Manage updates with the Download AppRoku HD (2012)
Manufacturer: Roku Part number: 2500R
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- With its ability to stream hundreds of audio and video channels (including Netflix, Amazon, Vudu, and Hulu Plus), the $60 Roku HD would be our top pick for those seeking an ultra-affordable Internet media box -- if not for the fact that it's nearly identical to the slightly cheaper Roku LT.
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Where to buy
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 Savings, Selection & Service since 1971 | | In stock | as of 05/14/2013 |
CNET editors' review
Roku HD (2012) price range: $58.00 - $64.99
- Reviewed by: Matthew Moskovciak and John Falcone
- Reviewed on: 05/07/2012
- Updated on:11/20/2012
- Released on: 11/07/2011
The good: The Roku HD is a small streaming-media box that costs only $60. It offers hundreds of streaming-video and -audio services, including Netflix, Hulu Plus, Amazon Instant Video, HBO Go, Vudu, Pandora, Mog, Rdio, and MLB.TV. Roku also offers cross-platform search, capable of finding content across major streaming services. And the HD also supports older TVs via its analog video output.
The bad: For those invested in the Apple ecosystem, the Roku HD doesn't offer the same tight integration as the Apple TV's AirPlay functionality. The Roku HD also lacks channels for YouTube and Spotify. And there's no Ethernet port, so you'll need a solid Wi-Fi signal in your home theater.
The bottom line: With its ability to stream hundreds of audio and video channels (including Netflix, Amazon, Vudu, and Hulu Plus), the $60 Roku HD would be our top pick for those seeking an ultra-affordable Internet media box -- if not for the fact that it's nearly identical to the slightly cheaper Roku LT.
User reviews
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Great Performance if you have good Wi-Fi Signal.
by erikvines@gmail.com on May 8, 2012
Pros: I have notice no lag with a 802.11n network. The interface is clean and fast. Performance wise this is every bit as good as the other Roku boxes. 2GB of NAND Flash memory versus the LT, 2 XS & 2 XD that have 256MB.
Cons: Larger than the Roku LT, Roku 2 HD, 2 XD & 2 XS. This means it won't fit in the TV mounts available. No micro-SD expansion.
Summary: The review states that this is essentially the same as the Roku LT. That isn't entirely true. The Roku LT is made with 256MB of flash memory while the ...
Summary: The review states that this is essentially the same as the Roku LT. That isn't entirely true. The Roku LT is made with 256MB of flash memory while the Roku HD comes loaded with 2GB of flash memory. Since Roku pulled the micro-SD slot, Roku saw fit to up the memory so you have more channel capacity in the new Roku HD than the Roku LT. (NOTE: The Roku 2 HD had 128MB NAND Flash with a micro-SD expansion slot, the Roku 2 XD and XS have 256MB NAND Flash with micro-SD expansion.)
3 out of 4 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Does what I wanted it to
by Macfan424 on December 11, 2012
Pros: - Plays Amazon content.
- Plays HD smoothly with my mediocre DSL connection.
- Amazon HD looks as good as most cable HD channels
- Bargain price
- Wide selection of channels to chose from
- Connects to older, non-HDTVs.Cons: - Most available content is of mediocre to poor image quality (not Roku's fault, but limits its value nonetheless).
- No dedicated Amazon button on remoteSummary: I would have bought an Apple TV, but it doesn't support Amazon. I bought this solely to take advantage of my Amazon Prime membership. It does that beautifully, and ...
Summary: I would have bought an Apple TV, but it doesn't support Amazon. I bought this solely to take advantage of my Amazon Prime membership. It does that beautifully, and the small investment has more than paid off.
I would watch many of the other channels, but their image quality is poor in most cases, and some interrupt movies with commercials. So for me, it's an Amazon box, and occasionally Pandora. I don't care much about Youtube, so I don't miss it. My iPad is fine for watching that when I do want to.
720p is HD, and is the format of choice for a number of broadcast and cable HD channels. Most people would not see much difference between it and 1080p, even if there were much of the latter available for streaming. And, like the majority of buyers, my Internet connection would not support the bandwidth needed for 1089p anyway.
I don't see these boxes as an adequate replacement for cable any time soon, but they provide an excellent substitute, and may permit some to lower their cable bill by switching to a more basic plan.2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Traveling with a Roku? Not!
by mlee6011 on September 11, 2012
Pros: Looks nice.
I wish this could have worked for me.Cons: 1. Cannot connect to a wireless requiring a password in a web browser.
2. Placing your credit card on file to create an account although you can *delete the credit card after the account is created.
according to their support page.Summary: ROKU 2500X
This cannot be used when a wireless password is required through a browser.
I purchased this to be used mostly when I travel. Since hotels do not accept ...Summary: ROKU 2500X
I was able to connect to my home wireless so I've seen how it can connect.
This cannot be used when a wireless password is required through a browser.
I purchased this to be used mostly when I travel. Since hotels do not accept a password until you've connected to the wireless network and opened a browser window the current roku interface could never work. Roku allows you to enter a password when connecting to a wireless network which works great for home. I found too late that their support page mentions cloning your computer address to your wireless router. I have not tried this since I don't intend to start traveling with the roku, the router and whatever else this leads into. I'll have to stick with connecting my laptop to the hotel tv for now.
Updated on Sep 11, 20122 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Use it every day
by felixxx99999 on May 8, 2012
Pros: Yes, Netflix and MLB work great.
Cons: Poor playback quality on Plex avi and divx(Plex blames Roku firmware), layout for Netflix and MLB is poor/ugly. Much nicer on Xbox Live.
Summary: Worth under 100 bucks for sure! Very happy with it! However, now that I can get my Plex to play on Xbox I'm beginning to question why I need ...
Summary: Worth under 100 bucks for sure! Very happy with it! However, now that I can get my Plex to play on Xbox I'm beginning to question why I need it...
2 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Good but not great.
by ryork272 on August 17, 2012
Pros: Easy to use.
Good quality.
Very simple.Cons: Netflix interface, although it works, is definitely sub-par.
Summary: Nice product but nothing special. I also have the PS3 and its interface for Netflix is far superior. Roku is just one big long list of programs. For example, Law &#...
Summary: Nice product but nothing special. I also have the PS3 and its interface for Netflix is far superior. Roku is just one big long list of programs. For example, Law & Order, 15 seasons.. not broken out by season.. just one long horizontal list. Come on Roku!
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Roku2 XS very easy to connect, up n running in minutes!
by aakooncheRakesh on February 3, 2013
Pros: Great savings, Easy to set-up, nice small sizes. I have already down graded my services to basic with with cable provider. Great savings!
Cons: non! non! non!
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Bought the new model 2 mnths ago & purchasing another.
by moniquedg on June 27, 2012
Pros: Easy to navigate through, easy set up, cheaper than cable, lots of television and movie options, and awesome for a kids bedroom (lots of their favorite tv shows are on the netflix.)
Cons: Doesn't have a youtube channel. If you don't have top notch WIFI speed - you can't watch the ROKU on the TV AND watch HD shows at the same time on your computer. (It slows everything down.) Need a decent WIFI speed.
Summary: The Roku is an awesome price when compared to the apple tv and has lots more channels. It was easy to set up, and super easy to navigate through. I ...
Summary: The Roku is an awesome price when compared to the apple tv and has lots more channels. It was easy to set up, and super easy to navigate through. I originally bought it for my mother who kept bothering me to watch netflix on the living room tv. I was a little weary at first that she wouldn't be able to learn how to use it (since she is electronically handicap), but to my surprise she finds more shows and downloads movies better than I can. Also the picture is crystal clear HD!, and there's no annoying lag when clicking buttons. GREAT decent priced gift for kids, and teens. PS. Make sure you have Wifi in your home, and a decent wifi speed at that.
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Glaring channel omissions tarnish good product.
by Tom_Amos on May 12, 2012
Pros: Simple, has wifi, tons of channels. Plex channel is a fantastic addition.
Cons: 1. No YouTube
2. No YouTube
3. No YouTubeSummary: It's annoying that my Sony Blu-Ray player is more useful than my Roku. It's more annoying when Roku emails me, preemptively saying "You're Welcome" in a bold ...
Summary: It's annoying that my Sony Blu-Ray player is more useful than my Roku. It's more annoying when Roku emails me, preemptively saying "You're Welcome" in a bold 18 point font for some no-name channel add when they STILL DON'T HAVE YOUTUBE, where the all the content from that no-name channel has already been for months.
This device is certainly useful, but the idea (according to Roku's spokesperson at E3) is that you won't have to worry about obsolescence because the Roku is updated with new sources so frequently. This sounds silly on it's face when EVERY other device does what Roku can't seem to do.
It does everything else reasonably well, and I still use it. Maybe I'd be less peeved if it was a crappy device, but the glaring omission in an otherwise capable product is stark. -
Looks good, cheap cost, but limited clunky and slow
by bloggerblog on July 11, 2012
Pros: - Has fair amount of content
- Cheap
- HDMI
- SmallCons: - No YouTube
- Does not support iTunes
- Runs slooow
- UI Fail
- Limited search
- Does not support AirPlay
- 720p onlySummary: If you're in the market for such a device, or looking to kick your Cable habit, look at the Apple TV, it blows this thing out of the water!
Summary: If you're in the market for such a device, or looking to kick your Cable habit, look at the Apple TV, it blows this thing out of the water!
0 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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THE WORST CUSTOMER SUPPORT EVER!!!
by ijstrausberg on June 21, 2012
Pros: It worked on and off for about a year.
Cons: Roku has the WORST customer support ever. If you ever need to call them for a problem, you will have a totally frustrating experience. Save yourself from this by avoiding this horrible company!!!
Summary: Consumers beware. Customer support is horrendous. They obviously just read from their scripts and do not listen to what you are saying. You can tell that you are reaching a ...
Summary: Consumers beware. Customer support is horrendous. They obviously just read from their scripts and do not listen to what you are saying. You can tell that you are reaching a call center in India because you will be able to barely understand and hear their reps. Stay away from this bad company!!!
0 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Roku
- Part number: 2500R
- Description: Roku is a little box that allows you to instantly stream tons of entertainment on your TV. Watch movies and TV shows from Netflix, Hulu Plus or Amazon VOD, listen to music on Pandora, catch the latest ballgame, and more - it's all available whenever you want it. The HD, with built-in wireless, delivers top value in high-definition streaming.
General
- Type of product Digital multimedia receiver
- Dimensions (WxDxH) 3.3 in x 3.3 in x 0.9 in
- Weight 3 oz
Network & Internet
- Connectivity IEEE 802.11b/g/n (Wi-Fi)
- Functionality Internet video playback,
Internet radio playback - Internet Streaming Services Netflix
Audio System
- Output Mode Stereo
Connections
- Connector Type 1 x Composite video output ( RCA phono ) - Rear,
1 x Audio line-out ( RCA phono x 2 ) - Rear,
1 x - Rear
Remote Control
- Type Remote control
- Technology Infrared
Miscellaneous
- Cables Included Video / audio cable
Power
- Type External
- Power Consumption Operational 3 Watt
Manufacturer Warranty
- Service & Support 90 days warranty
- Service & Support Details Limited warranty - 90 days
Manufacturer info
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Roku products on Shopper.com
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- Manufacturer:Roku
- Address:
399 Sherman Ave., Ste. 12, Palo Alto, CA 94306 - Phone: 1-888-600-7658
- Fax: 650-321-9648
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