Roku 2 XS

For an easy, effective and inexpensive way to get streaming video and other media from the web to your living-room TV, reviewers say the Roku 2 XS likely is the best choice. One big reason is the vast lineup of content partners -- more than 400 at last look, which beats all comers by a good margin. Content partners include Netflix, Hulu Plus, Amazon Instant Video, Crackle, Pandora, Facebook and more. Sports fans can catch streaming feeds of out-of-market NHL hockey and NBA basketball games. And the list goes on.

Setup and use are easy, though some users complain that things could be more streamlined; you need to sign up and maintain subscriptions with most streaming video providers separately. Picture quality is generally complimented. Connectivity is good, including support for older TVs. Wi-Fi is built in, and the Roku 2 XS also allows for an Ethernet link to your home network. A USB port lets you view your own files via Roku, though file format support is limited, and streaming from a networked PC or other device isn't natively supported. The ability to play basic video games, along with a Wii-like motion controller, has been added. While the library isn't extensive, the ever-popular Angry Birds is included free, with others available at around $5 each.

The step-down Roku 2 XD (*Est. $80) removes the motion controller, Ethernet connectivity and USB port, but delivers similar performance otherwise. The next step down player, the Roku 2 HD (*Est. $60), is similar to the Roku 2 XS but limits resolution to 720p. That's not as big of a deal as it sounds, experts say, because the picture improvement offered by 1080p from those providers that support it isn't readily obvious to most viewers. Roku also offers the Roku LT (*Est. $50), which removes support for gaming altogether, but is otherwise similar to the Roku 2 HD. While most critics give Roku the edge, Apple TV (*Est. $100) could be a compelling alternative for those who make extensive use of iTunes, which the Roku player doesn't support. Those more interested in streaming their own content than getting it from the Internet might also want to consider the Western Digital WD TV Live Hub media server (*Est. $200), which includes a built-in 100 TB hard drive, or the WD TV Live (*Est. $100), which does not.

The best sites to read opinions about the Roku 2 XS include CNET, PCMag.com, Wired and ZatzNotFunny.com. User reviews are plentiful at Amazon.com and Roku.com.