Posted on 04/12/2015 11:10:39 AM PDT by ducttape45
Hello all. I was wondering if I could fellow Freepers about a streaming video product called "Roku."
I've heard it talked about on radio programs, and I've seen it advertised on the Internet of course. I just wondered if anyone has Roku or could possibly cue me in on how well it performs and your overall assessment of it.
I turned off my Comcast TV because they keep driving the prices up and taking channels away and I got sick and tired of not being able watch TV stations that were once part of a standard cable package.
Thanks.
Roku is great for some things. If you like Youtube it’s the best.
There is no law that you can have only 1 streaming device.
pretty painless. I have one on every TV in the house.
I've definitely had it with Comcast TV and I dumped them (for the 4th time time in 3 years now). I'm tired of paying more and getting less.
Thanks for taking time to let me know your feelings on Roku, it's much appreciated!
To pay for fees or subscription services to services like NETFLIX.
It is a sales strategy. They get your CC number so that IF you decide to PAY for a movie, there is no wait. You may think you will never PAY for a movie, but that is not the point (from their point of view). Their point is that IF they have your CC ready to go, it will ENCOURAGE you to PAY for a movie because you don't even (then) have to think about it, or go find your CC and enter the information and wait for a confirmation , and ... whatever else would keep them from getting your movie to you quickly and MAKING A 'SALE'.
I know this because I bought a ROKU and couldn't get it to work without a CC. It says in the instructions that you MUST have a Credit Card. It also 'advertises' that you can use PAYPAL set up with your bank account instead of CC but if you try, PAYPAL then asks you for a CC (the old Catch-22).
Love it..intuitively loads itself on install
Avoid chromecast like the plague....set iup is horrible
True! :) Have you checked the channel with the evening newscasts from a whole boatload of cities? Kinda cool.
Ah, gotcha. Mucho thanks.
You mean like this ?
Now THAT’S what I’m talking about.
Weird.
It'll almost load up then stop right before letting me choose the player.
roku does have a usb port but you have to “add” special “channels” to it that know how to read what’s on the usb device AND they’re extremely finicky about the exact formats that can be interrupted.
You can access HGTV and other providers via Hulu on Roku. PBS is there. A great many networks (like FOX) offer highlights of their programming, but don’t stream 24-7. I forgot to mention that I Heart Radio is on Roku, so you’re definitely covered for all the radio you could want. The best thing they’ve done lately is add Youtube, which by itself gives you a few million more entertainment options (I’ve been watching a lot of “Mystery Science Theater” lately!).
Thanks for that!
I think I’m stuck with Comcast - but for TV only.
That’s odd, we hooked up two Rokus without having to provide anything other than network info. Amazon Prime prompted us for a CC but we were able to skip that and continue on to the service. I’d guess if we want to rent a movie, we’ll be prompted again.
This is good to know...thanks!!! I have Netflix and use it and HULU which I have yet to use - need to give it a try.
I love the Property Brothers. :-)
Have had my Roku for around 3 years. I pay for Netflix and Amazon Prime only.
Watch those most of the time, along with free stuff on PBS like Masterpiece theater (Sherlock, etc.)
I could get by without cable entirely, but my wife and daughter are not quite there yet.
In comparisons with similar devices, Roku usually finishes on top or near the top.
The future is with this technology. The cable as we knew it, is dying.
Also helps if you know how to navigate the unsenet. I bought the PLEX channel and run everything I get off the usenet wirelessly to the TV via ROKU. Surprisingly robust interface for everything on my PC. Not much I can’t get.
You could do the same thing if you have any tech savy friends with lots of video files to pass on.
So probably would be better off connecting it to the TV on its own then
On my second roku... but we also have cable. I use it primarily in a bedroom that has no cable, as long as you have a good internet connection streaming is effortless. you can use either their remote or connect your computer or tablet to the unit. When you make an account with Roku, you can also connect a credit card to make purchases for movies. We have a netflix and Amazon Prime account, as I sometimes watch something in my home office and then finish watching it somewhere else.
My son prefers Apple TV... which also allows you to connect your desktop... this is great if you’re using a VPN to stream international media.
Just got it ordered. I ordered the Roku 3. Can’t wait to get it and hook it up.
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