Roku/netflix/cable internet

17 years ago

Hello All--

I am cross posting this with the Electronics forum, as it hasn't received any replies there. I am doing so in hopes that you uber savvy folks will have some thoughts re the Roku and the connection. We've never "streamed" movies before. We can't even get the sort streamed news stories and such without hiccuping, if you know what I mean, with our current DSL connection, hence my thoughts for the cable internet. (current modem is a Westell 327, with Verizon/Fairpoint DSL.)

We are strongly considering getting Netflix and buying their $99 Roku Netflix player to watch streamed movies. In order to do this we'd have to upgrade our internet to cable (no big deal, about an extra $13.00/mo. and Comcast customer service is pretty good around here) since I feel our DSL would be too slow.

Since we've started renting/buying tv shows on DVD, we LOVE not having commercials. Netflix seems to have almost any show we'd want to watch and it's much less expensive than renting/buying all the DVD's we'd love to see. Currently $8.99 for unlimited downloads, you just need a fast internet connection and the $99 player from Roku.

We have an older Sony 24" (6 yrs) non thin panel TV, so fabulous HD is not our issue right now.

Is anyone else doing this, or own the Roku player? Any other player out there we should consider? Is this a good idea?

Your thoughts appreciated!

Lenvt

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Comments (5)

baldy_linux
17 years ago
Don't forget that Comcast has a "ceiling" on the amount of material you download. For example one movie= 3.7 gigs to around 4.1 gigs. That will add up fast once you add the normal downloads and bandwith that you and your family use.Just a thought to add to your already wonderment.
ravencajun Zone 8b TX
17 years ago
you mentioned you have Verizon have you checked to see if they offer the Fios internet in your area? it is with out a doubt the absolute best route to go for fast internet, blazing fast fiber optics. I have had it since 2005 was one of the original test houses and have only had one down time when one of the new techs accidentally disconnected me down the street. I hope I never have to go back to anything else.

Definitely keep in mind the ceilings as Baldy noted most all services do have limits.
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lenvt
Original Author
17 years ago
See? I knew this was the right forum.

Excellent thoughts on both counts, especially re the download limits. I will check into that before jumping in.

I'm thinking of switching to cable internet because when I do online speedchecks, I'm not getting anywhere near the "up to 3 Mbps" advertised. The connection often seems sluggish. My spousal unit uses the home connection to work evenings, so we'd benefit from more speed.

Fairpoint, the New England rural phone company that took when Verizon bailed on rural service, does not offer FIOS. They talked big during the hand off from Verizon, but no one believed they would be able to lay down the fiber optics they promised and they haven't. Their customer service is terrible. I dream of FIOS.

Thanks for the thoughtful input.

Lenvt
baldy_linux
17 years ago
I am not a "normal" user and I with 5 computers average way over the gig rating they cut you off at. Look for up to average that hits with in 20% of what they offer. I am lucky and get a little over 240% over average but I love to play with computers. Look around and have fun play the they offered this what can you do to beat it ploy it always works.
lenvt
Original Author
17 years ago
Baldy--

Further investigation brings this story from Canada about Comcast bandwith limits. Interesting that I scoured the Comcast site and could not find this info.

250 gigs would be plenty for us! Those poor Canadians!

Lenvt

Here is a link that might be useful: comcast story

Roku/netflix/cable internet

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