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The Kitchen Table

Roku Advice Needed

6 years ago

Geo and I are thinking of getting a Roku and have heard both good and bad things about them.

Just wondering if any KTers own one and how you like it.

Thanks.

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Comments (11)

amylou321
6 years ago
I have 2 of the roku ultras and love them.
desertsteph
6 years ago
I have the ultra and so far I like it. have had it maybe 3 yrs now. they have a new remote out for it that allows you to also control the TV and volume (that wasn't available on the original remote). I don't know if the new remote comes with the new ultras. something for you to check out. I have it on my list to buy. I toggle between roku and hulu live.
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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
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if your tv only has 2 HDMI input jacks you may have to plug and unplug devices when you want to use them. If one is used by say a dvd player that you do not use daily then use that HDMI jack for the ROKU and when you want to use the dvd player or whatever needs to plug in switch them out. You will have to select that input on your tv to view what you have plugged in there. Optimally you want to use HDMI connections for the best possible picture quality(HD). you are using the wireless router that is connected to your internet connection just like your computers are connected to, it has to be able to connect wirelessly to the netflix to stream. this link is more what you are trying to do since you are doing the wireless setup How to Set Up Roku Wireless
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Since you mentioned "so many models" I thinking that you may be using Roku in a generic sense for Netflix capable devices. Roku only has three models currently available that I'm aware of. Many products such as BluRay DVD players, stand-alone internet products (media players - such as Roku), game consoles, various other network devices, and of course network connected televisions have Netflix capability built-in or upgradable through a firmware update. What make/model is your television, do you have a BluRay DVD player, what type of network connection do you have, what make/model router, wired or wireless, in your home? Don't forget, if you just want a "test drive" you can set it up and sign on using your computer to see if the connection is fast enough. If the PC has video or HDMI outputs, that will connect to your television, then you can also get an idea of what it will look like on your television.
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dedtired- Some new, flat panel tvs already have the electronics built-in to stream without needing to get an accessory box like Roku. If you do get a flat panel tv that doesn't have this capability, then you buy a Roku box. The Roku box is just one more device hooked up to the tv: think of it as a DVD player, except it streams the movies rather than plays them from a disc. Basically, what it does is pick up a signal from your Internet router and streams a movie from the router to your tv. On the back of the tv are a number of inputs, so you have a cable that goes from the Roku box to one of these inputs. When you are watching regular cable tv, you use your regular remote; when you want to watch a movie with the Roku box, you switch your tv over to the appropriate input source and then use the Roku remote to navigate, select a movie, and to start and stop it. The Roku remote is very basic. When you are done with the Roku movie, you use your regular remote to select the input that puts you back on regular cable. Does that answer your questions?
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crazybrunette64
6 years ago
I have two and have used Roku for years and will never go back to cable. They have a lot of free channels that have public domain movies/shows, and a variety of pay channel subscription options. We primarily use Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, You Tube and the Roku channel. Thinking of adding Acorn. Everything we need/want for less than $25 per month. Whatever I can't get through those channels I stream online. One caution, though - if you must have current streams of shows, you may need subscriptions to many of those channels, e.g. CBS All Access.
lucillle
6 years ago
The remote comes with earbuds that plug into the remote itself, that way I can watch TV quietly.
cooper8828
6 years ago
We have had Rokus for years and really like them. They are much easier to navigate than a smart TV.
carolb_w_fl_coastal_9/10
6 years ago
We have 2 Roku Express (the basic version), and 1 Roku TV - love them all! The remote's easier to use, and works better than Firestick, and the screen is easier to navigate too. There is so much free stuff available, having paid subscriptions isn't even necessary. Saves us a lot of $$ too, which is kind of important right now.
joann_fl
6 years ago
I got one about a year ago, I rarely used it. I have DISH so I guess I didn't need it.
Lukki Irish
6 years ago
I have one in the living room and another in the bedroom. The one in the bedroom is used all the time. I don’t have dish up there and don’t even miss it. The one in the living room isn’t used as often but still comes in handy when there’s nothing on tv.

I also have a fire stick from Amazon, never use it.

The Roku we have in the bedroom came with earbuds that plug into the remote. It’s great because I watch what I want as late as I want without disturbing my husband.
wanda_va
6 years ago
I gave my Roku away--didn't care for it. I have two Apple TVs, and three Amazon Fire Sticks. I prefer the Fire Sticks.
Michael
6 years ago
Newer Smart TV's in the upper $$ range are much easier to use over previous versions.

I don't use the navigation often over preferred Apple TV or Roku streamers, but if I do, it's "Google, go to Prime and play next episode of Bosch"...or whatever.
greenshoekitty
6 years ago
Can’t answer you, but I just wanted to say hi, and nice to see you post.

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