For all Roku owners!!!

[Antmeister]

Well it appears that Roku has announced the 10 channels that should appear on the device sometime over the next couple of days. What's pretty kick-ass is that they have basically opened up a Channel Store (like Apple's app store). And at the same time they are releasing an SDK for future developers to build other channels, which means that the user gets to decide what he/she wants to see.

Anyways, here's the Channel Store showcasing the current channels on Roku's site:
http://www.roku.com/roku-channel-store

And here is an article telling you how it will be setting this up once the update is available:
Hands on: Roku's updated Player software and new Channel Store | Entertainment & HDTV | Playlist | Macworld (http://www.macworld.com/article/144032/2009/11/rokusoftwareupdate.html)

[Peregrine]

Sounds sweet - I can't wait to check this out on my Roku Player. This device has turned out to be great return on the $100 I originally paid for it, as new features are continually rolled out.

[Swaggs]

I've been loving Roku and getting my money's worth.

Since we had the baby, I watch an episode of the Office on Roku each time that I feed him. 30 Rock is up next. :)

[stevew]

I've been kicking around getting one for my bedroom TV. I'm just having a hard time justifying 99. I know that is cheap. Still just seems like too much for something which is still kind of limited.

[Swaggs]

I would definitely recommend getting one if you spend much time watching DVDs (particularly of television shows). The selection from Netflix is still more limited than I would like, but I really enjoy watching past seasons of TV shows in big, quick chunks. Stuff like Friday Night Lights, Dexter, the Office, Lost, 30 Rock, etc. are all on there and the potential for a lot more cool features is there.

One thing I will mention is that I could not get it working with my Netgear router. It was several years old, so I ended up getting a Linksys and it has worked really well ever since.`

[Antmeister]

I've been kicking around getting one for my bedroom TV. I'm just having a hard time justifying 99. I know that is cheap. Still just seems like too much for something which is still kind of limited.

Well if you currently have an XBox or PS3 hooked up to the bedroom and you are mainly are going to use it for Netflix, then it may not be worth it.

But if you want the option of watching Major League Baseball, listen to Pandora occasionally, like Twit TV and Revision 3 and want to watch content off the video RSS feeds, it would be worth it. Because, in my opinion, just like the app store did for the iPhone, this has potential to have a lot of good and crap paid and free content that you get to choose from since they opened up their SDK to developers.

[Passacaglia]

bump

I just got a roku, and installed it today. I'm pumped! I just installed pandora via the channel store, and activated my account, but I can't figure out how to activate a second account for lurker. Can that be done?

[Pumpy Tudors]

I'm a dummy, as I've tried and still can't figure out what the hell a Roku is.

[Alan T]

I'm a dummy, as I've tried and still can't figure out what the hell a Roku is.


http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:_YkpqMsGBS0bCM:http://img03.blogcu.com/images/h/a/v/havabukucular/roku_3_1__1252537417.png

[Passacaglia]

Also, are you supposed to leave it on all the time? And if not, how do you turn it off?

[Passacaglia]

I'm a dummy, as I've tried and still can't figure out what the hell a Roku is.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1JEbnWl8iz0

[Swaggs]

I leave mine on all of the time.

It has a screen saver that comes on after a few minutes, but if there is a way to turn it off, I haven't figured it out (and have owned one for over a year).

We actually just got our Netflix Wii disc and hooked it up. It is pretty cool, but it seemed like it would only work with the disc in. Anyone know if you can just make a Netflix channel (and how to set one up, if possible) and use it w/o having to switch discs.?

[Dodgerchick]

Guys, check out the Kung-Fu Theater Channel. Only $1.99 a month but man, awesome stuff.

[PilotMan]

UFC EXTENDS REACH WITH ROKU SET TOP STREAMING (http://www.mmaweekly.com/absolutenm/templates/dailynews.asp?articleid=11534&zoneid=13)

UFC Vault and PPV's will be available on a new UFC Channel or something like that. Sweet.

[Glengoyne]

So I'm considering going the Netflix streaming route rather than buying endless streams of DVDs for past TV show seasons and movies that I'll watch only once. I've got a Wii, but that isn't in a room where I watch my videos, and the kids are always using that television. So, I'd like to be able to stream this to my HD set, and the Roku seems like the best way to do this.

How about using wireless as the connection? I'm looking at the $119 option with the pre-N wireless.

Is this a slam dunk acquisition?

[Passacaglia]

I use wireless as the connection, the basic $80 one. During peak net times it gets a little slow some days, but usually seems fine.

[Antmeister]

I hope they get Hulu.

Well it looks like it is going to happen. Hulu will be available for the Roku this Fall.

Hulu Plus coming to Roku (http://forums.roku.com/viewtopic.php?f=28&t=32541)

Amazing.

[PilotMan]

That is fantastic news.

[lordscarlet]

Coming to the Tivo Premiere and Xbox 360 as well.

[Swaggs]

damn... that is great news.

Might have to get an HD version at some point in the near future. Love the regular, but with Roku (presumably in HD, as well) available I can see using it a lot more with winter around the corner.

[Antmeister]

Coming to the Tivo Premiere and Xbox 360 as well.

As well as the PS3.

[Antmeister]

damn... that is great news.

Might have to get an HD version at some point in the near future. Love the regular, but with Roku (presumably in HD, as well) available I can see using it a lot more with winter around the corner.

Well it is only currently at 720p for those that own the HD version as of now. In the near future a patch is supposed to update to for 1080p. On top of that they have introduced new models that include an updated remote. I have no idea what the extra buttons are supposed to do, but you can just purchase the remote for your current Roku.

[stevew]

The debate between 720p and 1080P has always been dumb. I.E. I'm unsatisfied fucking Katy Perry cause I can't fuck Natalie Portman.

[Passacaglia]

Well it is only currently at 720p for those that own the HD version as of now. In the near future a patch is supposed to update to for 1080p. On top of that they have introduced new models that include an updated remote. I have no idea what the extra buttons are supposed to do, but you can just purchase the remote for your current Roku.

Interesting. I'm looking to get a universal remote that works with my Roku, so hopefully when I do that, I can program the new buttons somehow.

[Antmeister]

Wow...not a hockey fan, but they now have NHL on the Roku.

http://www.roku.com/nhl

[lighthousekeeper]

Does anyone know if you can use roku to stream content from abc.com to the tv?

[PilotMan]

Wow...not a hockey fan, but they now have NHL on the Roku.

Cool, but wow, $169. It needs to be at least half that.

Does anyone know if you can use roku to stream content from abc.com to the tv?

I don't think so, but since Hulu is coming on here soon, you can sign up for the 9.99/mo package and get the shows that way. Plus you get NBC and FOX shows. I can't wait, it's going to be worth it. Between that and instant play its great. All I need is CBS to make a stream available and I will be set for good.

[Antmeister]

And now Hulu Plus is here and it also appears they have lowered their monthly charge to just $7.99 a month. Cool.

[Matthean]

I just went and installed mine. Slightly more geeky set up than what I wanted, but not anything that was too hard. It was more annoying than anything. Navigation could be done a lot better. I kind of wished you were subscribed to the free channels from the start versus having to add them in. Still, I like it a lot so far.

[Autumn]

Does the Roku allow you to play files from your home network?

[Easy Mac]

Does the Roku allow you to play files from your home network?

Yes, but only through third party, non-official channels. And even then, its only certain formats of media. Roku Forums • View topic - Recommended local network streaming (http://forums.roku.com/viewtopic.php?f=28&t=34395)

[Autumn]

Thanks, Easy Mac.

[Peregrine]

My original Roku box that I've had for a few years is finally giving up the ghost I think - I'm having a terrible time getting it to pick up wireless signal - usually I can eventually get it to work after a cycle of up to 10 (!) reboots and resets, but if I don't use it for a couple of weeks, it goes back to the same state. I've already RMAed it once for a different problem so that isn't really an option. I'm thinking of going with AppleTV this time as it offers the same stuff I need, plus some additional stuff like iTunes rentals that I can see myself using, at around the same price.

[Butter]

So, is there a way to turn it off?

I got one for my parents for Christmas, and can't figure it out. It's got a Home button and a back button, but no freakin' power button. Really, Roku?

[molson]

I picked this up a few weeks ago and am loving it so far. Connection is a little slow using clearwire internet, but its actually a lot faster than I expected - I thought I've have to upgrade my internet but I can hold off on that for a while longer.

Between Netflix/Hulu Plus/Roku - I would definitely be able to dump DirecTV if not for sports. Stupid sports. But this setup just definitely feels like the future of TV.

[panerd]

So, is there a way to turn it off?

I got one for my parents for Christmas, and can't figure it out. It's got a Home button and a back button, but no freakin' power button. Really, Roku?

I have always just thought of it like a computer that goes into sleep mode. I don't think I have turned mine off in 2 years.

[panerd]

I picked this up a few weeks ago and am loving it so far. Connection is a little slow using clearwire internet, but its actually a lot faster than I expected - I thought I've have to upgrade my internet but I can hold off on that for a while longer.

Between Netflix/Hulu Plus/Roku - I would definitely be able to dump DirecTV if not for sports. Stupid sports. But this setup just definitely feels like the future of TV.


Yep, sports. I have mapped out what i watch so many times and figured I am spending an additional $600-$700 for Directv just for sports. Maybe I should just go out to sports bars more?

[Peregrine]

I ended up replacing my much-loved Roku with an Apple TV last week - I enjoyed the Roku for two years but it had just become too flaky in terms of picking up wireless signal. The Apple device has less web content, which is okay with me since I only really watched Netflix, but I can now stream iTunes stuff down to my TV which is great - music when I'm reading, TV shows, or whatever. Good stuff so far.

[lordscarlet]

I gave up DirecTV about 5 years ago and haven't looked back. I was probably never as big a sports fan as the rest of FOFC, but it still hurts. It helps that I live in my "home" market so I get a large number of games on broadcast networks.

[PilotMan]

Ah sports. At least I can watch espn3 for free. That helps. I will be watching something on my computer while we are watching a movie on netflix. Certainly better than nothing. I miss the big games, but the variety is certainly beneficial.

[bob]

I recently got a Roku for Christmas, and I'm looking at dumping Direct TV in favor of Netflix and Hulu+. However, I've read that Hulu+ on Roku does not have all the content that Hulu+ on my PC has. Any truth to that? Any idea how I can check what is available and what isn't?

[PilotMan]

I recently got a Roku for Christmas, and I'm looking at dumping Direct TV in favor of Netflix and Hulu+. However, I've read that Hulu+ on Roku does not have all the content that Hulu+ on my PC has. Any truth to that? Any idea how I can check what is available and what isn't?

Yes, that's right. And there is some bleed over between what you get with Netflix and Hulu. I don't think that there is any master list to show what is and isn't available on the Roku.

Although, I am a plus subscriber and when I am logged in online, I can see on a show by show basis if an episode is available on various media. That really doesn't help you to decide, so I am going to say that subscribing is going to be your best bet to get the real answer.

[bob]

Yeah, I know i can do a free week and try it out, but I was just curious if anyone knew about some master list.

[Antmeister]

I recently got a Roku for Christmas, and I'm looking at dumping Direct TV in favor of Netflix and Hulu+. However, I've read that Hulu+ on Roku does not have all the content that Hulu+ on my PC has. Any truth to that? Any idea how I can check what is available and what isn't?

Has nothing to do with the Roku. There is just a general difference between Hulu and Hulu Plus. What you see online on Hulu can only be displayed on a PC. Hulu Plus is content that can be displayed on both. So, of course there a lot of shows that are PC only. The advantage of Hulu Plus is that for those shows that are available, you can usually watch one or more seasons rather than the last 3 or 4 episodes.

Here is a list of Hulu Plus content:
Hulu+ (http://www.hulu.com/plus?src=topnav#content)

[Antmeister]

Now if there is a show that you want to watch that is only available on vanilla Hulu, the most convenient way to get it is if you already own an XBox, PS3 or Wii. If this is the case, you can get PlayOn (http://www.playon.tv/playon) to run on your computer and then you can watch your internet content through that device.

[Glengoyne]

I went with Apple TV, and have been very happy with the iTunes and Netflix addition to my television. Now if only Netflix would invest in expanding their steaming content.

[molson]

Has nothing to do with the Roku. There is just a general difference between Hulu and Hulu Plus. What you see online on Hulu can only be displayed on a PC. Hulu Plus is content that can be displayed on both. So, of course there a lot of shows that are PC only. The advantage of Hulu Plus is that for those shows that are available, you can usually watch one or more seasons rather than the last 3 or 4 episodes.

Here is a list of Hulu Plus content:
Hulu+ (http://www.hulu.com/plus?src=topnav#content)

There are a few shows that are avaiable on Hulu Plus through the internet, but not Hulu Plus on Roku.

[Antmeister]

There are a few shows that are avaiable on Hulu Plus through the internet, but not Hulu Plus on Roku.

Tell me which shows you are talking about, because, unless they have a Plus symbol, they are not supposed to show up on your TV. And like I said before, this has nothing to do with the Roku. This occurs on any device with Hulu Plus (and I have the same amount of shows on both the PS3 and Roku).

[molson]

Tell me which shows you are talking about, because, unless they have a Plus symbol, they are not supposed to show up on your TV. And like I said before, this has nothing to do with the Roku. This occurs on any device with Hulu Plus (and I have the same amount of shows on both the PS3 and Roku).

The one I remember (now you're going to make me I admit I watched it), is the Apprentice. I could watch it on my PC via my Hulu Plus account, but if I tried to pull it up on Roku (where it showed up in the list of shows), I got a message, "sorry, we don't have the proper license to show this via this medium" (or whatever.)

Edit: After researching it, Roku can stream the "Hulu Plus" content, but not the regular free "Hulu" content. Which I think is what you were talking about. I just assumed that Hulu Plus was Hulu, plus other stuff. But apparently there's not complete overlap.

[Antmeister]

Edit: After researching it, Roku can stream the "Hulu Plus" content, but not the regular free "Hulu" content. Which I think is what you were talking about. I just assumed that Hulu Plus was Hulu, plus other stuff. But apparently there's not complete overlap.

Yep that is what most people assume Hulu Plus to mean and that is why I hate the fact that they call it Hulu Plus. It should have been named Hulu TV or something similar to avoid confusion.

[PilotMan]

Well, my first Roku died this week. Actually, it didn't die, but the wireless card died. I went through all the steps to try and get it going again, but nothing worked. The ethernet still works though. I called customer support, not sure what help I would get, since I think it was over a year ago that I got the player, but they were helpful, and sent a replacement for it without any hassle.

I asked if there had been a recent firmware update that might have fried it, and he said that yes, there had been a very recent update. Maybe that had something to do with it.

[Antmeister]

Well now Roku has the NBA. So that makes baseball, hockey and now basketball. All they need now is the NFL and I am set.

[Autumn]

Really? That's pretty awesome. I've been considering a Roku, but basketball and football would seal the deal easily. I don't watch any baseball or hockey so, so far they haven't tempted me.

[Antmeister]

http://www.roku.com/nba-partner

[LloydLungs]

Well now Roku has the NBA. So that makes baseball, hockey and now basketball. All they need now is the NFL and I am set.

Thanks for the alert! Stoked about this -- just wish it had been added earlier in the season. But I've got cable and the sports packages are not offered in HD on cable, so the Roku MLB and now NBA are godsends, even as spotty as MLB's performance was at times last season.

[Antmeister]

While the news has been out there for a while, the Roku 2 (http://www.roku.com/roku-products#games) is now available. What is interesting about their new box is that it is capable of playing games (includes Angry Birds) and has a Wii-like controller. Very, very cool to see the direction they are going and while it may be best suited for casual games, there is no telling what developers are going to do on this device.

[Passacaglia]

Do you guys have your Rokus connected wirelessly, or with a wire? I've been doing it wireless for a while, but it has problems connecting. However, the cable that came with it doesn't seem thick enough for an ethernet port. Did other people need to go out and buy a new cable to hook it up?

[Antmeister]

Do you guys have your Rokus connected wirelessly, or with a wire? I've been doing it wireless for a while, but it has problems connecting. However, the cable that came with it doesn't seem thick enough for an ethernet port. Did other people need to go out and buy a new cable to hook it up?

Interesting. Both of our older model Rokus didn't include an ethernet cable. However, yes, you can go and buy one if that one doesn't work. From time to time, we change it up when we move one of the Rokus from wired to wireless.

[PilotMan]

I connect using the wireless, and have no problems with the box connecting or maintaining a high speed. The newer models that use n band work great, imo.

[JediKooter]

Why do I keep thinking this thread is about the robot vacuums?

[PilotMan]

So for those looking for sports. I know the pickings are still thin, but you can get MLS Live on the Roku player. The rest of the season is only 30 bucks. Pretty much a no-brainer choice for me.

[panerd]

HBO go is coming to Roku. Still requires a cable/satellite HBO subscription but the library is fantastic and much deeper than HBO On Demand. I have been streaming through my laptop for a while but would love to have it straight to the Roku box. (Especially for pausing and rewinding which is a pain when going through the laptop)

[stevew]

Woot...oh wait I have TWC and we can't have nice things.

[panerd]

Woot...oh wait I have TWC and we can't have nice things.

Hmmm... didn't think about that. (Was in the same boat with Directv right when HBO Go first launched) Wonder if owning a Roku and having an HBO subscription is enough to bypass the TWC blackout?

[stevew]

My Google Tv has HBOGo built into it, and it doesn't work.

[Matthean]

Netflix isn't showing up in the channel listing for some people, self included. Looks to be a known issue.

[markprior22]

Short of using a gaming system, is a Roku the best way to stream Netflix? I'm considering a Roku-2 XD Wireless Digital Media Player-3050R to hook up to my living room tv.

[panerd]

Hmmm... didn't think about that. (Was in the same boat with Directv right when HBO Go first launched) Wonder if owning a Roku and having an HBO subscription is enough to bypass the TWC blackout?

Looks like Directv allows me to have HBOgo on my computer but not on Roku. What a joke!

[Yellow5]

Agree, HBOGO is a joke. No use for Comcast customers. I have it on my phone but they don't want to support a streaming app for Roku. ugh.

[FF]

hbogo will be making an appearance on the xbox sometime before the end of the year i think

[Matthean]

Short of using a gaming system, is a Roku the best way to stream Netflix? I'm considering a Roku-2 XD Wireless Digital Media Player-3050R to hook up to my living room tv.

Likely the best bang for your buck. Something like a wireless blue-ray player would work as well, but you are factoring in getting a blue-ray player.

[gstelmack]

We just bought a Roku, the XS model was $85 with an HDMI cable at BJ's. With the recent upgrade to the Netflix interface on the Xbox, the one on the Sony Blu-Ray we stream with upstairs was just looking very dated, combined with regular outages on Sony's side meaning we couldn't stream at all sometimes. Plus my new Panasonic Plasma has a better streaming setup than the Sony. Very happy initially, much easier / quicker to stream than the Blu-Ray player. I still have to get used to how it starts streaming quicker, but in lower detail, until it has time to determine the connection quality.

And the kids love that we now have Angry Birds on the upstairs TV instead of just on the phones...

[PilotMan]

Alright so I just added Play On. Wow! How did I not do this sooner? The ability to stream ESPN 3 on the TV and watch a ton of other programming, including Hulu that is only available on the PC, and CBS (which isn't on Hulu) is awesome.

Seriously considering the current promotion of a lifetime subscription with a free Roku (would be our 3rd) for $80.

[Autumn]

How does the Play On channels compare to the Roku channels themselves? I mean I'm looking at the lists but it's hard to jsut compare them. What does PlayOn give you that Roku doesn't (besides being able to access your own media, which is awesome)?

[gstelmack]

The one disappointment I have in the Roku so far is I can't seem to play my Windows Media Center recorded files from my PC over it. Has anyone found a channel that can do it? I still have to use the Sony Blu-Ray to do that.

[cougarfreak]

Alright so I just added Play On. Wow! How did I not do this sooner? The ability to stream ESPN 3 on the TV and watch a ton of other programming, including Hulu that is only available on the PC, and CBS (which isn't on Hulu) is awesome.

Seriously considering the current promotion of a lifetime subscription with a free Roku (would be our 3rd) for $80.

How much was play on to add? I am considering a Roku to buy MLB TV.

[PilotMan]

How does the Play On channels compare to the Roku channels themselves? I mean I'm looking at the lists but it's hard to jsut compare them. What does PlayOn give you that Roku doesn't (besides being able to access your own media, which is awesome)?

Let's see. Offhand I see access to the standard Netflix, Hulu (not plus, just the free pc version), Amazon, CBS (which has darn near every show available), Comedy Central (most already avail on Hulu), TBS (mostly clips), Oprah (like I'll ever watch that), Syfy (meh), Adult Sqim (already watched a few Robot Chicken, awesome!), Spike, ESPN (if you already get it with cable), ESPN 3, NFL Rewind (need sub), MLB TV (already on Roku), NHL (same), a smattering of news that you can find elsewhere, Nat Geo, PBS Kids, Nick, Cartoon Network, You Tube, MTV (shows and gobs upon gobs of videos), BET, Pandora a couple others. You can also add scrips that 3rd party developers have added in that allow even more content like Livestream and HGTV (wife is super excited about that).

My top channels are in order:

Netflix
Hulu Plus
Pandora
UFC/MLB
Crackle
YouTube
MLS
Nowhere TV
CDNTwo
Classical TV
Khan Academy
GFL

I imagine that right off the bat, PlayOn slots into the top 3.

[PilotMan]

How much was play on to add? I am considering a Roku to buy MLB TV.

I just started a free two week trial with it. It runs about $5 per month. They have a sale right now $30 per year, or $80 for life and that includes a Roku LT ($49 normally).

[Antmeister]

How does the Play On channels compare to the Roku channels themselves? I mean I'm looking at the lists but it's hard to jsut compare them. What does PlayOn give you that Roku doesn't (besides being able to access your own media, which is awesome)?

There are a number of things that PlayOn will give you access to that the Roku doesn't. If you currently have Hulu Plus, you would only have access to the shows/movies with the Plus symbol. With PlayOn you can also view the Web Only content. Other channels that are only available on PlayOn is NFL Game Rewind, YouTube, ESPN, ESPN3, SyFy Rewind and Vevo.com are other examples.

[Antmeister]

The one disappointment I have in the Roku so far is I can't seem to play my Windows Media Center recorded files from my PC over it. Has anyone found a channel that can do it? I still have to use the Sony Blu-Ray to do that.

So these files won't play on the VLC Player? PlayOn uses this application to stream files to the TV. If you don't have VLC Player, you won't be able to stream.

[Antmeister]

Let's see. Offhand I see access to the standard Netflix, Hulu (not plus, just the free pc version), Amazon, CBS (which has darn near every show available), Comedy Central (most already avail on Hulu), TBS (mostly clips), Oprah (like I'll ever watch that), Syfy (meh), Adult Sqim (already watched a few Robot Chicken, awesome!), Spike, ESPN (if you already get it with cable), ESPN 3, NFL Rewind (need sub), MLB TV (already on Roku), NHL (same), a smattering of news that you can find elsewhere, Nat Geo, PBS Kids, Nick, Cartoon Network, You Tube, MTV (shows and gobs upon gobs of videos), BET, Pandora a couple others. You can also add scrips that 3rd party developers have added in that allow even more content like Livestream and HGTV (wife is super excited about that).

My top channels are in order:

Netflix
Hulu Plus
Pandora
UFC/MLB
Crackle
YouTube
MLS
Nowhere TV
CDNTwo
Classical TV
Khan Academy
GFL

I imagine that right off the bat, PlayOn slots into the top 3.

Oops, you already answered the question.

[gstelmack]

So these files won't play on the VLC Player? PlayOn uses this application to stream files to the TV. If you don't have VLC Player, you won't be able to stream.

What VLC Player? Is that a channel I can get for the Roku? How does PlayOn fit in here?

I have TV shows recorded in Windows Media Center, and have no idea what channel to install on the Roku to get it to show up. Should I reinstall PlayOn (uninstalled it a while ago) and then it will show up? Or is there a channel that connects to the PlayOn server on the PC that makes them show on the Roku?

Sorry if this confused the thread, my question was unrelated to the PlayOn question.

[Antmeister]

What VLC Player? Is that a channel I can get for the Roku? How does PlayOn fit in here?

I have TV shows recorded in Windows Media Center, and have no idea what channel to install on the Roku to get it to show up. Should I reinstall PlayOn (uninstalled it a while ago) and then it will show up? Or is there a channel that connects to the PlayOn server on the PC that makes them show on the Roku?

Sorry if this confused the thread, my question was unrelated to the PlayOn question.

Yes....reinstall it. You should see a screen like this when you look at the settings for PlayOn:
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/4356992/VLC_Player.png

On the bottom right, there is a link that reads "Requires VLC Player". VLC is an application you need to install on your computer. Think of it an alternative media player (which it is). It is open source. Here is the link here (http://www.videolan.org/vlc/). Once this is installed, you can test out your video files to see if they play on the VLC Player. If they do, they should also successfully stream to your TV as well.

[gstelmack]

Awesome, thanks.

[Autumn]

There are a number of things that PlayOn will give you access to that the Roku doesn't. If you currently have Hulu Plus, you would only have access to the shows/movies with the Plus symbol. With PlayOn you can also view the Web Only content. Other channels that are only available on PlayOn is NFL Game Rewind, YouTube, ESPN, ESPN3, SyFy Rewind and Vevo.com are other examples.

Thanks, Ant.

[Autumn]

Let's see. Offhand I see access to the standard Netflix, Hulu (not plus, just the free pc version), Amazon, CBS (which has darn near every show available), Comedy Central (most already avail on Hulu), TBS (mostly clips), Oprah (like I'll ever watch that), Syfy (meh), Adult Sqim (already watched a few Robot Chicken, awesome!), Spike, ESPN (if you already get it with cable), ESPN 3, NFL Rewind (need sub), MLB TV (already on Roku), NHL (same), a smattering of news that you can find elsewhere, Nat Geo, PBS Kids, Nick, Cartoon Network, You Tube, MTV (shows and gobs upon gobs of videos), BET, Pandora a couple others. You can also add scrips that 3rd party developers have added in that allow even more content like Livestream and HGTV (wife is super excited about that).

My top channels are in order:

Netflix
Hulu Plus
Pandora
UFC/MLB
Crackle
YouTube
MLS
Nowhere TV
CDNTwo
Classical TV
Khan Academy
GFL

I imagine that right off the bat, PlayOn slots into the top 3.

But a lot of these you can already access just through a Roku, correct? Netflix, obviously, Pandora, Amazon, I'm not sure how many others. We're already planning on getting a Roku, so the question is if it's worth the extra money for the PlayOn subscription.

[PilotMan]

But a lot of these you can already access just through a Roku, correct? Netflix, obviously, Pandora, Amazon, I'm not sure how many others. We're already planning on getting a Roku, so the question is if it's worth the extra money for the PlayOn subscription.

Outside of Pandora, Netflix, Hulu, MLB, NHL and Pandora, the rest of the channels on Roku are a crapshoot. You can see some of my favorites in the post above. As far as what you get with Play On? CBS, Free Hulu, ESPN and 3, Spike and the whole list I posted are unique to Play On as far as I know. I haven't found another service that has any of those channels.

[frnk55]

Just got it!! Late to the party but oh well. Un fricking believable the stuff you can watch. I'm going to get MBL this spring.
To break in my Roku my first movie was the Exorcist. :popcorn:

[molson]

Playon would be awesome if I didn't have DirecTV, and if I was allowed to get ESPN3. And actually, cable and satellite is looking worse and worse all the time with all these other options.

[cougarfreak]

Outside of Pandora, Netflix, Hulu, MLB, NHL and Pandora, the rest of the channels on Roku are a crapshoot. You can see some of my favorites in the post above. As far as what you get with Play On? CBS, Free Hulu, ESPN and 3, Spike and the whole list I posted are unique to Play On as far as I know. I haven't found another service that has any of those channels.

Damn, if I could get the Reds on the MLB package I'd drop Directv. But alas, the blackout rules tell me I can't. Makes no sense.

[PilotMan]

Damn, if I could get the Reds on the MLB package I'd drop Directv. But alas, the blackout rules tell me I can't. Makes no sense.

Not live, you get the radio feed live, and you can watch a replay of the whole game or just a summary with highlights afterward. The Dodgers are my team and the subscription pays for itself by the time spring training is over.

[PilotMan]

dola

You do need a PC to run the Play On server. I tried using my P4 3.0 but it wasn't fast enough and had to switch to my Dual Core 1.8 PC to run it. There are no playback issues with that, but I have had a couple of issues with ESPN 3 hanging while it's loading for certain games. This happened yesterday trying to watch soccer and college basketball.

[cougarfreak]

Not live, you get the radio feed live, and you can watch a replay of the whole game or just a summary with highlights afterward. The Dodgers are my team and the subscription pays for itself by the time spring training is over.

I don't get why they blackout on the MLB package, but not on directv. Makes no sense. But I guess that's for another discussion.

[rowech]

I don't get why they blackout on the MLB package, but not on directv. Makes no sense. But I guess that's for another discussion.

Because you're paying for the Fox Sports Regional through your Direct TV bill. You aren't through MLBTV package.

[frnk55]

Question. How long does it normally take when you add a movie to you're instant queue? I added 2 movies today to my tv and it took about 2 hours. Is that normal?

[Antmeister]

Question. How long does it normally take when you add a movie to you're instant queue? I added 2 movies today to my tv and it took about 2 hours. Is that normal?
No...that is not normal. Make sure you have the latest update for your Roku under Settings on the main screen.

[frnk55]

Thanks Ant. Now it seems to be working.

[cougarfreak]

Because you're paying for the Fox Sports Regional through your Direct TV bill. You aren't through MLBTV package.

I'm not paying any other fox regional bill either, and I can get those with the mlb package. That makes no sense.

[frnk55]

Hey I have a newbie question.
I'm just about ready to finish Desperate Housewives season 1 on my tv so I want to put season 2 in my instant queue but I can't seem to figure it out. I can only find it available to watch on my pc which I don't want to.
What the hell am I missing? :confused:

[PilotMan]

Hey I have a newbie question.
I'm just about ready to finish Desperate Housewives season 1 on my tv so I want to put season 2 in my instant queue but I can't seem to figure it out. I can only find it available to watch on my pc which I don't want to.
What the hell am I missing? :confused:


When you add a series to your instant queue, it should automatically load all available seasons at the same time. In other words, it should already be on your instant play list.

[frnk55]

When you add a series to your instant queue, it should automatically load all available seasons at the same time. In other words, it should already be on your instant play list.
Ahh, ok that's good to know. Thx Pilot!

[PilotMan]

I'm just going to blow my own horn here and say that my 3rd Roku is on the way following my lifetime subscription to Play On. For a family that doesn't use cable at all, just internet, the Roku players give us awesome freedom.

Getting MLB, MLS, ESPN 3 on the TV is just enough sports, and the movies and pretty much unlimited tv now it's hard to complain at all.

[terpkristin]

Hmmmm Epic Meals is streamed via Revision 3's channel.

I have watched way too many episodes and all of a sudden have a hankering for bacon. And I don't even like bacon.

/tk

[Yellow5]

I am using Roksbox to stream my own recorded movies from my PC to the Roku. Works like a champ and is an inexpensive channel.

http://roksbox.com/

Requires a web server setup on the PC that your movies reside on. It will also steam my own music and photo collection as well.

Never thought about using Play On but looking at it now and it makes a lot of sense to pay the $30 per year or the lifetime with a player. Been thinking about getting another player anyway as I have a first generation Roku. I can buy the lifetime Play On package and hook the old one up to my sons TV.

[RomaGoth]

Thinking about picking up a ROKU after doing a bit of research. Can anyone offer more insight into the benefits of it and how it works? We use the Wii for Netflix, and because of how busy we are, don't even have cable or satellite TV.

[frnk55]

I really wish they would get MLB going!

[Antmeister]

Thinking about picking up a ROKU after doing a bit of research. Can anyone offer more insight into the benefits of it and how it works? We use the Wii for Netflix, and because of how busy we are, don't even have cable or satellite TV.

Well I am going to assume the bit of research you did was pretty small if you do not already see the benefits. :D

Since you already have Netflix, you already know the benefits of on-demand viewing. No longer have to stick to a time slot for shows you want to watch etc.

With PlayOn (http://www.playon.tv/) and a subscription to Hulu Plus (http://www.hulu.com/plus-), you can have access to every show through Hulu (without PlayOn, you can only view shows on your Roku with the Hulu Plus symbol). If you currently use Amazon Prime (http://www.amazon.com/gp/prime), you can now watch a library of movies for free from Amazon (not as extensive as Netflix though). You can watch most of the major sports on this device (at an extra cost as well). Plus now the device can play a number of casual games. You Don't Know Jack, Angry Birds and Downhill Bowling seems to be the favorites in our household.

Now it works either through a ethernet cable or Wi-Fi connection through a router and an account with Roku so that the channels you add are attached to said account.

[frnk55]

I wonder how many people have ditched their cable provider for Playon or Hulu. I know I'm thinking about it. As long as I get the NFL games I might.

[PilotMan]

Well, Playon updated their service, and much to my wife's happiness, HGTV and DIY are now included without further scripts. They also added specific major broadcast channels (FOX, CBS, NBC, ABC) and some cartoon channels as well. It's a nice addition.

[Yellow5]

Yeah the new Playon scripts are great. The only issue I have with Playon is that it can be a little flaky with connecting to my Xbox 360. Other than that very happy with it.

[cougarfreak]

So with Playon, I see on their website, you get access to MLB TV, and HBOGO, CBS, etc. I'm assuming you have to have a login to get the MLB and HBO? Or is that included in the play on service?

[PilotMan]

Yeah, you have to have a subscription and login.

[cougarfreak]

Man, after looking through the play on list, if I could get my local FSN to watch the Reds, I'd drop Directv in a heartbeat.

[cougarfreak]

Damn, I got a trial for Playon this morning. It's really darn handy. With it, I can stream HBOGO to my TV (usually can't with a Directv subscription), and the ESPN 3 is awesome. If they bring back the offer for a free roku to go with a lifetime, I will definitely bite. Hell, I might anyway.

[panerd]

Damn, I got a trial for Playon this morning. It's really darn handy. With it, I can stream HBOGO to my TV (usually can't with a Directv subscription), and the ESPN 3 is awesome. If they bring back the offer for a free roku to go with a lifetime, I will definitely bite. Hell, I might anyway.

You are sure about the HBO go? I have been looking for a runaround (since I have directv) for a while. Trying to stream from my computer via HDMI has horrible audio and for some reason the HBOGo moves to the left after a few minutes of viewing. I would definitely bite for 4.99 a month just to get the HBO library. I guess the free trial can't hurt even if it doesn't work.

[cougarfreak]

I'm sure, it's working with the trial. Try it and see, that was one of the big reasons I wanted to try it. Heck, I've thought about switching to Dish Network, just to have access to HBO go on the Roku, but with Dish about to drop AMC, I didn't go that route (yet). I have had good luck with the HDMI out from my computer with HBO go, but that's a big pain in the ass.

[panerd]

I'm sure, it's working with the trial. Try it and see, that was one of the big reasons I wanted to try it. Heck, I've thought about switching to Dish Network, just to have access to HBO go on the Roku, but with Dish about to drop AMC, I didn't go that route (yet). I have had good luck with the HDMI out from my computer with HBO go, but that's a big pain in the ass.

Cool. Yeah you are right that I can't go wrong with a free trial. Is it a month long? So you didn't get the screen shift when you did the HDMI HBOGo? Interesting, Roku would still be better for rewinding and pausing with a remote but my main beef is the screen would shift to the left after a few minutes and I would have to go back to the computer to fix it about 5 times a show.

[cougarfreak]

Cool. Yeah you are right that I can't go wrong with a free trial. Is it a month long? So you didn't get the screen shift when you did the HDMI HBOGo? Interesting, Roku would still be better for rewinding and pausing with a remote but my main beef is the screen would shift to the left after a few minutes and I would have to go back to the computer to fix it about 5 times a show.

No, but I've only watched a few of the Band of Brothers via HDMI, I didn't have any kind of shift. I think the trial is only a week. But the service is only $4.99 a month, or $39.99 a year, or like $89.99 for life.

[Passacaglia]

I have dish, and a roku. What's HBO GO?

[cougarfreak]

I have dish, and a roku. What's HBO GO?

If you subscribe to HBO through Dish, you can get a hell of a lot of HBO content through your Roku, including every episode of every series they've made.

[panerd]

So I got around to downloading playon today and it seems to me to be no better than just streaming video from my laptop with an HDMI. The ability to fast forward and rewind seems non-existant and the buffering isn't very good. I would blame this on my cable connection but netflix streams fantastic through my Roku box. Are there any settings to allow for better buffering?

I can't really ger upset with Playon as they never promised anything more but am now even more pissed at Directv. Who died and made them the boss that says I can subscribe to HBO and watch HBO on my computer and phone but not on my Roku box? I swear if my girlfriend wasn't trapped in the midst of a 2-year deal with them I would tell them to go fuck off. (I used to be trapped by the NFL Sunday Ticket but my friend's cable red zone seems to be halfway decent and I don't think Andrew Sicilaino is worth ponying up $200 for anymore when it is free on cable)

[PilotMan]

It's seems to me that the pc that's running play on has everything to do with buffering. What are the specs of the rig running it? And yes, that's kind of the the service it offers. The ability to stream shows from a pc to the tv so you don't have to hook up a pc directly to do it, and the ability to go and grab shows or items from a hms and play those as well.

Are you sure it's really play on that your disappointed with and not just projecting your anger and disappointment with direct at them? ;)

[stevew]

HBOGo is really good, although it will become less useful once I catch up with Game of Thrones and re-watch the Sopranos and the Wire.

After all, they only put 3 or 4 episodes of Real Sex up at a time. Where else am I supposed to get my fill of sexual food games.

[cougarfreak]

So I got around to downloading playon today and it seems to me to be no better than just streaming video from my laptop with an HDMI. The ability to fast forward and rewind seems non-existant and the buffering isn't very good. I would blame this on my cable connection but netflix streams fantastic through my Roku box. Are there any settings to allow for better buffering?

I can't really ger upset with Playon as they never promised anything more but am now even more pissed at Directv. Who died and made them the boss that says I can subscribe to HBO and watch HBO on my computer and phone but not on my Roku box? I swear if my girlfriend wasn't trapped in the midst of a 2-year deal with them I would tell them to go fuck off. (I used to be trapped by the NFL Sunday Ticket but my friend's cable red zone seems to be halfway decent and I don't think Andrew Sicilaino is worth ponying up $200 for anymore when it is free on cable)

That's got me so pissed, that I've thought about switching to Dish. But, Dish is in a pissing match with AMC, and they are dropping it. And it looks like a serious pissing match, so I'm not so sure that this one is going to be a quick drop, and then it gets added like in 24 hrs either.

[stevew]

I think the streaming quality of HBOGo is really shitty too, panerd. It looks like something out of 2005.

[panerd]

HBOGo is really good, although it will become less useful once I catch up with Game of Thrones and re-watch the Sopranos and the Wire.

After all, they only put 3 or 4 episodes of Real Sex up at a time. Where else am I supposed to get my fill of sexual food games.

Yeah I have been using it for quite some time on my laptop. Could never understand why they cut some shows like Real Sex and in my case Carnivale and Arliss out but keep comedy specials from like 1985 on there. Are these shows really taking up that much bandwidth? I love me some carnivale.


I think the streaming quality of HBOGo is really shitty too, panerd. It looks like something out of 2005.

That's a good point. My only perspective (since directv blocks the roku) is using a 15" screen so maybe the Roku would be just as shitty as the playon is looking.

[panerd]

It's seems to me that the pc that's running play on has everything to do with buffering. What are the specs of the rig running it? And yes, that's kind of the the service it offers. The ability to stream shows from a pc to the tv so you don't have to hook up a pc directly to do it, and the ability to go and grab shows or items from a hms and play those as well.

Are you sure it's really play on that your disappointed with and not just projecting your anger and disappointment with direct at them? ;)

I think you hit the nail on the head. The laptop is pretty decent, it has an i5 intel processor with 2.5 GHz but I guess I don't know why I am expecting it to look any better than running an HDMI directly from the laptop would look. I am definitely not mad at playon just disappointed as I thought I had finally found a workaround.

[panerd]

That's got me so pissed, that I've thought about switching to Dish. But, Dish is in a pissing match with AMC, and they are dropping it. And it looks like a serious pissing match, so I'm not so sure that this one is going to be a quick drop, and then it gets added like in 24 hrs either.

Yeah I had a scheme all worked out at one point where I was paying $30 a month for charter cable and streaming most of the shows I watch, watching some on netflix, and purchasing some from itunes and amazon that I couldn't get any other way. Then me and my girlfriend got serious and my plan didn't work for Real Housewifes and Cooking network type crap. :) Also live sports were a bit of a pain in the ass. But I am with you that all of the companies are shitty regardless of whether Dish or AMC is more to blame. Quit using the customers as pawns in your games.

[cougarfreak]

I've had great luck with streaming quality from HBO. What's your internet speed? I'm at 20 mbs.

[panerd]

I've had great luck with streaming quality from HBO. What's your internet speed? I'm at 20 mbs.

Pretty close to that. (Just ran a speed test and got 19.3) Yeah my problems are that it just gets choppy and digitized and I had rarely seen that with the Roku box using Netflix or Amazon's streaming. And off topic because playon does work on my normal televisions but I have a projector in my basement that the playon screen only comes up in the upper left quartile of the screen. I can't figure out what the deal is but it seems to have the same choppyness issues anyways even with the quarter sized picture. (Which is still close to 60" but it looks goofy :) )

[cougarfreak]

Yeah I had a scheme all worked out at one point where I was paying $30 a month for charter cable and streaming most of the shows I watch, watching some on netflix, and purchasing some from itunes and amazon that I couldn't get any other way. Then me and my girlfriend got serious and my plan didn't work for Real Housewifes and Cooking network type crap. :) Also live sports were a bit of a pain in the ass. But I am with you that all of the companies are shitty regardless of whether Dish or AMC is more to blame. Quit using the customers as pawns in your games.

Now that I get MLB TV on the net, I was thinking seriously about goign back to cable. But shit, it's as expensive as satellite anymore.

[Antmeister]

I know the news is a week old now, but VUDU (http://blog.roku.com/blog/2012/09/20/vudu/) has finally come to the Roku. However this is only available now on all Roku 2 models, the current-generation Roku HD and Roku LT players. To me, VUDU has the best quality HD out of any streaming service and also has the best interface.

Since dropping cable television years back, the Roku has been the ultimate entertainment center for us. Now if they can somehow get the NFL on this, I will be a happy camper. They have, just about, every other sport I care about to some degree.