One of the three Rokus I got is defective. I find this product to be so useless, I will toss it in the trash instead of returning it!

While there are apps to stream content from your PC, it must be formatted as a mp4 file. This is easy enough to do with HandBrake.

gigi116 wrote:Can I use this on an old tv with just a coax cable and a/v inputs? I also just bought a set top box if that can help matters. I haven't opened it yet because I'm canceling my cable in a few days. I'm also interested in paying a subscription to Hulu or somewhere and maybe hooking this up through my computer if possible. Can any of this be done on my old tv? Thanks in advance for the help!

you can hook it up with just the red, yellow, and white cords (excuse my dumbed down description) Thats what I use for my old tv for the kids. No need for a set top box or any of that.

Look at this photo and you'll see what I mean...
http://sale.images.woot.com/CE02774C_Specs05.jpg

bandradio wrote:Can you only use this with Hulu plus? Can you watch shows that are on hulu without paying on the roku?

No!

docsavage92595 wrote:Can you watch any website with this?

Not directly. Everything must be formatted as one of their "channels"

Can I stream Sirius?

MikeekiM wrote:So it DOES work with the Amazon Prime streaming... Not just the "pay-for" service, right?

An earlier poster said that it will work with Amazon... just not the free Amazon Prime streaming service...

Read that post again, he was referring to the WDTV, not the Roku. The Roku can stream Prime Instant.

http://www.woot.com/Forums/viewpost.aspx?PostID=4729673&PageIndex=2&ReplyCount=206#post4729864

The WDTV, apparently -- just like TiVo -- can do Amazon VOD, but not Instant Prime.

CowboyDann wrote:I purchased a Roku2 direct from their website a few months ago and I haven't looked back. Canceled my 60 dollar a month cable plan and now I have Netflix streaming and Hulu plus for <20 dollars a month...

(for the very few things I can't stream I...*ahem* acquire)

anyone else is saving a few hundos a year by switching to roku?

How may I 'acquire' the non streamers ??

Tango500 wrote:How may I 'acquire' the non streamers ??

I'm sure you can use Google for that, since this isn't the place.

delriob2 wrote:Can I stream Sirius?

Not sure. Here's links to some channel lists:

http://almostaccurate.com/roku/

http://www.streamfree.tv/apps/roku-private-channels/?rewritten=1&action=displaycat&catname=roku-and-roku2-private-channels/

http://www.roku-channels.com/

MikeekiM wrote:So it DOES work with the Amazon Prime streaming... Not just the "pay-for" service, right?

An earlier poster said that it will work with Amazon... just not the free Amazon Prime streaming service...

I have 2 and this is the model you want -unless you need AngryBirds game, it will play all Amazon after you set up an acct. I watch Netflix most nights while wife watches X Factor or Dancing with stars- etc. plus there are hundreds of other free channels and a bunch of pay channels- some only a few bucks per year.

Best streaming device. BUT with the new roku 2 they refuse to fix the software glitches.

menaparker wrote:you can hook it up with just the red, yellow, and white cords (excuse my dumbed down description) Thats what I use for my old tv for the kids. No need for a set top box or any of that.

Look at this photo and you'll see what I mean...
http://sale.images.woot.com/CE02774C_Specs05.jpg

Thanks for the explanation. I just pulled the trigger.

glaicius wrote:Sorry brother, but we live in the USA where capitalism rules and it's only bound to happen when more and more ppl realize that they can chop their viewing entertaintment budget in half, and cable/sat catch on.

I'm just waiting for my current contract with Direct to expire so I can do the same. Now if I'd only convince the wife that losing the DVR won't be a big deal. LOL

I have a Tivo HD that includes streaming from all the services. The Tivo allows me to record all of my over the air channels. We went from $92 for Direct TV to $8 for Netflix and $19 for the Tivo service. We have a blue ray player in the bedroom that includes streaming. We don't miss Direct TV at all -especially the bill.

Suppose I am locked into paying for cable (e.g., because it gives me internet service). What can this do for me? Does it kind of bring web programming to my TV?

I bought a refurb roku from woot a while back, which was the cheaper model of an even older version...and I have used it many times, it works great, never had any problems with it. Thinking about getting this one also and putting the non-HD one in the bedroom. The only thing that I wish Roku would add to their players is a way to add subtitles to the movies you watch, like you can on a computer.

iheartapples wrote:is this any better than buying the $50 LT straight from roku now?

Yes it is. This model has an ethernet card whilet the Roku LT does not. Streaming movies over the wireless sucks! I had the same decision to make and I took this one for the extra networking option.

You can watch Hulu and Youtube through Playon.

fxfuji wrote:Thank you. The private PBS channel plus local over-the-air broadcasts should be enough, but I may decide to go for the Hulu+ anyway, just for Burn Notice and Covert Affairs. Oh, and Necessary Roughness when it comes off hiatus.

Wouldn't those shows have to be on Hulu+ for you to watch them?

jcmac wrote:I have a Tivo HD that includes streaming from all the services. The Tivo allows me to record all of my over the air channels. We went from $92 for Direct TV to $8 for Netflix and $19 for the Tivo service. We have a blue ray player in the bedroom that includes streaming. We don't miss Direct TV at all -especially the bill.

Wild. I did the same thing, except I'm paying Tivo only $9.99.

ahhh I can't decide if I should buy it or not. I have a pc in the other room with a 25ft hdmi cable running to the living room HDTV.

But this would add a couple channels I would like to have, as well as stream personal library via plex easier than doing it through pc.

Basically, not sure if I should use my pc as a non-dedicated htpc when I want it (takes more time) or just set up Roku in addition to my blu ray player.

gigi116 wrote:Can I use this on an old tv with just a coax cable and a/v inputs? I also just bought a set top box if that can help matters. I haven't opened it yet because I'm canceling my cable in a few days. I'm also interested in paying a subscription to Hulu or somewhere and maybe hooking this up through my computer if possible. Can any of this be done on my old tv? Thanks in advance for the help!

I have mine hooked up to an old tube tv...used the av imputs...works GREAT --- I love my ruko! All you need is internet - Ethernet or wireless and your good to go!

Do you need a NetFlix subscription too?

my92agsr wrote:ahhh I can't decide if I should buy it or not. I have a pc in the other room with a 25ft hdmi cable running to the living room HDTV.

But this would add a couple channels I would like to have, as well as stream personal library via plex easier than doing it through pc.

What channels are those?

my92agsr wrote:Basically, not sure if I should use my pc as a non-dedicated htpc when I want it (takes more time) or just set up Roku in addition to my blu ray player.

I find a PC gives you more streaming choices than the Roku. There are several websites with links to streaming of cable channels.

pventimi wrote:Do you need a NetFlix subscription too?

Only if you want to watch Netflix

jcmac wrote:I have a Tivo HD that includes streaming from all the services. The Tivo allows me to record all of my over the air channels. We went from $92 for Direct TV to $8 for Netflix and $19 for the Tivo service. We have a blue ray player in the bedroom that includes streaming. We don't miss Direct TV at all -especially the bill.

I have a Tivo HD also, and I love it to pieces, but I don't think it's correct to say that it includes streaming from all the services. Yes it has Netflix & Blockbuster, and of course a YouTube channel. With Amazon, it only supports video that you rent or buy, and download to your Tivo, but as I understand the HD does not support streaming, like that Amazon Prime video thing, unlike the newer-generation Tivos.

That said, adding a $50 Roku to give me streaming capability is a lot cheaper than upgrading to a new Tivo w/ lifetime service.

pventimi wrote:Do you need a NetFlix subscription too?

The Roku does not include a Netflix subscription, if that's what you're asking. So yes, you need to get one if both: (a) you don't already have a subscription for Netflix streaming, and (b) wish to use the Roku to stream Netflix.

I recently read on a geek blog that this model of Roku is the most reliable. Many said the new Roku 2 had a few bugs. I'm in for one.

bmundt303 wrote:With this Roku XD, Is there a way that I could stream from my computer an external hard drive downloaded content?

What about a black friday woot-off??

PLayonTV software as well as others will allow you to do that, indeed. Free stuff too!

Klintor wrote:Remember, these are not designed to stream local content, like a WDTV Live (and the WDTV also does Amazon, Netflix, and Hulu Plus). Just keep that in mind.

wrong. I stream from my upstairs PC almost DAILY!

nowoot4u wrote:No, actually it will not play any of *your* videos.

It is not DLNA compliant and will not connect to your PC, server or NAS on your home network like a Popcorn Hour or WDTV.

I almost pulled the trigger on this before I figured that out.

wrong again. I stream daily with my roku. from my upstairs PC. Wirelessly though my home network. So what were you saying again?

Well looks like most of the posts are very positive here so I pulled the trigger on one. I use an older Samsung BD player (purchased from woot of course) for Netflix but it is not very fast. I hope this is a good Netflix streamer and gives my 5.1 Dolby Digital as I do not get 5.1DD from the Samsung player with Netflix.

extremusmaximus wrote:How Does the Roku XD compare with the Boxee I bought here a few months ago?

Mine was defective and I had to pay for its return, but the replacement works most of the time now as long as I plug my NAS hard drives directly into the USB port - not so much on Ethernet, though.

I've found the only major difference between the Boxee Box and a Roku is that the Boxee is much better at playing, and easier to setup for local media (network, usb, etc).

jhinton2011 wrote:Got through checkout and there was a "woot added tax" when did this start happening??

If you live in a state where Amazon collects sales tax, then yes, Woot does as well. That said, if you are shipping to a taxing state, adding the code "taxsucks" will get you free Woot shipping (I think the price has to be $40 or more, never tested it on a less-expensive item.) At least it did a couple of weeks ago.

clydemnestra2 wrote:Suppose I am locked into paying for cable (e.g., because it gives me internet service). What can this do for me? Does it kind of bring web programming to my TV?

I had a package deal for my cable/internet/phone with cox. when I cancelled cable and went with netflix they offered me a faster internet speed for 1/2 off for 6 months. So I've been paying $30 for a basic home phone and internet and $7.99 for netflix. Unless you have a computer hooked up to your tv, roku will enable you to watch netflix, hulu+, etc plus listen to pandora. You do have to have pay for subscriptions to netflix/hulu+/epix etc but they offer limited free trials. I have a free pandora subscription and am able to access music from every room in the house via tv from some type of streaming device. I have had the roku for over 6 months and am sooooo pleased with it. It is set up in my 2 year old daughter's room and both her and my 4 year old son use it (picking their own shows with the remote) without any issues.

Jefiner wrote:You can watch Hulu and Youtube through Playon.

This requires running the Playon program on a Windows PC. If you don't use Windows, this channel is useless (I use Linux). It is also not a free application.

I use the MyMedia channel and server. It works on all operating systems, AND IT IS FREE!!

https://github.com/netguy204/roku_media_server/blob/channel/README.textile

Edit: It will only stream content that is located on the PC. Not the same as Playon, but the same as Roksbox, and Roksbox isn't free.

I got a Roku HD (which is the lesser model of the same line) over a year ago here and I have loved it! Works great, very easy to switch btw bedroom and living room. I paid $10 more for that one!

Very excited though to not have to be changing it from room to room after I get my new XD.

I had cable TV but never watched it. It's hard to find the time to sit down and watch a show when it's on. So nice to be able to watch it...whenever. I highly recommend the Roku

And it does work with Amazon and not just the free Prime membership. You can order single movies and episodes and watch them on your Roku.

This is the old version, so it won't probably have CC available for Netflix. The newer ones do.

jcmac wrote:I have a Tivo HD that includes streaming from all the services. The Tivo allows me to record all of my over the air channels. We went from $92 for Direct TV to $8 for Netflix and $19 for the Tivo service. We have a blue ray player in the bedroom that includes streaming. We don't miss Direct TV at all -especially the bill.

someone please explain how the tivo works. How can you "record" over the air channels without a cable service to proivide them (like abc, cbs, nbc) and what about channels like vh1 classic, espn, amc, etc--- without cable or direct-- can u still watch their shows??

Hi guys, am still in hectic post-Thanksgiving mode so I don't have the time to read through everything. I'm consider this as a gift and I'm sure my questions have been asked before so please forgive me...

I'd like to get this for a friend who wants to get rid of his cable TV connection while retaining his high speed Internet service.

1) He mostly watches news (local NYC, CNN, MSNBC) and documentaries (History Channel, Science Channel, Military Channel, Discovery). Will this suffice?

2) He also likes foreign programming from Europe (UK, French, Italian and German) and Asia (Hong Kong, S Korea, Japan). Is there any foreign programming?

3) He also enjoys some TV shows. How good are Netflix and Hulu PLus, etc? Are all network shows available? The CNET review mentions ABC, NBC and Fox but doesn't mention CBS. Is this a typo? Many of his favorite shows are on CBS.

4) I see what appears to be blue SD cards sticking out of the unit and remote. Does that mean I can play media off SD cards? I know that this model doesn't have USB or the ability to stream off a PC.


THANKS GUYs, and Happy Holidays.

sdc100 wrote:1) He mostly watches news (local NYC, CNN, MSNBC) and documentaries (History Channel, Science Channel, Military Channel, Discovery). Will this suffice?

I doubt it. Most "cable" channels are not available. Here is an unofficial list of available channels:

http://www.roku-channels.com/

sdc100 wrote:2) He also likes foreign programming from Europe (UK, French, Italian and German) and Asia (Hong Kong, S Korea, Japan). Is there any foreign programming?

Maybe, see the list linked to above. There also is JustinTV, that has low-quality streams from many providers. Those streams are not permanent, and therefore unreliable.

sdc100 wrote:3) He also enjoys some TV shows. How good are Netflix and Hulu PLus, etc? Are all network shows available? The CNET review mentions ABC, NBC and Fox but doesn't mention CBS. Is this a typo? Many of his favorite shows are on CBS.

I can't vouch for Netfix and Hulu Plus, but there is the Nowhere TV channel that has some of CBS content, but just the news shows and Letterman clips.

http://www.thenowhereman.com/roku/

sdc100 wrote:4) I see what appears to be blue SD cards sticking out of the unit and remote. Does that mean I can play media off SD cards? I know that this model doesn't have USB or the ability to stream off a PC.

Those aren't SD cards. Some models do have a USB port, but I don't see one in this model. You can always stream media from a PC using the MyMedia channel, and corresponding app on your PC.