And buying a dedicated TV internet box is for people who can't figure out how to hook a computer to their entertainment system or don't realize its a much better way to go about it.
Been watching internet TV for several years with a computer I built that now holds multiple 2TB HDs All of it backed up with HD movies and HD Tv shows, Home Movies, photos etc. plus it can stream most of what the dedicated settop boxes can do AND I can record anything I stream just like a DVR.
Subjective - value proposition will very from individual to individual. From a strict price comparison, my cable company wants $30/mo. for HBO if not bundling it with other premiums.
And buying a dedicated TV internet box is for people who can't figure out how to hook a computer to their entertainment system or don't realize its a much better way to go about it.
Or has different needs. In my case, I have a dedicated home media server hooked up to one TV, but Apple TV units in two other rooms to leverage off the same storage system. Does that make me someone "who can't figure out how to hook a computer to their entertainment system"?
Plus, the Apple TV also has the AirPlay feature which allows me to directly stream anything off my phone directly to that TV. It's more than just a dumb box for dumb users.
Or you can just hook your iPad to the tv and use free streaming sites like I do. I watch what I want when I want. Even the stuff that’s still in the theaters is available if you want to watch it.