ROKU, is it worth it?

#1
Freak

Freak

VolNation's Grand Poobah
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#1
Does it have more options than other similar streaming devices? Someone told me there are more Internet channels available.

Discuss.
 
#2
#2
Freak said:
Does it have more options than other similar streaming devices? Someone told me there are more Internet channels available.

Discuss.
Click to expand...

Yes there are more "channels" on Roku. It also has a search function the crosses multiple channels. It is probably the best streamer on the market for the average user.

But if you use Apple products already, the Apple TV is the better option for AirPlay alone.
 
#3
#3
burntorangeVOLffle said:
Yes there are more "channels" on Roku. It also has a search function the crosses multiple channels. It is probably the best streamer on the market for the average user.

But if you use Apple products already, the Apple TV is the better option for AirPlay alone.
Click to expand...

I have an Apple TV but don't find myself using AirPlay very often. What do you use it for?
 
#4
#4
Freak said:
I have an Apple TV but don't find myself using AirPlay very often. What do you use it for?
Click to expand...

Any online media can be streamed to the ATV.

For instance, if I'm watching a YouTube video on my iPhone and want to show it to my wife, instead of going to the Youtube app and searching the video, I'll just throw it up via AirPlay.

I also use it to watch NFL games that aren't on regional broadcast via ifeed2all.eu from my Mac.

If there are apps or browser versions of any "channel" from Roku that isn't on the ATV then you can pull it up on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac and stream it.

Amazon Prime is another example.
 
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#5
#5
burntorangeVOLffle said:
Amy online media can be streamed to the ATV.

For instance, if I'm watching a YouTube video on my iPhone and want to show it to my wife, instead of going to the Youtube app and searching the video, I'll just throw it up via AirPlay.

I also use it to watch NFL games that aren't on regional broadcast via ifeed2all.eu from my Mac.
Click to expand...

Interesting idea for NFL games.
 
#7
#7
burntorangeVOLffle said:
If there are apps or browser versions of any "channel" from Roku that isn't on the ATV then you can pull it up on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac and stream it.

Amazon Prime is another example.
Click to expand...

If only I had a list of available channels, that might be beneficial.

And is there an Amazon Prime app? How do you stream these from your phone?
 
#8
#8
Freak said:
I have an Apple TV but don't find myself using AirPlay very often. What do you use it for?
Click to expand...

Some things I have to airplay versus using the app. My hbogo app isn't supported on my Apple TV but I can airplay it. Same with ESPNU although I can stream all the other watchespn channels with the Apple TV app. I find I use movie box for just about everything anymore though.
 
#9
#9
I have a Roku, and I love it, save a couple factors. I haven't round a way to watch CBS games, or NFL games, but I don't follow that as closely. I use it for WatchESPN and Netflix primarily.

Here's a list of all Roku channels for what it's worth: Channel Store | Roku Streaming Player
 
#10
#10
Freak said:
If only I had a list of available channels, that might be beneficial.

And is there an Amazon Prime app? How do you stream these from your phone?
Click to expand...

There is an Amazon Prime Instant App for iOS that supports AirPlay.

Any 2011 or newer Macs can mirror/extend their desktop via AirPlay. Usually I will pull up what I want to watch on the Mac from any browser, then extend the desktop, move the window to the TVS and hit Full Screen.

Granted the Roku has so many channels built in it takes some of those steps out. But then again the Apple TV gives you the option to stream anything on the Internet.
 
#11
#11
Best combination for media streaming is a Roku accompanied by a Western Digital TV.

The Roku is loaded with apps where the WD TV makes up for with it's media sharing capability. It supports just about any file type where the Apple TV is limited to it's own file types.
 
#12
#12
Coug said:
Best combination for media streaming is a Roku accompanied by a Western Digital TV.

The Roku is loaded with apps where the WD TV makes up for with it's media sharing capability. It supports just about any file type where the Apple TV is limited to it's own file types.
Click to expand...

Can you stream through WDTV? There's certain things I could stream online that if love to stream straight to my TV like airplay
 
#13
#13
Coug said:
Best combination for media streaming is a Roku accompanied by a Western Digital TV.

The Roku is loaded with apps where the WD TV makes up for with it's media sharing capability. It supports just about any file type where the Apple TV is limited to it's own file types.
Click to expand...

I've never hit a wall streaming anything via AirPlay. Since it can mirror the Mac desktop, it can play whatever your Mac can play. Plus it just works out of the box. There is not any difficult set up. If you are savy enough that you are using uncommon file types then you are definitely savy enough to use AirPlay. For Apple users it's the better option.

For everyone else Roku is the way to go.
 
#14
#14
I have iMac, ipad, iphone, etc. I have an AppleTV and a Roku 2. I use my Roku much more than the AppleTV. I just don't do alot of airplay stuff with the ipad, plus my iMac can't do airplay (just missed it)
 
#15
#15
The Roku is pretty boss.

But I agree that if you're an Apple guy, you should just stick with Apple TV. Not much need for both, IMO. I do love the cross-platform search. It's very handy. Also, it does have a less functional equivalent to airplay. Can't remember what it's called, but you can stream certain media to a Roku from mobile, including YouTubes.
 
#16
#16
Thrasher865 said:
The Roku is pretty boss.

But I agree that if you're an Apple guy, you should just stick with Apple TV. Not much need for both, IMO. I do love the cross-platform search. It's very handy. Also, it does have a less functional equivalent to airplay. Can't remember what it's called, but you can stream certain media to a Roku from mobile, including YouTubes.
Click to expand...

Thrasher, if you happen to remember, can you post it? That's exactly what i'm looking for

Edit: It's not Trimeplay is it?
 
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#17
#17
I like my roku. I use Netflix and Amazon Instant Video. We occasionally use the Pandora channel, too.
 
#19
#19
CanadianVol said:
Can you stream through WDTV? There's certain things I could stream online that if love to stream straight to my TV like airplay
Click to expand...

Yes you can!

burntorangeVOLffle said:
I've never hit a wall streaming anything via AirPlay. Since it can mirror the Mac desktop, it can play whatever your Mac can play. Plus it just works out of the box. There is not any difficult set up. If you are savy enough that you are using uncommon file types then you are definitely savy enough to use AirPlay. For Apple users it's the better option.

For everyone else Roku is the way to go.
Click to expand...

I don't doubt that you could eventually play anything you want from your Mac to your AppleTV. The awesome thing about the WD is that it supports almost every file type without any type of conversion. MP3, MP4, FLV, WMA, AVI, WMV, MOV, etc. For audiophiles it even supports FLAC files. The list is very extensive.

List of compatible media file types for all WD TV and WD Elements Play Products
 
#20
#20
I have a roku and didn't know all of this. I use it for Netflix, but there are time if channels. I'm hoping I can eventually get sec network and I'll be done with DirecTV.
 
#22
#22
joevol33 said:
I have a roku and didn't know all of this. I use it for Netflix, but there are time if channels. I'm hoping I can eventually get sec network and I'll be done with DirecTV.
Click to expand...

SEC network is bundled with watchESPN.

Of course you need a cable subscription. Doesn't have to be yours.
 
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