Oh noes teh sky is falling!

[EricJ]

Originally Posted by Anthony P

A crappy streaming player (i.e. a device that you can use to access your Netflix streaming for example), which is what makes it so funny. With smart TVs, BD players and consoles that can do what this does , it is on the way to obsolecens faster than anything else.

IOW, what you HAVE to buy to stream Instant Netflix if you don't have a PS3.

Or a Wii. Or a smart-TV Viera. Or a high-end Internet-connected player.
In fact, if you haven't bought any video device in the last five years, you might need a Roku, unless you already rushed out and bought a GoogleTV.

[Blu-ray Fanatic]

This is just a conspiracy. Pay no heed to the ignorance.

[Anthony P]

Originally Posted by EricJ

IOW, what you HAVE to buy to stream Instant Netflix if you don't have a PS3.

Or a Wii. Or a smart-TV Viera. Or a high-end Internet-connected player.
In fact, if you haven't bought any video device in the last five years, you might need a Roku, unless you already rushed out and bought a GoogleTV.

You missed one thing though, there is a reason the guy made an anti BD comment. It is impossible to make a FUD comment about smarty TVs since in the end they don't really cost more (for someone shopping for a TV) and he can't say streaming is not good since that is what he sells. He can't make a comment about consoles, computers, tablets, smart phones since even if someone uses them for streaming they have other none competing functions that it would be ridiculous to down play. The only market they have is the one for the guy that says I don't need all that or a new TV on that display but I still want Netflix. And then why would anyone in his right mind, for example:

the Roku XS is 98$ http://www.amazon.com/Roku-XS-1080p-...&keywords=roku

Roku XD is 78$ http://www.amazon.com/Roku-XD-Stream...&keywords=roku

why would someone buy that when with BD streaming players

Sony for 89$ http://www.amazon.com/Sony-BDP-BX38-...lu-ray+Netflix

Toshiba for 60$ http://www.amazon.com/Toshiba-BDX215...lu-ray+Netflix

Sansung for 78$ http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-BD-E53...lu-ray+Netflix

......

there is a lot of selection, more recognizable brand names, prices are similar or lower.... The only way to sell a Roku is if someone is gullible enough to go to the store and say/think "I read BD is doomed so I don't want to even look at a BD player" or else he will notice it does not make sense to get the Roku over the competition. That is why the anti BD FUD is there.

[ack_bak]

What do you expect the guy to say? He has to hype up streaming and his company to keep the investors and board happy. The numbers don't lie, physical media sales are declining. But it the decline is starting to level off and it is clear that collectors prefer physical media. Ultraviolet is still in it's infancy and, IMHO, a mess. So physical will be around for a long time, and may never go away to satisfy collectors.

[Steedeel]

bluray aint declining. just dvd.

[rdodolak]

Originally Posted by Anthony P

And then why would anyone in his right mind, for example ... else he will notice it does not make sense to get the Roku over the competition.

Well, I purchased a Roku 2 XS but then again I must not be in my right mind to do so. Why wouldn't anyone purchase a Roku? It's fast, compact, and portable and besides I didn't need another BD player taking up more space. By the way, did you noticed the reviews for most of the links you posted?

Originally Posted by Anthony P

A crappy streaming player (i.e. a device that you can use to access your Netflix streaming for example), which is what makes it so funny. With smart TVs, BD players and consoles that can do what this does , it is on the way to obsolecens faster than anything else.

Let me guess, you've never even tried a Roku. The Roku interface is snappier than a lot of streaming interfaces on other systems. Not to mention it's been around much longer than most other systems. I can't speak for systems which were released within the last year or so though.

[krazeyeyez]

Recently got a Roku and got a say the thing is convenient, FAR more convenient then accessing Netflix, HBO Go, Hulu etc... through my xbox or blu-ray player as the interface is top notch. It will still be a while before i do another tv upgrade so i am left with add on options and Roku really performs its function nicely. Not to say i am not still a blu-ray addict or that the format is going anywhere soon, however roku really is a nice addition to my home theater, and has introduced me to far more services and shows i had never heard of before. Personally i think its crazy to not have both options in ones home theater

[bobbydrugar]

I have 2 roku2 XS units and one of them is in my main HT Setup right alongside an Oppo BDP93, ps/3, Wii, An Xbox360, My Laptop connected via HDMI, and my samsung Smart TV UN55D8000 series. And for streaming services the Roku gets 100% of the duty for that as its easier, faster, and all round better then all the others combined with the exception of the laptop but the roku allows me to use my laptop while streaming just about anything I can think of. Does it replace my Blu-Rays? No of course not but for the money it deffinately replaced all of my rental services. Opens up a rediculous collection of shows and movies that I would never have purchased nor could I afford and puts them at the tips of my finger for like $30/Month for all the services I have (netflix, Hulu, Crunchyroll, Amazon VOD, Funimation and several free services as well). No contest its a great device. will it be around for a long time? Not likely as Smart TV's will get better and such but for now its nice to have.

Thanks,
T

[Steedeel]

smart tv will probably fall by the wayside too. the industry seems to think wireless streaming from our tablets and smart phones is the way to go. probably the worst case scenario for home cinema fans as the wireless feed will very compressed due to the limitations of sending one stream to another device. tablet to tv for example. basically artefacts are going to be a way of life if we go this route in my opinion. that is before we even get to 1080p.

[krazeyeyez]

Originally Posted by Steedeel

smart tv will probably fall by the wayside too. the industry seems to think wireless streaming from our tablets and smart phones is the way to go. probably the worst case scenario for home cinema fans as the wireless feed will very compressed due to the limitations of sending one stream to another device. tablet to tv for example. basically artefacts are going to be a way of life if we go this route in my opinion. that is before we even get to 1080p.

Why would you stream through a tablet lol if you have a smart tv...lol

[R3P0]

Does anyone know if I can stream Comcast on Roku or not, I am just looking into this and want to get all my facts before committing to a purchase. I have access to a Comcast VOD account with full access to HBO and such. I do not subscribe to Netflix or hulu or Amazon as I cant see paying the money for those when I purchased DirecTV

[Steedeel]

kraze, i meant if tvs just went back to being dumb which is very possible

[sbuberl]

Originally Posted by R3P0

Does anyone know if I can stream Comcast on Roku or not, I am just looking into this and want to get all my facts before committing to a purchase. I have access to a Comcast VOD account with full access to HBO and such. I do not subscribe to Netflix or hulu or Amazon as I cant see paying the money for those when I purchased DirecTV

No. There is no Comcast/Xfinity app for Roku at the moment. And while there is an HBO Go app on Roku, Comcast won't let you use/activate it on a Roku.

[R3P0]

Originally Posted by sbuberl

No. There is no Comcast/Xfinity app for Roku at the moment. And while there is an HBO Go app on Roku, Comcast won't let you use/activate it on a Roku.

Ugh that sucks, Im not buying a 360 for this stuff but I need to find some good way to stream for free

[Torgon]

Originally Posted by krazeyeyez

Why would you stream through a tablet lol if you have a smart tv...lol

Doesn't sound too smart

[Steedeel]

you guys are missing the point. smart tv may flop similar to 3D. if it does we could see the push for tablet and smartphones throwing content to tv. already we see smartglass and airplay. that is just the start.

[bobbydrugar]

I'm not sure either tech will flop. 3d is becomming standard on most television sets and most theaters have converted for it, and Smart TV is a better system then always streaming from a tablet. TV= AC powered device that has big screen, Tablet= Battery powered device meant for mobile operation. is it nice to stream from tablet to TV with air play type servie? sure would I rather just stream it on my TV or Roku Device and leave the tablet in its charging dock for when I leave the house? you bet

Thanks,
T

[TM2-Megatron]

Even if I were inclined to opt for streaming, or other digital distribution services over physical media, those services in Canada are substandard compared to their American counterparts, and the bandwidth caps on 90% of Canadian internet plan options are grossly inadequate, even the "fibre" and equivalent services. And even in the US, not all regions have access to suitably high-speed internet services; and where they do, it remains a bit unaffordable for many.

There are also countries where iTunes still doesn't sell much beyond music; certainly no TV shows or films. Hulu is non-existent outside the US. Companies often don't bother acquiring online/digital distribution rights for anything but blockbusters and A-list television series for many countries.

While it's obvious the CEO of Roku doesn't really factor (or have any regard for) the international markets into his assessment of Blu-Ray, there's no way the format is in danger of dying out while all those issues remain for over 90% of the world's population.

Personally, I think Blu-Ray will outlive Roku. 10 years from now, the only Roku people will remember will be the Avatar from the Fire Nation who immediately preceeded Avatar Aang.

[steve1971]

Originally Posted by Steedeel

you guys are missing the point. smart tv may flop similar to 3D. if it does we could see the push for tablet and smartphones throwing content to tv. already we see smartglass and airplay. that is just the start.

Smart tv's aint going to flop and neither is 3D. Whether people like it or not both are here to stay. Manufacturer's are incorperating both features in their tv's more and more and I doubt it is going to stop anytime soon.

[R3P0]

Originally Posted by Steedeel

you guys are missing the point. smart tv may flop similar to 3D. if it does we could see the push for tablet and smartphones throwing content to tv. already we see smartglass and airplay. that is just the start.

Nah dood smart tv is the best idea ever if I can get one that has Amazon Hulu Comcast etc all setup or a way to install said apps and login that would reek of awesomness