.wii.com/
More information: Read our post

Sony PlayStation 3

Purchase and rent movies via PlayStation Network. Watch YouTube via the PS3′s browser.

Cost: $299 (120GB – Slim – Pictured Above)
Where to Buy: All major retailers.
Company Website: http://www.us.playstation.com/PS3
More information: Read our post

More to come. Stay tuned…