Beyond TV: Netflix and Apple Want to Connect Your TV to The World

By John Higgins

Netflix Player by Roku ($100, roku.com)

Netflix was a pioneer in the movie rental business and now, with Roku, they're pushing the envelope even further. The Netflix Player allows you to immediately access the constantly growing Netflix library -- currently over 10,000 titles -- to fulfill your movie or television craving. An $8.95 or higher subscription to Netflix is required to use the service and you're still able to get movies sent to your door. The box can be connected to your television with HDMI, component, S-video or composite for video (stick with the first two), and has digital optical and stereo analog for audio. There's also the ability to connect to your home network both wirelessly -- 802.11g -- and wired. The Netflix Player does not require an HDTV, so if you haven't taken the plunge yet, the player can grow with you.

Apple TV ($229 for 40GB, $329 for 160GB, apple.com)

OK, so it's not actually a TV. But Apple TV can still be the entertainment hub of your house -- and at only 7.7 inches square, 1.1 inches high and 2.4 pounds, that's a pretty small hub. It comes with both a 10/100 BASE-T Ethernet port and 802.11a/b/g/n wireless networking to connect to your home network, allowing you to stream audio and video from iTunes on your computer upstairs. You can also hop online and get that episode of Lost you might have missed or download that Led Zeppelin album you keep meaning to buy. Or you can pass the time away on the addictive YouTube, searching for the next viral video. For those with a 4:3 television (non-widescreen), steer clear. Apple TV requires a widescreen set.