If you don’t Roku you’re really missing out on a terrific device and a terrific deal.
Roku is a small, clever black box that allows you to stream movies and TV episodes from Netflix and Amazon.com to your TV. Sorta like an Apple TV box without a hard drive for storage.
It couldn’t be easier to set-up and use. Plug it into the A/C, attach to your high-speed Web connection (Ethernet or Wi-Fi) and hook it up to your TV (via the included composite cable or with your own S-video, component or HDMI cable). Audio is connected via Roku’s RCA jacks. Then, find the onscreen password – type in into Netflix.com and you’re all set. It takes about the same amount of time to read this story or set-up your Roku.
For Netflix, choose the (standard and high-def) movies you’d like to watch from the Website and then browse/select your choice on Roku. In less than 15 seconds you’re enjoying a movie.
The big news, this week, is that you can now rent HD movies ($4.99) in addition to standard def features ($3.99) via Amazon.com’s service.
I’ve tried component, composite and HDMI on different monitors and they all look fabulous. As a matter of fact, my first session started out as a ten minute peek and ended up as a 6-hour movie marathon.
Roku is a flat-out steal at $99. In my house it will pay for itself in less than a week. Netflix and Amazon accounts/streams are charged separately. Highly recommended.