I got one, but it seems to disconnect when it hasn't been used for a while. Then I have to go change the DNS number again. Any suggestions what I can do to prevent this and stay connected?

Ok, now I am confused. Someone mentioned the one on the Roku site for 59.99. These are both the same right? Can someone give a 'bottom line' on what the difference between these two is and if I should bother with this purchase?

fnabulsi wrote:I think this item is overpriced. This is the first generation of Roku for $50 and refurbished? the new Roku2 is $80 brand new!. Roku also now has an option for Roku LT for the same price.

To those of you comparing this Roku XD to the more recent Roku 2 XD - they really aren't comparable.

Check out the connections on the two units. The more recent Roku 2 XD retails for about $70 LESS than the retail price of the previous generation - the one on sale here as a refurb.

This one has, for instance, a full array of connectivity options - HDMI, Ethernet, comp.

The two just aren't comparable - it's a fluke of their model name structure.

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

This was just delivered to my house on Friday from when it was on Woot last week. It is currently running fine on an old standard def, low-fi, tube TV via RCA cables. The picture looks as good as it can on that tv.

It comes with a set of RCA cables in the box and can hook up to any TV (it also has an HDMI cable spot)

gill2003 wrote:Ok, now I am confused. Someone mentioned the one on the Roku site for 59.99. These are both the same right? Can someone give a 'bottom line' on what the difference between these two is and if I should bother with this purchase?

Bottom line is, this one is $5 cheaper. $5 buys lots of popcorn!

the one i purchased a while ago has hdmi out, RCA out, Ethernet, USB, component out, and a punch out for opt.

Most importantly, this unit has dual band wireless.

I can hook this up to a 5GHz network.

I BELIEVE NONE OF THE NEW GENERATION OF ROKU UNITS HAVE DUAL BAND WIRELESS.

BigRedDogATL wrote:You can order the new model Roku2 XD box for 20% off the regular $59 price, which makes it $47 and cheaper than this older model refurb.

Not really a good deal, but Woot will sell out of them anyway.

I can't find that deal anywhere. Do you have a link? Sure it's not the HD because that one is regularly $59?

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

Yes, it can... but save your money and get an HDTV instead! ;)

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

This model does have RCA connections (3)

OCH! MISTLETOE FRENCHING? GROSS! I just realized I get HGTV for free! That is the only channel I missed greatly when we ditched cable for Hulu.

I have a tivo (which can get amazon videos)
and a wii (for netflix)
Neither is HD (have had both for eons), but we're getting along OK anyway.

I like fewer boxes, not more, but maybe the HD-ness would make it worth it.

What say wooters?

Is there anyone out there who's Blu-ray player or Xbox doesn't already do this?

colbytitus wrote:I can't find that deal anywhere. Do you have a link? Sure it's not the HD because that one is regularly $59?

He is confusing the HD with the XD. The HD is on sale with 20% and free shipping, not the XD.

The Roku was one of the best little tech gadgets that I have ever purchased! We have two at home, no cable service just OTA, and one travels with me wherever I go. My mom who just barely can send text messages on her cell phone has this little box figured out and is excited when she accomplishes the basics. LOL

Here are some of the channel lists I use for my Roku:
http://www.catastrophegirl.com/rokuchannellist.htm
http://almostaccurate.com/roku/
http://streamfree.tv/apps/roku-private-channels/

Hey Guys and Gals, If you need to run to the store, get your hair done, have your car or truck detailed. Go ahead, I will stay here and hold down the fort for the next few days until this sells out. I'll call you, really I will!

Just got mine from woot on Friday. Spent 3 hours getting it to connect to my network... I eventually found that EVERY time Roku power cycles, I must power cycle my wireless router and have Roku be the first thing to connect. Once it was finally up and going, it's been fantastic.

WOOT Y U NO SELL SOMETHING GOOD??!?

fcamizzi wrote:Is there anyone out there who's Blu-ray player or Xbox doesn't already do this?

No one's bluray or Xbox does what the ROKU does. Sorry.

lightknight wrote:Wireless capable?

Yes, and very easy to set up.

I also just got this when it was last on woot and was dissapointed when it arrived and discovered it wasn't the same as what is on roku's website. I kinda feel like Woot should have done a better job of making that extremely clear.

I also have to say that Roku's "customer service" leaves alot (and I mean ALOT!!!!) to be desired. It took me way longer than it should have to set up my Roku account and therefore the unit itself due to their computer errors (which they consistently kepy saying were my fault) and customer service agents who you can barely understand and who only read off a script. And don't try asking fo ra supervisor, all you'll get is an offer to call back sometime later.

All this withstanding I've been happily watching hulu and netflix on my bedroom tv for days now.

Yes! In for 1. The ethernet port makes this deal for me.

Sure, there's a Roku 2 model that's cheaper, but the only Roku 2 model with an ethernet port is $99.

I already have the cat5 cable run to the TV, and now I don't have to deal with wi-fi.

rebeltreble wrote:OCH! MISTLETOE FRENCHING? GROSS! I just realized I get HGTV for free! That is the only channel I missed greatly when we ditched cable for Hulu.

HGTV and Food Network have been removed from the line-up at the networks requests. It was awesome while it lasted! I think they still can be accessed through the play-on "channel"...along with a ton of other network programs.

It will connect to standard (yellow) composite video as well as HDMI. You can see it in the pictures section.

They now have a basic model that will do 720p resolution through HDMI, wireless internet only, but its new and ships free from roku.com for $49.99!

mfrac wrote:Yes! In for 1. The ethernet port makes this deal for me.

Sure, there's a Roku 2 model that's cheaper, but the only Roku 2 model with an ethernet port is $99.

I already have the cat5 cable run to the TV, and now I don't have to deal with wi-fi.

To me, this is a big deal. The ethernet port makes the streaming (and buffering prior to play) quick and smooth. The wireless works well, but the wired is much better, in my experience.

To people asking why not just use an Xbox or BluRay.....one of the main reasons I got this is because it plays HuluPlus. Many other machines don't.

On Roku 2 not supporting dual band wireless:

Re: Roku 2 XS Dual-Band Wireless?


Okay guys, here's the skinny on the lack of dual-band:

I know some of you will be disappointed by this (especially the techies amongst us), but internal testing (performance logs, etc) showed no significant performance improvement with the dual band models, so the decision was made to simplify it for the Roku 2.

The new hardware is physically not capable of supporting dual band on the Roku 2.

This information will hopefully be added to our FAQ for the Roku 2 soon.

It was the hd model 720p not 1080.

I received the Roku XD from Woot on Friday. I tried to get it set up on Saturday. I spent at least an hour before contacting Roku tech support via live chat. After numerous resets, trying a different TV, trying everything she could imagine, it was determined that the ROKU unit was defective, (2 hours later). Roku is supposed to send a RMA and an address so that I can return it (at my cost). They said they will provide a (working) replacement. So far Roku is not a pleasant experience for me.

This is the way the woot-off ends
Not with a bang but a Roku XD.

Ok, it repeats saying that ONLY the Roku boxes stream the Pub-D-Hub channel -- a public domain paradise of material, and lots of new items are added every week. Anyone that is hung up on their other devices which also stream Netflix are soooo missing the point.

Lots of mainstream and modded channels on the Roku. It's a really fun little toy.

It's the Roku2 HD model that sells for $59, not the Roku2 XD like this one is. This model would be $79 new plus the discount.

BigRedDogATL wrote:You can order the new model Roku2 XD box for 20% off the regular $59 price, which makes it $47 and cheaper than this older model refurb.

Not really a good deal, but Woot will sell out of them anyway.

I bought this last week when it was a feature woot item. If I have ONE complaint it's that there isn't a SD card slot in these older models. With no SD card slot, there is a limit to how many channels you can install and have show up on your home screen. I installed like 15 channels and it wouldn't let me put more on there! How do they expect me to fit all of the free Food Network channels when I only have 15 or so to choose from?

These go for $80 new:
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Roku+-+2+XD+Wireless+Digital+Media+Player/2825041.p?id=1218355857147&skuId=2825041&st=roku%20xd&cp=1&lp=1
so savings after shipping is about $25.

keep in mind that this offering is for the Roku 1 and you linked to the Roku 2.

The newer version is much smaller.

NONE of the models on Roku site look like this one. A Plus (at least for me) is the audio cables on this model becasue I'm maxed out on surround sound receiver and that's too expensive to upgrade. Also - projector has no audio ports and is "finnicky" about what speakers it will work with.

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

You can connect with the stanadrd cables too

The Roku is best suited for those who watch pay for streaming services rather than locally stored content downloaded in advance.
I have a huge stash of movies on HDD as I don't have room for all the DVDs in my current living situation. There are aftermarket sorts of solutions to stream local content to a Roku, but they require a PC on the network to share the data. To top it off, navigating through the Rkku's menus just seemed a little clunky. I've used XBMC, PS#, and WiiMC previously and I have to say they're all quicker and easier to use, as well as more flexible.

cmangel518 wrote:HGTV and Food Network have been removed from the line-up at the networks requests. It was awesome while it lasted! I think they still can be accessed through the play-on "channel"...along with a ton of other network programs.

Wow, I guess I won't bother missing HGTV anymore! If they are going to do something like that then they don't deserve my business. I would watch their shows then go online to their website to order the products I was interested in so they were making money off of me. I would go to the website and watch what I could still. I will avoid them at all costs now though.

I hate networks being so restrictive like this. I have been waiting for al la carte cable for YEARS. Roku could really get that ball rolling if cable channels would cooperate. If HGTV doesn't want to be free, then offer it at a price. Don't just completely pull the programming though because that is stepping backwards in my opinion.

So this refurb DOES use the 5ghz dual broadband and the new units do not?