Which streaming media device is right for you?

Top contenders: Apple TV ($100), Roku HD ($60), Roku LT ($50)

(Credit: Sarah Tew/CNET)

Once a fringe activity for the geeky set, online video streaming is now officially mainstream, thanks in large part to the omnipresence of Netflix on nearly all Internet-connected entertainment devices. But with so many options now available, what's the best solution -- be it for Netflix, Hulu Plus, Vudu, Amazon, or any of the myriad other online video sources?
As with anything in real life, there isn't one simple, straightforward answer that works for everyone. But we've created a set of different recommendations that should work for nearly anybody, based upon your individual priorities.
The best news for anyone shopping in 2012? Prices for excellent media streaming devices now start at just $50, with plenty of other great options (including brand-new Blu-ray players) at less than $120.

Roku: Best solution for less than $60

(Credit: Sarah Tew/CNET)

Forget $100 -- $50 is the new entry-level price point for streaming video. The Roku LT is the only product at this price point, but it's an enthusiastic Editors' Choice. With built-in Wi-Fi and free control apps available on iOS and Android (and, if you're old-fashioned, a regular old remote), the Roku LT delivers Netflix, Amazon, Hulu Plus, and hundreds of other streaming video and audio channels to any TV (including older, non-HD models).
Key compatible services: Netflix, Amazon Video On Demand, Hulu Plus, Crackle, Mediafly, MLB.TV, NHL GameCenter, NBA Game Time, MLS MatchDay Live, UFC, Pandora, MOG, Rdio, TuneIn Radio, Flickr, Al Jazeera English, FoxNews.com, NBC News, Facebook photos, Flickr, plus hundreds of others. HBO Go and Epix are also available, but only for existing subscribers of those channels on compatible ISPs and cable providers. The new Plex "channel" now lets users stream video, audio, and photos from their networked PCs and Macs -- a long overdue addition to the Roku feature set. (Disclosure: CNET and some of its sister CBS-owned properties -- such as Chow and Showtime -- are also available on Roku.)
Who shouldn't buy it? The Roku is best for anyone who does not need iTunes compatibility. YouTube and Vudu are notable no-show apps on Roku. If you've got a big DVD or Blu-ray collection, you'll probably want to opt for a Blu-ray player instead (see below) -- though, for $50, the Roku would still be a great option for a second room.
Read the full review of the Roku LT
Worthwhile alternative: The Roku HD is nearly identical to the LT. It costs $10 more, but it tends to be in stock (online and in stores) more often than the Roku LT, which is almost perpetually sold out.

Apple TV: Best solution for Apple fans

(Credit: Sarah Tew/CNET)

If you want the most diversity of content, the Roku box is the way to go. But if you're a die-hard Apple aficionado, Apple TV may be the better choice. It's the only box that's compatible with iTunes, iCloud, and AirPlay. The latter function allows you to stream audio (like Pandora and other Web- and app-based audio streams), photos, and even some video from your iPad, iPhone, or iPod Touch directly to your TV screen by just tapping on the screen.
New for 2012, the current Apple TV adds support for 1080p video output (not as big a deal as you'd expect) and an updated home screen. But it's the little upgrades that are even more important: TV and most movie purchases on iTunes are now streamable on-demand. So if you've bought a boatload of movies over the years, they're now available at the touch of a button. And, with the availability of the Mountain Lion operating system (coming to Macs later in July), 2011 and 2012 Macs will be able to "mirror" what's on their computer screens to the TV via AirPlay as well -- that could be a killer app for many users.
Key compatible services: iTunes, AirPlay, Netflix, YouTube, Vimeo, MLB.TV, NBA, NHL, Flickr, WSJ Live, Internet radio, many audio and video podcasts
Who shouldn't buy it? If you're not an Apple person -- no iPad, no iPhone, no iPod, no Mac -- you won't get much value out of this device. And if you want services like Hulu Plus, Amazon, HBO Go, you'll need to look elsewhere (namely, Roku).
Read the full review of the 2012 Apple TV
Worthwhile alternative: If you want more flexibility -- albeit with a far bigger budget -- you could always just attach a Mac Mini to your TV.

PS3: Best solution for gamers

(Credit: Sony)

Sony's ad campaign proudly touts that the PlayStation 3 "only does everything." For once, it's a case of truth in advertising. Everyone knows the PS3 is a great game console and a Blu-ray player. But -- thanks to an ongoing series of firmware updates -- it's now a formidable media streamer as well. The PS3 offers Netflix, Hulu Plus, Vudu, Amazon, NHL, MLB.TV, and NFL Sunday Ticket -- the same "every out of market football game" package that was previously available only to DirecTV customers. The PS3 is also able to stream music, video, and photos from networked PCs and attached USB drives. Sweetening the pot even more: at $249, the PS3 is cheaper now than it's ever been. Bottom line? The PS3 is far and away the most versatile box to have under your TV.
Key compatible services: Netflix, Vudu, Hulu Plus, Amazon, MLB.TV, NHL GameCenter, NFL Sunday Ticket, Sony Entertainment Network, DLNA (home media streaming); plays DVDs, Blu-rays, CDs, and USB-based media
Who shouldn't buy it? If you're not a gamer, the PS3 is somewhat less appealing. You'll also need to invest in a separate remote or remote adapter (if you don't want to use the PlayStation controller), since the PS3 lacks built-in compatibility with infrared remotes.
One reason to wait: There are rumors that Sony may soon announce a third-generation PlayStation 3 before the end of 2012. If you're considering a new PS3, it might be worth waiting -- at least until Labor Day -- to see if that's more than idle speculation.
Read the full review of the Sony PlayStation 3
Worthwhile alternative: The Xbox 360 also does double duty for gaming and online entertainment, offering a recently expanded entertainment slate, including Netflix, Amazon, Vudu, Hulu Plus, YouTube, Crackle, and Last.fm. Xbox also offers ESPN3, HBO Go, and Epix -- but, as on all other compatible systems, only for existing subscribers of those channels on compatible ISPs and cable providers. And existing Comcast and FIOS subscribers can even configure the Xbox to work as a cable box, with a limited channel selection. However, unlike the PS3, to get many of these services you also need to be an Xbox Live Gold subscriber ($35-$60/year). And the Xbox can only play standard DVDs, not Blu-ray movies.

Panasonic DMP-BDT220: Best DVD/Blu-ray player under $140