The latest contender is from Netflix Inc. The popular DVD- by-mail service teamed up with device maker Roku Inc. to develop the $100 Netflix Player. Meanwhile, Vudu Inc., based in Santa Clara, California, enhanced its Vudu Box in June with the addition of a wireless kit ($349 for the bundle). The third device I checked out is the Apple TV (starts at $229).
All three devices let you download movies over a wireless or wired broadband connection and then watch them instantly on your television. Apple and Vudu also offer TV show rentals and an option to buy movies. While the purpose of these three devices is similar, they differ in design, usability, video selection, playback quality and price.
Based on my tests, the Apple TV from Cupertino, California- based Apple Inc. provided the best results, thanks to user- friendly design, larger selection of high-definition movies (350 titles, Apple says) and extra features such as the ability to stream music and view photos stored on a computer.
Apple and Netflix each come as a one-piece unit with built- in Wi-Fi. The Vudu Box and Wireless Kit has three components: the main black-clad box and two external wireless units, each about the size of a deck of cards. One plugs into the Vudu player and the other plugs into your home network router. The Vudu didn't need a password to attach to my wireless network, whereas the Apple TV and Netflix Player required a login.
Connections
All three devices can be connected to a standard or high- definition TV. The Vudu Box comes with an HDMI cable for an HDTV and an audio/video cable for a standard TV. The Netflix Player includes an A/V cable, while the Apple TV doesn't come with cables. (Apple charges about $20 for an HDMI cable.)
Another part of the process is an online account. The Apple TV also involved pairing to the iTunes software on my desktop computer. If it isn't already loaded on your machine, you'll need to download and install the free software. This gave me instant access to my music, photos and podcasts. YouTube videos are also accessible on the Apple device -- additional entertainment that its rivals lack.
On the Apple TV and Vudu Box, you can browse each company's catalog directly on your TV screen. No such luck on the Netflix Player. You have to first make your selection on the Web site using a computer. What a drag.
Video Selection
When it comes to video-on-demand selection, Apple and Vudu lead the pack. Each has a large number of new and old films and current TV shows to choose from. Apple gets a slight edge for providing the most HD content, but it's missing NBC shows after the network pulled out of iTunes last year and switched to Amazon.com Inc.'s Unbox service.
Because of Hollywood studio restrictions, new DVD movie releases on Apple and Vudu are available only for purchase; rentals become available 30 days later. Another restriction on rentals: Once you press play, you have 24 hours to finish watching the film. Otherwise, the movie expires and becomes inaccessible. On some movies Vudu offers extended day rentals for a slightly lower price than the initial day.
I prefer those limitations over the slim selection on Netflix's streaming movie service. New releases are next to nil, though it has several classics, like ``Bullitt'' and ``Unforgiven.'' Most of what you get is back-shelf rentals and B- movie titles like ``Space Daze.'' You can start and stop movies at your leisure; there's no time limit like with rentals on Apple and Vudu. Netflix's instant streaming service, however, lacks HD and has no option to buy downloadable content.
Unlimited Access
Netflix's rental model works differently from Apple's and Vudu's. Its main service involves DVD-by-mail that starts at $5 a month. By adding the Netflix Player to your subscription, you get unlimited access to the movies on Netflix's Watch Instantly section and the ability to view them right away. In contrast, Apple and Vudu each charge per movie or TV show.
Regardless of which box you choose, you should expect instant video playback. In my experience, Apple took a few seconds longer to play my selected movie. I also ran into major slowdowns while testing the Vudu.
According to the company, the Vudu Box probably has compatibility problems with my Netgear wireless. The workaround: I used a different cable modem without VoIP.
Movies downloaded from the Apple TV and Vudu appeared crystal clear and color-rich on a Pioneer 42-inch plasma TV. The image quality of movies from the Netflix Player was passable but looked grainy at times.
Bottom Line
The device that should work best for you will depend on your movie and TV viewing habits. If you're already a Netflix subscriber, the Roku device will be nice add-on. You might consider waiting until Netflix adds HD content or expands its on- demand selection.
If you occasionally watch flicks and want perks like streaming iTunes music, then the Apple TV is for you. The Vudu box and wireless kit combo feels like an interim solution and costs more than the competition. Vudu's per-movie price, starting at 99 cents, is lower than Apple's.
Apple TV $229 (40GB), $329 (160GB)
Movie and TV show rentals start at $2.99 each.
http://www.apple.com
Rating: 7/10
Netflix Player by Roku $100
Monthly Netflix subscription starts at $4.99.
http://www.roku.com/netflixplayer
Rating: 6/10
Vudu Box and Wireless Kit Bundle $349
Movie and TV show rentals start at $0.99.
http://www.vudu.com
Rating: 5/10
