The newer Rokus are cheaper or close to the same price at roku.com

jaburg wrote:I have one and love it. Streaming free Amazon Prime stuff and many others. Do yourself a favor though -throw away the comp cables in case you are inspired to use them. Stick with HDMI and you won't go wrong.

Amazon prime is free? I thought it was $75/year?

bthale wrote:Can these be used in LAtin American countries? Can you stream Netflix and Amazon out of the US?

http://support.roku.com/home

https://signup.netflix.com/HowItWorks

in for one. I've been burning through AA's in my wii remote.

I see a lot of people saying "I use my _name of video game consol here_ why would I want a roku?"... if you are already sold on not getting a roku why say it?
I use a ps3 for netflix for many hours a day, in my opinion it's worth the funds to get a roku just to not put extra wear and tear on the game consol.
I ordered one for my dad from here this morning, I'm going to check it out first and see what I think but might end up getting myself one at some point... it's also a bit more mobile than a gaming consol.

My Roku's are my replacement for cable.. I have HuluPlus, netflix & Amazon Prime.. Total cost of about 270ish a year or breaks down to 22 a month.. Basica cable would run me close to 40 a month with no HD or DVR functions, so by the time those are thrown in I would be looking at 80+ a month for my 3 tv's..

The downside is that I dont get most of the show's till the following day on Huluplus, And no CBS or A&E shows streaming to the device Nativity. Of which there are workarounds for.

On the plus side I can ALWAYS find something to watch be it a movie on Netflix, Crackle (which is free) or Amazon. Or a show on HuluPlus (currently watching & enjoying the community which I never saw on live TV).

@Betty -re: order not showing. My order took at least 20 minutes to go through - kept saying "checking inventory". But FINALLY, it did go through.

jaburg wrote:I have one and love it. Streaming free Amazon Prime stuff and many others. Do yourself a favor though -throw away the comp cables in case you are inspired to use them. Stick with HDMI and you won't go wrong.

So it DOES have an HDMI port?

How does this compare to the WDTV Live?

twig123 wrote:I had a Roku XDS that I purchased from Amazon last year...
I found that the menu transitions were horrendously slow, in addition no local network streaming (without a bunch of work), no local storage and just overall was very disappointing and had buyers remorse within a couple hours.

I gave it a go for a couple days, but the promptly returned it to Amazon and purchased the WD TV Live Hub. I was instantly impressed how much faster the device was, it also supports more services than Roku. In addition it also has 1TB of storage and supports a vast array of file types and codecs.

For streaming to the Roku, you need a PC running with a transcoder and a special app installed on the device itself. Trying to get 1080p to stream to the Roku is a joke, and you would be lucky if you can play 720p smoothly.

Take my advice, skip the buyers remorse and just buy the WD TV Live Hub instead!

Not correct all that need to be on is the internet modem either wired or wireless. I have 2 Roku, 1 upstairs (wired) on my newer HDTV and 1 downstairs (wireless) on our old 36in SDTV- both work great. I watch the one upstairs almost every night, a lot of Netflix but there are hundreds of other free channels plus some other pay channels on access. For the money I don't think you can do better.

gtr1022 wrote:How does this compare to the WDTV Live?

Read the previous posts regarding WDTV.

colbytitus wrote:anywhere you have wifi

Not anywhere, and not necessarily at any hotel.

To use Roku, you need a high speed Internet connection with a speed of at least 1.2 Mbps (such as mid-level DSL). For HD video, we recommend 5 Mbps (if you’re not sure what your speed is, go to www.speedtest.net and run the simple test). Note that not all content partners enable HD or 1080p streaming video. You may also need a wireless or wired router if you cannot connect Roku directly to your cable or DSL modem."

Hotels can have very narrow bandwith and limited,and will be used up by the guests. So your streaming would be very slow and poor.

Roku 2 have abandoned the dual-band feature. If you want dual-band, you have to go with this generation.

My router is dual-band--actually four bands(one 2.4, one 5 GHz guest, one 2.4 guest and a dedicated video 5 GHz band for Roku units.

With this unit and my dual-band router my Roku units function wonderfully fast and there's no slowing of my internet usage.

I bought the Netgear WNDR3800 router.

tiffanicortez wrote:The newer Rokus are cheaper or close to the same price at roku.com

As I posted above, the new Roku units do not support dual-band. 5 GHz dedicated video band is a wonderful thing to have. Roku didn't bother to tell anyone they had abandoned the dual-band capabilities.

This unit does have dual-band capabilities.

In for 2! Great timing since I was talking to the wife about wanting to get something like this for our TV's - we have both Amazon Prime and Netflix but our Blu-ray only does Netflix and our TV in the office isn't hooked up to our network. This solves both issues! Thanks Woot!

jwfergus wrote:Betty0076 -
Ditto!

I'm also not sure of resubmitting an order vs waiting... and waiting... and waiting.

Thanks!! Finally got an Emil of order confirmation!

klw123w wrote:@Betty -re: order not showing. My order took at least 20 minutes to go through - kept saying "checking inventory". But FINALLY, it did go through.

Thanks for reply!L. Mine finally went thought too!!

CassiesCorner wrote:I see a lot of people saying "I use my _name of video game consol here_ why would I want a roku?"... if you are already sold on not getting a roku why say it?

We've been trained through school and the internet that everyone wants our opinion, no matter how irrelevant or inane it is. Or maybe these people are just making sure their keyboards are still in working order--who knows? Since I don't own those gaming consoles, those posts aren't even worth my time to read, and I skip over them without batting an eye.

Betty0076 wrote:Thanks!! Finally got an Emil of order confirmation!

Mine did the same thing. I walked away for 30 min and it was still hung on the screen. It finally did show up in my account.

Why would someone spend 59 on this when they can get one from Playon for 79 with lifetime subscription

It's $10 CHEAPER at roku:

http://www.roku.com/

twig123 wrote:For streaming to the Roku, you need a PC running with a transcoder and a special app installed on the device itself. Trying to get 1080p to stream to the Roku is a joke, and you would be lucky if you can play 720p smoothly.

idjk wrote:Not correct all that need to be on is the internet modem either wired or wireless.

While you are correct for Internet services, I thought it was implied that I was talking about *local* files and *local* file streaming.

Just bought one, never had a roku or anything like it.My newest gaming system is a nintendo nes. (haha and im only 24) I dont have cable or satellite just netflix so it sounded like the perfect fit. pretty exited for it to get here. thanks woot

I got mine for a Christmas present to my husband. The thing has never worked. I hooked it up via HDMI and get about one second of it saying "Roku now connecting" then a blue screen. After talking with support they said my television did not support some copyright format they use (can't remember the acronym right now), but to try it through my receiver. That did not work either, same problem. I verified through Samsung that both my tv and receiver indeed supported that specific copyright format. I tried to use the RCA cable instead and got zero signal even hooked straight into the television.

Since Christmas was 90 days after I bought it Woot wouldn't let me return it and Roku won't fix it. Complete waste of $50.

jimbrady wrote:Now I know 2 things:
1. Glenn Beck has his own channel
2. I'm not buying this thing

That's like me not subscribing to cable because they carry MSNBC and that Pinky Olberman. I don't subscribe to cable, but it has nothing to do with him or any other particular content.

CassiesCorner wrote:I see a lot of people saying "I use my _name of video game consol here_ why would I want a roku?"... if you are already sold on not getting a roku why say it?

I can't speak for anyone who has said that.... but myself, I was honestly curious if the channels the roku provides make it worth spending $60, since my bluray player(s) do the rest.

If they *are* worth it, I'd consider buying it.

Bubba Bo Bob Brainielucy wrote:Amazon prime is free? I thought it was $75/year?

When you pay for Amazon Prime, you get Amazon Instant Video "free" with your subscription.

From amazon:
"With more benefits than ever, the $79/year Prime subscription offers value and convenience, including free two-day shipping, *Prime instant videos*, and the new Kindle Owners' Lending Library."

Can this stream videos that are on my computer to the TV that it is connected to? And if so, will I need any special hardware on my PC aside from a wireless router? Would it be difficult to setup?

mistryhjm wrote:Can this stream videos that are on my computer to the TV that it is connected to? And if so, will I need any special hardware on my PC aside from a wireless router? Would it be difficult to setup?

Head back at read my other posts:
here and here

Basically you need mid to high-end computer, and transcoding software like PlayOn ($29.99/year) OR buy your Roku 2 HD from PlayOn for $79.99 and get a lifetime pass for PlayOn. However, wireless blows for transcoding HD videos and you are lucky if you can get 720p to stream (1080p is pretty much a joke for transcoding to the Roku)

bornonjuly4 wrote:If the hotel Wifi can atleast stream 250+ kbps. Most hotels have crappy wifi which support only basic browsing/email so do a speedtest to see what the bandwidth is before using.

Is that the minimum bandwidth for this to operate properly? Is there any option for low bandwidth connections where it's able to buffer some or all of the content locally before playing or is it strictly on a streaming basis, where it'll just freeze up on slow connections?

ivanivanovich wrote:Or you can get the free official apps released by Roku. (Android version just out!) At the Apple/Google app stores.

There are PROBLEMS with the official app. Never mind that it forces you to login with user/password to your online account (w.t.f. you are remote!) - but the Android app hangs and crashes on LG Optimus when trying to logon. Both apps by Roku Inc (iPhone and Android) in some network/router setups will NOT RECOGNIZE your Roku and the only solutions is to install 3rd party app. Check how many negative reviews do they have, the sad thing is the app either works or it does not - and there is no way to make it work then, short of buying new router.

wooters!! wrote:Is that the minimum bandwidth for this to operate properly? Is there any option for low bandwidth connections where it's able to buffer some or all of the content locally before playing or is it strictly on a streaming basis, where it'll just freeze up on slow connections?

With Netflix & Hulu Plus, your bandwidth determines that quality of content you get, there is no option to pre-cache. There is the normal buffer, as with all streaming, but if you have low bandwith you will only get SD/low-def content and possible pauses to re-buffer.

AndrewZorn wrote:I hope I don't regret my recent purchase of a Roku 2 HD, which hasn't yet even arrived.

Is the XDS better than the 2 HD (other than the obvious more port connections; compatible to my old Samsung Tantus WS CRT, the best connection via component video YPbPr connection)?

I thought the other way..I missed the then cheaper $49.99 Amazon promo on the 2 HD last Fri 3/3. It is now back up to $67.

We have this Roku beauty at the regular woot (@$55), but another gem at the Deals.woot.
Sorry if it’s been discussed, but I’ve not gotten their yet. But does anyone know how to compare this device with the Slingbox SOLO (@$85)?
I'm an old guy and have much difficulty getting these devices straight in my head. Although, it may have little to do with age; I’ve been demyelinating at a steady pace for quite a while.
Point = I really don't know enough to specify the significant features for a comparison, never mind propose the appropriate standards. So, could I ask one of you techno-stalworts to chime right in???
Thanks for your brain smoke.

I have the Roku 2 XS. I have an acquaintance who bought a blue ray player, because it would "do everything"...he returned it.

This has 9 News channels...from Al Jazeera, regular networks, to Nasa. Of course mine came with Angry Birds...which this likely does not.

Crackle has LOTS of older movies..some new ones, on demand...as mentioned..also, huluplus, Amazon instant video, Netflix, Pandora, Mormon Channel/BYU, Soma FM, Adam Curry's App Show (he describes apss and how to downloard to your devices)Weather Underground, plus 50-100 subscription and free channels from foreign countrie's to sport. I have other resources, but this is a nice additions to them...and all I have on it is FREE!...;-)

dliidlii wrote:USB port is stated by the price but NOT shown in picture of ports. Does this model have USB or not??

Yes, the USB port is on the right side of the box (when looking at the front of the box).

Have had a Roku for over a year and love it! In for one for my other TV.

I would not buy this.
For $5 more You can purchase a brand new one that isn't a refurbished and discontinued model.

shop.roku.com

slightly different features like it doesn't have USB but does have MicroSD and Bluetooth.

http://support.roku.com/entries/20345913-product-comparison-all-roku-player-models

And did I mention it's not refurbished, it is new?

Stormyduck wrote:It's $10 CHEAPER at roku:

http://www.roku.com/

Not exactly, the 49.99 one is a different model; specifically it's not 1080p. The Roku 2's have somewhat different feature breakdowns than the original Roku lineup (of which the current Woot is a part). The Roku 2 HD (1080p) *is* currently 69.99 at Roku w/free shipping (making it just slightly more expensive than this Woot factoring in shipping), but lacks the USB port and Ethernet port (some people prefer streaming traffic to be hardwired as opposed to wireless). Today's Woot device thus falls somewhere between the $Barrels of Crud$70 on sale) and $100 devices at Roku.com

I connected digital DVR to keep up with Lost after the first season. Disconnected it after Lost ended their run.

If I bumped into someone people tell me is named "Snooki" I'm not sure I would recognize her.

Once networks get back to higher standards of scripted programming, I'll consider reconnecting the cord. For now, news from NPR or the Internet, Pandora radio, Netflix, and a simple antenna get me more than what I need. People couldn't believe I had the SuperBowl in HD and I didn't have cable or satellite.

I'll change my tune a bit during March Madness. But most games should be broadcast on CBS, right? For $65 shipped, this little box seems a great alternative, compared to over $100 digital cable package I WAS paying...