Amazon Fire TV or Roku 2

[Ricky-Ray]

Looking for a more inexpensive option than cable TV for my mom's house. The 2 things at my mom's house that I have to take into consideration is that if it requires an internet connection it has to be wireless. She also has one of the old CRT TV's and she does not want to get a new TV at this point in time. Her TV has RCA connections, no HDMI, maybe component but I'd have to double check.

So I'm looking at either the Amazon Fire TV http://www.amazon.com/Amazon-CL1130-...amazon+fire+tv

or

Roku 2 http://www.amazon.com/Roku-Streaming...eywords=roku+2

I know with Amazon Fire I need a subscription to Prime so that would be an extra expense of about $100 a year. What about the Roku 2? Of course I'm not taking into account of paid streaming services like Netflix.

With cable she basically watches local news in the evening, Travel Channel, Food Network, DIY and Home and Garden.

Is there one that would be better than the other or something else for her needs?

Thanks for your help.

[LAmike]

If you're getting rid of cable, you will still need an internet connection of some sort. While I haven't seen a Fire TV yet, I do have a Roku2 XS (and an Apple TV). You cannot get local news programming or the other network shows on it in general. I have Time Warner Cable and their app installed on my Roku and it's a nicer interface than the cable box. So, you could save a little money by keeping cable, ditching the cable box (and remote) that they rent out and just use the Roku.

[nothinghere2c]

i only think you need amazon prime sub if you want to play free prime videos. otherwise you'd rent movies as a normal person would and you could use apps like netflix, plex, youtube, etc depending on your subs to those services.

(ignore the advice about the roku stick since you mentioned she has an older tv)
if youre going to get a roku device, id get a roku stick

http://www.amazon.com/Roku-3500R-Streaming-Stick-HDMI/dp/B00INNP5VU

i have the fire tv and i like it a lot.

[Frisco3Gun]

Chromecast ain't bad. Netflix is fire tho. May I recommend Trailer Park Boys?

[Ricky-Ray]

If you're getting rid of cable, you will still need an internet connection of some sort. While I haven't seen a Fire TV yet, I do have a Roku2 XS (and an Apple TV). You cannot get local news programming or the other network shows on it in general. I have Time Warner Cable and their app installed on my Roku and it's a nicer interface than the cable box. So, you could save a little money by keeping cable, ditching the cable box (and remote) that they rent out and just use the Roku.

If I did go this route I would cancel her cable TV subscription but keep her cable internet service.

So with the Roku 2 I just have to buy the device and not pay any additional fees, unless I want something like Netflix.

[LAmike]

Just note that you won't be able to get any local programming through the Roku.