Benefits of Apple TV 4K vs Roku:
Access to purchased/rented content through iTunes/iCloud: If you have previously rented/purchased music, videos or movies through Apple, an Apple TV device can "see" this content and bring it up on-screen for you to easily access. You don't have this simplicity with a Roku device with Apple-purchased content.
Ability to screen mirror: If you have an "i" device (iPhone, iPad, iMac, etc.), you can easily screen mirror the content on your device to your TV. Ex: You are working on your iMac with a 13" screen. Wouldn't it be nice to "zap it" up on to your 85" TV? Apple TV streamers make this process much easier than doing it through a Roku streamer. NOTE: This used to be impossible but Roku fixed this a while back. See our support video below that shows how to Airplay or screen mirror on a Roku.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KMl3RLFTzmg
Plays nicely with others: Over the last couple years, we've seen that Apple TV players seem to work with more major apps than Roku devices do. By major apps, we are referring to apps from large companies such as Spectrum, ESPN, etc. An example of this is the Spectrum app. This app stopped working on Roku devices and started working with Apple TV. Apparently Apple has deeper pockets or better negotiators. We've seen this with other apps as well.
The benefits of Roku vs Apple TV
Cheaper: You'll save a couple bucks opting for Roku streamers vs. Apple TV. Apple TV 4K players start at $179.99. Roku devices start at about $29-$39, depending on the sale of the day. NOTE: We don't recommend choosing Roku STICK-type units for a bunch of reasons (they run hot, they can't be programmed into universal remotes, they lock-up frequently, etc.). Our favorite Roku device is the Roku ULTRA which retails for $99.99.
Universal remote capability: We LOVE universal remotes and our clients do as well as they make operation of your technology simple. See HERE for why. AppleTV devices as well as Roku players both work with today's universal remotes including models by URC, RTI, Control4, Savant and others. The added benefit of a Roku is that we can make your system automatically turn on AND go into your favorite app like Netflix, Amazon, Youtube and others. This saves the user from having to navigate through menus to find the app. Got a 95 year old at home that wants to watch Netflix? It is much easier for Grandma to push the button on the universal remote that says "NETFLIX" as opposed to having Grandma push the button that says "Apple TV" and then she has to go up/down/left/right to find the Netflix icon and app. This direct-key access can be very helpful.
Some of the other streaming device brand/makes on the market are better for clients that want to access content on their computers, someone that wants to "jailbreak" their streamer (so they can access any app known to man), someone that wants to access questionable websites or apps, etc. However, for most of our clients, they want something that is reliable, plays nicely with others and that just works. This is why 95%+ of our installations feature a Roku or an Apple TV instead of Amazon Fire, Nvidia Shield, etc.
Whch do we like best? See the video above for our champion!
Need help in the Southern California area or San Diego with smart homes, today's technology or audio/video toys? Let Aire Theater Designs be your guide to the best streaming devices and more!
Aire Theater Designs proudly serves all of San Diego County including the communities and cities of Central San Diego County which includes Del Cerro, Allied Gardens, Talmadge, Kensington, Hillcrest, Mission Valley, Fashion Valley, La Mesa, Lake Murray, Friars, North Park, Balboa Park, Clairemont, Kearny Mesa, Mission Bay, Mission Beach, Pacific Beach, Ocean Beach, Imperial Beach, Pt Loma and Downtown San Diego. We also gladly serve those in North San Diego County which includes Carlsbad, San Marcos, Vista, Elfin Forest, Oceanside, Olivenhain, Escondido, Encinitas, Cardiff by the Sea, Solana Beach, Del Mar, Rancho Santa Fe, 4S Ranch, Santaluz, Alta Del Mar, La Jolla, Poway and Rancho Bernardo. We aren't forgetting about our East County friends in El Cajon, Blossom Valley, Lakeside and Alpine. Need help in Murrieta, Wildomar, Temecula, Fallbrook or Bonsall...we're there too.