Apple TV vs. Roku 3: Specs of the $99 digital media players are pitted in this review, delving on their built, features and picture quality. These types of media players are vying to become key fixtures of a home entertainment system as Neflix, Hulu and Amazon Prime become as important as cable channels.

When it comes to compatibility with TVs, both of them will need your TV to have a HDMI connection. If you still own one of the older style TVs then your only options are the Roku LT, Roku 1 or Roku 2. Both the devices will need you to buy your HDMI cable separately if you do not already own one.

There isn’t too much difference in how the Roku 3 looks like in comparison to the Apple TV. They are both conveniently small and black to fit into any style of room and media center. The Roku 3 has rounder edges than the Apple TV making it a bit softer on the eye. Its packaging includes a power adapter, a remote controller and some ear buds. When you look at the rear of the device, you will have your power, Ethernet and HDMI slots. In case you would like to store games and channels, there is also a slot where you can add a micro SD memory card. On one of the lateral sides you will have a USB port in case you want your own music, video or photos.

Setting up the Roku 3 is not rocket science. All you have to do is plug it onto the power adapter and then of course connect the device to your HDTV. The rest of the instructions on how to get it activated will pop right up on your TV screen. It will be necessary to create a Roku account so you will need a computer or a smart-device around.

If you keep your router far away from your HDTV making it impossible to connect the Roku 3 using the Ethernet cable, you will be glad to know that you can also use the Wi-Fi. Although it can use both the 2.4 and 5-GHz bands, it is more advisable to opt for the 5-GHz band as it will not keep getting interrupted by things like wireless phones or microwaves.

Users will find the Roku 3 software pretty easy to use in comparison of its predecessor. You will now find 3 columns on the home screen showing you what you can choose from, what channels you already have installed and last but not least, information on what you are about to choose. It is not as sophisticated as what you will receive with the Apple TV but it is not a deal breaker.

The universal search on the Roku 3 software is one that you will come to really appreciate. All you have to do is type up the movie or serial that you would like to watch and it will show you all the apps you already have installed that offer it and the cost of streaming it (if it is not free). Typing the search terms with the remote control is very taxing so it would be easier for you to install an app on your smartphone or tablet and use its keyboard instead. It works for both iOS and Android systems. The Apple TV however comes with the added advantage of also letting you pair it with a Bluetooth keyboard.

When it comes to the number of channels that are currently available for both streaming devices, the Roku 3 has more. The problem however is that not all of them are of great quality like Apple TV. You will find YouTube and other major mainstream channels like Netflix, HBO Go and Hulu Plus but a majority of the other channels are currently subpar.

The Roku 3 remote is also one that will really grow on you. First and foremost, since the control has motion sensor, it means that you can use it to play any games you can install on the Roku 3 compatible with the motion sensing technology (e.g. Angry Birds). Another great feature of the remote is that it communicates with the device via Wi-Fi. This therefore means that unlike traditional remotes, you do not have to make sure you aim the remote at your device. Another great feature is that you can plug in your included ear buds (or better ones) right into the headphone jack on the remote and it will mute the TV transferring sound directly to the ear buds.

Last but not least, when watching the same channel available on both the devices, you will realize that the video quality is always better on the Apple TV. The hustle of not being able to easily search across multiple channels on the Apple TV however still pulls it down.