Apple TV (3rd generation) vs Roku 2 XS (3100)

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TV (3rd generation) compared with 2 XS (3100)

	AppleTV (3rd generation)	Roku2 XS (3100)
Overview
Released
Released	March 2012	July 2011
Video and audio
Resolution
Resolution	1080p	1080p
HDR
HDR	None	None
Dolby Atmos
Dolby Atmos	No	–
Video
Video	H.264 up to 1080p at 30 fps, High or Main Profile level 4.0 or lower, Baseline Profile level 3.0 or lower; MPEG-4 up to 2.5 Mbps, 640 × 480 at 30 fps; Motion JPEG up to 35 Mbps, 1280 × 720 at 30 fps. Protected content requires HDCP	Up to 1080p over HDMI; supplied 3.5 mm-to-RCA cable carries standard-definition composite video and analogue stereo
Audio
Audio	HE-AAC (V1), AAC, protected AAC, MP3, MP3 VBR, Apple Lossless, AIFF and WAV; Dolby Digital 5.1 pass-through	Dolby Digital Plus 5.1 passthrough supported by the launch Netflix implementation; surround availability depends on the service and receiver
Performance
Software
Software	Apple TV Software	Roku OS
Chip details
Chip details	Apple single-core A5; maker model numbers A1427 and A1469 (Rev A) are both third-generation Apple TVs	ARM11 at 600 MHz (Roku's exact Giga/3100X developer row)
Memory
Memory	512 MB RAM (AppleInsider review); Apple does not publish RAM on the model's spec sheet	256 MB (Roku's exact Giga/3100X developer row)
Storage
Storage	Streaming device with flash storage for caching rather than a synchronised local media library; maker does not publish its capacity. Home Sharing supported streaming from a Mac or PC running iTunes	microSD expands app/game storage, not removable-media playback; supported local files play through USB
Software and services
Software and services	Legacy Apple TV Software, with built-in channels rather than a third-party App Store. Reviews describe services available in 2012–2017. Netflix's current compatibility list requires Apple TV HD (4th generation) or later; this model is no longer supported	Roku OS; exact 3100X maker row lists this legacy device's last compatible version as 9.1. Apps and services vary by region and software version
Connections
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi	802.11a/b/g/n	Wi-Fi 4
Ethernet
Ethernet	Yes	Yes
Voice remote
Voice remote	No	No
Ports
Ports	HDMI; optical audio; 10/100BASE-T Ethernet; IR receiver; Micro-USB for service and support, not external media playback	HDMI, Ethernet, USB media, microSD channel-storage slot, 3.5 mm composite/stereo A/V, power and reset
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth	802.11a/b/g/n; wireless video streaming requires 802.11a, g or n. Bluetooth support for Apple Wireless Keyboard requires Apple TV Software 5.2 or later	802.11n Wi-Fi and 100 Mbit Ethernet (Expert Reviews); Bluetooth for the gaming remote (Roku launch release)
Remote
Remote	Included aluminium Apple Remote using infrared; Apple's iOS Remote app also supported network control	Original Bluetooth enhanced remote with A/B game buttons, motion sensing and adjustable wrist strap; no microphone, headphone socket or television power controls
Design
Type
Type	Box	Box
Power
Power	Built-in 6 W universal power supply	Less than 2 W stated in the original Roku 2 family announcement; mains power adapter included
Size
Size	98 × 98 × 23 mm (W × D × H); 0.6 lb, varying with configuration and manufacturing	–
In the box
In the box	Apple TV, Apple Remote, power cord and documentation; HDMI cable sold separately	Player, enhanced remote, two AA batteries, custom composite/stereo A/V cable and power adapter; HDMI and Ethernet cables not included