Some universal remotes can work with the Roku device.
If you like watching online content on your living room television but dislike having a media PC as part of your entertainment center, either the Roku or the Mac mini may be viable options. Both the Roku and Mac mini are capable of viewing streaming online media on your television, but are small and easily incorporated into an existing entertainment setup.
Hardware Specs
The Roku 2 HD comes with 802.11n wireless networking, Bluetooth 3.0, for use with game remote, composite and HDMI outputs and a microSD card slot. The Mac mini includes a 2.3 GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 processor, 2GB of memory and a 500GB hard drive with upgraded options also available. It also includes 802.11n wireless networking, Gigabit Ethernet, four USB 2.0 ports, a FireWire 800 port, HDMI and an SDXC card slot.
Functionality
The Roku comes with software that allows you to control the device. You can choose between preloaded applications for popular video websites including Hulu, Netflix and Crackle. The Mac mini comes with Mac OS X installed. You can choose to watch streaming video via a Web browser. Because it's a computer, the mini is capable of download, storage and playback of various file formats, in addition to its streaming capabilities.
Interface
The Roku comes with preinstalled software that is controlled by an included remote control. The Roku can also be controlled by third-party universal remote infrared, or IR, remote controls. The Mac mini comes with the Mac OS X operating system installed and requires a keyboard and mouse. You can also control certain functions on your Mac mini using a separate Apple remote control or iOS app on the iPod touch or iPhone devices.
Considerations
The Roku is a primarily an Internet device, with only limited file playback capabilities available only on the Roku 2 XS model via the USB port. The Roku's microSD slot only allows for additional game and channel storage. Roku hardware cannot be upgraded. The Mac mini is capable of streaming video but is not a dedicated media device, so will require more setup than the Roku, which needs only a simple setup.
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