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Has anybody here given "roku" a try?

#41
MatticusMania said:
It is my understanding that you need an internet connection in order to use a roku, is that correct?
Click to expand...

That is correct...unless you use your mobile phone as a hotspot for net access. Not entirely sure how well that would work, in which case, if your phone could link right to the t.v., I'd do that instead to stream Netflix....I watch plenty of stuff from Netflix on my phone, but of course, it kills battery.
 
#42
hover said:
That is correct...unless you use your mobile phone as a hotspot for net access. Not entirely sure how well that would work, in which case, if your phone could link right to the t.v., I'd do that instead to stream Netflix....I watch plenty of stuff from Netflix on my phone, but of course, it kills battery.
Click to expand...

Ah, I didnt think of that! My parents dont have an internet connection when theyre vacationing, so I kind of figured the roku wouldnt suit their needs. They were thinking of getting a PS3 or a Wii to suit the same purpose, but then I wasnt even sure if those devices are capable of generating their own internet connection. I know they dont have data plans or smartphones, but streaming Netflix via their phones might work if they can a)connect their phone to the TV, and b)get a data plan (as well as charge their phones a lot). Oh, and thanks for the response, hover.
 
#46
Ziltoid said:
I use an AppleTV exclusively, no cable. I use a lot of apple products so it seemed the best choice. It works well, I especially like the wireless streaming (Airplay), be it for music or video.
Click to expand...

Roku has a new app that allows streaming audio from an iPhone or iPod Touch- It's less than a month old. Works pretty well, although I would like it to stream video.
 
#47
Chunk-O-Funk said:
What do you guys (who dumped cable) do for foot ball games?

I'd love to dump cable to save money but don't see a steaming option on my teams website.
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They both have NFL network, MLB, Hockey, ESPN, etc. If you have an account with most streaming providers, they both work. One main difference is that the AppleTV uses iTunes services, the Roku doesn't.
 
#48
MatticusMania said:
My dad started asking me about roku boxes the other day, and I couldnt answer his questions as Ive not looked into them. He wants to stream Netflix from his RV when my parents go on vacation. It is my understanding that you need an internet connection in order to use a roku, is that correct?
Click to expand...

While they drive, or parked? If parked, I would think most RV parks have WiFi. If driving, they can get the mobile hot spot, or use the phone as mentioned. Once it's connected to a network, it works. Doesn't matter where the network is, either. If they hardwire to the network, they don't need to worry about passwords, either. Speed will be better, too. If it always works with WiFi, it will definitely work when hardwired.
 
#49
Wanted to revive this topic as my wife and I are thinking of ditching cable and saving $70 a month. My wife already watches a lot of Netflix on her computer and we have an XBox 360 and a PS3 which we can use to stream Netflix, Hulu Plus, etc. I was wondering if there would be any advantages to using Roku over the game consoles? Is it faster, more content, easier to navigate?
 
#50
gjbassist said:
Wanted to revive this topic as my wife and I are thinking of ditching cable and saving $70 a month. My wife already watches a lot of Netflix on her computer and we have an XBox 360 and a PS3 which we can use to stream Netflix, Hulu Plus, etc. I was wondering if there would be any advantages to using Roku over the game consoles? Is it faster, more content, easier to navigate?
Click to expand...

My ex and I had one that someone gave us a Christmas present. It was a neat little novelty for a couple of days and then we ditched it because we realized there wasn't anything it could do that the 360 and Wii couldn't do. I seem to remember it being slower as well. Just my personal experience.
 
#58
Chunk-O-Funk said:
What do you guys (who dumped cable) do for foot ball games?

I'd love to dump cable to save money but don't see a steaming option on my teams website.
Click to expand...

When football season comes, I will clearly die.

We've had roku for two weeks. So far, I love it. We don't watch a whole ton of TV, but do enjoy Amazon Prime videos and TED talks. Also, having to actually LOOK for something to watch means that the TV is not just on running mindless drivel all the time.

But yeah, live sports....
 
#60
hover said:
That is correct...unless you use your mobile phone as a hotspot for net access. Not entirely sure how well that would work, in which case, if your phone could link right to the t.v., I'd do that instead to stream Netflix....I watch plenty of stuff from Netflix on my phone, but of course, it kills battery.
Click to expand...

I finally got an ipad and I do the hotspot with my phone and it works very well. Through a fluke I ended up with a 4G phone with unlimited data with Verizon. Haven't tried Netflix yet but I'd be surprised if there were any issues.. it's fine on the phone. Streaming also works fine in the car while using bluetooth audio or aux inputs (no, I don't watch while driving).

I've been using Western Digital WDTV Live boxes for years, play back hard disk content and internet apps. Kind of a love/hate relationship with them though.

I also have streaming through Tivo and blu- ray players at home. They all work.
 

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