Posted on 04/12/2015 11:10:39 AM PDT by ducttape45
Hello all. I was wondering if I could fellow Freepers about a streaming video product called "Roku."
I've heard it talked about on radio programs, and I've seen it advertised on the Internet of course. I just wondered if anyone has Roku or could possibly cue me in on how well it performs and your overall assessment of it.
I turned off my Comcast TV because they keep driving the prices up and taking channels away and I got sick and tired of not being able watch TV stations that were once part of a standard cable package.
Thanks.
Basically they are a WIFI device connected to your TV. It accesses the internet via your Wireless Network Server/Router.
It then allows you to connect to the same websites that you can access with your PC, but only to those that provide video services.
I.E. You can’t access FR with a ROKU, but you can access NETFLIX.
Yeah, you can. My ex-GF had it and streamed directly into her 17 inch laptop when she chooses too. No biggie.
If someone has an XBox I guess they can watch Hulu Plus and Youtube and some other things but I think only Youtube and something like Crackle are free.
The number actually worth watching, somewhat less...
It’s easy. Plug it into the wall, then plug it into the HDMI slot on your TV. Then it will link to your internet router(submit your password) just like a laptop or phone.
But for me the best thing about Roku/Chromecast is the ability to stream home movies from my computer to the TV using Plex.
I have had a Roku box for years..works great. I would also look at Amazon’s Firestick...we also bought one for another TV. This works great too. For a bit more money you can get Apple TV... works great, but does not allow access to Amazon movies. Nice for streaming any videos you might have on an Apple device
Heck yeah. Best decision I ever made. Don’t miss satellite at all. We stream through Netflix on our Roku; not counting high-speed internet it only costs 8 bucks a month. Compared to our satellite package, which was $120!
We loved it so much we bought a Roku stick for the TV in the other room.
You don't need it on your computer. Your computer can access the same sites the ROKU does.
You CAN also purchase a device that connects your TV to your computer.
The difference between the two setups (ROKU vs. PC linked TV) is that ROKU provides a definitive list of VIDEO sites, whereas on a PC you have to find (or know about) them yourself.
ANOTHER OPTION. If you have an XBOX ONE, it performs the same task that a ROKU box does. My son browses the Internet and watches movies all from his XBOX ONE.
Highly recommended. It allowed me to ditch cable TV entirely. For less than $20 a month you can get Netflix and Amazon Prime (or Hulu Plus) and get all the TV shows, movies and documentaries you could ever have the time to consume. As well, you will have access to tons of free channels as well as feed YouTube from your computer or tablet.
Beautiful interface and you can control it from your smartphone or tablet.
Only thing I miss is live sports but for that, I go over a friend’s house or visit a local sports bar. I saw the last Super Bowl in a Buffalo Wild Wings and it was far better than watching it at home.
It isn’t hard to hook up. Power and a cable from the box to your TV.
The hard part is doing the software setup, and you MUST have a credit card or it will not let you complete the setup procedure.
Roku + Netflix + Amazon Prime = Hours and hours of movies and some pretty good TV.
Most of what Netflix and Amazon offer is crap, but there are some nuggets that make the expenditure well worth the $$$.
The latest Roku lets you access YouTube. There’s some funny and very informative stuff there.
I know there are others (Apple TV, etc.), but I’m not familiar with them. I do like Roku.
Enjoy!
Youtube has a lot of classic movies, which is cool for me.
There are a few roku channels that provide free content, like Crackle. They generally have commercials but they don’t run for several minutes straight. Some, like A&E and PBS, have limited free content.... maybe a few episodes or seasons of their programming.
Best bet is to pick up a service like Netflix and/or Hulu.
Also, look at getting a HD digital antenna for network programming. We get quite a few channels with ours but mostly just watch local news and weekend sports.
Amazon Fire.
Blows all of em away
Here, for example, as some MOVIE streaming sites you can access from your PC. Right now, for FREE.
http://www.freefullmovies.net/
roku is a great deal and a great product. I now stream (from netflix) WAY more than anything I watch from directv.
The way it works is you buy the roku (I recommend roku 3, though your entire system has to be HDMI capable), and then never pay another dime to roku. On amazon, roku 3 runs less than $100.00 to purchase.
The roku box sits between your router and your tv, connected to both. It has not hard drive, so can buffer on a few seconds worth of streaming in order to smooth out any bumps on your internet service. However, you DO have to have very good internet service for roku streaming to work well.
There are a few free streaming “channels”, but the paid services have the good stuff. netflix is the 900 lb gorilla, and in my opinion is worth the $10.00/month. Huluplus specializes in replaying recent TV shows, and in my opinion amazon prime isn’t worth paying for just for their streaming (except maybe for a couple of months to watch their exclusive HBO content); in other words, if you buy lots of stuff from amazon, then amazon prime is worthwhile for free 2-day shipping and the streaming part is a nice freebie.
Another variety would be programming a Raspberry Pi ($35) with XMBC and turning it into an internet cable box thing.
There are videos at Youtube on doing that.
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