We use a VPN already, was wondering if we still would use that with Roku. I have a feelinng we would need a new TV as well. Our Sony Trinitron might just not cut the technological mustard.

Can someone explain what 'mirroring the TV' means...I may be doing something similar already.....and am just not looking pretensious.....yet... I have a number of apple products, but am a bit screwed as like Oink I'm not into public displays of hot drinks.

Mirroring is simply using the tv to wirelessly mirror your computers desktop. It'll also transport the sound. So if you download a film of a telly programme or if you have anything on iTunes, you can watch or listen to it on a tv in another room. Apple tv like most other ones like this can do a lot more as they're connected to your internet.

Apple TV that is not "jail broken" / tethered, is useless. The ATV2 seems the be the best for this, and ebay is your only option to come about one these days

OK...TMI

I have two ATV's in the house. I mainly use them for Netflix US and streaming movies and TV shows from my iTunes library.

I also view programmes on BBC iPlayer from my iMac when using mirroring which works flawlessly.

I don't tend to use 4 on demand or ITV as they have adverts in the programmes. If there is a football game on a website that isn't being shown on the sports channels over here, I mirror that as well.

Hope that helps.

I went for the Roku 3 option but because its a xmas pressie I am not "allowed" to try it out

The USB ports were the advantage over the Apple tv and the Ouya was voted out due to the fact that you seem to need a bit more geek knowledge to get it working to its full potential

True to the words in BOLD, and as you say if you are not tech savvy, the woes don't just end at the setting part.

Roku is a better option, or you can just build your own HTPC and have XBMC installed amongst other programs

If you have an old PC knocking about it's often a good option too. Usually fairly simple to hook it into most TVs.

Of course a PC would take up more space and use more power but I'd guess a lot of us have old ones lying around gathering dust.

We streamed the Hobbit in HD over PSN this weekend and it wasn't the best of streaming experiences.

In fact, so bad, we probably won't use it again.

When you could have just DL it in .MKV, 480p or 720p format and just watch it on your telly

I did that (1080p) over the weekend for the latest Sir Attenborough nature programme...all 6.3GB of it, looking fwd to watching that

I really wanted to pay for it (and did in more than one way!)

Just a shame that the options for better playback, as you mentioned, are free...

I am considering getting an Apple TV thingy. Will I be able to load my DVD's onto my PC and play them through iTunes?

If I am watching something via iTunes on my TV will the sound come through the TV or can that be switched to AirPlay speakers?

Thanks

Yes, Yes or Yes.

Great! A person in an Apple store told me no re the DVD's due to format and copyright laws. They couldn't answer my question re the AirPlay speakers and I didn't have time to hang around and pursue the questions further.

Thanks

What it a sales person or just some random person?