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Gear / Technical Help => Playback Forum => Home Theatre & HDTV => Topic started by: Fatah Ruark (aka MIKE B) on May 12, 2010, 09:46:11 PM

Title: Who's got a ROKU??
Post by: Fatah Ruark (aka MIKE B) on May 12, 2010, 09:46:11 PM
(http://addins.kwwl.com/blogs/criticalmass/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/roku.jpg)

Just picked up a Ruku HD (came in the mail today).

I got it mostly to watch MLB.TV on the HDTV, and I've got to say....FREAKIN' AWESOME!! Only downer is no way to automatically skip to an inning (which you can do on a normal computer).

Picture quality is pretty close to regular HD. Sort of like crappy Comcast HD (I'd give a slight edge to Comcast...not as good as Satellite HD). I have seen a slightly better picture on my laptop, but only when I'm at work.  It is much more reliable on the Roku than on my laptop (at least when I'm at home, at work I have a repulsively fast connection).

My sister has Netflix, so I'll add that when I can get her password (she isn't into the tech thing enough to bother with leaning anything new). I'll report back with picture quality for Netflix (unless someone else can comment about it).

This thing is TINY as well. It's about the same dimension as a CD case (but taller, obviously).

I have to say, best $99 I've spent on the entertainment center.

If you're into MLB I think you can get the Roku HD for $80 with a MLB.TV subscription. As a huge Mets fan living in Colorado, MLB.TV is great to have.
Title: Re: Who's got a ROKU??
Post by: guysonic on May 13, 2010, 06:39:49 AM
One time considered the Roku, but then refurbished Samsung Blueray disc players for just $89 at Tigerdirect.com having Netfilx, Blockbuster, Youtube, and Pandora ability, and from experience, the picture off netflix is excellent HD if having ~7 meg DSL or cable grade service and at least a monitor with component or HDMI connections.
Title: Re: Who's got a ROKU??
Post by: neumannkid on May 13, 2010, 06:53:58 AM
Ive had the Roku for over a year. I have it wired and use it for movies and the picture quality is very good. I just replaced it with a blueray that streams and will be using the box wireless in another room. 
Title: Re: Who's got a ROKU??
Post by: Fatah Ruark (aka MIKE B) on May 13, 2010, 09:27:39 AM
The only thing I need to add is Blu-Ray playback and streaming from my media server, so I'll have to look into one of those Blu-ray players with streaming.
Title: Re: Who's got a ROKU??
Post by: DigiGal on May 13, 2010, 10:06:12 AM
+ 1 for Roku.  Picked one up when they were first introduced & beta tested new features for them on a few occasions. 
Title: Re: Who's got a ROKU??
Post by: bgalizio on May 13, 2010, 11:57:03 AM
Can these stream movie files from your computer? (m4v, etc.).
Title: Re: Who's got a ROKU??
Post by: hammerhorror on May 13, 2010, 12:17:17 PM
I have had the Roku HD-XR for about 5 months now. I absolutely love it. I mainly bought the HD-XR version because it is the only Roku which has a built in USB port on the back. It is currently inactive, but there are rumours that Roku will be activating the USB port to add different features that the other Roku boxes won't be able to do.

When I'm waiting on a new disc from Netflix to arrive in the mail it's nice to be able to watch all of the movies/shows that are available to watch instantly. Here is a link to a NetFlix "Instant Watch" Tracker. It is updated daily with any new titles that become available for "Instant Watch": http://www.thenowhereman.com/netflix/ (http://www.thenowhereman.com/netflix/)
Title: Re: Who's got a ROKU??
Post by: larrysellers on May 13, 2010, 02:46:50 PM
Why did they limit HD playback to 720p?
Title: Re: Who's got a ROKU??
Post by: Fatah Ruark (aka MIKE B) on May 13, 2010, 03:33:51 PM
Can these stream movie files from your computer? (m4v, etc.).

No. Not that I know of, at least.

Why did they limit HD playback to 720p?

So, they can sell you the 1080p version next year!  :P

Hopefully they come out with a version that does 1080p AND can stream music from a media server. I'd be all set then.
Title: Re: Who's got a ROKU??
Post by: Fatah Ruark (aka MIKE B) on July 08, 2010, 12:44:50 PM
Just discovered that you can add the Live Music Archive (and other goodies) to the Roku.

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

The interface leaves a little to be desired...but it works. I haven't had a huge look around, but it seems that you can't access everything. I looked up Cracker and noticed that some of my recordings aren't available. Seems like a lot of them are missing.

Now they need to add a way to access your Subsonic server and it will just about be perfect.
Title: Re: Who's got a ROKU??
Post by: DigiGal on August 02, 2010, 11:21:54 AM
Just discovered that you can add the Live Music Archive (and other goodies) to the Roku.

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

The interface leaves a little to be desired...but it works. I haven't had a huge look around, but it seems that you can't access everything. I looked up Cracker and noticed that some of my recordings aren't available. Seems like a lot of them are missing.

Now they need to add a way to access your Subsonic server and it will just about be perfect.

Wow, didn't know this, just added Live Music Archive.  Thanks
Title: Re: Who's got a ROKU??
Post by: Chuck on November 19, 2010, 09:55:39 PM
I'm looking at this one after looking at the Roku and WD TV Live Plus:

http://www.amazon.com/Seagate-FreeAgent-GoFlex-TV-STAJ100/dp/B003IT6YFK/ref=dp_ob_title_ce

I'd appreciate any input. This thing lets you network to your computer to play ISO images too.
Title: Re: Who's got a ROKU??
Post by: Fatah Ruark (aka MIKE B) on November 20, 2010, 01:17:22 AM
What do you want to do with it, Chuck?

I don't think the Seagate has channels like Netflix, MLB, etc.

I'm pretty sure the new Roku's have the ability to stream media over your network, but I don't have one of the new ones.

There is a "channel" on my old one that says it will stream media, but I've never played with it yet.

My favorite parts of the Roku:

1. MLB.TV. Obviously only important if you like baseball, and it better not be the Rockies because local games are blacked out (at least until after the game is over).
2. Netflix. Works really well on the Roku.
3. LMA streaming. This needs work, but you can listen to pretty much the entire LMA. It's not super easy to navigate though.

All I need to do is figure out if I can stream TV shows that I've downloaded off my media server to the Roku and it will have everything I want. Well that and a NHL channel, but that doesn't seem to be coming this year.
Title: Re: Who's got a ROKU??
Post by: Chuck on November 20, 2010, 10:02:49 AM
I first and foremost want to stream Netflix to my HD TV.
From what I've read, the Seagate box does do Netflix streaming in 1080p.

I already have a CAT5 cable run to the TV, so I don't need WiFi.

One question, how can I tell what the connection speed from Comcast is? My step-daughter uses her Samsung BD player to stream Netflix (via WiFi) and the picture quality isn't that great. I assume it's because the WiFi connection isn't very fast. ???
Title: Re: Who's got a ROKU??
Post by: Fatah Ruark (aka MIKE B) on November 20, 2010, 10:32:55 AM
Chuck...Unless you're Comcast is REALLY slow you shouldn't have any problems with streaming HD. WiFi could be an issue, especially if you're using a channel that others around you are using. I can stream HD to my Roku. I do use CAT5e though just to be on the safe side.

I believe HD is going to be around 5Mbps and my Comcast usually tests around 10Mbps. Actually just tested mine. Even with Wireless G I pin the needle at 10Mbps on my desktop.
Title: Re: Who's got a ROKU??
Post by: Fatah Ruark (aka MIKE B) on November 26, 2010, 06:59:25 AM
Roku XR on sale this weekend (20% off):

http://shop.roku.com/Roku-Streaming-Player-Options-W5.aspx?utm_source=bf2010&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=bf2010
Title: Re: Who's got a ROKU??
Post by: DigiGal on July 12, 2011, 11:36:59 AM
Streamed "Magic Trip" with Roku's Amazon VOD channel to the plasma over the weekend. 

Also added the free Classical Channel to Roku recently too.  Great stuff available and seems more is added regularly.   Roku definitely keeps moving forward with increased programming options unlike the other streaming devices we own.
Title: Re: Who's got a ROKU??
Post by: notsofast on July 12, 2011, 06:50:41 PM
I own the WD Live Plus and had looked at the ROKU. It does stream netflix, new interface allows searches within netflix. Bios upgrades are a regular occurrence and the user group is a good source for questions.

Likes:
Small, streams flac/videos from my PC's, I use the wired netwrok connection to wireless repeater. Functionality is good. I have read the interface on the Seagate version is worse.

Dislikes:
Random connection problems with Netflix, when upgrading the bios you need to reset all your logon ID and pswd.

Would I buy another one? No due to intermittent connection issue. One day it works then the next it does not.

Hope that helps,

Tim
Title: Re: Who's got a ROKU??
Post by: bgalizio on July 13, 2011, 06:38:05 AM
I have 2 Apple TV 2's and 2 Roku's. We use the ATV's for streaming our video files and Netflix, and use the Roku's for Hulu Plus. The ATV has a much better user interface, but we really wanted a small, cheap Hulu Plus streaming device as part of our "cutting cable" efforts. It's worked well for us. If the ATV had Hulu, we wouldn't have purchased the Roku.
Title: Re: Who's got a ROKU??
Post by: Chuck on July 13, 2011, 11:57:37 AM
What do you all think about NetFlix splitting DVD's from streaming and charging more?
We have been using the DVD service more lately, because the streaming options are very limited.

Has anyone found a better cheap streaming option?
Title: Re: Who's got a ROKU??
Post by: rastasean on July 13, 2011, 03:48:16 PM
What do you all think about NetFlix splitting DVD's from streaming and charging more?
We have been using the DVD service more lately, because the streaming options are very limited.

Has anyone found a better cheap streaming option?

for my family, its the opposite way around because my girlfriend gets movies she never watches. we currently have 1 dvd and streaming. I don't think we take advantage of the dvds enough.
Title: Re: Who's got a ROKU??
Post by: Chuck on July 13, 2011, 03:55:20 PM
Yeah, we have the 1 DVD plus streaming option for $9 too.
If they had a better selection of streaming movies I'd be happy with just the streaming, but that's not the case currently.
Title: Re: Who's got a ROKU??
Post by: Gil on July 13, 2011, 04:04:08 PM
What do you all think about NetFlix splitting DVD's from streaming and charging more?
We have been using the DVD service more lately, because the streaming options are very limited.

It's a kick in the sack. I like the streaming option, but the quality and selection are fairly lacking, so going with the streaming only isn't really an option for me. If I wasn't splitting the cost two ways, I'd probably ditch it entirely.

Title: Re: Who's got a ROKU??
Post by: Jimna on July 13, 2011, 04:13:30 PM
It's a kick in the sack.
^^that
Title: Re: Who's got a ROKU??
Post by: DigiGal on July 13, 2011, 08:24:41 PM
Unfortunately it appears that Netflix is moving to slowly get out of the shiny disc business altogether and change over to streaming only. 

We got rid of cable/satellite years ago and beefed up our number of discs at a time to 6 to supplement our local digital over the air channels.  We then dropped our disc count down to 4 at a time and grabbed a Roku unit when they first came out and have fully enjoyed the disc & streaming combo.  Netflix streaming was originally a free bonus, until they changed the pricing structure to start shifting their business model from discs to streaming.  The available Netflix streaming titles has improved somewhat but it still has a long way to go.  Over the same time frame I've noticed that their selection of titles available on disc has actually decreased.     

We have been trying to encourage Netflix to carry 3D Blu-ray discs for the last year and every time they tell us there is not enough demand for them to do this.  It wouldn't be difficult for them be active in this area if they were at all interested because there are not that many titles currently available in 3D.  Without Netflix carrying 3D titles it requires the public to purchase these discs on their own in order to watch them.  Who wants to buy their own discs today, not many titles are worth owning or even watching more than once.

All of our other home theater streaming devices are basically only useful for their Netflix service but at least Roku is active in pursuing other programming options which helps supplement the deficiencies with Netflix.     
Title: Re: Who's got a ROKU??
Post by: rastasean on July 19, 2011, 01:55:35 PM
Another sucky thing with netflix is the vanishing streaming of something I just watched. I can't say this has happen recently (as in this month) but every once in awhile I'll add something to the queue and it will disappear the next day. If could be a movie or a tv series/season and even searching for it will not show any results.

Has anyone else experienced/noticed this?
Title: Re: Who's got a ROKU??
Post by: hammerhorror on July 19, 2011, 02:00:49 PM
Another sucky thing with netflix is the vanishing streaming of something I just watched. I can't say this has happen recently (as in this month) but every once in awhile I'll add something to the queue and it will disappear the next day. If could be a movie or a tv series/season and even searching for it will not show any results.

Has anyone else experienced/noticed this?

Yes, this happens because the streaming movies have expiration dates. They are only viewable for a certain amount of time. All of the movies vary. Some are available to stream for years, some months, and some weeks.

Check out this site: http://www.thenowhereman.com/netflix/ (http://www.thenowhereman.com/netflix/)
The site lists all of the available streaming titles and also shows you when each movie expires.
Title: Re: Who's got a ROKU??
Post by: Gil on July 19, 2011, 02:13:32 PM
Another sucky thing with netflix is the vanishing streaming of something I just watched. I can't say this has happen recently (as in this month) but every once in awhile I'll add something to the queue and it will disappear the next day. If could be a movie or a tv series/season and even searching for it will not show any results.

Has anyone else experienced/noticed this?

Yes, this happens because the streaming movies have expiration dates. They are only viewable for a certain amount of time. All of the movies vary. Some are available to stream for years, some months, and some weeks.

Check out this site: http://www.thenowhereman.com/netflix/ (http://www.thenowhereman.com/netflix/)
The site lists all of the available streaming titles and also shows you when each movie expires.

Thanks for the link! It's nice to be able to, you know, actually sort shit.
Title: Re: Who's got a ROKU??
Post by: Brian Skalinder on July 19, 2011, 02:23:23 PM
I, too, have been disappointed with Netflix's streaming content.  It's not terrible, but it's not particularly good, either.  I suspect they're moving as fast as they can to add new content given the constraints placed upon them by media content copyright owners.  I would guess the copyright owners <a> are reluctant to provide content to a third party when they're all probably working (either directly or indirectly) on their own streaming options to deliver content direct to consumers, <b> don't want to cut into their higher profits from other distribution channels which are still generating significant revenue, and <c> don't want to agree to long-term deals until the market develops further and provides greater certainty around the revenue generation and profit model.
Title: Re: Who's got a ROKU??
Post by: Chuck on July 19, 2011, 02:29:06 PM
Yeah, the movie streaming content isn't that good. So, I'm trying to re-purpose mine as a media server. The hitch is that I don't think the Roku can do gapless audio playback using the USB or My Media channels.
Title: Re: Who's got a ROKU??
Post by: timP on July 26, 2011, 08:57:17 AM
The wife and I have hardly been streaming over the past 6months, after a few years of steady use Actually have been going to the local video store once a week. We have gotten very into random finds and new to us older movies, with no wait. We feel like a bunch of olds doing this but it is really nice to look thru the new Criterion offerings or the Classics/Cultfollowing shelves and going home w something. I am lobbying the wife to ditch Netflix
Title: Re: Who's got a ROKU??
Post by: Colin Liston on July 29, 2011, 02:06:20 PM
I am on the fence about the Roku and the WDTV live plus.

Anyone here owned both?
Title: Re: Who's got a ROKU??
Post by: Chuck on July 29, 2011, 02:11:33 PM
I just switched from a Roku XDS to a jailbroke AppleTV 2. I was happy with the Roku, but the AppleTV 2 will act as a media hub for me.
Title: Re: Who's got a ROKU??
Post by: Colin Liston on July 29, 2011, 02:15:21 PM
I just switched from a Roku XDS to a jailbroke AppleTV 2. I was happy with the Roku, but the AppleTV 2 will act as a media hub for me.

I"m not worried about the media hub, just want mine for TV and movie streaming. 
Title: Re: Who's got a ROKU??
Post by: Chuck on July 29, 2011, 04:15:50 PM
After I run the AppleTV 2 through it's paces this weekend I may have a Roku XDS for sale.
Title: Re: Who's got a ROKU??
Post by: rastasean on July 29, 2011, 04:23:34 PM
Can the roku run xmbc? Is that what you jailbroke the apple tv with?
Title: Re: Who's got a ROKU??
Post by: Chuck on July 29, 2011, 04:31:20 PM
The Roku doesn't run XBMC. That's why I got the AppleTV 2. I jail broke it last night with seasOnpass. I haven't been able to play with it much. I'm hoping to have time over the weekend to see all it can do.
Title: Re: Who's got a ROKU??
Post by: philR on July 29, 2011, 04:43:17 PM
I am on the fence about the Roku and the WDTV live plus.

Anyone here owned both?

i've only owned the WDTV live plus and just sold it b/c it doesn't handle 24 bit FLAC files.  i picked up a boxee and have been loving it!  i can't find anything the boxee won't play.
Title: Re: Who's got a ROKU??
Post by: Colin Liston on July 29, 2011, 06:07:18 PM
After I run the AppleTV 2 through it's paces this weekend I may have a Roku XDS for sale.

I am interested for sure.
Title: Re: Who's got a ROKU??
Post by: DigiGal on August 13, 2011, 03:54:49 PM
Roku 2 is here...

http://www.roku.com/roku-products
Title: Re: Who's got a ROKU??
Post by: rastasean on August 25, 2011, 11:40:09 PM
Well we've had the roku xs in our house for about two weeks and like it a lot. It's replacing the wii which was primarily used for streaming netflix. It has so many channels but only a select few have been added like mog for playing music (i think you need a subscription after two weeks or something), ted tv, vimeo, twit (which I spent many hours watching FLOSS), classical music, pandora, crackle, and hundreds more. This device exceed my expecattions as to what I thought it could do. I was debating this or the apple tv2 thing but that didn't have rca outputs and we didn't want to have to buy a new tv to watch apple tv. There's a lot of free content on the roku like crackle for movies. The selection isn't be greatest but its uncut, unedited, and free...it says that but there's 15-30 second commercials throughout the movie BUT the movie is paused so it picks right back up. You can sign up for amazon but we haven't done that yet.

I'm sure this is quite similar to the roku orignal but my guess would be the usb port is new on the roku2 so you can plug in a media stick. No, you can't play FLAC or ogg but it could be an easy way to view pictures and ltitle videos. A lot of yall have much better TVs so your images could be displayed on your tv really nicely.
When you first sign up, you will need to register an accout with roku with a credit card (maybe even paypal) and this is in case you want to buy a channel thing. So far we have purchased anything that costs money.

The appletv2 thing looks nice but I also was not crazy about having to sync it to the computer and register it with itunes so while many don't like the roku UI, I think it will improve pretty soon.
Title: Re: Who's got a ROKU??
Post by: hoppedup on October 20, 2011, 05:06:00 PM
We've had a roku XS for about two weeks now. My wife and daughter are the true TV adddicts, though I did have certain shows I watched I can't get now. We've cut our monthly television bill by $75  a month. For the first week, all I heard from the family was how little there was to watch. Last night I got home and my daughter was reading a book and the wife was watching network TV through the antenna. I think they are being weaned without too much headache. We do have Netflix and Hulu Plus but will probably drop one eventually.

I haven't missed cable a bit and now use the TV to stream archive.org shows. The interface is a bit clunky but it works.