Ditch your cable box and save money with these media center tech alternatives

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Rock on with the Roku 2

Apple TV isn’t the only media center clamoring for your living room’s entertainment space. The Roku, similarly to Apple TV, also boasts a small form capable of fitting in the palm of your hand. The only difference is the Roku comes in four different flavors — LT, HD, XD and XS — with the basic LT version starting at $49.95.

Once your Roku is connected, you have access to over 500-plus channels of streaming 720p content at your fingertips, including Netflix, Hulu Plus, Amazon Instant Video and much more. The XS Roku, which is the high-end version of the four units, has access to the same channels as all of the other versions. However, it adds the ability to stream content at 1080p, a microSD storage slot, USB ports and an enhanced remote with motion control for video games. Yes, that’s right — the Roku has the ability to play video games via a controller in a Wii-like style, which includes a free full edition of Angry Birds. With a slew of features, access to tons of content, and 30-plus video games, the Roku gives great bang for your buck.

Roku features:

• Plays Netflix, Hulu Plus, 500-plus entertainment channels, and more.
• XS version comes with a Wii-style like controller to play video games.
• Roku remote app allows you to control your experience via an Android or iOS device.
• HDMI connection.
• Standard definition output via audio/video cable — doesn’t require HDTV!
• Cost: $49.95 to $99.00.

Boxee: Swap your cable box for a new cube

Boxee began as a software solution for people who were already connecting their laptops to their HDTVs. Over time, the Boxee began to evolve. Today we have the all-in-one Boxee Box by D-Link. The Boxee boasts a cube-like quirky design, which weighs 2.5 pounds and is roughly five inches square. In comparison to the two previous contenders, it’s a bit bigger and weighs more. However, Boxee still possesses a set of features and access to great streaming content that will pique your interest.

The beauty of Boxee is that it gives you access to most shows that are already available on the Internet via a clean intuitively designed user interface. So instead of going through the long-winded task of visiting NBC.com to watch The Office, you can click Boxee’s “TV shows” channel and all of the episodes are right there at your fingertips. Boxee has also partnered with several content providers such as Pandora and Spotify to bridge your online personal media selections with your flat screen TV.

Boxee features:

• Netflix, MLB, NHL, VUDU Movies, Pandora, and Spotify integration.
• A double-sided remote control: One side is a traditional remote, the other a full qwerty keyboard.
• A Boxee Live TV USB extension to watch live free channels broadcast over HD.
• Streaming of your personal media to the box through your network or directly to your Boxee via USB.
• HDMI out port (HDCP cable included).
• Ethernet port.
• 802.11n wireless capability.
• Two USB 2.0 ports.
• Optical Digital Audio outputs.
• Composite Audio connectors.

The economy is slowly improving, but it is always the right time to economize. One of these options can help you curb your cable habit, and optimize your TV viewing time. Like what you read? Check out more on DFRAGG, a technology and lifestyle digital magazine. We’re here to hook you up with the latest in the world of mobile devices, apps, social media and more. Follow DFRAGG on Facebook and Twitter for more great technology updates.

Sajjad Musa is a tech specialist and creative director at DFRAGG.com.