Roku 3 or Generic Android box?

Depends what you want it for I suppose?

Roku is purely a streaming device, you have to stay in its ecosystem and run their approved apps. Plex can be run on Roku but Kodi cant, which makes it a no go for me personally.

Android boxes do everything the Roku can do plus have loads of flexibility to expand it how you want.

Plex is a more plug and play system in my opinion (as its very easy to setup/use) while android boxes are for people who like to tinker and play around a little.

I'd say go for a android box but again its entirely on how you want to use the device.
 
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Depends on what you want it for? If you have a iPhone/iPad then you should look at the newer AppleTV, we use our older 3rd gen model religiously for streaming films from removed by mirroring my iPhone, so much so I don't even bother with Kodi anymore, if you just want a cheap Plex box then a dirt cheap NOWTV box can be side loaded with Plex in 5 minuites.
 
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what sort of specs should I be looking at for an android box?

I'd like future proof-y 4k, (no 4k tv yet), be able to bluetooth a controller to it (games) and kodi, with a decent remote.

I have a fire stick at the moment and its pretty slow loading through menus etc and i dare not play any games on it.

im pretty tempted to save up for a shield though..
 
What do you want it to do?
Love my Roku but the interface is very marmite and may not be to everyone's taste. The Android boxes are a minefield and everyone I know that has one does so for only one thing and that is to circumvent paying for things, if that is not in your interest I'd say go for the Roku.

In addition the Roku eco-system is pretty much the only one that has Netflix, Amazon and NowTV if you have all 3 of those.
 
Columbo said:
The Android boxes are a minefield and everyone I know that has one does so for only one thing and that is to circumvent paying for things, if that is not in your interest I'd say go for the Roku.

In addition the Roku eco-system is pretty much the only one that has Netflix, Amazon and NowTV if you have all 3 of those.
Click to expand...

I assume that with an Android device you would have access to all the paid for platforms as well?

Although I guess then performance and usability depends on the minefield?
 
MatsyLR said:
Depends what you want it for I suppose?

Roku is purely a streaming device, you have to stay in its ecosystem and run their approved apps. Plex can be run on Roku but Kodi cant, which makes it a no go for me personally.

Android boxes do everything the Roku can do plus have loads of flexibility to expand it how you want.

Plex is a more plug and play system in my opinion (as its very easy to setup/use) while android boxes are for people who like to tinker and play around a little.

I'd say go for a android box but again its entirely on how you want to use the device.
Click to expand...

Roku boxes can play files via usb and there are lots of private channels that can be added to the boxes if you know the code to them. Kodi support would be good, but chances are, most people would only want kodi for viewing pirate streams as Plex can happily stream all local media over a network too.
 
Would an Android box allow to view UK catchup TV from ITV, 4 and 5 with minimal fuss or would I need to open individual apps for each broadcaster?

I am ditching Virgin Media and the TV licence so all I really want is UK Catchup TV with a simple UI.

Personally, I just use the HDMI from PC to TV but that is not so convenient for everyone else in the family :D

I am not Androids biggest fan. I think most just put up with it because it gives them free content for a low price point.

I will probably end up building a HTPC I think.
 
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Gimpymoo said:
Would an Android box allow to view UK catchup TV from ITV, 4 and 5 with minimal fuss or would I need to open individual apps for each broadcaster?
Click to expand...

Yes but so would the Roku, it has iPlayer, Channel 4 and Channel 5. ITV Player is missing but you can circumvent that by installing PLEX on your PC and sticking the ITV Player extension in there, it'll serve that up nicely to the Roku PLEX app seamlessly.
 
Gimpymoo said:
Would an Android box allow to view UK catchup TV from ITV, 4 and 5 with minimal fuss or would I need to open individual apps for each broadcaster?
Click to expand...

Tried putting the channel 4 app on my android box it wouldn't let me install it something about no support for rooted devices.
 
Tv Player works well on android/fireTv boxes for live TV.
But for catchup and streaming services I would choose either a Roku or Fire TV.
 
The problem with most apps inc catch up ones on android boxes is the apps are designed for phones and tablet touchscreens so often need an air mouse or similar to use them.
Roku,fire TV etc have dedicated apps that work with the remote.
 
Which ROKU device is recommended then?

Roku 2, Roku 3 or just the stick?

I am struggling to justify the price difference between the 2 and 3 for what appears to be headphone jack and motion controls for gaming? Gaming? I have a PC for that :p

I have ethernet right where the device will be so is it even worth considering the stick?

Anyone if Roku have a UK Radioplayer channel/app?

Thanks.
 
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Just get the 2 then if you don't the 3 features. The stick is fine but no ethernet is a killer for me personally. TuneIn is also available for Radio.
 
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