android tv box

My brother in Toronto just bought an android box for his Tv and is getting all kinds of channels, Netflix etc for free. Anyone have experience with this device

bought a sainsmart android box last year. the size of a large usb stick. its ok watching youtube etc on tv. it has a card reader but that quickly didnt work, but there is a usb input and that works fine. the wifi keyboard is a bit fiddley, and maybe not the best. but i think i paid less than 90usd for everything. its a bit of a gimmick but to view youtube etc, on big screen is worthwhile and if travelling you just hook it to hdmi on a tv, and can check email surf web etc,..for the money its ok.

I do not have an "android box" however I have both a smart TV and Roku that do pretty much the same thing. Both my TV and my Roku came with apps for many services including Netflix. Netflix is a paid service however they have offered a limited free-use  period to new subscribers. Between the TV and Roku I have access to hundreds of viewing choices and many/most are completely free of charge. The paid services require payment by the month, or year, or feature, etc.
It is my understanding that there are several devices based on Android technology and that they are, of course, not all created equal. If I were looking into this now I would definitely check and compare Roku, Apple TV and the various Android devices.
George

After much research I settled on the Roku. It's an excellent device, and I've already learned that they have superior technical support. NetFlix, as mattoleriver says, is not free. And here in Mexico, unless you use an IP blocking service, you can't get the U.S. version. In fact, if you set up the Roku down here without being careful of your credit card and billing address, it won't even turn up as an opion.

I also use the free MyMedia app on the Roku, which allows me to stream anything on my PC to my TV. So if I download a TV show, I can use the Roku to watch it on the big screen.

I like the Roku over the Apple TV. It offers more options and is being updated all the time. There are now LOTS of streaming media boxes and types. A quick look at WalMart online verifies this: http://www.walmart.com/search/search-ng.do?ic=16_0&Find=Find&search_query=streaming+media&Find=Find&search_constraint=0

just for info..http://www.laptopmag.com/revews/minipcs/mk808-android-mini-pc.aspx

I'm hoping when they say "offers root access", that means direct hard drive access from the computer.

HelperGuy wrote:I'm hoping when they say "offers root access", that means direct hard drive access from the computer.

I have to assume it means that you have superuser privileges so that you can go ahead and do the kinda things that most of us would never dream of trying to do for ourselves. Y'know, flashing a new ROM, etc. 

George

You are probably correct. Interesting that they would include rooting/jailbreaking as a feature. Wonder who's doing it with this particular doodad.

My advice is to choose the Roku 3 box, U can't beat it for value and versatility. Plus,
It's great wearing a set of headphones just plugged into the remote when you want to enjoy privacy and listen if you want to just walk around.
A great selection of "classic" tv shows and movies for free, travel, alternative lifestyles, exercise, radio, something for everyone it seems.

Hi There!

I am wondering how everyone's experience has been using a Roku box or Apple TV, to watch streaming TV or movies?

~Mary