In the early 90s we were still struggling with the “no rewind, no return” policy with some rental shops. We watch the full length film in those bulky video cassettes. We’ve got to admit. Our idea of a good movie was to proceed to the rental shop, browse through titles, wait in line and perpetually remind ourselves of the due date. For whatever reason at all, the date always seemed to escapes us. We just remember to return them a day after while the frowning attendant of video rentals warns us all over again.
But that was more than 15 years ago. But we still have to go through the same rental flow except that it’s a DVD. There’s “no rewind, no return” policy but you still have to fight it out with the attendants when you forgot to return some of the most favorite titles.
Now that’s all changing since as of this writing there are more than enough “boxes” in the market that you can purchase for your utmost TV pleasure. Let me run you through three different types of boxes and see what’s in store for you.
Apple TV – If you think Apple is all about iPhones and iPods, you’re definitely wrong. Apple TV has been around for some time. Even though the popularity of the iPods and other portable media players have been unprecedented, Apple TV may not have fared well in the market. One reason was that when it was first introduced; it was only giving 40G of hard disk space. Anyone who has an iPod video will immediately squirm to the lack of hard disk space. With the price that ranges from $200 – $300, anyone will just opt for an iPod video and enjoy the mobility that Apple TV could offer. If you add $100 more, you could have the newer 160G edition. That’s better, plus YouTube videos are also available through the Apple TV alone.
VuDu TV – This one’s not in the market yet, but it has received good reviews as compared to Apple. For one, it will be offered 250G of hard disk space. At the same time it will be offering more than 5,000 titles in its initial opening. With the sheer number, you can even catch the not so very popular movies that you love. Even though it’s bulkier than Apple TV, it really doesn’t matter as you just place there in one area in your house. The price for this gadget? $399 – just like the 160G version of Apple TV.
Xbox Live Video HDTV – We’re saving the best for last. Any avid gamer would agree that all day gaming is ok for a gaming console but what if it could even offer movies? That’s even better! The Xbox 360 doesn’t only offer Halo experience but it also offers video on demand downloads and rentals. With the existing hard disk space of Xbox 360, you can compromise with some movies and TV shows you really love.
So take your pick. Your movie nights will never be the same again.
- Related Internet Directory categories: Consumer Electronics and Gadgets, Television, Game Consoles
