Roku 2
 

http://blog.roku.com/blog/2011/07/20/introducing-roku2/

http://www.usatoday.com/tech/news/20...-netflix_n.htm

http://i.imgur.com/yR69r.jpg

Re: Roku 2
 

I'd buy a an XS in a heartbeat if I could stream media over my home network. Otherwise, I'm pretty happy with my current Roku. Ok, if the wifi NIC is stronger, that might put me over the edge as well.

Re: Roku 2
 

Do these digital media players (Apple TV, Boxee, etc) play content from network websites? ie watching tv shows that are available on the CBS, NBC, ABC, FOX websites usually after they have aired on the left coast.

Re: Roku 2
 

A family member's Roku XD was delivered on the same day I got an email announcing the Roku 2. Lovely timing. Trying to figure out if returning and rebuying the 2 is worth it, we haven't even hooked it up, yet. You'd think with timing that tight, and for people buying from their website, Roku could've just sent the 2 version and surprised the few of us. Same price.

To mink-e: If you want streaming of local media, try AppleTV or PS3. Don't know why Roku doesn't do this. It's just odd. Looks like 2 won't, either.
And to DAC: Not Roku. But others should be able to. I think Boxee has browsing ability, even the AppleTV with an app. (but I'm not an expert, just getting into it)

Re: Roku 2
 

You can stream media over your network from your PC.

Here's what I've dug up:
http://roksbox.com/home/
http://forums.roku.com/viewtopic.php?f=28&t=26058
http://www.ro-connect.com/

Re: Roku 2
 

The mailman just dropped off my Roku 2 XS today. My first impression is that I'm amazed at how small it is. :lol:

The motion sensing remote works pretty decent for Angry Birds. I use my ps3 for local media streaming so I can't comment on how the Roku works for that.

Re: Roku 2
 

While it is possible, I believe those solutions use an http server, which is not exactly ideal. I would easily pay a $20 premium above the current prices for DLNA/UPnP support on the Roku boxes.

Re: Roku 2
 

Not for the XS model, which he was referring to.

Re: Roku 2
 

Thanks for the suggestions, all. I already stream via my 360 to the basement, but we've got a 23" LCD in the bedroom on top of a dresser, so another console isn't that feasible to the wife. At the same time, it's annoying to keep hooking up the laptop via HDMI. We've already got a Roku, which I'd just move to the main level if I could get a good inexpensive solution. I can deal in the meantime, though.

ETA: You can stream via USB on some of these models, Mister Peepers? If I can do that and keep Netflix, I'd spring in a heartbeat. I just threw that model out since it looked to be the most expensive model. I've currently got one of the first gen Rokus with HDMI out, which is really all I need. Not too worried about the optical out I'd be losing.

Re: Roku 2
 

Maybe my brain is slow today, but I don't understand your response.

He wanted to be able to stream over his home network to a Roku. All of the solutions you posted require setting up a web server on the host PC, regardless of which Roku box you have, as far as I can tell. Playing content from storage attached directly to the Roku is not the same as streaming over the network. What did I miss?

Re: Roku 2
 

It isn't the same, but somehow I completely missed that playing off of USB storage is even possitble. It's better than nothing. I'm still very open to the idea of picking up a cheap 8gb usb stick to dump stuff on and play back on the Roku than having to bring my whole freaking laptop up to hook it up. You guys have given me plenty to dig into and you have my sincere thanks :D

Re: Roku 2
 

I answered at 6:30 in the morning. That's my defense.

Re: Roku 2
 

As the anti-thesis of a morning person, I fully accept your defense. :)

I honestly did think I was just missing something.

Re: Roku 2
 

Woot was just selling refurbed legacy HD units (model #N1100) for $40 this week, so I updated the feature comparision grid to include current pricing and the new Roku 2 models:

http://img696.imageshack.us/img696/3...mpareroku2.jpg

Edited to Add: Legacy HD-XR received a firmware update in Dec 2010 to support full 1080p. Chart fixed.

Re: Roku 2
 

If you want this to play Angry Birds, you'll have to buy the $100 Roku2 XS model, or get an HD or XD and purchase a Motion Remote separately. Alas, that remote is not currently available for sale, but based on the $15 price for the 2nd Gen "Enhanced" remote, I would expect the MR to cost no less than that.

[PS - Roku is having a sale on their Enhanced remotes. Link through www.roku.com/remote for $5 off. There's a $5 s/h charge that won't appear until the final checkout screen.]

I *have* noticed that they've deleted lots of the connection options for legacy TVs and stereos, and more importantly, there is no Ethernet port except on the most expensive unit.

I have a legacy HD-XR, a 2nd gen XD, and Wooted for two legacy HDs. I'm not seeing anything in the Roku2 models that want to make me "upgrade" - especially since much of the connectivity options are more limited now than before. To be frank the HD-XR lacks only a microSD slot and game-playing capability, but provides everything else the XS has PLUS more connection options PLUS a USB port, all for ~$40 less.

Re: Roku 2
 

Ooh, I had missed that. Wired is a likely connection for my uncle, sticking with the earlier XD model (which is sitting in his office) may be the best answer.

Re: Roku 2
 

Has anyone had a chance to play w/ the USB port on the XS model?

If I buy/receive one in the near future - I would really like to hook an external hard drive up to it.

Re: Roku 2
 

I've messed with it on the HD-XR (older model) and it worked well. If you are connecting the Roku to a TV only (no receiver), make sure your video files have AAC audio (stereo) as the Roku cannot decode DD or DTS. If you are connecting the Roku to a receiver it will pass through all audio to the receiver. As long as your receiver is DD or DTS capable then there is no need to have the AAC track in your file.

Supported Roku media formats

Re: Roku 2
 

I am using Handbrake to rip the discs into MP4, but I will have to check how the audio is being handled.

Thanks for the heads up.

Re: Roku 2
 

I believe the default in handbrake uses AAC...so you should be good.

Re: Roku 2
 

Since this thread got bumped, Roku has a new entry-level "LT" model for $50, in limited quantities.

Its purple:
http://img51.imageshack.us/img51/6616/rokult.jpg

Note that the remote in this image has dedicated Netflix, Pandora and Crackle buttons. No other remote, and more importantly, no other image of the LT on other sites that sell this unit (like Amazon) show this specific remote. I do NOT know if this is an exclusive if you buy direct from Roku, or if it's a prototype or what. The $50 price is the same no matter where you order it from, so if I were to get one as a gift I'd be tempted to get it from Roku.com just to see if this specific remote comes with it.

Re: Roku 2
 

Here's the updated feature comparison matrix. Can't speak to whether or not the legacy or 2nd gen models' market prices on eBay are accurate or not, but everything else should be correct:

http://img651.imageshack.us/img651/1540/roku111201.jpg

Edited to add: Roku LT (2400D) model and USB port on 2XS (3100)

Re: Roku 2
 

Are you certain the XS has a USB? I see only a microSD slot...
http://img69.imageshack.us/img69/6735/rokuxs.png

Edited to add:
Never mind - it's on the side.

Re: Roku 2
 

I just checked and was coming to post that.

Now about the external hard drive - will I be able to use a portable or does it need to be a powered unit?