Which Roku is for me?
There are many different types of Rokus (as well as set top boxes as a whole, but in this topic we'll be focusing on Roku) now. The Roku is a set top box (a small box you plug in to your TV that gives you access to different apps and services such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu Plus, and many more). Some allow standard AV hookups and HDMI, some are HDMI only, some even come on a device the size of a USB stick and plug into a special port on specific TVs, requiring no wires at all. To decide which is right for you you need to know what type of TV you have, how much you are willing to spend, and whether you want the latest software updates or are fine lagging behind a bit so long as it works.
Let's start with one of the newest, smallest, and potentially* most convenient Roku players, the Roku 3400 R Streaming Stick.
This little stick plugs into an MHL port on a Roku ready device, which can be a TV, Blu-ray player, or other. That's where the * comes in, as this won't work on just any TV. You will not get or need a new remote with the 3400M, as whatever device it plugs into will have a Roku ready remote. Unfortunately the 3400M may not support all of the latest and greatest features that came with the Roku 3. I have noticed my parents' Roku 2 does not yet have Netflix profiles, for example, whereas my Roku 3 does. Do your research before deciding, but unless you have a Roku ready TV, this is not my top recommendation regardless, and at 84 dollars on Amazon it is only around 15 dollars cheaper than the top model.
Up next, the newest and best (with a few caveats) Roku player, the Roku 3.
If you like me, click me! $98 on Amazon now!
Click here for either of the budget options.
This little stick plugs into an MHL port on a Roku ready device, which can be a TV, Blu-ray player, or other. That's where the * comes in, as this won't work on just any TV. You will not get or need a new remote with the 3400M, as whatever device it plugs into will have a Roku ready remote. Unfortunately the 3400M may not support all of the latest and greatest features that came with the Roku 3. I have noticed my parents' Roku 2 does not yet have Netflix profiles, for example, whereas my Roku 3 does. Do your research before deciding, but unless you have a Roku ready TV, this is not my top recommendation regardless, and at 84 dollars on Amazon it is only around 15 dollars cheaper than the top model.
Up next, the newest and best (with a few caveats) Roku player, the Roku 3.
If you like me, click me! $98 on Amazon now!
With the most closed but possibly most convenient (if you hate wires) Roku out of the way, let's get to the real nitty-gritty of what a Roku can do. Here's Amazon's own bullet points:
- Faster and more powerful. With up to 1080p HD video* and extended-range, dual-band wireless performance for increased speed
- Amazing remote with headphone jack. Use the included in-ear headphones to crank up that late-night flick while the kids (or parents) sleep
- One-stop search. Find your favorite movies and TV shows all from one place from top TV and Movie services like Netflix, Amazon Instant Video or Hulu Plus
- 1000+ channels and growing. The best selection of streaming out there. Everything from Netflix to Hulu Plus to HBO GO to Major League Baseball
- Free iOS and Android device app. Use it like a remote. Browse and add new channels. Even stream your music and photos from your phone or tablet to your HDTV
The biggest caveat with the Roku 3 is that it is designed only to work with modern HDTV's. HDMI only, so if you have an older television, you will not be able to use it. But why are you buying a device to watch 720p to 1080p content on an old SDTV? If you can live with 720p there are many 20-inch HDTVs
for under $100 on Amazon or even Wal-Mart. They aren't the best of the best but if you take care of them they will last.
My second gripe is with the remote. It connects to Wi-Fi, issue #1, and interference may cause it to lose its connection to the Roku at times, requiring a reboot (unplug the Roku and plug it back in). It also drains battery power far faster than any other remote I've seen (that's partially because of the enhanced gaming capabilities). However, there are solutions! For one thing, the Roku 3 is enabled to work with iOS and Android apps specifically designed for it by the manufacturers. Also, you can buy a replacement remote from the original Roku for very cheap. It does not have the enhanced gaming capabilities therefore does not use motion at unwanted times and drain batteries.
My final look, because I am sticking with the latest and most useful Rokus to examine, is the Roku 2, previously part of a line of Roku products that is now simplified to Roku LT, Roku 1, Roku 2, and Roku 3. The 2 also had an XS counterpart, amongst other versions of the device.
The Roku 2 now also comes with a headphone jack in an enhanced remote. However, this means it may also suffer from low battery life, and you may wish to use an app or replacement Roku 1 remote as well. It should update to the latest software upon connecting it to the internet, and look relatively identical to the Roku 3 menu. However, some apps may not update as quickly on the Roku 2, as in the example I shared of my parents' Roku 2 not yet having Netflix profiles.
The main reason to buy a Roku 2 is if you cannot support HDMI, as it comes with an AV (red/white/yellow) cable. It's far more worth it to upgrade to an HDTV in my opinion, but you may have your own reasons (a surround sound system of a type that you cannot use with HDMI, for example) for this purchase.
for under $100 on Amazon or even Wal-Mart. They aren't the best of the best but if you take care of them they will last. My second gripe is with the remote. It connects to Wi-Fi, issue #1, and interference may cause it to lose its connection to the Roku at times, requiring a reboot (unplug the Roku and plug it back in). It also drains battery power far faster than any other remote I've seen (that's partially because of the enhanced gaming capabilities). However, there are solutions! For one thing, the Roku 3 is enabled to work with iOS and Android apps specifically designed for it by the manufacturers. Also, you can buy a replacement remote from the original Roku for very cheap. It does not have the enhanced gaming capabilities therefore does not use motion at unwanted times and drain batteries.
My final look, because I am sticking with the latest and most useful Rokus to examine, is the Roku 2, previously part of a line of Roku products that is now simplified to Roku LT, Roku 1, Roku 2, and Roku 3. The 2 also had an XS counterpart, amongst other versions of the device.
The Roku 2 now also comes with a headphone jack in an enhanced remote. However, this means it may also suffer from low battery life, and you may wish to use an app or replacement Roku 1 remote as well. It should update to the latest software upon connecting it to the internet, and look relatively identical to the Roku 3 menu. However, some apps may not update as quickly on the Roku 2, as in the example I shared of my parents' Roku 2 not yet having Netflix profiles.
The main reason to buy a Roku 2 is if you cannot support HDMI, as it comes with an AV (red/white/yellow) cable. It's far more worth it to upgrade to an HDTV in my opinion, but you may have your own reasons (a surround sound system of a type that you cannot use with HDMI, for example) for this purchase.
Click here for either of the budget options.
These are not necessary to enjoy TV without a cable subscription. I myself have owned both a Roku 2 and Roku 3 and have fallen back on watching on my laptop connected to my HDTV via an HDMI connection for a long while now. My situation may be unique in that I bought a rolling tray desk so I can still type and use my wireless keyboard and mouse without having to be right at my laptop or a desk. It is extremely convenient for me, but for others who have a living room or family situation, I highly recommend at least thinking about a Roku player.
This isn't ignoring the new kid on the block, the Google Chromecast HDMI Streaming Media Player
, however I feel they do two very different things. The Roku is a standalone player, can be controlled with a smartphone but does not need to be. The Chromecast needs a smartphone, tablet, or laptop to do much of anything, as I understand it. I might get one in the future to experiment with and talk about here, but for now this blog will be about set top boxes and software you can use to turn your own PC or laptop into your own streaming media player for free.
Next time I have a chance, stay tuned for information on Hola Better Internet and several other must-have Chrome extensions for cordcutters who prefer their home media experience free.
This isn't ignoring the new kid on the block, the Google Chromecast HDMI Streaming Media Player
, however I feel they do two very different things. The Roku is a standalone player, can be controlled with a smartphone but does not need to be. The Chromecast needs a smartphone, tablet, or laptop to do much of anything, as I understand it. I might get one in the future to experiment with and talk about here, but for now this blog will be about set top boxes and software you can use to turn your own PC or laptop into your own streaming media player for free.Next time I have a chance, stay tuned for information on Hola Better Internet and several other must-have Chrome extensions for cordcutters who prefer their home media experience free.
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