Roku 2 XS
Manufacturer: Roku Part number: ROKU2XS
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- User reviews
- Specifications
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- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- Thanks to a varied range of content offerings--including Netflix, Amazon, Hulu Plus, Crackle, and Pandora--that beats the Apple TV, the Roku 2 XS is the best all-around streaming-media box you can get for less than $100.
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CNET editors' review
Roku 2 XS price range: $84.99 - $120.00
- Reviewed by: John P. Falcone and David Carnoy
- Reviewed on: 08/15/2011
- Released on: 07/19/2011
The good: The Roku 2 XS is an ultrasmall Wi-Fi streaming-media box that offers dozens of Internet video and audio services, including Netflix, Hulu Plus, Amazon Instant Video, Crackle, Pandora, NHL, NBA, and MLB, among many others. It works with HD and standard TVs, and it includes a Wii-like motion controller for casual gaming (Angry Birds is included).
The bad: The best streaming channels require paid subscriptions or pay-per-view fees. The Roku 2 XS doesn't currently support DLNA access (streaming media from networked PCs), and USB file support is very limited. Don't expect a full-blown Wii-like gaming experience; Angry Birds is currently the only game available.
The bottom line: Thanks to a varied range of content offerings--including Netflix, Amazon, Hulu Plus, Crackle, and Pandora--that beats the Apple TV, the Roku 2 XS is the best all-around streaming-media box you can get for less than $100.
Roku is calling its new line of streaming-media boxes "Roku 2," but this is actually the fourth iteration of the device, which started its life as the "Netflix Player" in 2008. Like Apple TV, this is still a Netflix video streamer at its core--and a very good one--but along the way Roku has shrunk the box down; added several new "channels," including Amazon Video, Hulu Plus, Crackle, and Pandora; and bulked up feature-wise, upping the ante this go-round with a new Bluetooth motion remote (included with the top-end $100 Roku 2 XS) that allows you to play games.
The end result is arguably the most robust little streaming-media box for less than $100. True, the new gaming feature is very limited at launch (Angry Birds is included for free with the XS but as of yet, no other titles are available), but that the capability is there adds a touch of sizzle and helps distinguish Roku from its competitors.
Don't care about gaming? Well, there's some good news there, because you don't have to pay for the fancy remote if you don't want it. The two step-down models in the line-- the Roku 2 XD ($80) and Roku 2 HD ($60)--have nearly all the features you'll find in the higher-end XS but trade the Bluetooth motion remote for a standard IR remote (the entry-level Roku HD offers 720p video output instead of 1080p but all three models are gaming-enabled--if you have that Bluetooth remote).
If this all sounds like a more compelling alternative to Apple TV, it is, so read on to get the full skinny on all the new Roku 2 models--including a point-by-point comparison on Roku 2 versus Apple TV (and other streaming-media boxes).
How the 2011 Roku 2 models compare
For our review, we focused on the top-end Roku 2 model, the Roku 2 XS. There are two other step-down models available as well. All three models utilize the fastest 802.11n Wi-Fi standard and have a MicroSD expansion slot on the rear. In addition to HDMI output, all three also include the option for standard-def video output via an included breakout composite AV cable (3.5mm to yellow/red/white), so--unlike Apple TV, the Logitech Revue, and the Boxee Box--they'll work with nearly any old TV, not just HDTVs.
There are a handful of feature differences as you move up the line, however:
Roku 2 HD ($59.99-$69.99): The entry-level Roku is the most affordable, but it's limited to 720p video output. (The official price is "$59.99 plus shipping," but the de facto price with free shipping is $69.99 at Amazon.)
Roku 2 XD ($79.99): The midrange Roku is identical to the entry-level HD model, but it adds support for 1080p HD video.
Roku 2 XS ($99.99, reviewed here): In addition to including the Roku Game Remote and the full version of Angry Birds, the $100 Roku 2 XS is the only one that includes an Ethernet port, should you choose to go wired. It's also the only one with a USB port, so you can play local video, audio, and photo files. Like the XD, the XS supports 1080p video.
To be clear, all three Roku 2 models support gaming and work with the Bluetooth Roku Game Remote. But that remote costs $30 when purchased separately (a 2GB microSD card, needed for storing more than four games, is also included). The HD and XD models include an infrared remote that works for video control and menu navigation, but not for gaming.
So, if you're already sold on a Roku 2, which model should you buy? For us, the choice is between the HD and the XS. Spend the extra dough if you're at all interested in gaming or if you need wired Ethernet connectivity. Pulling media off USB is a nice bonus of the XS model as well, but if you want the best compatibility for a wide range of USB-based digital files, you should probably consider the WD TV Live Plus or Seagate FreeAgent GoFlex TV.
Even if you never intend to use the gaming functionality, the Bluetooth remote on the XS is nice because it doesn't require line-of-sight with the Roku 2 box--you can drop the box behind the TV or tuck it away in a cabinet. But be aware that there are plenty of free and paid iOS and Android remotes that can control any Roku model via Wi-Fi just as easily.
Meanwhile, if you just want the most affordable way to access Netflix, Hulu Plus, Amazon, and other online media services, the Roku HD gets the job done. We doubt anyone will miss the 1080p video (versus the 720p on the Roku HD); few folks can tell the difference in the best of circumstances, and--if you are a hard-core videophile--you should be focusing on Blu-ray discs, rather than online streaming video, anyway.
The hardware
Roku boxes have always been small, but the Roku 2 is downright miniscule. The 3-ounce black box is a 3.25-inch square with rounded corners, and it's an inch high. If you're keeping score, that's a few millimeters narrower but taller than arch-rival Apple TV.
The backside of the Roku 2 XS crams that narrow space full of relevant ports. There's an HDMI output (you need to supply the cable) for HD video and digital audio, an Ethernet port, a microSD slot, and a minijack AV output for the included composite AV cable. As mentioned above, that means that the Roku box will connect to any modern HDTV (via HDMI) as well as any older standard-def TV (via composite). Likewise, the HDMI cable can carry surround sound (and video) when connected to a similarly equipped AV receiver.
As with all previous Roku boxes, there's no off switch; the Roku simply goes to sleep when it's not in use. But the power supply is no larger than that of a cell phone charger, and--according to Roku--consumes less than 2 watts when streaming video. In other words, we don't expect it to affect your electric bill in any significant way.
As mentioned above, the Roku 2 XS also include a USB port on the right side. Supported media includes MP4 (H.264) video, AAC and MP3 audio, and JPEG and PNG photos.
One disappointment is the fact that the 2011 Roku models only offer standard 802.11n Wi-Fi, not the dual-band version found on the earlier Roku XDS model. While that probably won't affect many viewers, it does mean that advanced users (with more expensive routers) won't be able to use the 5GHz band. That one is less prone to the interference from cordless phones, microwaves, and other household electronics that's sometimes found on the crowded 2.4GHz band.
The remote
The Roku gaming remote included with the Roku 2 XS is powered by two AA batteries, and could be confused for a shortened version of the Wii Remote that's included with Nintendo's gaming console. In addition to a four-way directional pad, it's got 10 buttons including video transport controls, home, back, menu, and A/B gaming controls.
As with the Wiimote, the Roku gaming remote communicates via Bluetooth, so you don't need to "point and shoot" at the Roku box when controlling it for media or gaming. (That also means you can put the Roku box completely out of sight, if you'd prefer.) It's also got motion control, utilized in Angry Birds by "pulling" and releasing the slingshot. It took a bit of getting used to, and it doesn't feel quite as sensitive as the Wii controller, but it worked well enough.
Thankfully, even though the Roku 2 boxes can be controlled by the Bluetooth gaming remote or Wi-Fi phone and tablet apps, it retains an infrared sensor. That means--unlike the Wii and PlayStation 3--you can control it with any standard universal remote as well when you're not gaming.
Setup
Once you connect your Roku box to the TV and log in to your wireless network, you'll need to create a Roku account on the company's Web site (through your PC, tablet, or phone--not on the TV screen). In addition to the basics--e-mail and password--you'll also need to input your full credit card information. You won't be charged until and unless you order a game or a pay channel, however.
Once your account is set up and your Roku box is linked to it (as with Netflix, it displays a short code on the screen), you're ready to start adding channels. So-called "private channels" (see "The content" section below) can be added through the Netflix Web site. But all of the public channels are accessible right on the TV screen, through the Channel Store icon on the screen.
For many channels, the process is pretty much click and view. Others--such as Pandora--will require you to enter your e-mail address or account name and password, so you can sync with an existing account. Still others (Netflix) will require you to go visit their own site on a Web browser and sync your box with your account (again, with a four- or five-digit onscreen code).
None of it is hard or challenging, but it can be a bit time-consuming if you're adding a lot of channels--and you'll probably want to keep your laptop handy. To that end, it would be great if all of the channels--and the corresponding username/passwords, if applicable--could be added on Roku's site, since it's always easier to type on a real keyboard rather than hunt and peck on an onscreen keyboard using a directional pad remote.
The content
All of the programming on the Roku Player is available a la carte via the Roku Channel Store (see the setup section below for details), with more than 200 channels to choose from. A handful are quite good; many however, you'll find you can live without. (A nearly full list is available at Roku's Web site. Just note that a handful of the premium sports channels, such as Major League Baseball and NBA Game Time, aren't shown on the site because of rights issues, even though they are alive and well on the box itself. Yeah, we don't understand it, either.)
Roku has a wide range of some of the best online content offerings, including free and premium (subscription or pay-per-view) audio, video, and photo channels. Among the most notable ones, in our opinion:
| Video | Netflix, Hulu Plus, Amazon Instant, Crackle, Epix, Vimeo, Flixster, Blip.tv, Break.com, CNET, Revision 3, TWiT.TV, Al-Jazeera English, FoxNews.com |
| Sports | MLB.TV, NBA Game Time, NHL GameCenter Live, UFC, MLS MatchDay Live |
| Audio | Pandora, MOG, Rdio, Mediafly, Last.fm, TuneIn Radio, Shoutcast |
| Photos | Facebook photos, Flickr, Picasa, SmugMug |
There are dozens more (more than 200 and counting), though many others are so niche-oriented (read: obscure) that you've likely never heard of them.
Now, many of those channels come with caveats--for instance, the Fox News channel isn't what you get on cable or satellite, but rather the online version available at live.foxnews.com (live programming on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. ET). Beyond the cost of the premium services, many of them have other restrictions. The sports channels, for instance, generally block live "in-market" games--so don't expect to watch your home team live. And Epix is "free" on Roku, but--like HBO Go on the iPad--the best content (full-length movies) only works for "authenticated subscribers." In other words, you need to subscribe to it on a participating cable or satellite system, and go through the rigmarole of registering on multiple Web sites. Unfortunately, that's a growing trend, and no fault of Roku's.
There are also dozens of unofficial "private" channels built by third-party developers using standard Web tools. These include everything from quasi-legal restreams of Web and international video channels to adult content. They're accessible using special codes available online. But parents need not fret: password controls are available to ensure that only the Roku account owner can add any channels. And, because you can add and delete channels as you see fit (more on that below), you see only the programming you want.
Check out roku-channels.com and nowhereman.com/roku/ for a full list of Roku channels. Just be aware that some of the private channels are unsupported, so they could shut off without notice.
As mentioned above, the Roku 2 XS can play some photos, video, and music files from USB drives, but the supported codecs are quite limited. Similarly, there is no official DLNA support for streaming content from networked PCs elsewhere on your home network. If either of these functions is important to you, you should look at competing devices instead.
Netflix improvements
Notable with the Roku 2 is an upgraded version of the Netflix channel. It's now almost tied with the PlayStation 3 as the best Netflix streaming experience you can get on your TV. In addition to improved video and audio quality (1080p video and Dolby Digital Plus 5.1 supported on select titles), the Roku 2 also supports closed captioning.
The subtitles will be welcome by the millions who have come to expect them on TV and disc-based programming (whether they are hard of hearing, or just have trouble following incomprehensible mumbled dialogue). Only two problems: you currently need to activate the subtitles on a program-by-program basis; we'd prefer an option to have them toggled on or off by default as well. And, like the improved audio and video quality, support is on a title-by-title basis.
Onscreen search is also available on Roku's Netflix channel, so--unlike many Blu-ray players--you can search by title right on your screen.
Using the Roku 2
After you've set up the channels of your choice, you can dive in and enjoy them. Most of the channels follow the same general interface. Most people should find it clean, simple, and straightforward to navigate. That said, the emphasis is on function, not form; Roku sports a "get it done" look that doesn't have the polished animation you'll find on the menu systems of the Apple TV, Xbox 360, or PlayStation 3.
You use the four-way directional pad on the remote to move between horizontal lists of program choices (such as cover art on Netflix and Amazon). Clicking the up arrow usually takes you to a parent "folder" in that channel; further clicks up will eventually bring you to the channel's main screen, and then back to the Roku's home screen.
The streaming experience for video is basically the same as what you'd get on a Netflix-enabled game console or Blu-ray player--or even a cable video-on-demand system. When choosing a program, there's a load time of a few seconds while the box begins the streaming process (the same delay occurs when you resume from a pause, fast-forward, or rewind). Fast-forwarding and rewinding lets you navigate a progress bar along the total time of a video at multiple speeds. Netflix and Amazon add thumbnails to that process, making it easier to find the specific scene you're looking for. It's not quite as convenient as jumping through tracks on a DVD, but considering you're navigating a stream (not a full digital download), it's pretty smooth.
The Roku automatically adjusts signal quality according to the speed of your broadband connection on a four-level scale; we always got the top-tier speed on a cable modem connection. The resulting image, however, can vary widely depending on the source encoding. Many of the video podcasts on Mediafly, for instance, are low-resolution YouTube-esque videos that don't look very good blown up on a large-screen TV. Some videos can exhibit occasional strobing or stuttering artifacts on panning shots when the frame rate drops below 24 frames per second.
At the other end of the spectrum is the HD content on Netflix and Amazon (some, but not all, of the movies and TV shows on those channels are available in high-def). By and large, they look excellent. The quality generally isn't Blu-ray level, but most HD offerings seem to meet or exceed DVD video quality. To our eyes, shows like "Mad Men" (in HD on Netflix) look about as good as they do on cable or satellite TV. We were also impressed by MLB.TV. In general, the picture quality of the games we watched is quite solid.
Audio quality is likewise very good. Most programs are in stereo, but--as mentioned above--some of the content on Amazon and Netflix is in Dolby Digital surround. (Other providers, obviously, could add surround or HD support in the future as well.) Unfortunately, we also noted some lip sync lag on Netflix streaming--a problem that seems to be persistent on many streaming-video devices.
We noted some early user reviews complaining about Wi-Fi problems. With that in mind, we tested the Roku 2 XS in three separate locations: the CNET offices, and two residential homes. In our experience, the Roku 2 XS performed flawlessly in all three locations, with Internet connection of 10Mbps or better while watching several movies, TV shows, and video podcasts over the course of many days. The worst problems we experienced were a couple of spontaneous reboots (usually after a firmware upgrade). The one time we were getting a laggy response, it turned out that our Internet connection was flaky.
To that end, the standard streaming-media caveats apply. Some Wi-Fi routers will inevitably perform poorly, because of either localized interference or chipset incompatibilities. And, as always, you'll need a good Internet connection: to enjoy any of these services, you'll want to have a high-speed (5Mbps or faster) broadband connection--which, for most people, means a nice, fat cable pipe. Most DSL, satellite, and wireless broadband customers may find it tough going for video.
Roku 2 vs. Apple TV
At the $99 price point, the Roku 2 XS is competing in an increasingly crowded landscape of streaming-media boxes, including the Logitech Revue and the Sony SMP-N100. But it's the Apple TV that most consumers will probably put head-to-head with the the Roku.
Thanks to some recent software updates, the Apple TV is more competitive than when it was first released in the fall of 2010. If you own an iPad/iPhone/iPod Touch, and you enjoy buying and renting content from iTunes, it's good--great, even. But otherwise, it offers the same Netflix, YouTube, Flickr, Vimeo, MLB, NBA, and Internet radio content you can get on Roku or countless other devices. Likewise, much of the content you can rent or buy on iTunes is also available on Roku via Amazon Instant.
The Apple TV has two potential legs up on the Roku: interface and AirPlay. The Apple TV user interface looks great. Like nearly all Apple products, it's fluid and pleasing to the eye, especially compared with Roku's much more pedestrian look. But, once you make your selection, audio and video quality is basically the same on both boxes.
The Apple TV's AirPlay compatibility may help it edge out the Roku for anyone who owns an iPhone, iPod Touch, or iPad. AirPlay lets users stream audio, photos, and--in some cases--video from those Apple handhelds to the TV screen. So, if you're listening to, say, Pandora on your iPad, you can touch an onscreen button and hear it through the Apple TV.
Still and all--at the current time, at least--we think the Roku continues to beat the Apple TV overall by offering more programming choices and compatibility with HD and non-HD TVs.
Conclusion
Roku's current incarnation now offers the widest array of streaming content to date, and one of the best Netflix experiences out there. The question is: at just $99, is it worth buying?
The short answer: it depends. If you already have an older Roku model, the new one offers only a handful of improvements. Likewise, if you have a good Blu-ray player, a Net-connected TV, a PlayStation 3, or an Xbox 360, you'll already have access to many (but probably not all) of Roku's mainstream content providers--Netflix, Hulu Plus, and Pandora are widely supported, for example.
Of course, if you don't already own one of those devices, it's a different story. The Roku 2 XS is more affordable than all of them, and it's got built-in Wi-Fi. With the exception of Best Buy's entry-level Dynex DX-WBRDVD1 (which offers just Netflix, Pandora, CinemaNow, and Napster), you won't find built-in Wi-Fi on entry-level Blu-ray players and even many Net-enabled TVs.
Put another way, even with the increased competition--most notably in the Apple realm--and despite some shortcomings, the simplicity, affordable price, and superior programming selection of the Roku 2 XS make it the go-to choice for buyers looking for a sub-$100 solution for accessing the increasingly attractive panoply of online streaming-media services.
User reviews
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What a great upgrade for Roku and with Angry Birds too!
by PritchardV on November 19, 2011
Pros: + Inexpensive, fast, high quality
+ Incredibly easy to use and set-up
+ Interface and ergonomic hardware design work perfectly
+ Pay and free services is pretty amazingCons: - Small amount of built-in memory (expandable via MicroSD slot though)
- No iTunes integrationSummary: Having used my original Roku since Christmas of 2010, I was very much looking forward to the new Roku2 XS, Roku's new premium model. As I opened the box, ...
Summary: Having used my original Roku since Christmas of 2010, I was very much looking forward to the new Roku2 XS, Roku's new premium model. As I opened the box, I was absolutely amazed at the diminutive size of the new model. Using and working in computers since the late 70's, I am always a little taken aback upon seeing how small devices are becoming today. Covered in protective plastic and packaged very well for shipping, the Roku is actually sort of cute. A really nice black shiny exterior provides no hint of the many hours of viewing and now gaming pleasure this product can provide. When placed alongside my other home theater units, its small size seems to belie that it actually belongs there. It looks more like it's the wireless hub of some other product.
Small size aside, my Roku2 XS is now plugged into a video switch using RCAs, which is connected to my 45" Mitsubishi NTSC industrial rear projection unit. While I have HD in my computer room, I still haven't made the switch in the main family room, as I really want a 65" unit and need to save, save, save for one. Since I was using the NTSC output, the Roku2 came with all the cables I needed for setting up and getting started viewing. After plugging in power and an Ethernet cable, everything fired right up through the boot sequence and the Roku2 detected both the controller and the wireless network immediately. For this first use, I decided to set up the unit with WiFi and wrote down both the mac: addresses and updated my router to hand out the IP's I wanted for each network connection. Once I had the router set up, I went back to the Roku and selected the wireless network on the setup screen, the unit found my network and the internet right away. I then registered the unit on the Roku site from my computer and set it up on my account with Netflix, as I am truly addicted to watching older TV series from beginning to end.
The new remote/controller fits a bit better in my hand than the original and the safety strap is a great addition now that the remote is used for motion control as well. The sizing clip on the strap allows for adjustment to little hands to prevent the remote from being thrown through the screen, as portrayed on TV. Having very large hands, it would be nice if the remote had a second groove such as the one on the bottom on the very front end. This would allow people with larger hands like me the ability to wrap their index finger around the front end and better grasp the device. All in, I love the new controller with the motion control, which I will get into in more detail below.
Once everything was working properly and setup was finished, the urge to see Angry Birds could no longer be fought off. Having never seen the product except for a minute or two on a friend's phone, I was extremely curious about this new game phenomenon. Moving through the menus was quite easy and I quickly located the new Angry Birds game where I choose to go straight into game play without any diversions. I should probably reveal here that I refused to look at any documents, manuals, or any written materials included in the box. I am a firm believer that most devices intended for home theater use should be self evident in their setup and the Roku2 is right up there with the best of them at this. Choosing the first icon on each screen, I started the game and found myself with my first opportunity to fling small birds at pigs using a slingshot. The only thing capable of making this more fun would be adding copious amounts of beer. I mean really, what could be better, I ask you? Graphics were as good as my NTSC rear projector could make them, which, all in all, is pretty darn good for a 23-year-old TV. I also played Angry Birds on my 22" HDTV for comparison and the images were incredibly crisp and gorgeously saturated for both bird and pig popping at very fine detail. Once I got past laughing at the ludicrous nature of this game it became quite addictive and the motion controller was almost second nature after only 10 minutes or so. The game is easily understood and children just love it, adults spend a great deal of time laughing at the bizarre concepts in the game but then the game becomes both infectious and quite competitive. Adding Angry Birds to the package was a wonderful idea, delivering both serial non interactive content such as movies and interactive game play truly makes the purchase of a Roku2 a no brainer.
Now we come to the main reason for a Roku2 in your house or mine, content, we all know that is why we buy devices like the Roku2. We want it inexpensive, fast, at high quality and at our convenience. Well the Roku2 really delivers above and beyond; my first movie on Netflix was Restoration, with Robert Downey Jr. a 17th century story about a Dr. and his time at the court of King Charles II. Timing the download upon selection from my queue list in HD format, it took 1.5 minutes for the movie to start. This is on Comcast's network and when testing [...] download speeds are about 22 Mbps when using sites within 500 miles of my location. Not knowing where the Roku2 connects to Netflix servers it is difficult to determine whether the speed was location affected for this test. Suffice it to say that with such very minor setup the Roku2's download speeds seem to be right up there, making the decision to watch a movie easier when time is short. The quality of the movies was as good or better then any DVD I have watched and there were no hiccups or unexpected pauses during the movie. Everything went smoothly and worked towards a suspension of disbelief. I played with some of the new channels and watched the news and such and found the Roku2 to be both responsive to the remote and very high in the quality of image during play. I wasn't able to test out the 5.1 surround sound due to needing either a HDMI compatible TV or a converter cable to go from HDMI to RCA. I do hear from friends though that it works very well, I'll test it out for myself as soon as I get the 65" hung on the wall.
When all is said and done you have to really hand it to Roku, their products are incredibly easy to use and set-up, the interface and ergonomic hardware design work perfectly together. And lastly, the amount of content accessible both through pay and free services is pretty darned amazing to be honest. It's really no wonder the cable operators are worried, they should be.
I'm very happy with my Roku2, as an upgrade it really shines by adding new content, new features and the new motion control remote. Also with it's even smaller stature it won't threaten any of your other home theater products at all, whether you are upgrading from a Roku1 or just entering the world of Roku content for the first time. You will find a Roku with the features you want a great asset and addition to your existing or new home theater system. At a price which will never break the bank and models at different levels Roku has once again set the standard others will have to meet and If you will buy the Roku 2 XS I suggest you have to compare prices before you decide at --> Lowest-pricing.info/Roku2XS
Hope this review helps.20 out of 20 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Good replacement for sat. or cable tv
by pipcraz on August 15, 2011
Pros: Only $100, Great video output via HDMI, Easy to use UI, Best replacement for sat or cable tv.
Cons: Haven't found one yet.
Summary: The people that have rated this device a low score must not have high speed internet and still have "rabbit ears" connected to their tv.
I was paying $125 per ...Summary: The people that have rated this device a low score must not have high speed internet and still have "rabbit ears" connected to their tv.
I was paying $125 per month for a ton of channels (including premium channels) from my service provider. I didn't have a true reason to cancel the service, but I thought about the money I could save if I cut them out. I went for it! Now instead of spending $1500 a year I have forecasted my yearly expense to $250 a year for shows and movies I watched via sat/cable tv.
I thought it was a joke that this little box can do more than my out-dated laptop. It sure proved me wrong. I have not experience a delay streaming shows or netflix. I mean, there is a wait for loading but these days, what doesn't stall to load for a very few seconds?!?
I'm glad I ditched my sat provider and got with Roku and the streaming services provided by Hulu, Netflix and others. I was considering Boxee Box, WD TV Live, and a few others. Roku out did the rest and to my surprise went above and beyond Apple TV.
I highly recommend Roku if you want to replace your cable tv but you will need high speed internet and an HDMI cable. I'm sure if I try Roku out with my mom's old tv, I will have the same positive experience.10 out of 10 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Device that changed my life gets an upgrade.
by Neural_Clone on August 14, 2011
Pros: Small, Easy to set up, stable, new channels coming out all the time, 1080p, memory card slot, usb port, big bang for your buck, gaming potential
Cons: would be nice to stream local media. still waiting for a working SiriusXM channel
Summary: I've been on board since day 1 in 2008. I've had just about every model so far and this one is the best. I know there are other ...
Summary: I've been on board since day 1 in 2008. I've had just about every model so far and this one is the best. I know there are other similar devices but this one really is the best. Apple may have mastered mp3 devices, but Roku is the be all end all home streaming device.
Since I bought Roku, I've been able to cancel cable and haven't looked back.
The Netflix channel is my favorite. The Amazon channel is nice is you're a prime member (which equates to free streaming), Pandora is always nice too.
The HuluPlus channel, which I had high hopes for turned out to be a bust. It quickly became overrun with commercials and offered only limited selection.
I highly recommend this device if any of the following apply; you're tired of throwing money away on cable, want to stream your netflix without burning out your game console or just want to have a more complete home entertainment set up.9 out of 9 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Great! But no digital audio out for older receivers.
by latempete on August 16, 2011
Pros: Tons of channels. Easy setup and use. Dolby Digital. 1080p. Ability to add private channels.
Cons: No optical audio output. No DLNA (hopefully just not yet).
Summary: I agree with the reviewers positive points. But there is one glaring omission. I have been using Roku for over a year now and just upgraded to the Roku 2. ...
Summary: I agree with the reviewers positive points. But there is one glaring omission. I have been using Roku for over a year now and just upgraded to the Roku 2. I really like it but the lack of an optical digital output doesn't make sense. Especially since they make a point of 5.1 audio and at the same time "older" TV support. This is the "flagship" model. My old Roku had an optical out... So, to get the benefit of digital audio/surround sound i had to purchase an ADDITIONAL device to extract the audio from the HDMI and output it to a Toslink (optical port). Plus I had to purchase an additional HDMI cable to run into the audio extracting device. :-/ It more than DOUBLED the cost of the Roku. The only other option would be to use the analog stereo outputs on the Roku. But that would defeat the purpose.
7 out of 7 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Delivers on the Streaming Dream
by gmallen on July 28, 2011
Pros: Completely plug and play. Streams HD content at consistent HD speeds. Channel selection wide and deep.
Cons: Your mileage may vary.
Summary: As with any Wi-Fi based product, location is all. Roku can (and does) deliver a better picture (on my Panasonic VIERA TC-L42D30) than DirecTV, DVD or OTA HD. But, you ...
Summary: As with any Wi-Fi based product, location is all. Roku can (and does) deliver a better picture (on my Panasonic VIERA TC-L42D30) than DirecTV, DVD or OTA HD. But, you must take the time to properly position the device. Since the new remote is RF, out of sight placement is quite easy. This is my second Roku, but it won't be my last.
4 out of 4 users found this user opinion helpful.
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The best streaming player made today.
by alfmeister on January 3, 2012
Pros: As a long time Roku user I was excited to get the new Roku 2. I tested other brands such as the WDTV live and the Sony SMP-N200.
The Roku still comes out on top.Cons: We need more games! In particular games that use the motion detector. I was hoping that the frisbee and the bowling games would be ready to use since they were announced in mid December but apparently there are still some bugs to work out.
Summary: Remotes;
The RF remote works great but for those of us with learning remotes that use IR there is good news. All of the new models also have IR sensors. ...Summary: Remotes;
The RF remote works great but for those of us with learning remotes that use IR there is good news. All of the new models also have IR sensors. I have another Roku player so I was able to use that to program my Onkyo universal remote.
Local Content options;
***There is a wonderful media streamer for videos called PLEX. You need to download the application from Plex and install it on your computer. Then you need to add files from your computer to the Plex media manager. All of this is pretty easy. Then add the private PLEX channel to your Roku account from your computer. Now you can stream both avi and mkv files directly from your computer which acts as a server and the Roku acts as a client. (Note: Roku allows users to install what are called private channels which aren't supported by Roku but are usually perfectly functional.)
http://elan.plexapp.com/2011/05/03/plex-on-the-roku/
Local content was and is still available by plugging a USB drive or a hard disk drive with it's own power supply into the USB port.
I've successfully played back HD 720p mkv files using a flash drive.
***To playback music files (which isn't currently possible with the PLEX server) you need to add the app called MainSqueeze. Again like the PLEX server, you need to download and install server software. MainSqueeze uses the Logitech Media Server. Then add the private channel MAINSQUEEZE to your Roku account.
http://roku.permanence.com/
This may seem like a lot of effort but it can be set up fairly easily if you have some computer knowledge; no more knowledge is required than any other media streamer. The benefits of using the Roku as a content streamer make it worth the effort to add local streaming if that is important to you.
I've recently tested both the WDTV live and the Sony SMP-N200 and both had many issues that will probably never be solved because users aren't able to participate except to complain in forums. Roku's open SDK (software development kit) means many developers are working on the player. Some who developed great apps were eventually hired by Roku. That's how a forward thinking company should work.1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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The Best Stereaming Device.
The Best Streaming Deviceby DavidCurd on October 1, 2011
Pros: This is my second Roku box- beginning in 2008. The image improvement on my 60" Pioneer Kuro is outstanding.
This is my secong Roku box- since 2008. The 1080p image on my 60" Pioneer Kuro is a definite improvement. SD card addition is a real plus.Cons: I really want DLNA support to be quickly enabled.
Summary: The lack of Apple "Walled Garden" proprietary limitations is a real plus to me and about 15 clients that we have enabled via custom installs. We continue to recommend this ...
Summary: The lack of Apple "Walled Garden" proprietary limitations is a real plus to me and about 15 clients that we have enabled via custom installs. We continue to recommend this device to our clients, who really appreciate it.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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No real improvement over old model
by jgw989 on September 23, 2011
Pros: Easy to set up. Great selection of content is available. I gave it 4 stars based on my overall Roku experience.
Cons: Poor customer service. I received my Roku 2 promptly but the next week I received a second unit which I sent back and the next week I received a 3rd unit which I sent back today. I think the left hand doesn't know what the right hand is doing.
Summary: Its a very good product but if I hadn't been able to get the $25 price reduction and no shipping cost I wouldn't have upgraded.
Summary: Its a very good product but if I hadn't been able to get the $25 price reduction and no shipping cost I wouldn't have upgraded.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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A backwards approach to progress
by jellis86 on September 11, 2011
Pros: Has a somewhat better menu structure
Cons: Poor poor customer service.
Less outputs than older Roku playersSummary: I'm not going to bash the Roku family of players. We have had ours, a Roku HD-XR Player, for well over a year and love it! It has optical ...
Summary: I'm not going to bash the Roku family of players. We have had ours, a Roku HD-XR Player, for well over a year and love it! It has optical audio outputs for those of us that have not upgraded to a new surround receiver. I have a very nice older receiver that has plenty of optical/coaxial inputs but no HDMI. So for me this would have been a step back. I realize that continually making legacy inputs or outputs probably increases the cost.
Never the less, and without checking into it further, I ordered the Roku 2 XS with the $25.00 discount last week. (I would have used it on my main HDTV and the old unit on our bedroom HDTV) After all it was their top of the line and the previous players top line had optical outputs! Upon it's arrival, and seeing that it did not have the optical output, I contacted Roku customer service and asked for a RMA so I could receive a refund. I figured since it wasn't their fault I would have to pay for the return. 2 days later I got another package from Roku...another Roku 2 XS player. I once again contacted Roku customer service and this time the wheels turned quite rapidly, they had no idea a second player had been shipped to me. They sent a RMA for the second player, what they referred to as an "extra order", and had me send it out FedEx. As soon as they received word that FedEx had the package, they sent a RMA for the first player and had me pay the postage to return the unit. Now If I had been less than honest I could have surly kept both players and sold them.
What's worse than all of this is the first person I talked to at Roku seemed to understand my issue and said they could send me the Roku XDS player as it was newer than mine and had an optical output. So I assumed they would have me send my unit in for an exchange. But after the next XS came in and I contacted them, it was made clear that they could not do an exchange for the XDS player.
It seems to me that they have some horrible customer service people working for them and even when I saved them 100.00 bucks by letting them know they sent a second unit, I still had to pay postage to send mine back and no exchange...SO MUCH FOR HONESTY being the best policy! LOL!!1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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not as good as the previous model
by rossa1 on August 26, 2011
Pros: none that I could find
Cons: where to start......
perhaps mine was a less than well built unit, but it wouldn't link to Roku, Amazon, Hulu or Netflix. It made my Sony HDTV behave oddly and it didn't display videos as clearly as my previous model Roku.Summary: I had very high hopes for this latest model Roku 2 XS, however after an afternoon of irritation and frustration I sent it back to Amazon and reinstalled my previous ...
Summary: I had very high hopes for this latest model Roku 2 XS, however after an afternoon of irritation and frustration I sent it back to Amazon and reinstalled my previous model Roku, that fired right up and did what it was supposed to do.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Roku
- Part number: ROKU2XS
- Bottom Line: Thanks to a varied range of content offerings--including Netflix, Amazon, Hulu Plus, Crackle, and Pandora--that beats the Apple TV, the Roku 2 XS is the best all-around streaming-media box you can get for less than $100.
General
- Product Type Digital multimedia receiver
System
- A/V System Recommended Use Home
Audio System
- Output Mode Stereo
Product series
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Manufacturer: Roku
Specs: Digital multimedia receiver,
Internet video playback,
Internet radio playback,
Wireless,
Stereo,
Remote control -
Manufacturer: Roku
Specs: Digital multimedia receiver,
Internet video playback,
Internet radio playback,
Wireless,
Stereo,
Remote control -
Manufacturer: Roku
Specs: Digital multimedia receiver,
Internet video playback,
Internet radio playback,
Wireless,
Stereo,
Remote control
Manufacturer info
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Roku products on Shopper.com
-
- Manufacturer:Roku
- Address:
399 Sherman Ave., Ste. 12, Palo Alto, CA 94306 - Phone: 1-888-600-7658
- Fax: 650-321-9648
