My Roku Review will tell you everything you need to know about the tiny streaming device that’s taking the world by storm! Once you get done reading our experience with the Roku – you’re going to want to buy one right away!
What is the Roku Anyway?
The Roku (as in the picture above) is an Internet streaming device. You hook it up to your HDTV, LED TV, flat panel, etc. – and it connects to your wired or wireless Internet in your home and “streams” movies and content for you to watch. Some people like it so much, that they’ve actually cancelled their cable!
The Roku is a little device that’s less than 5 inches wide and only 1 inch small.
There are currently 3 kinds of Roku you can buy:
Roku HD review: The Roku HD plays in 720p HD (lower quality). It has built in wifi, and an ethernet connector. It has an HDMI output, and usually sells for about $60 bucks new.
Roku XD review: The Roku XD plays in 720p or 1080p HD (higher quality). It also has built in wifi, and an ethernet connector. It has HDMI output, but the advantage of this model is that is has Wireless N, and an enhanced remote with instant replay. This model is about $80 bucks new.
Roku XD|S review: The Roku XD|S plays in 720p or 1080p, and has built in wifi and ethernet connections. It also has HDMI output, and the enhanced remote with instant replay and extended wireless N range. But this version also supports dual band wireless, it has component and optical audio out AND (wait for it) a USB port for playing photos, music, and video. You can usually get this version for around $90 bucks new.
What Can I watch on Roku?
It’s more like what “can’t” you watch on Roku? When we bought our first Roku it was to be able to stream Netflix to our TV. And at that time there were just a few additional things to watch. NOW, it seems like there are over 100+ channels on Roku to use. We have used Amazon Video to watch movies, in addition to Hulu plus, Netflix, Imax, and there are many other movie channels. There is also now a large variety of sports, like UFC, MLB, NBA, NHL, and RacefansTV. There are lots of music channels, growing kids content, and lots of web video and misc things. I found it shocking that there were cool games, I’ve been playing blackjack on there quite a bit.
What do the Roku Channels Cost?
Well, that’s the beauty of it. There’s lots of free content, but you only pay for the channels you want to use. To use Netflix, of course you need a Netflix account. For Amazon Video, you only pay for what you watch. HuluPlus requires and account, as do some of the other channels which are as little as $1 per year. For us it’s a no brainer because we already had Hulu Plus and Netflix accounts. What the Roku does is enable us to watch the content from this Internet channels, over our HDTV without needing a computer in the living room. Because of that convenience, we got a second Roku for the bedroom – and both are now completely indispensable! In addition – we’ve taken Roku on vacation with us in the suitcase and used it with the hotel wifi several times! I never would have thought a few years back we’d have anytyhing but our DVD player and cable box hooked up to each TV – but now there’s Roku!
Where can I get Roku?
Your best bet (and where we got our two) is either Amazon (links are above) or eBay (for used bargains)…see links below:
There are TONS of great Roku deals on ebay right now:
[EASYBAY]roku hd[/EASYBAY]
[EASYBAY]roku xd[/EASYBAY]
[EASYBAY]roku xds[/EASYBAY]
