User Panel
Posted: 11/1/2011 9:54:24 AM EDT
http://www.roku.com/
If so, which one do you have? Is it worth the $60 - 100 cost? How do you use it? |
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I just bought the Roku 2 XD on Sunday. It is pretty cool, easier to set up and get running than my WD HD live. Lots of channels out there, both in the channel store and if you do a Google search for Roku channels, you will find a list of free private channels. NowhereTV is a cool one, I added HGTV for the wife as well as streaming BBC news.
Also, one of the channels is TriggerTalk tv. Give it a shot, it delivers a ton of entertainment choices. |
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I bought one for my sister. She loves it, and I use it all the time when I visit. Great for streaming Netflix.
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Just FYI, if you have an iPad or iPhone, you don't need a Roku box, you just need the video cable for your Apple device.
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Apple TV greater than Roku.... I had the AppleTV box, but returned it. Reason being, Netflix Prime videos can't be streamed through it......yet. Only really matters if you're an Amazon Prime member, though. I agree, the AppleTV is nice, though. Roku HD ($60, it's 720p) for our crappy 27" non-HD capable TV ....it uses RCA plugs for video/sound connection. Roku XS ($100, it's 1080p and same price as AppleTV) for our big screen in the living room. Apple has the advantage to stream Youtube, and also cooperate with your iPad and iPhone, Roku doesn't. |
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Which unit is good at playing a variety of file types on our network drive on a big TV?
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My sister has one and loves it. She is not technical at all, and she has no problems using it. I've never seen it in person, though.
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I think I got the middle version, and I really like it Someone lost a bet, I see. Still sucks for the Rangers though. |
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Which unit is good at playing a variety of file types on our network drive on a big TV? Might want to look at AppleTV box for that. It's $100, and I believe you can Air the stuff from your computer network via iTunes IIRC. |
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I think I got the middle version, and I really like it Someone lost a bet, I see. Still sucks for the Rangers though. what goes around, comes around |
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There are tons of "undocumented" channels Roku won't tell you about. Do a google search for them. Everything from pr0n to... well, some pretty weird stuff...
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There are tons of "undocumented" channels Roku won't tell you about. Do a google search for them. Everything from pr0n to... well, some pretty weird stuff... Lots of porn to be found on the Roku box. |
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There are tons of "undocumented" channels Roku won't tell you about. Do a google search for them. Everything from pr0n to... well, some pretty weird stuff... go on... |
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There are tons of "undocumented" channels Roku won't tell you about. Do a google search for them. Everything from pr0n to... well, some pretty weird stuff... go on... Create an account on the Roku.com website, then google "Roku Private channels" put in the private channel codes on the website to your attached Roku box, restart the box and wait. The channels will show up eventually. |
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We have the XDS. It is great for streaming Netflix, Pandora, Amazon, etc.
The private channels are even better than the ones in the store. Log into your Roku account and add channel JUSTINTV Also, we have had a few problems with ours, such as freezing during movies/shows. It will act crazy when you point it at the box. It usually stops after a while, but we use RokuRemote on our Android phones and tablet to control it through our network. The app also allows you to jump directly to another channel without navigating out of the current channel. |
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There are tons of "undocumented" channels Roku won't tell you about. Do a google search for them. Everything from pr0n to... well, some pretty weird stuff... go on... They're called "Private" channels for easy Google searching. |
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so if I have the roku box and internet connection ––all you need is a monitor/television?
run it thru the computer? monthly fee any where along the line? I'm clueless but that being said I have a iphone coming so like a catapillar to a gentle butterfly I shall be transformed. |
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What is justintv? I put that channel on my Roku for some reason, and can't remember why....
Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile |
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Quoted: Quoted: Which unit is good at playing a variety of file types on our network drive on a big TV? Might want to look at AppleTV box for that. It's $100, and I believe you can Air the stuff from your computer network via iTunes IIRC. Yep. Anything in the your itunes can be shared with an apple TV. Might be able to do this with other wireless boxes via a network but never done it before. Another bonus with apple tv-if you have an iphone or ipad, some online video content can be "airplayed" from the ipad/iphone to the tv (even more content if you jailbreak the apple tv). |
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Which unit is good at playing a variety of file types on our network drive on a big TV? Might want to look at AppleTV box for that. It's $100, and I believe you can Air the stuff from your computer network via iTunes IIRC. You can play music and video over your network on the Roku too. I have one and couldn't be happier. Saving me $100 in cable fees. |
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Which unit is good at playing a variety of file types on our network drive on a big TV? Might want to look at AppleTV box for that. It's $100, and I believe you can Air the stuff from your computer network via iTunes IIRC. Yep. Anything in the your itunes can be shared with an apple TV. Might be able to do this with other wireless boxes via a network but never done it before. Another bonus with apple tv-if you have an iphone or ipad, some online video content can be "airplayed" from the ipad/iphone to the tv (even more content if you jailbreak the apple tv). What you just mentioned is what had me on the fence about whether or not I should keep the AppleTV box, or go with the Roku (I have an iPhone 4). The Roku XS has a USB port, so i CAN run my iPhone or laptop to it if needed, but it's nowhere as convenient as running data to an AppleTV box via iTunes or an iPhone wirelessly. Being that the RokuXS has Amazon Prime Video capability is what swayed me. For those that don't know, there are three current Roku boxes. The HD, XD and XS. Go here http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005CLPP84/ref=s9_simh_gw_p23_d0_g23_i4?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=0CR6EMYJCHSNNAK2HJB2&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=470938631&pf_rd_i=507846 Halfway down the page, you can see what one offers over the other in the comparison list. |
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Well I just ordered the middle version (1080p).
Do you even need a cable outlet to use this device? Or could I run a tv on an extension cord into my backyard and with the roku device watch movies? |
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Which unit is good at playing a variety of file types on our network drive on a big TV? Might want to look at AppleTV box for that. It's $100, and I believe you can Air the stuff from your computer network via iTunes IIRC. You can play music and video over your network on the Roku too. I have one and couldn't be happier. Saving me $100 in cable fees. I didn't know that! I'm off to Google to see how this is done, thanks. |
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I opted for the WD TV Live Plus box from Western Digital. It allows you to play just about any video file in HD on your TV. Great if you like to download shows and movies on your computer. I keep a small hard drive hooked up to it.
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Apple TV greater than Roku.... I had the AppleTV box, but returned it. Reason being, Netflix Prime videos can't be streamed through it......yet. Only really matters if you're an Amazon Prime member, though. I agree, the AppleTV is nice, though. Roku HD ($60, it's 720p) for our crappy 27" non-HD capable TV ....it uses RCA plugs for video/sound connection. Roku XS ($100, it's 1080p and same price as AppleTV) for our big screen in the living room. Apple has the advantage to stream Youtube, and also cooperate with your iPad and iPhone, Roku doesn't. False. My Roku streams Youtube just fine. |
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Well I just ordered the middle version (1080p). Do you even need a cable outlet to use this device? Or could I run a tv on an extension cord into my backyard and with the roku device watch movies? So long as the Roku box is within range of your wireless network, it will work. If you had the XS model, you can hook up wired with CAT5 Ethernet cable. You hook your Roku box up to your TV's RCA inputs with the included Roku cable, or if your TV is newer, you hook your Roku box to your TV with an HDMI cable (not included) |
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Apple TV greater than Roku.... I had the AppleTV box, but returned it. Reason being, Netflix Prime videos can't be streamed through it......yet. Only really matters if you're an Amazon Prime member, though. I agree, the AppleTV is nice, though. Roku HD ($60, it's 720p) for our crappy 27" non-HD capable TV ....it uses RCA plugs for video/sound connection. Roku XS ($100, it's 1080p and same price as AppleTV) for our big screen in the living room. Apple has the advantage to stream Youtube, and also cooperate with your iPad and iPhone, Roku doesn't. False. My Roku streams Youtube just fine. http://www.zatznotfunny.com/2011-09/roku-confirms-official-youtube-channel-under-development/ Sweet... Off to look for and add that channel now, too. |
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Just FYI, if you have an iPad or iPhone, you don't need a Roku box, you just need the video cable for your Apple device. Go on... |
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Quoted: Quoted: Apple TV greater than Roku.... I had the AppleTV box, but returned it. Reason being, Netflix Prime videos can't be streamed through it......yet. Only really matters if you're an Amazon Prime member, though. I agree, the AppleTV is nice, though. Roku HD ($60, it's 720p) for our crappy 27" non-HD capable TV ....it uses RCA plugs for video/sound connection. Roku XS ($100, it's 1080p and same price as AppleTV) for our big screen in the living room. Apple has the advantage to stream Youtube, and also cooperate with your iPad and iPhone, Roku doesn't. my roku streams youtube.... it even has a free pr0n channels... |
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I have had one for three weeks now (1080 HD, with Wii-type controlled to play angry birds on it). I like it. I was just looking for something to let my kids watch some cartoons after school, and if I could see some SciFi all the better. Anyway I running Netflix, GBtv, and HuluPluse. So I am in $16/month vs. $100 for my Direct TV. I just wish that I could get Fox News.
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I have had one for three weeks now (1080 HD, with Wii-type controlled to play angry birds on it). I like it. I was just looking for something to let my kids watch some cartoons after school, and if I could see some SciFi all the better. Anyway I running Netflix, GBtv, and HuluPluse. So I am in $16/month vs. $100 for my Direct TV. I just wish that I could get Fox News. I read that there is a FoxNews channel. I'm not sure if it's the same as their broadcast channel though. ETA: from the roku site regarding Fox News: Your news, streaming live every weekday 9am-3pm ET. Watch our Fox News reporters cover the latest headlines and stories you care about. Plus, get in-depth discussion from our political panels where you can “join-in” via social media, email or chat.
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If we could get TCM without cable, it would be gone. http://www.rokuguide.com/channels/pub-d-hub maybe? |
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Which unit is good at playing a variety of file types on our network drive on a big TV? Might want to look at AppleTV box for that. It's $100, and I believe you can Air the stuff from your computer network via iTunes IIRC. You can play music and video over your network on the Roku too. I have one and couldn't be happier. Saving me $100 in cable fees. I didn't know that! I'm off to Google to see how this is done, thanks. Here's one way... http://rhftech.com/blog/2011/05/itunes-video-on-roku/ |
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What is justintv? I put that channel on my Roku for some reason, and can't remember why.... Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile I'd like to know too. Seemed like a lot of crappily streamed low quality crap. I could be wrong though. Quoted:
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Apple TV greater than Roku.... I had the AppleTV box, but returned it. Reason being, Netflix Prime videos can't be streamed through it......yet. Only really matters if you're an Amazon Prime member, though. I agree, the AppleTV is nice, though. Roku HD ($60, it's 720p) for our crappy 27" non-HD capable TV ....it uses RCA plugs for video/sound connection. Roku XS ($100, it's 1080p and same price as AppleTV) for our big screen in the living room. Apple has the advantage to stream Youtube, and also cooperate with your iPad and iPhone, Roku doesn't. False. My Roku streams Youtube just fine. http://www.zatznotfunny.com/2011-09/roku-confirms-official-youtube-channel-under-development/ Sweet... Off to look for and add that channel now, too. The code listed isn't working anymore, guess google had some issues with Roku streaming youtube OP, I have a Roku. I mainly use it for Netflix and Hulu+, but Pandora Radio on occasion. I've thought about getting Amazon Prime for the streaming, but I didn't see anything on there I wanted to watch, looked like a bunch of old movies and tv shows. I'd really like a streaming Fox news channel that streamed more than 9am-3pm. I also would love an IHeartRadio channel. We're buying my grandmother one for christmas, since she only watches Fox news and GBTV and she has to go upstairs and sit in front of the computer to watch her GBTV, the second they release a Fox News channel that streams after 3pm she'll never use cable ever again. |
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Just FYI, if you have an iPad or iPhone, you don't need a Roku box, you just need the video cable for your Apple device. Does that work for amazon instant video? Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile |
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What is justintv? I put that channel on my Roku for some reason, and can't remember why.... Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile I'd like to know too. Seemed like a lot of crappily streamed low quality crap. I could be wrong though. Quoted:
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Apple TV greater than Roku.... I had the AppleTV box, but returned it. Reason being, Netflix Prime videos can't be streamed through it......yet. Only really matters if you're an Amazon Prime member, though. I agree, the AppleTV is nice, though. Roku HD ($60, it's 720p) for our crappy 27" non-HD capable TV ....it uses RCA plugs for video/sound connection. Roku XS ($100, it's 1080p and same price as AppleTV) for our big screen in the living room. Apple has the advantage to stream Youtube, and also cooperate with your iPad and iPhone, Roku doesn't. False. My Roku streams Youtube just fine. http://www.zatznotfunny.com/2011-09/roku-confirms-official-youtube-channel-under-development/ Sweet... Off to look for and add that channel now, too. The code listed isn't working anymore, guess google had some issues with Roku streaming youtube OP, I have a Roku. I mainly use it for Netflix and Hulu+, but Pandora Radio on occasion. I've thought about getting Amazon Prime for the streaming, but I didn't see anything on there I wanted to watch, looked like a bunch of old movies and tv shows. I'd really like a streaming Fox news channel that streamed more than 9am-3pm. I also would love an IHeartRadio channel. We're buying my grandmother one for christmas, since she only watches Fox news and GBTV and she has to go upstairs and sit in front of the computer to watch her GBTV, the second they release a Fox News channel that streams after 3pm she'll never use cable ever again. Her an millions of others. |
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Apple TV will not play .mkv files, which is how all of my digital media is stored. No sale.
Roku does, but I'm waiting for that to mature a bit before I buy one. I don't watch a lot of TV, anyway. |
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What is justintv? I put that channel on my Roku for some reason, and can't remember why.... Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile Most of it is streamed low quality crap. There are some good movie channels on there. You can find streams of Dr. Who. On Saturdays, you can find college football streams from around the country. On Sundays, you can find NFL. It is good for things that you might miss from regular cable. |
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http://forums.roku.com/viewtopic.php?f=28&t=26058
For network video/music streaming... more info for Roku users. |
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I have a Sont Blu-Ray that has a lot of stuff I've seen mentioned with Roku, including YouTube/NetFlix/HuluPlus, would it still be worthwhile to get one?
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I have a Sont Blu-Ray that has a lot of stuff I've seen mentioned with Roku, including YouTube/NetFlix/HuluPlus, would it still be worthwhile to get one? Only if you want more options... there's a bunch of channels on Roku. But I mainly swap between Hulu, Netflix, Amazon so far. I won't be surprised when Roku stops being a box and is incorporated into TVs and DVD players. |
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Quoted: Quoted: I have a Sont Blu-Ray that has a lot of stuff I've seen mentioned with Roku, including YouTube/NetFlix/HuluPlus, would it still be worthwhile to get one? Only if you want more options... there's a bunch of channels on Roku. But I mainly swap between Hulu, Netflix, Amazon so far. I won't be surprised when Roku stops being a box and is incorporated into TVs and DVD players. Thanks, might not be that much of an upgrade for me. Appreciate the info. |
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I use TVersity and my PS3 for movie files. The TV has Netflix built in. I use my Atrix's HDMI output if i want to stream other stuff.
I should get a cheap laptop, connect it to the VGA input and use a wireless keyboard and do everything with it. |
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I think I got the middle version, and I really like it Same here. Bought it for the wife last Christmas and love it. Just a few shortfalls though that might be cleaned up with the Roku 2. The search function only works for movie titles and not Genres. It also has no subtitles (the Roku 2 does). Other than that it is probably one of the best purchases I've ever made. We have gotten a lot of use out of it. |
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