The Roku Thread
10-30-12, 04:47 PM
#1
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The Roku Thread
This is an all-in-one thread for Roku-related stuff.
To start it off, here's info on the new Roku Search feature. I just tried it out and it works pretty well. I hate typing with the remote. But I can use the iPad app for that.
<iframe width="640" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/pfx_TLlQyxc" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
To start it off, here's info on the new Roku Search feature. I just tried it out and it works pretty well. I hate typing with the remote. But I can use the iPad app for that.
Roku Search makes it a snap to find movies, TV shows, actors and directors across Netflix, Amazon Instant Video, Hulu Plus, Crackle, VUDU and HBO GO. When you search for a title, Roku Search shows you where it’s available on the Roku platform. Simply select a channel and Roku Search will take you straight to your desired movie or show. Check out the video below to see Roku Search in action.
Roku Search works with Roku 2, Roku LT, new Roku HD players and the Roku Streaming Stick. You can even search with the keyboard in the Remote tab of the Roku iOS and Android mobile apps!
We’ll automatically push a free update including Search to supported players over the next week. If you just can’t wait, select Settings > Software update > Check now on your Roku player to update your software to version 4.8 352x (available later today). Then click here to install Roku Search via channel code.
http://blog.roku.com/blog/2012/10/29/roku-search/
Roku Search works with Roku 2, Roku LT, new Roku HD players and the Roku Streaming Stick. You can even search with the keyboard in the Remote tab of the Roku iOS and Android mobile apps!
We’ll automatically push a free update including Search to supported players over the next week. If you just can’t wait, select Settings > Software update > Check now on your Roku player to update your software to version 4.8 352x (available later today). Then click here to install Roku Search via channel code.
http://blog.roku.com/blog/2012/10/29/roku-search/
10-30-12, 05:00 PM
#2
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Re: The Roku Thread
Here's another new feature. You can now browse/add channels from the Roku website.
http://www.roku.com/channels/#!browse/most-watched
http://www.roku.com/channels/#!browse/most-watched
10-30-12, 10:18 PM
#3
DVD Talk Legend
Re: The Roku Thread
It would be nice if they would have the feature to automatically go to the next episode with Netflix. Hell, I'd be happy if it would allow me to choose the next episode without having to back all the way out to the main menu.
I used to really dig the Roku, but it's been causing enough problems that I've been using my PS3 almost exclusively.
I used to really dig the Roku, but it's been causing enough problems that I've been using my PS3 almost exclusively.
11-01-12, 03:53 PM
#5
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Re: The Roku Thread
I basically only use my Roku at this point. I actually find myself using the Android app freqeuntly to control it as well.
One thing in particular I like and wish they could implement more broadly is streaming from your phone via the app. I'd like to see an AirPlay-style streamer. I'm sure they're working on it.
One thing in particular I like and wish they could implement more broadly is streaming from your phone via the app. I'd like to see an AirPlay-style streamer. I'm sure they're working on it.
11-01-12, 06:19 PM
#6
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Re: The Roku Thread
Well, you can stream photos and music. Hopefully they get video sorted out soon, then that would be something.
I played around with the search function a bit. Verdict: it's pretty damn awesome. Great UI, simple, precise.
I played around with the search function a bit. Verdict: it's pretty damn awesome. Great UI, simple, precise.
11-01-12, 08:39 PM
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Re: The Roku Thread
Plex via Roku is awesome. We ripped all my daughter's DVDs to a network HD and it's a huge time saver (and a really slick interface.)
I wish the Search feature could be extended to some other channels (EPIX, Popcornflix, even your local Plex storage.)
I do wonder if after the recent Vudu add if they've now pretty much exhausted the app/content space. Seems like everything that comes out now is either super-niche, religious, or the same old public domain content in a new package.
I wish the Search feature could be extended to some other channels (EPIX, Popcornflix, even your local Plex storage.)
I do wonder if after the recent Vudu add if they've now pretty much exhausted the app/content space. Seems like everything that comes out now is either super-niche, religious, or the same old public domain content in a new package.
11-16-12, 01:22 PM
#8
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Re: The Roku Thread
Roku sent out an email hyping a Black Friday deal. They claim it's their "best deal of the year", and it'll have free shipping. It'll go live on Wednesday night. So if you're thinking about getting a Roku, it might be worth waiting for the sale.
11-16-12, 07:07 PM
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Re: The Roku Thread
I was planning to buy 2 for family for Xmas gifts, so I'll be keeping an eye on that sale. I hope it beats BB's price of $59 for an XD.
11-17-12, 08:32 PM
#10
DVD Talk Limited Edition
Re: The Roku Thread
Same, but I still plan on hitting Best Buy for the $40 Harmony remote since the screen on my existing one just died out of warranty.
EDIT: May just go to Radio Shack for the $30 one instead.
EDIT: May just go to Radio Shack for the $30 one instead.
Last edited by printerati; 11-17-12 at 08:55 PM.
11-21-12, 11:04 PM
#11
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Re: The Roku Thread
The Black Friday deal just went live. It's 25% Off with Free Shipping.
Roku HD - $44.99
Roku 2 XD - $59.99
Roku 2 XS - $74.99
http://www.facebook.com/roku/
Roku HD - $44.99
Roku 2 XD - $59.99
Roku 2 XS - $74.99
http://www.facebook.com/roku/
11-22-12, 02:28 PM
#12
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Re: The Roku Thread
Save $20 on Select Roku Streaming Players and Get a $5 Amazon Instant Video Promotional Credit
For a limited time only, save $20 on select Roku streaming players and get a $5 Amazon Instant Video promotional credit with the Roku LT, Roku HD, Roku XD, and Roku XS. $20 savings valid until 11/26/2012 at 11:59 PM PST.
Roku HD - $39.99
Roku 2 XD - $59.99
Roku 2 XS - $79.99
For a limited time only, save $20 on select Roku streaming players and get a $5 Amazon Instant Video promotional credit with the Roku LT, Roku HD, Roku XD, and Roku XS. $20 savings valid until 11/26/2012 at 11:59 PM PST.
Roku HD - $39.99
Roku 2 XD - $59.99
Roku 2 XS - $79.99
11-24-12, 11:44 AM
#13
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Re: The Roku Thread
Of course Amazon would offer a little extra incentive after I already bought 2 XDs off Roku's site. Oh well, I don't mind supporting them directly.
On another note, I just discovered how awesome PLEX is.
On another note, I just discovered how awesome PLEX is.
11-26-12, 08:18 AM
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Re: The Roku Thread
Have any of you tried hooking a hard drive up to a Roku 2 XS. I bought one for someone and I know they'll want to do this. Does it require a special type of hard drive, or will just about any drive work?
11-26-12, 12:07 PM
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Re: The Roku Thread
Originally Posted by nick1091
Plex via Roku is awesome. We ripped all my daughter's DVDs to a network HD and it's a huge time saver (and a really slick interface.)
What are the specs on the network HD are you are using?
11-26-12, 05:01 PM
#17
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Re: The Roku Thread
Originally Posted by John Slider
Have any of you tried hooking a hard drive up to a Roku 2 XS. I bought one for someone and I know they'll want to do this. Does it require a special type of hard drive, or will just about any drive work?
I've tried a USB flash drive and the drive itself worked fine. I had more of a problem with the codec support on the Roku. It didn't like some of my files.
If you want to watch video files off a hard drive, your better option is using PLEX. It allows you to stream videos from your PC/Mac hard drives to the Roku through the home network. It's very easy to set-up and use. I posted some more info about it here:
http://forum.dvdtalk.com/streaming-t...ur-pc-mac.html
11-30-12, 01:57 PM
#19
DVD Talk God
Re: The Roku Thread
ive used both plex and xbmc on my atv2, and definitely prefer xbmc
its not a deal breaker for me though
i actually share the files out on my computer with tversity, and then connect from my atv2 with xbmc
with a roku and plex, would i be able to easily connect back to my tversity share?
i havent put much time into looking at roku yet.. which model(s) would you recommend?
its not a deal breaker for me though
i actually share the files out on my computer with tversity, and then connect from my atv2 with xbmc
with a roku and plex, would i be able to easily connect back to my tversity share?
i havent put much time into looking at roku yet.. which model(s) would you recommend?
11-30-12, 02:29 PM
#20
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Re: The Roku Thread
Originally Posted by twikoff
i havent put much time into looking at roku yet.. which model(s) would you recommend?
2XS is the only one with an ethernet port, and I prefer a wired connection. It's also the only one with a USB port. But the USB's abilities are fairly limited, and I haven't used it. The other features (motion control, games, memory expansion) are worthless. For me, that ethernet port is worth $20.
Here's a comparison of the various Roku models:
http://www.roku.com/roku-products
12-01-12, 09:44 AM
#22
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Re: The Roku Thread
Originally Posted by twikoff
and they all do a relatively equal job of streaming content from a pc/mac? how is their format compatibity?
http://www.plexapp.com/
Plex works on all the Roku models. I don't think there's any quality difference. But I don't use it much. You might be able to get better info on Plex's Roku forum:
http://forums.plexapp.com/index.php/...aming-players/
I use a Boxee for local streaming. It does that stuff better than any other box.
12-01-12, 10:13 AM
#24
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Re: The Roku Thread
Originally Posted by John Slider
BigDave, can you stream from websites using Plex?
http://forums.plexapp.com/index.php/...plex-channels/
I don't use that stuff, because the quality almost always sucks. Usually these website streams are low quality and you get buffering problems.
Last edited by TheBigDave; 12-01-12 at 10:19 AM.
