Digital Home Thoughts: How Does Your HTPC Stack Up?

"Does the Apple TV compete? We compared it to a few of the most popular streaming alternatives on the market – and one about to hit the market – to see whether Steve is prepped for world domination… or too late to the battlefield."

Apple is hardly the first company to have released an HTPC, but the release of the new Apple TV has renewed media interest in the market. DigitalTrends has compiled a nice list of low cost HTPCs based on their capabilities. I do note that a lot of them include, or offer WiFi. Even using the 802.11n flavour, HDTV streams can be tricky, especially if you want 1080p goodness. Also, my experience with older "premade" HTPCs have left a bad taste in my mouth with regards to interfaces. I have not had a chance to test ones like the Boxee or Roku, but I do hope that they are bringing their A-game as the Apple TV will definitely be slicker than most of the other ones out there. I will stick with my XBMC though.