Is Roku worth it? - Blu-ray Forum

CoMaToast · 01-20-2013, 03:36 PM

just loking at these recently ( either the xs or xd ) and am just wondering if its worth it overall, or if there are only a few apps you will use anyways .. My TV has a few streaming apps, and the 3D BR player I plan on getting has all the major ones ( Pandora, netflix, Facebook, Youtube etc ) So is it a matter of something I need or is there something I'm not seeing in this player?

Also It can only control one TV correct? Say if I have it hooked up in the living room, will I be able to stream to my wifi tv in my bedroom?

Remo · 01-20-2013, 03:52 PM

I had a Roku XD, but after getting a newer BDP the roku was no longer needed. Skip it if your BDP has the apps you want.

Roku only hooks up to one TV by HDMI.

rdodolak · 01-20-2013, 05:56 PM

I like it because it currently has most of the high profile apps all in one place such as Netflix, Amazon Instant Video, Vudu, Crackle, Hulu Plus, etc. All of my other devices are either missing some of those apps, are much slower or harder to navigate, or both. So, in my case the Roku was absolutley worth it for us.

luisfsanc · 01-20-2013, 06:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rdodolak

I like it because it currently has most of the high profile apps all in one place such as Netflix, Amazon Instant Video, Vudu, Crackle, Hulu Plus, etc. All of my other devices are either missing some of those apps, are much slower or harder to navigate, or both. So, in my case the Roku was absolutley worth it for us.

I agree with you on that comment.

I have a Panasonic tv with apps, which runs very slow, streaming video is sluggish.

I also have a Xbox 360 which I used before, but the are so many bugs with vudu on it. All other apps work fine.

My roku has been the best for streaming for all apps. Plus I bought it used for $10, great deal.

Top apps for me: vudu, amazon video and music cloud player.

CoMaToast · 01-20-2013, 06:52 PM

thanks guys.. It sounds like it might be great for some ppl, but just not sure I need it .. I am looking at the panny BDP-220 as it has got pretty good reviews from everywhere, has a ton of apps, and was praised for being extremely quick for load times of video and apps

dougalast · 01-21-2013, 01:33 AM

I love my Rokus. Have one on every TV. For Netflix and Vudu the interface can't be beat.
I run PlayOn from my PC and stream to every room in the house. That gives me all my media as well as Hulu and Youtube.
I have a PS3 and a BR player with Apps, but hardly ever use them.

Clark Kent · 01-21-2013, 03:58 AM

Look into the Plex app if you want to maximize a ROKU device. There are also a lot of interesting private channels that stream all manner of content.

arcadeforest · 01-26-2013, 07:43 PM

Just bought one today - so far I like it, we are ditching Directv next month when our contract is up and going to bluray's, streaming (on the Roku as well as through my media center pc) and over the air signals. Looking forward to saving $100+ a month.

Back to the Roku I've used it / watched something with Netflix, Amazon and Crackle today. Decent looking - equals other streaming devices I've used. Will pick up two more for the kids bedrooms.

arcadeforest · 02-09-2013, 06:51 PM

Update, I've had my Roku box in the bedroom for two weeks now and must admit I really like this thing. While I have streaming capabilities through my bluray player and home media pc I like it on this device much more. Between Netflix, Crackle, Amazon Prime, Hulu, PBS and a few other channels I'm really not seeing the need for Directv anymore. My only concern is sports, specifically college football in the fall - I'll cross that bridge at that time and will enjoy saving $100 plus a month until then.

dougalast · 02-10-2013, 01:55 AM

Glad you're enjoying it. It's the single most used piece of equipment I own.
I hardly ever use cable anymore, if it wasn't for the wife I'd probably drop it.

arcadeforest · 02-10-2013, 03:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dougalast

Glad you're enjoying it. It's the single most used piece of equipment I own.
I hardly ever use cable anymore, if it wasn't for the wife I'd probably drop it.

Even prior to getting the Roku box my Directv watching was declining. Outside of sports I'm either watching a bluray or a film / tv series on Netflix. Combine this now with Amazon Prime (which I recently got) and a few other channels on the Roku I'm set. The wife wants to get rid of the Directv and our 2-year agreement ends this month so . . . Need to buy a Roku for the living room and I will be set (plus get an antenna for locals - for some college football in the fall). Still concenred about all the games on ESPN but if I'm saving $100 plus a month I'll figure something out.

crackinhedz · 02-10-2013, 04:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by arcadeforest

My only concern is sports, specifically college football in the fall

If your TV has a built in ATSC tuner you can connect an external antenna to get free OTA local HD channels. (no ESPN though)

EDIT: noticed you mentioned the OTA already, sorry.

kong73 · 02-28-2013, 05:28 PM

I was just about to start a Thread asking if apple TV is worth it. I have two PS3 with the apps i like(Amazon) already and i prefer hard copies of movies i like. So, would this be worth it to me. I like the price and yes i have and iphone and ipad mini.

ColinD · 02-28-2013, 06:58 PM

With the advent of iTunes Digital Copies in HD, AppleTV has never been better.

Britnasty · 02-28-2013, 07:07 PM

I love my ROKU. I watch it more than I watch my cable especially with Hulu being on it, add in VUDU and being able to watch my UV HD copies, I don't need cable anymore haha

bsweetness · 02-28-2013, 07:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kong73

I was just about to start a Thread asking if apple TV is worth it. I have two PS3 with the apps i like(Amazon) already and i prefer hard copies of movies i like. So, would this be worth it to me. I like the price and yes i have and iphone and ipad mini.

In my opinion, at this point Apple TV is really only worth it if you're heavily invested in the Apple/iTunes ecosystem. If you have a lot of iTunes purchases and digital copies, it might be worthwhile. It can do some cool things via Air Play when connected iOS devices. But like with everything they do, Apple keeps things locked down in a way that favors iTunes and their own offerings.

If you're not heavily invested in Apple's ecosystem, Roku has many, many more entertainment options. Apple wants you to buy and stream primarily through iTunes, so they're very selective about what they currently allow on Apple TV (there's no Amazon Instant Video, Vudu, or HBO Go for instance). Roku has pretty much everything that's available for a streaming device.

So, if you want to access your iTunes purchases and use Air Play a lot, an Apple TV is the way to go. But you'll be missing out an awful lot of content. If overall content and access to different options is more important, go with a Roku.

Personally, since my PS3 has the main streaming services I use - Netflix, Amazon, Vudu, CinemaNow, and Hulu - I haven't felt the need to get either. I think Air Play with my iPad would be fun, but it the novelty of it would probably wear off pretty quickly. If I were going to buy one of the two, I'd definitely go with Roku since it has many more options, and since Apple TV won't let me access many of my services (such as Amazon and UV digital copies through Vudu or CinemaNow). I'm not heavily invested in the Apple ecosystem (I avoid purchasing on iTunes because I want content I can use on all of my devices), so it makes the choice even easier.

Josh · 02-28-2013, 08:45 PM

I will probably be picking up the $50 unit (XS?) for Amazon access. Since they starting streaming for Prime members, I've used the PS3 app a lot more than I expected (going so far as to cancel my Blockbuster subscription and started renting off of Amazon). The wife had asked about getting Amazon on some of the other TVs, and Roku seems to be the best solution out there.

My only hesitation is that a new Roku is supposed be coming out soon, though no one knows what that will be. Its been 2 years since the last refresh so I'm going to try and hold off.

ruinit · 03-01-2013, 05:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Josh

I will probably be picking up the $50 unit (XS?) for Amazon access. Since they starting streaming for Prime members, I've used the PS3 app a lot more than I expected (going so far as to cancel my Blockbuster subscription and started renting off of Amazon). The wife had asked about getting Amazon on some of the other TVs, and Roku seems to be the best solution out there.

My only hesitation is that a new Roku is supposed be coming out soon, though no one knows what that will be. Its been 2 years since the last refresh so I'm going to try and hold off.

You may want to wait there is a new Roku coming out soon.

arcadeforest · 03-01-2013, 11:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ruinit

You may want to wait there is a new Roku coming out soon.

Good to know. Dropped Directv and have been going full time Roku and OTA antenna and could not be happier (especially considering the $105 Directv bill would normally be due this Monday). I moved the unit I bought for the bedroom out to living room - planned on buying another one here soon, will wait a little while longer.

Carlanga · 03-02-2013, 01:39 AM

If you need to buy a BDP and want apps, I would recommend getting a PS3. It handles almost everything you would need and vudu runs great on it. Now that the PS4 is announced the PS3 is starting to decrease in price even more. It's a great 3D BDP, plays games, and has good amount of streaming apps that run great!

01-20-2013, 03:36 PM	#1
CoMaToast Banned Member since:Jan 2010 Location:Minnesota Home Theater Gallery:27 Blu-ray collection:126	Is Roku worth it? just loking at these recently ( either the xs or xd ) and am just wondering if its worth it overall, or if there are only a few apps you will use anyways .. My TV has a few streaming apps, and the 3D BR player I plan on getting has all the major ones ( Pandora, netflix, Facebook, Youtube etc ) So is it a matter of something I need or is there something I'm not seeing in this player? Also It can only control one TV correct? Say if I have it hooked up in the living room, will I be able to stream to my wifi tv in my bedroom?

01-20-2013, 03:52 PM	#2
Remo Expert Member Member since:Jan 2012 Location:Michigan Home Theater Gallery:12 Blu-ray collection:248 DVD collection:24 Trading Score:73	I had a Roku XD, but after getting a newer BDP the roku was no longer needed. Skip it if your BDP has the apps you want. Roku only hooks up to one TV by HDMI. Last edited by Remo; 01-20-2013 at 03:54 PM.

02-28-2013, 05:28 PM	#13
kong73 Power Member Member since:Jan 2008 Location:New York City Home Theater Gallery:318 4K collection:15 Blu-ray collection:600 DVD collection:76	fuuny.... I was just about to start a Thread asking if apple TV is worth it. I have two PS3 with the apps i like(Amazon) already and i prefer hard copies of movies i like. So, would this be worth it to me. I like the price and yes i have and iphone and ipad mini.

02-28-2013, 07:07 PM	#15
Britnasty Blu-ray Champion Top contributor Member since:Feb 2008 Location:Milwaukee, WI 4K collection:722 Blu-ray collection:1921 Trading Score:574	I love my ROKU. I watch it more than I watch my cable especially with Hulu being on it, add in VUDU and being able to watch my UV HD copies, I don't need cable anymore haha Last edited by Britnasty; 02-28-2013 at 07:15 PM.

01-20-2013, 05:56 PM	#3
rdodolak Blu-ray Prince Top contributor Member since:Jul 2007 4K collection:880 Blu-ray collection:3733 DVD collection:939 MA collection:338 Digital collection:1099 iTunes collection:75 Prime collection:11 Trading Score:20	I like it because it currently has most of the high profile apps all in one place such as Netflix, Amazon Instant Video, Vudu, Crackle, Hulu Plus, etc. All of my other devices are either missing some of those apps, are much slower or harder to navigate, or both. So, in my case the Roku was absolutley worth it for us.

01-20-2013, 06:52 PM	#5
CoMaToast Banned Member since:Jan 2010 Location:Minnesota Home Theater Gallery:27 Blu-ray collection:126	thanks guys.. It sounds like it might be great for some ppl, but just not sure I need it .. I am looking at the panny BDP-220 as it has got pretty good reviews from everywhere, has a ton of apps, and was praised for being extremely quick for load times of video and apps

01-21-2013, 01:33 AM	#6
dougalast Active Member Member since:Jan 2009 Home Theater Gallery:6 4K collection:26 Blu-ray collection:190 Trading Score:33	I love my Rokus. Have one on every TV. For Netflix and Vudu the interface can't be beat. I run PlayOn from my PC and stream to every room in the house. That gives me all my media as well as Hulu and Youtube. I have a PS3 and a BR player with Apps, but hardly ever use them.

01-21-2013, 03:58 AM	#7
Clark Kent Blu-ray Prince Top contributor Member since:Oct 2007 Location:Metropolis Blu-ray reviews:2 Trading Score:184	Look into the Plex app if you want to maximize a ROKU device. There are also a lot of interesting private channels that stream all manner of content.

01-26-2013, 07:43 PM	#8
arcadeforest Blu-ray Samurai Top contributor Member since:Apr 2010 Location:Sherwood Forest Blu-ray collection:917 DVD collection:54 Digital collection:92 Trading Score:3	Just bought one today - so far I like it, we are ditching Directv next month when our contract is up and going to bluray's, streaming (on the Roku as well as through my media center pc) and over the air signals. Looking forward to saving $100+ a month. Back to the Roku I've used it / watched something with Netflix, Amazon and Crackle today. Decent looking - equals other streaming devices I've used. Will pick up two more for the kids bedrooms.

02-09-2013, 06:51 PM	#9
arcadeforest Blu-ray Samurai Top contributor Member since:Apr 2010 Location:Sherwood Forest Blu-ray collection:917 DVD collection:54 Digital collection:92 Trading Score:3	Update, I've had my Roku box in the bedroom for two weeks now and must admit I really like this thing. While I have streaming capabilities through my bluray player and home media pc I like it on this device much more. Between Netflix, Crackle, Amazon Prime, Hulu, PBS and a few other channels I'm really not seeing the need for Directv anymore. My only concern is sports, specifically college football in the fall - I'll cross that bridge at that time and will enjoy saving $100 plus a month until then.

02-10-2013, 01:55 AM	#10
dougalast Active Member Member since:Jan 2009 Home Theater Gallery:6 4K collection:26 Blu-ray collection:190 Trading Score:33	Glad you're enjoying it. It's the single most used piece of equipment I own. I hardly ever use cable anymore, if it wasn't for the wife I'd probably drop it.

02-28-2013, 06:58 PM	#14
ColinD Active Member Member since:Jan 2010 Location:Narnia Trading Score:157	With the advent of iTunes Digital Copies in HD, AppleTV has never been better.

02-28-2013, 08:45 PM	#17
Josh Super Moderator Top contributor Member since:Sep 2006 Home Theater Gallery:50 4K collection:37 Blu-ray collection:407 Digital collection:1 Blu-ray reviews: 15 Trading Score:34	I will probably be picking up the $50 unit (XS?) for Amazon access. Since they starting streaming for Prime members, I've used the PS3 app a lot more than I expected (going so far as to cancel my Blockbuster subscription and started renting off of Amazon). The wife had asked about getting Amazon on some of the other TVs, and Roku seems to be the best solution out there. My only hesitation is that a new Roku is supposed be coming out soon, though no one knows what that will be. Its been 2 years since the last refresh so I'm going to try and hold off.

03-02-2013, 01:39 AM	#20
Carlanga Blu-ray Samurai Top contributor Member since:Feb 2013 Location:I live where you vacation 4K collection:5 Blu-ray collection:604 DVD collection:62 MA collection:472 Digital collection:590 iTunes collection:572 Prime collection:1 Blu-ray reviews: 1 Trading Score:81	If you need to buy a BDP and want apps, I would recommend getting a PS3. It handles almost everything you would need and vudu runs great on it. Now that the PS4 is announced the PS3 is starting to decrease in price even more. It's a great 3D BDP, plays games, and has good amount of streaming apps that run great!

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