Anyone here use a Roku streaming player?

[junaitari]

Wife and I ditched directv because of their ever climbing prices. The added sports franchise fee on our latest bill was the last straw. We don't even like or watch sports.

Anyway, I got a netflix subscription and use my gaming PC for streaming right now, which is fine. However we have a 2nd TV that my wife uses when I'm watching something she doesn't like. I figure I have 2 options. Build her a cheap PC or go with something like Roku, Chromecast, or Amazon Fire TV. I'm leaning toward Roku after doing some reading, but I really know nothing about it.

I guess what I'm asking is what's the good/bad?

 

[bofa]

I have a Roku in our bedroom but rarely use it. I mostly stream through the PS3 in the living room. I'd probably lean toward the new Amazon unit and may swap them out when we move.

 

[nevada]

Wife and I ditched directv because of their ever climbing prices. The added sports franchise fee on our latest bill was the last straw. We don't even like or watch sports.

Anyway, I got a netflix subscription and use my gaming PC for streaming right now, which is fine. However we have a 2nd TV that my wife uses when I'm watching something she doesn't like. I figure I have 2 options. Build her a cheap PC or go with something like Roku, Chromecast, or Amazon Fire TV. I'm leaning toward Roku after doing some reading, but I really know nothing about it.

I guess what I'm asking is what's the good/bad?

ive been using a roku box for a few years now. its great.
we have 2 of them actually. I don't remember the specific models, one is just the basic, the other is a little better. has a different remote, and angry birds game.

the basic one has been more reliable than the other, but its still pretty good.

I used my ps3 before getting the roku, but I didn't like the fact I was running it JUST for that.

 

[junaitari]

Good info guys, thanks. I took a look at the Amazon device and do like that you can speak to the remote to find tv shows & movies. How does one search for movies/shows on a Roku device?

 

[Tif]

I don't have a roku but one of my friends does.
Between that, a tv antenna, netflix (mine), and amazon prime (his moms) I watch more TV at his house than I do at my own and I have digital HD cable.
There are a lot of channels on the roku that play music videos, cooking shows, comedy etc
The music video ones are pretty nice to have (especially when cleaning house) since MTV and VH1 don't seem to play videos any more.

I think the Roku is pretty awesome.
I don't know anything about the amazon one (except that I like the Gary Busey commercial for it) lol

 

[nevada]

Good info guys, thanks. I took a look at the Amazon device and do like that you can speak to the remote to find tv shows & movies. How does one search for movies/shows on a Roku device?

you type in the name. its got a search function.

edit: its a little clunky, since you have to use the D pad to move the cursor.

 

[bofa]

Good info guys, thanks. I took a look at the Amazon device and do like that you can speak to the remote to find tv shows & movies. How does one search for movies/shows on a Roku device?

you type in the name. its got a search function.

edit: its a little clunky, since you have to use the D pad to move the cursor.

^ Pretty much what he said. It's clunky and not that unlike using a regular remote for a wifi-enabled tv or a PS3 controller or remote.

I like the Amazon unit because of the voice control and the optional gaming control and potential for large distribution.

 

[junaitari]

Thanks and that is what I figured. I'm now leaning toward the Amazon device based on the device specs and the voice control. I always hated trying to type/search anything on my old Xbox using the controller. Can't imagine the Roku remote being much different.

 

[Tif]

edit: its a little clunky, since you have to use the D pad to move the cursor.

I have no idea how my friend did it with his.. but he can control it with his tablet and I think he can with his phone too..

 

[NC4runAR]

We have a Roku. No cable, just the Roku with Netflix and Hulu and various other things. If we need something live we get it on the internet and steam it through the TV. We love it thought, its pretty simple and easy to use, saves a ton of money compared to cable/directTV

 

[junaitari]

Well, thanks for the advice all. After careful consideration and lots of research, I decided to just build her a PC. It's the expensive way of doing it, but she'll be able to use it for a whole lot more than just watching movies & TV.