Video on Demand for Under $100

Jun 01
2009

“OPPO BDP-80 Blu-ray – $289 at Amazon.” — Staff


Roku Digital Video Player

We have to admit the Roku Digital Video Player isn’t our favorite streaming device. That award goes to VUDU with its far superior audio and video. But Roku offers two features you’ll miss with VUDU.

  • Free streaming of over 12,000 Netflix titles with any rental plan of $8.95 or above
  • Stream or purchase over 40,000 titles from Amazon Video On Demand

If you are wondering why it’s our are favorite that’s because it has no built-in storage which restricts you to live streaming which reduces the video quality (especially with HD content) and it currently only supports stereo audio. Both of these limit its usefulness to casual viewing which isn’t a bad thing in and of itself just don’t plan on replacing your Blu-ray player with one.

Speaking of Blu-ray players quite a number of them now offer Internet based streaming including support for both Netflix and Amazon. Since the entry level players cost roughly $250 we would recommend going this route unless you are already covered with Blu-ray players or simply want to throw a box into one of the kids rooms.

Currently Netflix is the only game in town if you want to pay a subscription fee and be able to enjoy unlimited content of movies and TV series. Just keep in mind most of the latest releases aren’t included. But if you are a movie lover and already subscribe to Netflix you’ll have more movies available for viewing than you have time.

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Getting Up to Speed

Jun 01
2009

“PS3 Slim $299 – Now in Stock at Amazon.”
— Staff

Home Theater For Dummies

In this day and age forums have pretty much replaced magazines, books and other reference materials. At least when it comes to keeping up-to-date. The old school method can still be helpful by cutting through too much information and providing you with a overall understanding of the topic at hand. In this case home theater.

Home Theater for Dummies is in its 3rd edition (November 2008) and will make a great gift for that newbie who really wishes they understood what you go on talking about endlessly. If you think they won’t appreciate being called a dummy you can go with Practical Home Theater: A Guide to Video and Audio Systems (2009 Edition) instead.