Since our two part series on the Roku was released, there have been a number of positive responses to the information and overall product that Roku provides.  In Part I we covered the basic functionality of the Roku XDS, while in Part II we discussed the content and what viewing options to expect.  As with any review, there are still some unanswered or specific questions that readers want answers to.  In our third and final installment in this review series we examine some of the questions that maybe weren’t answered or need more clarity.

Question 1: Is there a complete Roku channel list?

Roku provides a channel listing on their website which lists the channels available in their channel store. You can view the listing at http://www.roku.com/roku-channel-store. What you find on the Roku channel listing page is likely to be incomplete at times.  The reason, presumably, is because new channels are added regularly and so the list may be incomplete. Another reason is due to what Roku calls its ‘Newscaster’ channel. There are more channels than just the major networks with their news broadcasts. Channels like PBS and Currentv are available through the Newscaster channel. So while you may not see a specific channel, it doesn’t necessarily mean it doesn’t exist. Which brings us to the second part of this answer.

There are channels that can be added to your Roku box which are not shown in the channel store.  Generous developers have taken the time to develop Roku channels that are popular and/or sought after. Channels like HGTV, SiriusXM, FoodNetwork and others are available for the Roku by adding a code to your online Roku account. The aforementioned channels can be found at http://www.permanence.com/roku/.

While this is not a complete list, it should give you a better idea of the content depth available.

Question 2: How much do the channels cost?

For the most part, the channels are free with the exception of games (Mah Jongg, etc.) and a small handful of others. You pay once for the Roku box, then add channels as you wish. Service channels such as Netflix, Amazon and others are free but the service those companies provide is not. As an example, the Netflix channel is free but to watch instant movies you need to have a paid Netflix account.

Question 3: When is new content available?

Mostly this answer will depend on the channel and content providers/owners. For movies, Amazon will have the most up to date DVD releases for rental viewing. Netflix has a huge library but can only display movies which the content providers, movie studios, rights owners or whichever allow to be broadcast via streaming device. The same applies to any streaming device, whether it be Roku, streaming blu-ray player or other.

Television has a wide variety of choices and we couldn’t answer every question involving TV even if we tried.  Generally speaking, if Netflix streams the shows you watch then the current season will air a season later. Hulu Plus and Amazon have current episodes usually within a day or two but have their own caveats. Amazon rents the episodes, so you will pay per episode. Hulu Plus content was discussed thoroughly in Part II. Other items like World News from the major networks have varying times but in particular, Nightly News (NBC) is viewable the same evening it airs.

Question 4: How long is content available for?

This will depend on the channel. Netflix for example is available indefinitely. Newscaster shows like World News and others have several past episodes available but will not hold them forever. The only reason that content would suddenly disappear is if it has either expired or been pulled from streaming content by the provider. If content is pulled, it will affect Netflix streaming availability.

Question 5: Can I use a Roku box without a wireless connection?

Yes. You will need to run an ethernet cable from your non-wireless router to your Roku box. This is an inconvenient method so we recommend upgrading your home network if possible to a wireless one. You can purchase a wireless router from Amazon.com.

Question 6: Can I Jailbreak a Roku?

This question really doesn’t apply, but the short answer is no.  There is no need to try such a modification since you can simply create your own channels for addition to the Roku box.  If you’re interested in creating your own content and channels, then check out the Developer Kit at Roku.com.

Question 7: What shows are available through the Newscaster Channel?

The total amount of shows available are extensive and change from time to time.  We aren’t going to list all the shows available because the size of the list would make such a listing impractical.  However, here is a list of all the channels available through the Newscaster feed:

Update 2012: Many of these channels are now providing their own separate channel. For example, both Fox and NBC have moved their content to their own channels on the Roku.

[list type=tick]

• Fox
• ABC
• CBS
• NBC
• CNN
• PBS
• Current TV
• CNET
• Aljazeera
• NASA
• NPR
• ESPN
• PRI
• BBC
• CSPAN

Keep in mind that some of those channels have their own separate Roku channel, such as Fox and CNET, so content will vary and may change in the future.  The major networks all have their traditional evening news shows along with specialty programming focused towards news broadcasts and current events.

Question 8: Can I Watch Basic Cable on the Roku?

The Roku is not a cable provider nor does it use a traditional cable line to deliver content to your television.  The Roku is a streaming media player that delivers content from your internet connection to your television.  Read ‘Cut the Cord: Replace Cable with Roku, Part I‘ to get a better understanding of the Roku box.

Question 9: Does Roku Have Major TV Networks?

The Roku box is not a form of cable.  The Roku delivers channels, similar to apps on a smartphone, whereby those channels stream content to your television.  So for example, if you want to watch ‘Castle’, an ABC show, you would access the Hulu Plus channel on the Roku and play a ‘Castle’ episode.  Read ‘Cut the Cord: Replace Cable with Roku, Part I‘ to get a better understanding of the Roku box and ‘Cut the Cord: Replace Cable with Roku, Part II‘ for more explanation on channels and content.

Question 10: Does Roku Replace my Wireless Router?

No.  You will need a separate wireless router in order to benefit from the Roku wireless connection.

Question 11: Does Roku Require High Speed Internet?

As is the case with all media streaming, especially video based, high speed internet access is recommended.  Our opinion is that the Roku should not be attempted without high speed access.

Question 12: How does Roku work with Comcast and other cable providers?

The Roku box has no interface or connection to cable companies.  The Roku is a standalone device that supplies streaming video feeds to your television via your internet connection.  Read ‘Cut the Cord: Replace Cable with Roku, Part I‘ to get a better understanding of the Roku box.

The Complete ‘Cut the Cord: Replace Cable with Roku’ Series: Part 1, Part 2, Q&A.

Question 13: Can I use headphones with the Roku?

Yes. The Roku 3 comes with a headphone jack built directly into the Roku remote control, allowing you to enjoy shows or music while your partner sleeps or is otherwise in need of quiet.

Question 14: I get a green or other color on screen when I try to use the Roku?

This phenomenon is most typically associated with a connection disruption between the HDMI cable and television. Simply unplug the HDMI from the TV and replug it in to correct the issue. For instances when that trick doesn’t solve the problem, we recommend a reboot of the Roku (unplug/replug the device from power outlet).

Your Thoughts and Comments

What did you think of our 3 part series on the Roku? Do you have a Roku experience you’d like to share? Did most of your questions about the Roku get answered? Please let us know in the comments section!

If you enjoyed or found this article useful, please show us some support by liking us on Facebook, following us on Twitter or by sharing us on your favorite social website. Thanks!

The post Cut the Cord: Replace Cable with Roku, Q&A first appeared on GeekITDown Computer Services & Technology Solutions.

This is Part II of the Roku XDS review. Part I covered the functionality, operation and cost involved with the Roku box. In this continuation we examine content available on the Roku.

Our review will cover some of the more sought after and popular channels while touching on some of the specialized content that Roku offers. We will not be discussing every channel or content provider. We also will not be analyzing content provider agreements or content rights. Keep in mind, this is a review of content channels available via the Roku box. For the Roku box review please read Part I. This is not a support forum nor a help center, for information or assistance on your Roku box we direct you to the Roku forums.

Onto the Content!

Let’s start with some basics. The Roku Newscaster channel has a variety of options for catching up on current events. All network television news broadcasts are available including specialty news programs such as 60 minutes, Hardball, Nightline and others. Included in the Newscaster channel are sports broadcasts from ESPN with Mike and Mike, Pardon the Interuption and Around the Horn among others.  Additionally, BBC, Current TV, CSpan, PBS and other specialized channels are included via Roku Newscaster.

While news gets you up to date, most viewers are looking for entertainment. That is where the Roku really hits the mark. There is an enormous channel lineup for interests of all kinds, from movies and TV to netcasts, music and games.

Netflix

One of the most popular channels is Netflix. If you are at all familiar with Netflix then you understand the benefit of a Netflix subscription. Netflix on the Roku is incredibly simple, which is a good thing. Netflix has basic genre categories to choose from and recommends additional suggestions based on your viewing patterns. There is a search area and instant queue for finding and saving shows of interest. The stream from the Netflix channel is fantastic. It is extremely rare to have any kind of interruption while viewing a program. The content selection is extensive and updates frequently with new movie releases and television shows. The Netflix channel itself is one the easiest to navigate with box cover images, title names, 5 star ranking system data and short blurbs describing each title.

While Netflix has an overwhelming amount of content, there are some areas for improvement. Netflix needs to add more new and current releases for streaming to the Roku box. At this time, many of the more recent movie releases are DVD only which in many ways defeats the purpose of viewing them through the Roku. As with any content delivery issues, via streaming media, the responsibility falls on Netflix and to a greater extent the content rights owners to allow their media to stream. With that said, streaming content appears to be improving with expanded content and more frequent updates.

Hulu Plus

For movies, the choice is clearly Netflix. For television programs, Netflix offers old seasons but not current season episodes. That is where Hulu Plus comes in. Hulu Plus has current season episodes available and week by week programs so that you can stay current with your favorite shows. Hulu Plus also offers a variety of movies but for the most part viewers will access Hulu Plus for television programs. The Hulu Plus interface is attractive and easy on the eyes, there are a lot of different ways of finding programs and they have a ranking system similar to Netflix. The picture quality is good and without the jagged blips you may experience on a computer monitor.

By and large, the Hulu Plus channel has the potential to be outstanding. Potential is one thing, success is another. The channel is way too complicated for the average TV viewer. The interface needs to be simplified. The absolute biggest disappointment with Hulu Plus is the content availability. Hulu Plus is a pay service and is intended to provide more content for the subscription. While they do offer more content, the content is limited as to where it’s viewable.

Many current television shows are now what Hulu Plus calls ‘web only’ which means you have to view them via your computer, thus defeating the purpose of the Hulu Plus channel on any device. Unfortunately, that trend has continued to increase as more shows move to ‘web only’ status. It is a huge problem that Hulu Plus needs to address. As it is now, we cannot recommend Hulu Plus as an acceptable alternative to broadcast television. Lastly, Hulu Plus continues to display ads during shows, which is exactly the same as traditional Hulu (free version) online. While we won’t debate the purpose of ads or Hulu Plus’ revenue streams, we will acknowledge the lag time during programs because of them. Additionally, video tends to freeze or become out of sync with the audio when the ads are accessed. It’s impossible to say with certainty that the ad placements cause the viewing problems, but generally speaking the video is fine until the ads are accessed.

Overall, we are disappointed with the Hulu Plus channel. It shows great promise but poor execution. It is obvious Hulu Plus has other priorities than to deliver the content they hold so dear. When they realign their priorities we expect a well developed and content filled channel which will be well worth the subscription fee.

Sports

Sports are one of the most sought after items on any viewing device, whether its the Roku box, cable TV, satellite or other media streaming device. The thing to remember is that sports are a business and as such it is their job to make money not necessarily bring you the games you want to see. Having said that, major sports are realizing the potential and benefit to streaming games. The NHL, NBA & MLB all have Roku channels. You still pay the subscription fee for their respective sports packages but now you can watch them via the Roku on your big screen flat panel television instead of a smaller computer monitor. The UFC also has a Roku channel which adds another option to the sports lineup. While none of these are perfect, you do get the same amount of games advertised by those sporting organizations (blackouts will still apply).

Sporting events are a tough nut to crack when it comes to having full and complete access, but progress is certainly being made. If you want more game options then let the sporting organizations know it. As for the other major sport, the NFL, they aren’t viewable on any media other than network television because that’s how they want it. Roku nor anyone else can ‘flip a switch’ to change that. However if you feel the NFL needs to have their content available on sources other than network television then you need to contact the NFL as they are the only ones who can change it.

Special Content

Many viewers these days are interested in more than just movies and television. Podcasts or Netcasts are a great alternative to traditional television. Often listened to, more and more these specialty shows are adding video. Probably the most popular is the TWiT Network. Leo Laporte, one of the most respected names in tech journalism has created a haven for tech enthusiasts, geeks, nerds and those who are simply curious about technology. The TWiT channel has many of the popular netcasts in video form that listeners have grown to love, such as This Week in Tech (TWiT), This Week in Google (TWiG), Windows Weekly with Paul Thurott and many others. The channel is simple to navigate and we’ve noticed very few problems with streaming.

In addition to the TWiT network, CNET has their own channel which adds more technology access via the Roku box. Shows like Tekzilla, Buzz Report and Buzz Out Loud lead the lineup.

Other Content

While we can’t cover every channel during this review, here are some other notable channel options:

[list type=tick]

• Pandora – Streaming Music.
• Amazon On-Demand Video – Pay per view movies and television shows.
• Crackle – Instant streaming free movies.
• NASA – The NASA feed, including launch coverage.
• Revision3 – Internet Television.
• Many games including Mah jongg, Video Poker and others.
• Multiple Religious channels.
• Several exercise channels which focus on a routine, not a program.
• There are even channels that can be added manually like HGTV and Food Network.
• More new channels are added frequently.

The Roku website provides a complete channel store lineup at http://www.roku.com/roku-channel-store.  There are many other channels that are not listed in the channel store and the lists update often. The XDS (model used in this review) is currently available at the Roku website, at BJ’s and at Amazon.com.  Since writing this review Roku has updated their models to the Roku 2.  The XDS we reviewed is comparable to the new Roku XS version shown below.

The Complete ‘Cut the Cord: Replace Cable with Roku’ Series: Part 1, Part 2, Q&A.

Your Thoughts

Are there any channels you prefer over others? Any experiences you’d like to share? Have questions on Roku content that we didn’t answer? Let us know with your comments!

If you enjoyed or found this article useful, please show us some support by liking us on Facebook, following us on Twitter or by sharing us on your favorite social website. Thanks!

The post Cut the Cord: Replace Cable with Roku, Part II first appeared on GeekITDown Computer Services & Technology Solutions.

As cable prices continue to rise with the addition of HD and increased channel selection, consumers are left wondering if there is an alternative to the high cost of cable. While the selection of alternatives is increasing we are going to focus on and review one particular option, the Roku XDS box (equal to Roku 2 XS model).

What is the Roku?

The Roku box is a media streaming device for use on your existing TV. The Roku streams media from the internet via Roku channels which are very similar to apps for different providers such as Netflix, NHL, Pandora and so on. The Roku can also display your own personal media through a USB connection.

How Does the Roku Work?

In a nutshell, the Roku uses your existing high speed internet connection to stream media to your television. The connection can be hard wired via ethernet cable or wireless through your wireless router. Since Roku explains the setup and connection process more than adequately, we will refer inquiries about how it works to the Roku website: Roku: How It Works.

The Review

Size

The Roku measures less than 5 inches in length and width and under 1.5 inches in height. Frankly its tiny, especially when compared to the typical satellite/cable boxes or receivers. With such small dimensions, the Roku can fit nearly anywhere inconspicuously which leaves the TV the only focal point in your media viewing area.

Setup

Setup for the Roku is nearly dummy proof. You simply connect it to your TV and plug it in. The Roku comes packaged with an HDMI cable for highest quality viewing experience, so no extra cords or cables to buy. Once everything is connected, the Roku goes through its initial setup stages, one of which is to register the product online. While registering online is nothing new to most of us, this is arguably the most cumbersome part of the setup simply because you need to copy the code displayed by Roku on your TV and enter into their online webpage. The process is not difficult by any means but it will require you to be online and setup the Roku simultaneously. One last item for the Roku during the setup stage is to download any software updates for the Roku box. That can take some time depending on how large the updates are but relatively speaking should take 10-20 minutes on a fast ethernet connection.

Remote

The Roku remote control is proportionally as small as the box itself. There are several buttons but for the most part it is a simple device. The remote is not a universal remote and at this time we don’t know of any universal remotes that will operate the Roku, so you’ll need to use that remote exclusively for viewing on the Roku. EDIT: The Logitech Harmony works with Roku.  Thanks to several of our readers for the information. We picked out two Logitech models if you’re looking to make a purchase, the Logitech Harmony 300 and the Logitech Harmony 650.  There is also a Roku remote control app for your smartphones. Search your respective app stores for ‘Roku’ to find the app.

Personalize

Once the Roku is setup, you are ready to personalize the box to your viewing interests. The onscreen menu is very simple. The Roku channels are lined horizontally across the screen and navigation is a simple left or right click of the remote. Initially, the ‘Channel Store’ is where to start. From there you can select the channels you want to add to your Roku box. Popular choices include the Netflix, NHL, Hulu Plus, Pandora and Roku Newscaster channels. Any channel that provides a service for a fee, such as Netflix where you pay a monthly fee will require a registration of your Roku box with that service. Registration takes place online and before each of those channels is accessed for the first time, a code will be given to you by the Roku for entering online. For quick viewing at the start, just add the Roku Newscaster channel, since that channel does not require a code, and view some of the news programs available through the Roku.

Use

Using the Roku becomes second nature after a very short time. To start, you’ll need to select a channel from the home menu to view programs. Once a channel is selected, the channel interface will guide you through using the service. The Roku provides all the tools necessary to stream the content from the channels but ultimately the navigation and viewable content is determined by the channel provider. See Part II for more details on channel content and providers. We purchased two XDS units and tested them from different locations and distances to the wireless router. The reception is very similar to that of a laptop. The range will obviously degrade over greater distances and through multiple obstructions but all in all holds signal strength very well.

Interface

The interface is simple, lightweight and better than the interface we’ve seen on other devices. Particularly speaking, some of the Sony blu-ray interfaces are atrocious compared to the Roku. The Roku interface is quick, mainly because it is so simple but the reaction time of channels via the Roku is very fast with little delay between selection and access. The channels themselves have been developed intelligently to work well with the Roku and function with ease of use in mind. More on channels in Part II.

Pros

The on screen interface of the Roku is lightweight and makes viewing convenient. The remote is small and uncomplicated, making for an easy to learn control system and great usability. The Roku comes packaged with an HDMI cable, a significant plus for viewing. The remote control comes with batteries, which is a nice touch. The batteries last for quite a while and we have yet to change them in either device since their usage began 3 months ago. The Roku’s small size is ideal for those who want to hide away all the gadgets associated with the TV and just view the TV. The wireless setup is simple as long as you know your wireless password and the range is within acceptable limits.

Cons

The biggest con is that you don’t watch television shows or broadcasts on their scheduled air date (sports are accessible live). Having said that, it can also be seen as the biggest pro as it allows you to watch the shows and programs you enjoy on your own schedule. We noticed that, occasionally, after a software update the Roku would freeze and need to be reset. Not a huge inconvenience as reseting it means unplugging the box and replugging it in. Not altogether different from when a DVR or receiver acts up. If you don’t have a wireless network then you’ll need to use a cable which is likely to be inconvenient.

Summary

If you are interested in cutting the cable cord and aren’t concerned about seeing shows on their original air date, then the Roku is likely to fit your lifestyle. We found the Roku to be exactly as advertised. It delivers the content as expected and functions as good if not better than standard receivers or cable boxes. We reviewed their most expensive unit (XDS) at a cost of $99.99 USD and find that to be a bargain. The lesser versions at $79.99 and $59.99 are a steal. The XDS is currently available at the Roku website, at BJ’s and at Amazon.com.  Since writing this review Roku has updated their models to the Roku 2.  The XDS we reviewed is comparable to the new Roku XS version shown below.

Content

Be sure to check out Part II of our Roku review, where we analyze the content/channel providers and give you the lowdown on which are making the grade and which need to step up. Here’s a sneak peak, Netflix and Hulu Plus are battling for position in online viewing and both are available on Roku but one is clearly outshining the other.

The Complete ‘Cut the Cord: Replace Cable with Roku’ Series: Part 1, Part 2, Q&A.

Your Thoughts

Have you cut the cable cord? Do you use the Roku or another media streaming device? Have questions on the Roku that we didn’t answer? Let us know in the comments section!

If you enjoyed or found this article useful, please show us some support by liking us on Facebook, following us on Twitter or by sharing us on your favorite social website. Thanks!

The post Cut the Cord: Replace Cable with Roku, Part I first appeared on GeekITDown Computer Services & Technology Solutions.