Digital Media is a type of communication data that can be operated in any machine that can record data. Digital media is something that can be modified, created, viewed, distributed, listened and preserved on any digital electronic device. Digital media consist of audio and video that uses digitalised ways to broadcast the whole information using screens and speakers. Digital Media includes video, audio, graphics, text that is transmitted from one end to another end either through channels or the Internet. Various digital systems provide media content. Xfinity Flex and Roku are among one those.
Xfinity Flex vs Roku
The main difference between Xfinity Flex and Roku is that Xfinity Flex is over a top (OTT) Internet provider service that was started recently in 2017. It is owned by Comcast. On the other hand, Roku is a digital media player that has been in the market since 2008. Xfinity Flex gives you the option of free Xfinity Internet. Roku gives you the option of downloading apps on its media players up to 1 GB.
Xfinity Flex came into the market as a digital media player in 2017. It is a streaming box service that allows its users to watch movies, shows, games, music, news etc., all in one, just like it happens on the Internet. It was released as an OTT streaming platform in America. Earlier, Xfinity Flex was a cable service provider. But seeing the decline in Cable Tv and rise in OTT. They decided to start Xfinity Flex. Xfinity Internet is only available to its user for free and can be accessed via Xfinity only.
Roku is a hardware brand that was developed in collaboration with Netflix. It is a digital media player device. Like Xfinity Flex, it has also started streaming its content using Internet services. When Roku came into the American market, it became quickly popular because of its affordable, small set-up box platform. Roko has launched its streaming stick and has become an OTT platform. Roku has also been in the world of Smart TVs with the help of Middleware.
Comparison Table Between Xfinity Flex and Roku
Parameters of Comparison | Xfinity Flex | Roku |
Storage | Not available | Up to 1 GB |
Video quality | 4K | Both 1080 p and 4K |
Content | Free apps are not available. | 4 lakhs movies and Tv shows. |
Remote Control | Remote with voice command and backlit rubber buttons. | Supports HDMI soundbar, microphone button, built-in headphone jack |
Interface | Difficult to operate | Very easy and can be arranged. |
User experience | Simple set-up | Convenient |
What is Xfinity Flex?
Xfinity Flex is owned by a company named Comcast. It is a new brand that marked its entry into the world of digital media platforms in the year 2017. Comcast, its parent company, is a multinational telecommunications company. Comcast company is also one of the largest cable providers and Internet service providers in America. Xfinity Flex is a multichannel programming distributor that provides free internet to its Xfinity Internet customers. A lot of TVs are supported in Xfinity like Apple Tv, Chromecast, Samsung Smart tv etc.
Xfinity Flex rubs both on windows and Mac as well as on Android and Apple devices. Xfinity Flex is known for streaming its video content in 4K. When it comes to content, a lot of apps and channels are available. But it misses out on some of the most important ones also like Disney Plus, Pandora, Spotify, CBS etc. is not available. Exploring other things in Xfinity Flex is limited.
When it comes to remote control Xfinity Flex is considered the best. Because it easily fits in hand. Soft buttons are there. Its XR15 never take wrong commands. Voice search is also available in Xfinity Flex and is very accurate. It has Aim anywhere Technology in its remote.
What is Roku?
Roku was founded by Anthony Wood in 2002. But it was a complete failure. The idea was terminated. Finally, Roku launched its first set-up box in collaboration with Netflix that can stream Netflix shows on Tv. Roku came with the Watch Instantly service. When Roku was launched in the market, it aimed to provide low, cost having the features of both video game consoles and digital recorders and can stream videos on its platform at 720 p.
In its second generation, Roku launched its set-up box with some additions like slots for micro Sd and Bluetooth. Video streaming quality was increased from 720 p to 1080 p.Roku game remote was also supported with USB ports and an ethernet connector. In its third generation, Roku launched a Streaming stick with mobile devices.
In its upcoming generation, Roku updated itself with Wi-Fi, 4K Resolution, Streaming Platform etc. when it comes to content, Roku provides access to 4 lakhs movies and Tv shows. Roku has various apps. It consists of both paid and free ones. Roku’s interface is also very good. Apps can be arranged just like it is done on Mobile.
Main Differences Between Xfinity Flex and Roku
- In Xfinity, Flex storage is not available. Roku gives storage up to 1 GB.
- Xfinity Flex streams its video in 4K quality. Ronu streams its video in both 1080 pixels and 4K quality.
- In Xfinity Flex, lots of apps like Netflix, Amazon Prime, HBO, Hulu etc., But free apps are not there. Roku is an old platform and has access to over 4 lakhs of movies and Tv shows.
- Xfinity Flex has a remote with voice command, soft-touch, Aim Anywhere technology and backlit rubber buttons. Roku remote supports HDMI soundbar, microphone button, built-in headphone jack, shortcut buttons etc.
- Xfinity Flex sometimes becomes difficult to operate. The interface of Roku is very easy, simple and apps can be arranged in it.
- Xfinity Flex has a simple setup that may disappoint users. Roku is very convenient to use and is user friendly.
Conclusion
Both Xfinity Flex and Roku are digital media platforms that work in America. Both companies try to provide OTT Internet streaming services to their users. When it comes to streaming quality, both stress at 4K quality. But maintaining Xfinity Flex can become expensive because lots of hidden things are there. Xfinity Flex misses major apps, while Roku supplies apps and shows in abundance. Free content is not available at Xfinity Flex. Roku provides both free and paid content.
When it comes to remote control, Roku’s remote is considered best and most advanced because it provides a lot of options like private streaming, Bluetooth jack etc. Roku is a user-friendly device. It is very clean and organised. When it comes to choosing between the two, Roku is best.
References
- https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/abstract/document/9187551/
- https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=ASGEAAAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PA1972&dq=Xfinity+Flex+and+Roku&ots=mq4O0CUpiJ&sig=TtakGG_DtptB3yBQZ89poA38uuA