Spiky wrote:Um, you should read more paragraphs. That is in the SD section, and 720x480 is the maximum available for standard NTSC TV shows. Netflix HD is a separate story. Granted, it isn't 1080, but it is HD, although reduced to 30fps instead of 60.

My mistake, it is only 720p. That would make it 1280x720, still a long way off from 1080p

These things are crap. I went through two of them and the one I have now is having problems too. Great while they last, but the customer support is horrible.

Save your money and get the PS3 so you have all the other options too.

El Marko wrote:Had one and it worked fine for the few days I kept it.

Here's the problem for me and a few million others: No CLOSED CAPTIONING.

Not offered, not available from any of the streaming sites, including Netflix. I need it due to lousy hearing, and I'm hardly the only one.

So if you are buying this for yourself or someone who needs CC, it's useless.

I have the lower model from the July Woot and it has closed captioning for scripted TV episodes on Hulu+ (but not unscripted, like The Daily Show) & I can get CC on some movies on Netflix (though not nearly as many as I'd like, but I believe that's on Netflix end).

can this stream media files from your computer, like .wmv, .avi, etc?

Can you put a DVD in your computer and use this to stream the video to your TV?

Thanks!

Is the UI for this older player the same as the UI on the new Roku 2s?

Vegan wrote:Damn. It's HDMI or composite; no component. My old TV is getting turned into The Bedroom TV and it pre-dates HDMI. Would have been nice to have a way to get our Netflix etc. in there.

Same here - our HDTV predates HDMI. Roku has no love for us early HDTV adopters. I'd get one of these if it had component output like my WDTV Live Plus.

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.

Thanks. You answered my #1 question.

With all the design and marketing money spent by so many set top box vendors, it's amazing how immature the consumer technology still Is.

I would be happy to pay $1,000 for an HDTV with DLNA, Web streaming access and a useable menu, but I can't find one.

I'm answering a big bunch of questions here:

yonian wrote:I would be happy to pay $1,000 for an HDTV with DLNA, Web streaming access and a useable menu, but I can't find one.

Word is that Roku is developing DLNA support for their next generation players, but no word on whether or not this will be offered in their older and discontinued players. There's a project called NokNok which is in private testing right now to bring DLNA support to older and discontinued players.

dapurplert wrote:Someone tell me what grand advantages I get from the refurbed Roku for more cash over this RCA box they have in stock locally for 39? http://www.walmart.com/ip/RCA-DSB772WE/17693168

That's a good question, because RCA's website gives no information about this box at all. The RCA device does offer VUDU (Walmart's own answer to Netflix & Hulu), Netflix, Hulu+ and Pandora, and it looks like video RSS feeds from some news networks, but beyond that, who knows? Roku has a published guide for all of it's 350+ (and growing) channels and an active development community adding more content constantly.

todesco wrote:I'm going to add to my own question. I went to MLB and indeed it was $25/season but it said "Watch full game archives of every team's regular season or Postseason games." Does this mean after the live game? Or live stream as it is happening?

Since baseball season is over right now, all you can do is watch archived games. Any subscription right now will expire on February 25, 2012. A new season starts after that, and you can watch live games, aside from any local blackout games. Any games under a local media blackout are available 90 minutes after the game is over.

candlesticky wrote:Hi K, you seem to have in-depth knowledge and experience on this Roku thing. We live in farm country, does it work with Satellite as we have no other option. I am encouraged re "easy to set up", being a little tech-less. Also no PC, just laptop. Workable scenario?

Roku suggests that your Internet service be at least 1200 kbps or faster. I've never seen a consumer satellite service faster than 768 kbps. I can't say how well it will work with a slower service. Roku itself doesn't require a PC, just an Internet connection. If you're talking about streaming content from your computer to the Roku using a product like Plex, then any computer (desktop or laptop, Windows, MacOS or Linux) should fit the bill as long as your computer fits the minimum requirements of the software.

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

Those networks do not have their own Roku channel. If you get a Hulu+ subscription, those networks do upload their content there. MSNBC, Fox News, BBC World News, CBC and CNN International have Roku channels. AFAIK there are no local NYC stations with Roku channels.

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?

Check Roku's channel guide. Roku is constantly adding new channels.

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.

Netflix and Hulu+ are fantastic services. CBS has some programming available, but prefers that viewers go to their web site instead.

sdc100 wrote:4) I see what appears to be blue SD cards sticking out of the unit and remote.

It's just a plastic tag with the Roku logo.

bumblebri wrote:how well would this work for watching movies? i know you can get netfix and hulu, but what are other services that are available? also, will this work in addition to the tv service that my dad already has, or is it either or?

The Roku can either complement or replace your current TV viewing, depending on your habits and what you like to watch. Movies and TV shows play just like any other content on your TV. See Roku's channel guide to see what is currently available. Roku is constantly adding new channels.

kcmark wrote:Same here - our HDTV predates HDMI. Roku has no love for us early HDTV adopters. I'd get one of these if it had component output like my WDTV Live Plus.

There are some Roku models that support component output. My N1001 model does. If you want to buy this one and swap out for mine, let me know! :D I recently upgraded to an HDTV w/ HDMI, so I don't need the component output.

MikeekiM wrote:Is the UI for this older player the same as the UI on the new Roku 2s?

The UI is the same, the only difference is that the Roku 2 adds ability for casual gaming.

n3lson wrote:can this stream media files from your computer, like .wmv, .avi, etc? Can you put a DVD in your computer and use this to stream the video to your TV? Thanks!

It can, with additional software on your computer and adding the appropriate Roku channel. See the many previous posts for more detailed answers.

sdc100 wrote:Frankly, I'm surprised that this hasn't sold out yet. If my memory is correct, Rokus ave always sold out around this time. If true then its failure to sell out might be due to:

1) Aging technology (this model has been discontinued although CNET states that many of the newer features aren't that important).

2) Distraction from Black Friday; most people are out shopping and not by their computers.

3) A concentration on gift buying. This is refurbished, which may be unsuitable for gifting.

4) Poverty ... bad economy made worse by gift and airline spending

I just got a Google TV instead a few weeks ago.

Does it come in red?

kamnet wrote:Those networks do not have their own Roku channel. If you get a Hulu+ subscription, those networks do upload their content there. MSNBC, Fox News, BBC World News, CBC and CNN International have Roku channels. AFAIK there are no local NYC stations with Roku channels.

MSNBC has it's own channel? I have found some of the shows available on the Nowhere TV channel, but not all. I wanted to watch the Big Ed show on MSNBC, but it isn't available on the Roku.

wasserkapf wrote:

haha, the media companies want you to think so... but they aren't streaming experts either... ;-)

ThunderThighs wrote:No, but this does....

Thunderthighs trying to start a fire again...

kamnet wrote:I'm answering a big bunch of questions here:

It can, with additional software on your computer and adding the appropriate Roku channel. See the many previous posts for more detailed answers.

You didn't mention that if you have slower internet speed, to use the Nintendo Wii. I have to add that when I use my Nintendo Wii on basic internet cable, the cheapest version, I get it crystal clear. When I use the Roku, it's spotty. When I upgraded, the Roku played better... The Wii is for people who can't afford faster internet. ;-)

andreanugget wrote:Bought a Roku XD a year ago and haven't looked back. It is starting to crap out on me so I will likely upgrade in a month or so. Best purchase I've ever made, even with it only lastilng a year. Cable bill was almost $100/mth, now I spend maybe $20/mth for the subscriptions.

I did not buy this. I told my husband about it though. After a while he said don't you want to go check Woot...or your email? Lol...I tried to explain no and then
about a deal a day....except when it's a Woot Off....

Hahaha. He started sing Woot off the red nose reindeer like Elmer Fudd! Hahahaha!

I will keep this simple: I love my Roku player. It streams Netflix beautifully. You can also pull YouTube from it. One particular downfall is that the model that has the USB slot only plays basic JPG and SOME video formats, but not many. Let me weigh in on HULU Plus: A big “SO WHAT!” You can watch HULU on your PC for free; when you pay for the +Plus feature, you can stream all of HULU to your ROKU player; once again, so what? No thank you. Now, Amazon also offers a +plus type of feature. Have you checked out the Amazon movie library for that price they want to charge? Nah. I'll stick with Netflix. Look, ROKU is pretty damn fun if you like streaming to your TV things you may not ever see online. The channel store does not have the most "mainstream" set of channels, but there are some channels on there that are interesting to pull up and watch. I know my review may be vague in terms of description, but if anything I am just trying to convey that ROKU is the better streamer for your Netflix and YouTube content with some interesting channel choices in between. Oh, if you're lucky you can find the free Food Network channel, oops did I say Food Network? I meant Disney. Yes, that's what I meant. I meant to say Disney.

I got one of the 720p Rokus here for 39.99 and was very impressed. I'd get this but I want to wait for a good price on a version 2 Roku, which has the version of Neftlix streaming that includes subtitles. Roku says they may release a Netflix update to the older units but I gather it's not likely, or won't be soon... but possible.

If you have Netflix streaming and subtitles don't matter to you, this would be a very good deal.

For $20 more, get the new model with new remote and not refurbished at amazon. Then you can watch all the Glenn beck you want.

amazon: roku 2 XD Streaming Player 1080p

And check the comparison chart at the bottom, spend $100 and get the slick motion controller with angry birds preloaded!

They are also running a Black Friday weekend deal on facebook -- get two roku 2's and save $20...

domurat wrote:For $20 more, get the new model with new remote and not refurbished at amazon. Then you can watch all the Glenn beck you want.

If I pay the extra $20...can I make sure my Roku NEVER plays any Glenn Beck? Even on Accident?

Also, QVC's "Today's Special Value" on Cyber Monday will be a Roku 2 XD (new) for $79.99 + free shipping.
It will also include "2 months hulu plus" and an HDMI cable.

http://www.amazon.com/Component-Video-Stereo-Audio-Cable/dp/B001IUQB2W/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1322284472&sr=1-1

converts HDMI to component for older HD televisions.

kamnet wrote:I'm answering a big bunch of questions here:

It can, with additional software on your computer and adding the appropriate Roku channel. See the many previous posts for more detailed answers.

A belated MANY MANY MANY THANKS for answering all four of my questions. Happy Holidays.

I have one of these (slightly different model) and an Apple TV AND a Revue Google TV box. I'm using the Revue the most now, then the ATV and then the Roku. Still have cable though, so my usage pattern might change when I cut the cable. The Revue is cool because you can surf the internet and watch video on most sites (but not the major networks).

Oh, today I was able to watch the Nevada/BYU basketball game via BYUTV.org on the Revue on my 50" plasma in pretty much HD quality. Awesome!

aaltieri wrote:If I pay the extra $20...can I make sure my Roku NEVER plays any Glenn Beck? Even on Accident?

Lolz! Agreed.

wasserkapf wrote:My mistake, it is only 720p. That would make it 1280x720, still a long way off from 1080p

My point, which I admittedly did not relay well enough, was that it can display a higher resolution than most devices, including th PC.

Of course, Netflix will not be able to stream true 1080p. I said 1080p because that is the name they chose for their highest quality service.

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

Thanks

I ordered the Roku, (this will be our second Roku) after I bought one of the RCA streaming media players at Wally World on Black Friday. The RCA device worked fine but the remote feels very cheap. I don't think it will last long at all. Hubby likes the RCA menu better than the Roku menu. I just ordered 3 6 ft HDMI cables for $1.97 each, with free shipping from Amazon! Sold by SF Planet.

Just got my tracking number!!!

What the heck happened to woot? The good old woot I used to know and love wouldn't have shipped holiday weekend merch for another week, and wouldn't have issued a tracking number until 2 days after the box was delivered!

cdr wrote:Just got my tracking number!!!

What the heck happened to woot? The good old woot I used to know and love wouldn't have shipped holiday weekend merch for another week, and wouldn't have issued a tracking number until 2 days after the box was delivered!

Amazon has been a bad influence!

ARGH! CURSE YOU, SMARTPOST! You managed to deliver my Roku from a FedEx facility in Martinsburg WV, PAST my area, and into the nether regions of Delaware. Martinsburg is actually an hour or so closer to my house, and to get to Delaware you had to pass within about 30 minutes from my house en route. Well done. That's talent.

Got mine in the mail today. However, no remote was included...

It came without setup instructions, and it required a wired connection to get to the screen to select whether to use a wired or wireless connection. Extremely sloppy set-up design, but streams great after an unnecessarily annoying start up.

i JUST RECEIVED MY WOKU AND ITS NOT WORKINGGGGGGGGGG. IT stops at the welcome to the roky player screen and ask me to press ok on the remote to begin, when I press on OK nothing happens, i changed the batteries on the remote, nothing. IM REALLY DISAPPOINTEDDDDD

Received mine yesterday, but it will not power on. Going to call support tonight and see how it goes...

Just updated my roku and everything is fine so far. Luv all the channel and game options

OCH! MISTLETOE FRENCHING? GROSS! I love how I don't have to point the remote directly at the box. Having fun with this. Right now i'm jamming to music on Pandora