Roku players and you.
Category: Health, Science & Technology
Via: peter-loves-the-real-tea-party • 13 years ago • 10 comments
I recently analyzed my total television viewing vs the cost of maintaining my Direct TV service. Let's see, first of all, although offered the NFL package for free, i have been charged for it anyway. So, $60 a month right there (actually, i refused to pay it, they insist i owe it....so there is a dispute there) plus the standard $90 a month. Now, what do i watch? Football games on said channels, the NFL network, ESPN, Travel Channel, Nat Geo, and the Food Network....and that is really pretty much it. So, that basically ends up costing me about $20 a channel (the game channels not included). Hmmm...."no sir, didnt like it" (name that quote).
So, i looked into the Roku player. As fortune would have it, the Roku 2 XS was on sale for $80 (about $20 off). Now, Roku basically streams a plethora of internet channels, including Crunchy Roll, Amazon, Netflix, Hulu Plus....and hundreds of free channels (including HBO on the Go and all the major network news, weather, sports, music, etc...) as well. Netflix and Hulu Plus are each $8 a month, and i have Amazon Prime, so that content is basically free. So....a one time Roku purchase, and $16 month in pay channels, plus whatever internet service you already have.
Pretty much a no brainer....lame $100+ bill each month, or $16 a month? Well, Roku was the clear winner there. As an added feature, the remote functions like a Wii controller (motion sensitive) with any games you may choose to purchase or stream.
Anyway, i was just curious if anybody else uses Roku and how happy and/or satisfied you are with it. So far, i love it personally.
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Sounds interesting . How does the signal from Roku get to your abode ? Is it wi-fi , cable or something else ? Also what kind of data speed does it offer ? How about general internet ?
It has both wi-fi, USB, and ethernet, provides 1080p streaming. Also supports 3D.
The signal is from our internet connection. There isnt general internet surfing or anything. You still need to at least have your computer (or PS3...possibly other systems) for that.
Just to clarify a bit....
The signal is wi-fi. However, one can also use the standard ethernet cable to hook television to roku. It also has an HDMI port, should you have a hi def television.
Well , it sounds like it can function as both a media controller and a game controller . Can you use the ethernet port to accept DSL from a modem ? Or must that hookup go directly to your computer ?
We have it plugged into our router and into our television.
I guess you can use it to accept wi-fi signals and then hook the ethernet from the Roku to your computer . That way you can blog and google all you like ...
But can you only connect to one of those at a time [the TV or the computer] ?
This sounds very appealing. I haveconsidered eliminating cable altogetherwhen I move. I hate tv commercials so don't watch it all that much. You might think I'm nuts but my dog loves watching tv so I turn it on for him when I get home from work.I stream from Netflix regularly andHulu is another option.
I'll look into Roku - thanks for the info.
Apparently some pets really do enjoy TV. (Remember this one? ...LOL
Ours is run into our router. I would venture a guess and say you could hook it directly to your computer. Of course, if you have wi-fi, then you dont have to worry about all of that. Just connect it to your network (which you can do through your T.V.)...unless you are going to stream to your computer, in which case you would have to plug it into the computer anyway.
It does function as both a media and game controller. However, the games in question are things like Angry Birds, PacMan, Galaga, etc...dont expect to be playing Battlefield# or something with it, lol.
Actually, here is a link to its Amazon page and then to Roku's home page:
Amazon:
Roku:
No prob.
I think all dogs will watch t.v. if given the opportunity. The dogs we had growing up certainly did, and one ("Slippers") kmew when certain shows would come on...Scooby-Doo, Mash, and a couple others.