Roku HD Player
by Roku, Inc.
|
Our Price: $75.50 Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Category: Home Theater See more product details |
|---|
Customers in the UK,
Buy this product at amazon.co.uk
for British Pounds
Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Roku HD Player
Customer Review: Movie lovers rejoice!!
Summary: 5 Stars
A few months back when my husband had started talking about the Roku box, I admittedly thought it would be a big waste of money. We aren't TV watchers and thus have lived on basic cable for years, but we do have our dedicated "movie nights" where we routinely enjoy watching movies together. We've had Netflix for about 6 years now and we've never gone back to traditional rentals. I thought our unlimited DVD rentals from Netflix was all we needed. It can't get any easier than picking a movie and having it show up at your door two days later, right?
I was wrong. ;)
Since we have jumped on the Roku bandwagon, I've gotten a lot of questions from others around me who are now considering the purchase. I find there is a lot of confusion about what exactly the Roku does, so here we go. The Roku box streams media (movies, TV series, podcasts, music, etc) to your TV in real time. You don't need a Netflix subscription for it to work, but it hugely enhances the enjoyment of the Roku box as it is undoubtedly the most popular feature of the device. With your basic unlimited Netflix subscription (beginning at $8.99/mo or $7.99/mo if you only want the Starz Play streaming media with no DVD option) you have unlimited access to watching streaming videos on your TV at any time of day or night. All you need is a TV (of any kind, new or old) and an internet connection. Cable or DSL is required for good performance of the streaming media. I wouldn't try this on dial-up. You can set it up via traditional ethernet cables or set it up on your wireless network in minutes.
One thing I've noticed in talking with people is that a lot of people may already have a compatible streaming device in their home and not realize it. If you own a PS3, Xbox 360 or Tivo, you can stream Netflix to your TV and you do not need to buy the Roku. Rumors of it coming to the Wii are on the horizon but are not confirmed, to my knowledge. Also, some select Blu-ray players and internet connected HD TVs are compatible as well. Check with Netflix for more information. Again, you do not need to buy the Roku if you already have one of these devices in your home!
The other main feature of the Roku is the ability to stream Amazon on-demand. If you have ever purchased a movie on Pay-per-view, Amazon on-demand will seem instantly familiar. You can rent movies digitally and stream them to your Roku (or other compatible device) any time for a fraction of the cost of your typical Pay-per-view movie. Amazon's digital rentals range in price from $0.99 to $3.99 for newer releases. Each rental has a specific rental time. Some you can enjoy and watch as many times as you like for a full 7 days and others for 24 hours. You also have the option to purchase media this way which is usually the same price or less than what you would pay for the DVD. This allows you to stream it any time and as many times as you like until the end of time. Without taking up shelf space! Pretty nice. You are also able to download it to your PC and/or portable media device for enjoyment on the go. You can download it as many times as you like. As long as you have your Amazon account, Amazon will remember what titles you have purchased and you will have access to it forever. It works just like Amazon's MP3 downloads.
The lesser known features of the Roku include instant access to 12 additional channels which include (in addition to Netflix and Amazon on-demand), MLB.com, MotionBox, MediaFly, Blip.TV, Twit.TV, Facebook Photos, Revision3, Frame Channel, Flickr, Mobile Tribe, and my absolute favorite, Pandora. If you have an account at Pandora.com, it takes seconds to link it to your Roku and start enjoying your music channels instantly. The Roku also supports different Pandora accounts if you have the need. Being able to listen to Pandora on our beautiful surround sound setup any time of the day or night is blissful. My 4-year-old's favorite feature, aside from the plethora of children's titles available on Netflix instant play, is the MediaFly channel which streams 5,000+ audio and video podcasts. Among them, two of my son's favorite video podcasts, Ultra Kawaii and Sesame Street. You have the ability to add your favorites to a list that you can quickly access at any time. My husband is in love with the Twit.TV channel which streams all of their internet shows, including This Week in Tech. The Flickr channel also has a really neat feature that showcases random artistic photos and is actually quite interesting to watch and is never the same. There is really something for everyone in this growing library of channels and it is far more than I expected from the Roku.
Being the new spokesperson for Roku (I kid ;), I also hear a lot of concerns of TVs not being compatible with the Roku. No one should be concerned with this because the Roku ships with all cables needed to hook up to any TV, new or old. If you don't have an HD TV, you might be purchasing the SD version which will connect to any TV with the standard red, white and yellow cables. If you do own an HD TV, you will receive both an HDMI cable and the standard red, white and yellow, just in case. The same goes for the HD-XR version. As far as compatibility goes, there should be no reason that everyone can't have a Roku box, regardless of their type of TV.
In the same vein as the prior concern, there seems to be worry from the less than tech savvy movie lovers out there, fearing setup will be complicated and frustrating. Not so. Roku is able to hook up to your router via a standard ethernet cable or link seamlessly with your existing wireless network in a matter of minutes. Anyone can set this up and avoid frustration completely. It's very straightforward and simple and the onscreen prompts will guide you the entire time.
Now that we know what the Roku can do, I'm sure you want to know, does it actually DO them? Absolutely, YES! Obviously with the SD version, you will be viewing in SD, but the HD and HD-XR Rokus stream HD beautifully. We read some reviews that recommended using the wired ethernet connection to avoid hiccups during viewing, but we have had none whatsoever with our wireless network running on a cable internet connection. I would suggest trying the wireless first as it takes only minutes to do and requires no additional hardware, and if you have problems (which I tend to doubt) you can go the ethernet route. It should not be necessary as long as the Roku is within reasonable range of your router. Keep this in mind when choosing where to set up your Roku.
Navigation of the Roku menus is extremely simple and intuitive. There are your four directional buttons, select, home, and your standard fast forward, rewind and pause/play. I love the simplicity of this remote as our remote collection contains numerous remotes with countless confusing buttons that I have never even used. Don't be fooled by it's looks, however, because this remote is all you need to quickly and effectively access all of the Roku's features. I also wanted to point out that if you lose your remote and you have an iPhone or iPod touch, you can download an app that acts as a remote for your Roku. Sweet!!
Last but not least, you need to carefully consider which Roku you purchase. As nice as it would be to have an all-in-one box which includes all features at one price, currently you have to choose from three versions: the SD, HD and HD-XR. To put it plainly, they ALL have the same exact features. The only difference being the SD is limited to streaming only SD content, the HD can stream all HD and SD content, and the HD-XR can stream all HD and SD content and also includes an as of yet unused USB port (maybe for an external hard drive in the future?) and the ability to link with your "N" network. Given that the price difference is marginal, I would probably grab the next best up from what you are currently needing. If you have any intention at all at any point in the near or distant future to buy an HD TV, get the HD version. It's $20 more and you will spend much more than that getting a new box if you ever do get a new TV. Also, if you are at all enticed by the possibility of having an external hard drive to play all your own media, get the HD-XR. It's not been said what they intend to do with this USB port, but I think it seems fairly obvious what their plans are for it. You may not want to invest the money in a feature that is not yet supported, however. I do think it's a bit cheap to charge $30 more for a feature that should have been standard on all versions, but it is what it is.
In the end, if you love movies and like to save money, you will not be disappointed with the Roku. You will never have to visit a rental store or buy a pay-per-view rental ever again! And you may even save a nice chunk of change from canceling some channels that will now become obsolete with your new toy. If you are at all on the fence, rest assured that you will get your money's worth from this device. It's worth every penny.
Customer Review: Compare prices of all the Roku offerings and evaluate your needs prior to making a purchase
Summary: 5 Stars
First let me say I own two Roku HD's and LOVE them! NetFlix and Roku are a marriage made in heaven as far as I'm concerned, and they are saving me tons of money and treks to the video store. The picture, ease of use, wireless capabilities, quality of video content... everything is great!
But it's important to understand the differences between the 3 Roku offerings so you can make an informed decision on your purchase. It does seem odd that Roku has simply not put out one device at one price for everyone with all the bells and whistles, but for now, you have to choose one... based upon your needs and budget.
THE DIFFERENCES IN ROKU PLAYERS:
Roku HD Player is capable of wired or wireless hook-up, but not at the fastest speed available from a 'N' wireless network. HD content streams to this device flawlessly (if the content is available and your home network is sending a proper signal), despite not being 'N' network ready.
That being said, Roku came out with Roku HD-XR Player which WILL stream the fastest 'N' network standard, provided the rest of your home network is also working with the same standard. That being said, this device is not at all necessary if you don't have all the devices on your home network using the 'N' standard, because the speed will only go as fast as the device with the slowest connection which is probably the 'B or G' standard. It also has a usb port, although 'why' is not clear. Perhaps for future firmware upgrades or expansion? Firmware can be achieved through the wired or wireless Internet connection, so this is a bit of a mystery as of yet.
The third device is available, the Roku SD, which streams in standard definition. It is not capable of providing HD content or surround sound audio like the other two, and does not have a HDMI connection. It only supports the red/yellow/white (composite video and audio) connections, but it will connect wirelessly or can be hardwired to the internet, working on a 'B or G' network. The Roku SD is about twenty bucks less than the Roku HD, but it seems like an offering worth ignoring based on the lack of upgrade-ability alone.
All the Roku offerings will give you years of enjoyment by boosting your NetFlix subscription, streaming Amazon On Demand media and boosting your viewing library. The questions you should ask yourself prior to purchasing this great device are "Do I want to spend more money for a 'n' network ready device?"
MY CONCLUSION:
I'm very happy I chose to by 2 Roku HD's for my home. The quality of the streaming video on my 'G' network is perfect; using both standard and HD content. I didn't buy the XR version because the HD serves my needs at a lower price point.
The quality of the device and the Netflix and Amazon On Demand services are wonderful and I've enjoyed a whole new world in home entertainment since this pairing. Evaluate your needs and buy accordingly. While the Roku products are not media storage devices or DVR's, they can give you a tremendous boost in your enjoyment of NetFlix and expand your viewing library. You'll never lack for something good to watch on TV again!
NOTE: If you have 2 or more Roku products on your home network, be prepared for bumps in the streaming video if you're all watching shows at the same time!
Roku HD Player Specifications: (Per the Roku website)
Networking
Wi-Fi (802.11B/G) with WEP, WPA, and WPA2 support
10/100 Ethernet (RJ-45)
Video Outputs
Composite video (480i)
S-Video (480i)
Component video (Y/Pb/Pr - 720p/480p)
HDMI (720p/480p)
Video Modes
16:9 High Definition (HD)
16:9 anamorphic
4:3 standard
Audio Output
Stereo (L/R RCA)
Digital Optical (Toslink - Stereo/Surround)
Digital over HDMI (Stereo/Surround)
Remote Control
NEC protocol, supported by various universal remotes
Power Input
5V, 1.5A provided by included AC adapter
Power Consumption
6 watts peak, 4 watts in standby
Size
5 x 5 x 1.75 inches (130 x 130 x 41 mm)
Weight
11 oz (300 grams)
Each Roku player comes with:
Remote control
Two AAA batteries
Composite (red/white/yellow) A/V cable
Power adapter
Getting Started guide
30-day money back guarantee
One year warranty
Customer Review: Do you Roku?
Summary: 5 Stars
Buying the Roku has radically changed my movie watching habits for the better. I no longer have to suffer trips to the local videostore where I'm assaulted by teen clerks watching "Mean Girls" who have no idea whether they carry "Casablanca" and wonder if it stars that guy from "Twilight." I also no longer have to wait for the next DVD from Netflix to appear in my mailbox. Instead, one easy push of my Roku remote control and I'm instantly downloading a movie or television program from Netflix for viewing at my convenience. No late fees, no rush.
How does it work? The Roku allows you to watch on your television thousands of movies and programs available via Netflix Instant Watch or Amazon Downloads. If you have a Netflix subscription that allows you access to Instant Watch, then you can view any of these available titles with the Roku absolutely free. Amazon recently also partnered with Roku, and you can rent thousands of movies and programs for about the same price as a videostore rental. You can also purchase movies via Amazon Downloads, which will then be available to watch at any time (these cost a bit less than purchasing the dvd from Amazon). The instructions for setting up the Roku were very easy to follow. If you access the internet via wireless technology, then Roku can use that connection. It took me minutes to connect wirelessly. If you have a cable line for your internet access, then you need to have a cable near your Roku.
Once the Roku is connected, just add movies to your Instant Watch queue and then access your queue on your television. At this point, Netflix has thousands of movies available for Roku/Instant Watch. I have had no difficulty filling up my Instant Watch queue with hundreds of movies and programs that I want to see. Of course, newer titles usually aren't available right away for Instant Watch. On your television, you scroll through your queue and select a movie for viewing; Roku will take approximately 20 seconds to connect and begin your selection. You can pause and fast forward your movie while watching. If you stop watching a movie, then Roku remembers where you left off and you can resume at that point when you return.
Drawbacks: Unless a movie/program is in a foreign language, you cannot access subtitles on Roku, even if the DVD version includes them. So the Roku would not be a good purchase for persons with hearing impairment or a strong preference for subtitles. I use the subtitle option often when watching movies, so I tend to avoid certain movies on Roku, including ones with characters with strong accents or older movies with scratchy sound. The picture quality on Roku is definitely less than what you would get with a DVD; however, I think it's comparable to what you get for a typical (non-HD) cable television channel.
The fast forward/rewind option is a bit clunky; the Roku flips through frozen images as it moves backwards or forwards. Unfortunately, the Roku needs to reconnect when you hit play, so it takes a bit of time to go backwards or forwards, and it's not as precise as a DVD player. Occasionally, I have run across a movie that skips or has sound synch problems; Netflix has a "report" option online. I recently reported sound problems for a movie and it was fixed within a few days; unfortunately, they do not respond back, so I simply had to try the movie again to see if it was fixed. Finally, none of the DVD extras are available currently via Roku.
Although there are some imperfect aspects to the Roku, I have been exceedingly pleased with my purchase and heartily recommend it. Along with my DVR player, it has completely changed the way I view movies and television programs.
Customer Review: ROKU best entertainment money spent. Pays for itself.
Summary: 5 Stars
I am not a writer by any means, but wanted to weigh in.
This little contraption is the best entertainment money I have spent. I guess I was a bit of a late adopter, as all my friends have been using Netflix for a while. I like going to the movies, but it is so expensive I reserve that for only "must see on the big screen" flicks (like Star Trek). I also on occasional use Blockbuster.
I signed up last week for a trial run of Netflix and I was immediately hooked. My queue went from 0 to 60 before the end of the day. Since I have a laptop I did not enjoy watching movies from the instant queue, although I did watch Buena Vista Social Club on it the first day and it wasn't that bad.
Back to ROKU...I saw this advertised on the Netflix site. The price was so reasonable. It was a small investment and didn't require mailing in a video and waiting for the next. When I noticed that I could use it with a wireless router I said "done" and bought it. I was worried about the connection speed and picture quality, but so far it has been fantastic.
The technical part:
A word about the wireless setup. To use ROKU with your wireless router, you have to have the router network id (whatever name you gave your router) and the passphrase. If you did not setup your passphrase when you initially installed the router, then you will need to go back and do that. I have a Linksys wireless router. The admin IP address is http://192.168.1.1/ For yours look in your booklet. This brings up the setup screen for the admin. Click on the wireless tab. Find your wireless network name (SSID). Then click on wireless security. Initially I tried the WEP with a passphrase and key, but could not get that to work, so I selected WPA/WPA2 Personal from the Security Mode dropdown men. I enabled WPA personal. Selected TKIP from the drop down for Encryption Algorithms. Then I entered my own password for the Personal Key. I then saved the settings. These 2 things are what you will need ultimately to get the ROKU to log in to the wireless network and use your connection: The SSID (network name) and the passphrase or personal key. The passphrase has to be 8 characters. keep it simple (as in all lowercase or uppercase) with maybe a digit or 2, as you will use the remote to enter the info and will have to use a key to shift cases (like texting on a cell phone).
Hooking up the ROKU for HD TV's could not be any easier. If your have 2 HDMI inputs in the back of your TV (which I do) you are gold. Since this is what I have, then I will use that as a reference. If someone else has something else, then they can offer that. Plug in the ROKU. Hook the HDMI cable into the ROKU and then into the empty HDMI in the back of the TV. Turn on the TV, change the source on your TV from HDMI 1 to HDMI 2 and up comes the set up screen. Use the arrow keys and select button (on ROKU remote) to go through the on screen instructions. At some point (forgive me for not remembering the exact point in time) a message will come up that tells you to go to your computer and log into netflix (netflix.com/activation - if i remember correctly) and enter a code. Once that completes you are good to go.
This is so awesome. It not only works for Netflix instant movies but also for Amazon video on demand (.99). Why anyone in the world would anyone ever walk in a Blockbuster again is beyond me. Glad I finally checked out Netflix and tried this little (small footprint) box. Increases the value of my Netflix subscription exponentially.
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this value-added Netflix / Amazon Video component.
Customer Review: Roku rocks. Does Netflix better than xbox 360 or ps3.
Summary: 5 Stars
I'd like to start by saying that this is probably the best $100 I've ever spent. Here's why:
POSITIVE:
wireless: I am using it upstairs via wireless with my D-link 625 router. Even though I have the 'G' model, it constantly gets good HD quality which is more than I can say for the two namebrand 'G' adapters I've tried with an old desktop or my brand new laptop with wireless N in the same room (not junk either). I will watch 2 hours of HD programming (multiple shows) and it sometimes will stop to buffer once during that time. Netflix looks better on my 32" junk 720p TV with roku through wireless as it does on my nice 42" 1080p TV with xbox 360 through wired connection. I know that smaller screen = less noticeable flaws and that netflix only does 720p anyway; my point is that the wireless is that good. At least for me. No sudden changes in quality that I often get through xbox (again which is wired across room from router and modem). (I also have 16Mb internet and have no problems with xbox connection)
interface: I love the interface. It's simple, fast, and functional. I've tried media center to play through on a pc up there. I have had wireless issues as mentioned above and it's very glitchy. Plus, things can be really hard to read on a small TV from across the room. The Roku player solves that problem. You turn it on, there it is, and you pick what you want to watch. Very easy to set up and navigate. Also, everytime I finish an episode or stop one (from a season) on my xbox or a pc, it never remembers which one that I'm on when I hit play again for that season. It will always be a couple of episodes behind. Man, that is annoying! With the Roku, it somehow remembers every single time and starts me right where I left off. I work with computers all day at work. I don't want to mess with one when I'm about to go to sleep, and this is just the solution for that. Although, I don't want to shell out another $100 so I'm stuck with xbox for netflix in living room. I never use my ps3 for it because it's interface is slower and I have to put in the disc (dumb).
audio/video: The picture quality of netflix isn't bluray quality. The quality of picture is really going to depend on connection for the most part. But, I'm pretty sure that it looks better on Roku than it does on consoles. I will need to test that to confirm. I also feel that audio is better on roku than the two pc's I've tried through wireless. That is probably connection related.
other: it's small. I also have a WD HD player (another great item) and the Roku is a bit bigger. The remote is awesome. Very solid. A total of 9 buttons. The remote also doesn't require you to point it right at the player which is also good.
NEGATIVE: it's pricey. It's worth the money but I feel it should cost less since it only works with pay services. It's always on (like WD TV) and always feels pretty warm to the touch. Sometimes I just unplug it. Even if it fries, it's worth it to me to use for a year. The interface could add the ability to browse things other than what's in my queue (like xbox).
SUMMARY: sick of messing with the bedroom pc? don't want to chance it with 'iffy' bluray player with netflix? or have to buy a wireless adapter for something that may/may not work? Roku is for you then. I haven't tried the Amazon VOD as of yet. I personally think netflix is great. It costs 20% of monthly cost of basic cable and I am not watching commercials for over 25% of the time.