Some Examples of Video Streaming Set-Top Boxes

Streaming set-top boxes are all the rage these days, especially with the rising popularity of subscription streaming services. There are a variety of set-top boxes that can help you access Internet video streaming sites.

You may be familiar with the TiVo, which enables you to pause live TV programming and record shows for later viewing. But the latest version of TiVo also includes access to streaming video from Blockbuster, Netflix, and Amazon Video On Demand.

Some set-top boxes are designed to only connect to video streaming sites, or to download content that is rented or purchased directly from one or a select number of providers. Here are three examples:

• The Apple TV streams movies and TV shows that are rented from the Apple iTunes Store plus movies and TV shows streamed from the Netflix site (subscription required).
  
• Roku primarily works with Netflix, but it's also compatible with rentals and purchases from Amazon Video On Demand as well as a wide variety of add-on channels, ranging from MLB TV to music sites like Pandora.
  
• The Boxee Box isn't tied directly to a provider. Instead, it's able to view streaming video from television network sites, video sharing sites like YouTube, and social networking sites.
  
• The VuNow also grabs video from popular Web sites but also adds Netflix and Amazon Video On Demand capabilities plus a selection of live TV channels from around the globe.

Some set-top boxes can stream Internet video content as well as video files either stored on an internal or external hard drives connected to the device or computers found on your network. For example, the Western Digital WD TV Live Plus connects to Netflix video streaming, but it also includes a USB port for viewing video from a connected external hard drive or camcorder. Plus, it has an Ethernet connection to your network, enabling it to play media stored on any PC or Mac on your home network.

Finally, some Blu-ray Disc players include Internet video streaming capabilities (made possible by their wired Ethernet or wireless Wi-Fi network connectivity). For example, the LG BD570 features Netflix streaming, while several Panasonic BD players (such as the Panasonic DMP-BD85K) include access to both Netflix and Amazon Video On Demand.