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The Kitchen Table

Roku Advice Needed

3 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.

Comments (11)

amylou321
3 years ago
I have 2 of the roku ultras and love them.
desertsteph
3 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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You're not going to mess anything up with a Roku box unless you start disconnecting cables you've already got in place. You just need to connect the color-coded Roku cables to one of the vacant sets of ports on the back of the tv and make a note of which port it is. Then turn on the tv, set the tv to the correct source (the one you plugged the Roku into), and you should see a setup screen. Just think of the Roku like you do a DVD player: it's just another source for video that's connected to the back of the tv, except, instead of getting a movie from a disc, you're getting it from the Internet. The link below shows the installation drawings... Here is a link that might be useful: Roku
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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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I had the same problem once, and eventually traced it to, of all things, the particular type of CFL light bulb I had nearby interfering with the remote-control receiver on the TV, causing it to change channels or turn on or off by itself. I noticed it only happened when the light was on, so I changed bulbs and it went away. Changed the bulb back temporarily after a month just to be sure I had it right, and the problem reoccurred. I also have a compact-fluorescent light bulb in my bedroom that sometimes sets off the smoke detector when I turn on the light. I had to move the smoke detector. I don't know what the deal is with these things, but I don't want to switch back to incandescent bulbs and use 4x the electricity, and LEDs are still too expensive. I don't have a DVR but am thinking about a Magnavox MDR515H/F7, a DVR designed for recording over-the-air/antenna programs, and can also burn DVDs of anything you want to save permanently or give to someone else. It's affordable and easy to use; too bad it's not HD. Another approach that's becoming popular is to use a computer set up specifically for TV viewing, a sort of uber-DVR. These are called home theater PCs (HTPC). Or I could just stop watching TV and do something else....
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crazybrunette64
3 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
3 years ago
The remote comes with earbuds that plug into the remote itself, that way I can watch TV quietly.
cooper8828
3 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_9b
3 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
3 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
3 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
3 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
3 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
3 years ago
Can’t answer you, but I just wanted to say hi, and nice to see you post.

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