Do you Roku?

RokuIf 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.

heroes_posterscreen1 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.

4 Responses to “Do you Roku?”

  1. RW says:

    This is an Apple TV killer!! Good job.

  2. Larry W in Los Angeles says:

    Hey. This is great…. I was thinking of buying the LG BluRay with the Netflix connection inside for $300. This really does (when HD is available online from Netflix) give you good quality HD? For $99 bucks and an ethernet cable from my router to the Roku (wired is better than wireless for this, right?) I should do this?

  3. BAM says:

    I’m convinced.

  4. TB says:

    To Larry, HD titles are available today from Netflix and work on the Roku. Just go to watch instantly and look for HD under the genres.

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