Ok, so I'm looking for a set-top box of sorts for the living room. Right now netflix is streamed through the Wii but I would like more options.
I've read both Xbox360 and the PS3 can do Hulu/youtube/pandora/etc with ease.
I would love the ability to DVR stuff as well that is streamed (possible?)
GRMs thought recommendations and experiences?
I've had both. The Blu-ray capability of the PS3 really sells it for me. Also, the PS3 interface makes it easier to navigate through different apps like Hulu and netflix.
Not sure if it still holds true but when I had my 360 Microsoft made you sign up for XBOX Live gold ($60 a year) before you could stream Netlfix. 360's do tend to be cheaper though.
Have you considered a HTPC?
The PS3 sucks horribly at youtube, don't bother.
It does ok for Pandora.
No experience with the PS3 + Hulu, though.
I use my 360 for Netflix and Last FM all the time. It works great. They have Hulu Plus on the 360 now too, which is a premium Hulu service that costs money like Netflix does.
The Blu-Ray playback on the PS3 is something to consider. I still haven't played or messed with a PS3, but I imagine it works well.
I don't think you'll be able to DVR anything streaming without building a HTPC (Home Theater PC) or something like that. I plan on doing that soon myself.
to DVR streamed stuff I imagine the best way to do that would be with a computer DVR system... and I suppose with how some vids are limited time stuff that could work... but if you've got a computer hooked to the tv it'd be easier to use the computer for all that stuff and torrent (although both the recording streaming content and torrents are of questionable legality) you could easily get a bluray player even on the computer system
I'm looking at adding a 360 to the collection... the extra entertainment stuff is just a perk... as it stands I love the netflix system on the wii
itx-based PC with blu-ray player running Win7 Media Center (or MediaPortal or MythTV or XBMC or Boxee):
http://www.mediasmartserver.net/2009/09/07/building-a-mini-itx-htpc/
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Wireless-N USB adapter of your choice
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HD TV Tuner Media Center Combo (http://www.hauppauge.com/site/products/prods_hvr_internal.html)
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http://www.simerec.com/PCS-2.html (Turns the PC On/off using whatever IR remote you'd like)
And you have a PC that you can turn on/off and control from your couch, play internet streams (Hulu, NetFlix, ESPN3, ALMS, etc), local streams, HD OTA TV, cable/sat, etc.
Just add a Media Center remote (many HD Media Center tuner cards also provide an IR remote solution and a way to control the cable/satellite box)
Otherwise, I'd go XBox360 with XBMC as Sony's hardware is limited by their crappy software, which they don't want anyone playing with. XBMC improves the XBox experience, but doesn't solve the Blu-ray issue without an external Blu-ray player of some sort.
I use my Xbox to stream Netflix and with the Kinect I don't have to use a controller. I just use my hands out tell it what to do and it works. Really. The blu-Ray would be a plus for the ps3, though.
Tifosi2k2 wrote: In addition to the Blu-Ray capability, the PS3 can also be used as a media server: PS3 Media Server It streams video from your PC to your PS3 wirelessly. It's fantastic.
Just like the Xbox does, only it does it better since it has the full Media Center extender libraries enabled (it is from Microsoft after all) but they both require a Microsoft Media Center system on the network.
Just saying....
Totally agree. Media Center Extender totally destroys the streaming functionality of the PS3. I have owned both boxes for 4+ years. There's no extra crap to install on your pc, you don't have to re-encode anything to get it to play, it just works.
I like the PS3 better for Hulu and Netflix. The interfaces for both feel better to me on the PS3, the PS3 is quieter, plus you don't have to pay M$ to have access those services if you are not an online gamer dude.
The fall software update for the 360 will have Youtube support, no telling how good or bad it will be. The PS3 does youtube but not well. There is a website www.ps3youtube.com that makes the experience a little better but its still frustrating.
You could just get a Roku box for $59-$99 depending on features and do all of this stuff too.
Used PS3 $125 Jailbreak $free PS3 Media Center $free
Can't beat that!
I'm happy with my Wii for netflix.
Ugh, I hate the Netflix interface for the PS3. And now they've made the web site look nearly the same!
Then again we have an HTPC, so the PS3 is used for gaming/Blu-Ray/DVD watching and the PC handles everything else.
If you are not gaming on it buy one of the new Sony or Roku cubes. They ONLY play streaming video and are less than $100.
SupraWes wrote: I like the PS3 better for Hulu and Netflix. The interfaces for both feel better to me on the PS3, the PS3 is quieter, plus you don't have to pay M$ to have access those services if you are not an online gamer dude.
We have one of each and right there is why the PS3 gets used for everything except for playing Forza. MS gets enough of my money.
But I think a HTPC would be the best way to go.
Tifosi2k2 wrote: In addition to the Blu-Ray capability, the PS3 can also be used as a media server: PS3 Media Server It streams video from your PC to your PS3 wirelessly. It's fantastic.
Xbox as well. I use it all the time.
I don't use windows media server. I use tversity. Trying to figure out how to run a web based radio station over it. I'm part way there.
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