Psystal wrote:Roku's are great - definitely the best option if you use Netflix/Hulu Plus and don't have a "smart" TV yet.

I'd actually prefer Roku's interface and streaming capability to most of the built-in brand name options. Only Samsung's "Smart TV" really beats this guy.

If you're look for a gift, this is great. Even my parents can use it. And they haven't figured out the DVD player yet.

Same, my parents love it. Although, they still don't get that not all movies are streaming from Netflix, and I get phonecalls asking why..so I direct them to Amazon on Demand. Cheap rentals, too.

yes this is the previous model by looking at the remote.
i sent mine that looked identical to a friend & he loves it.
and even though its older model it still works beautifully.

new model is 1/4 of the size though lol

Caffeineismydrug wrote:Can I stream content from my home network?

Not out of the box. You'll need to add one of the "private channels" that enable this--Plex, MyMedia, roksbox, etc. Check the Roku forums for ideas and instructions. I added MyMedia to my Roku 2 XS, and it works perfectly. It required a little bit of technical knowledge to set up, but only a little.

Also, for those commenting that this isn't the current generation Roku, a lot of people claim that the previous generation was higher quality than the Roku 2. I can't speak to that from personal experience, but the fact that this isn't the latest model isn't necessarily a strike against it.

I ordered this last time it was on Woot and I am very pleased with it. It had no problems joining my network and streams Netflix and Amazon movies very well. Netflix and Amazon accounts are required.

Jim

jbchro wrote:I am confused, does this thing allow you to watch netflix without a netflix account?

Because if that is the case then this is easily worth every penny.

No, you have to have a Netflix account. You can just get the streaming one, but it beats watching it on your little computer screen.

you need a netflix account or someone elses :p

ZetaDrac wrote:Same item and price as November 25. What's the point of a Woot-off?

to sell the stuff they did'nt unload last time

redfox1160 wrote:Can this connect to a standard definition TV with RCA cables, or is it HDMI only?

It has RCA cable jacks.

As graized said, this is not the Roku 2 XD, but the previous generation Roku XD.

The wikipedia Roku article has a feature comparision chart.

My name is dbcooper, and I'm a TV junkie.

audience: (hi dbcooper)

I've been free of the shackles of pay TV for over a year now since I kicked DirecTV to the curb. (applause) I put an antenna on my roof and bought ROKUs for my TVs. I get 34 hi-def OTA channels, and pay $8/mo for Netflix. Never been happier. If you want to get away from the $100/mo TV service, this will help you do that. I did, and never looked back. I will never pay to watch commercials again.

(applause)

Seriously? Come on Woot!

wemmick wrote:As graized said, this is not the Roku 2 XD, but the previous generation Roku XD.

The wikipedia Roku article has a feature comparision chart.

...and that's not necessarily a strike against it, as someone else pointed out.

I have a bluray that's wireless and plays anything this can.... what would be the point? (Please correct me if I'm missing something.)

I'm still waiting for my Smartpost shipped Roku from when it was last on Woot! to arrive. It's taking the scenic route. Well, maybe not SO scenic, since it's currently in or en route to Jersey City...Which is its second misdirected shipment location. I expect Pittsburgh next, as it circles within 2-3 hours of my home endlessly.

I recently cut my cable down to the basic 15 or so channels to save money and purchased a roku. It's fantastic because I can watch both Netflix and HuluPlus on my tv, instead of having to use my computer. So long as you are subscribed to one of these, the $49 for the roku is totally worth it for the budget-conscious.

I got 2 of these Roku last woot. The wi-fi is not that great on either unit. keeps reloading every few seconds of video. will stream pandoa well. As a test...while trying to connect via roku, I ran a speakeasy speed test and was able to pull 13MBps and push 5MBps holding the laptop further down signal and next to the roku. Today I will buy 50' of cat5 wire and hard wire.

natertots wrote:I have a bluray that's wireless and plays anything this can.... what would be the point? (Please correct me if I'm missing something.)

There are hundreds and hundreds of free internet channels that your bluray player likely cannot access or play. This doesn't just do Netflix and Hulu.

Roku2 (current generation) is $60 w/free shipping NEW on their site....

oh woot.....so sad.....

Stream HD very nicely. Go online and check out the Private channels if you want some good net streaming sites as well. Also does Hulu and Netflix in HD. Its probably the easiest way to do what most Xbox and PS3s do and (then some) without having one.

EXCELLENT Wikipedia reference. Thank you.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roku

auggie46 wrote:...oh yes! these are great especially if you have an older tv with a composite input ~ a poor man's dvr for sure.

i got mine (2) from woot an older 1st gen roku with no hdmi input, and this one ~ the older has component & composite & s-video though so lots of possibilities.

this roku is the ONLY one with 1080p and all roku models explained here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roku

beware though that this roku xd came with NO enhanced remote and woot said return the WHOLE mess, which is stupid ~ just send me the correct remote woot which is advertised here!

c'mon, man

natertots wrote:I have a bluray that's wireless and plays anything this can.... what would be the point? (Please correct me if I'm missing something.)

FWIW The Roku players have a faster and more robust interface than other connected devices that I've seen. YMMV as every device will behave a littler differently.

As for this player.. no optical out is a deal killer. Bring up a few of the older ones and I'll be in for 2 more.

dbcooper wrote:There are hundreds and hundreds of free internet channels that your bluray player likely cannot access or play. This doesn't just do Netflix and Hulu.

Ahh, okay. But since I have no interest in those, the bluray is just as good?

I just got one of these off of woot just a few weeks ago and I couldn't be happier with it. Small, easily movable to another room, and lots of content. The only disappointment I've had thus far was discovering that Comcast doesn't support HBO GO on Roku devices. Otherwise, I'm loving finally being able to watch amazon prime videos on my tv, netflix and hulu plus etc...

It should be noted that hulu plus respond much quicker on my ps3 but it is still serviceable.

bishsd wrote:I believe this is an older model, maybe last years?

Got one last Christmas. Occasionally it needs to be rebooted but otherwise it is a great device. Many new channels are now available. Especially if you are into bad old movies.

Ordered the Roku 2 HD in a deals.woot (via Roku's website) just the other day, but pretty much had to get in on this one, as well. The R2HD is 720p; this one's 1080. This one'll be on the larger 1080p TV we'll probably buy AFTER Superbowl, when we're expecting prices to be down.

BITE IT, CABLE!!

I got mine over a week ago you better look into why yours hasn't came yet.

Off topic but, just bought 30 no-name Alkaline AAs for .14 each (tax included) from Deals Woot. You pay on line and do a Lowes local store pickup. No shipping charges. Just paid 4.24 for 30 of 'em.

This one does have an ethernet port, where as on the Roku 2's, only the top model keeps that port. So if you are going wired, then this is a great deal.

dbcooper wrote:My name is dbcooper, and I'm a TV junkie.

audience: (hi dbcooper)

I've been free of the shackles of pay TV for over a year now since I kicked DirecTV to the curb. (applause) I put an antenna on my roof and bought ROKUs for my TVs. I get 34 hi-def OTA channels, and pay $8/mo for Netflix. Never been happier. If you want to get away from the $100/mo TV service, this will help you do that. I did, and never looked back. I will never pay to watch commercials again.

(applause)

My name is angelsgirl2002, and I am a tv junkie BECAUSE of the roku. With the ease of Hulu Plus and Netflix, I got addicted.

angelsgirl2002 wrote:Same, my parents love it. Although, they still don't get that not all movies are streaming from Netflix, and I get phonecalls asking why..so I direct them to Amazon on Demand. Cheap rentals, too.

Mine have the same problem. They complain a lot about having to search through Amazon, Netflix, and Hulu Plus to find what they're looking for (if at all), but that's a universal issue. As far as switching between those options goes, they have a much easier time with their Roku than I do with our XBox 360.

For some reason, they also seem to get fewer buffering errors with Hulu Plus with the Roku than on other platforms.

falkenca wrote:Roku2 (current generation) is $60 w/free shipping NEW on their site....

oh woot.....so sad.....

That is the HD model, not the XD which is what this is. The comparable XD is $80.

By looking at the picture, I was able to determine that this unit does in fact utilize RCA cables.

SoupNazzi wrote:It has RCA cable jacks.

Thats for the folks that can only view ultra low definition TV. May as well put a channel 3 RF modulater in it.

natertots wrote:Ahh, okay. But since I have no interest in those, the bluray is just as good?

Ah! The head-in-sand approach! Haven't seen this on in a while: "I don't know what I'm missing, so I'm not missing anything." I like it! In that case, you're right; your bluray is just as good.

One thing that I think goes unappreciated about these devices is the massive amount of rare and international content this thing has. It has a lot of content from places in Europe and a LOT of southern Asian (Indian) content. I'd advise people to go to http://www.roku.com/roku-channel-store#15 to get an idea of the incredible amount of content this box gives you access to.

if i could teach my 84yr old gramps I would buy another.
But teaching him is harder then teaching a 1yr old to use the potty.

He is a daily routine took 1month to teach him how to change channels & 2months to change volume on the same remote he used for 2yrs.
yet he still has issues and just finished teaching him again

jbchro wrote:I am confused, does this thing allow you to watch netflix without a netflix account?

Because if that is the case then this is easily worth every penny.

Sure! And it will buy you free lunches for a year.

Woot killa

Is there a listing of available channels? I want to get this for my parents who enjoy watching Indian TV channels on their computer through various streaming sites. If this Roku player will allow them to watch the same stuff but on their TV this will be perfect.

redfox1160 wrote:Can this connect to a standard definition TV with RCA cables, or is it HDMI only?

it can connecty to regular def TV's. It has RCA outputs on the back. HDMI as well!