Roku Archives - Page 18 of 25

D-Link MovieNite Review

D-Link unveiled a new low-end streamer this week, the MovieNite (DSM-310) – exclusively available via Wal-mart for $48. So, as I’m wont to do, I immediately picked one up (and simultaneously discovered a new Roku box).

Unlike its chief competition at this price point, MovieNite has a finite number of pre-loaded “channels” compared to Roku’s 400+ channel bazaar (which often is bizarre). And D-Link’s competently covered all the bases with Vudu (by Wal-mart) for high quality video rentals, Netflix streaming, Pandora audio, and Picasa photos. Also, D-Link bests Roku by offering YouTube.

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As to the actual experience, MovieNite can be a bit rough around the edges with a sometimes sluggish interface, perhaps exacerbated by a lack of transitions, and old school fonts. I also experienced a lock up that required pulling the power cable and another incident where the box let out a high pitched squeal as it rebooted. Having said that, the streamlined UI homescreen is suitable for novices — like my mom who’d be overwhelmed by all of Roku’s options and put off by their advertising. Further, the remote channel shortcut buttons make much more sense with a fixed lineup.

"New" Roku HD Lands On Retail Shelves

Just last month we reported that a new “Roku HD” SKU had hit the FCC, and today I found it nestled amongst the Roku 2 XD and XS models at Walmart. As the lowest priced Roku to grace store shelves ($60), I’m sure casual shoppers on a budget seeking to fulfill their Netflix or Pandora … Read more

How To Turn Your HDTV Into An Apple TV

As our digital streamers have shrunk in size, placement options have increased. And I stumbled upon this clever little mount for my Apple TV. The Innovelis Total Mount ($20) can be positioned in three ways – either bolted to your wall with included screws, Velcro strapped to a HDTV wall mount, or hung from your HDTV by … Read more

Save Some Money On Roku

In the market for a Roku streaming box? If so, you’ve got a few deals to choose from today… At the high end, the “flagship” Roku 2 XS is 20% off as Amazon’s Deal of the Day. Instead of $99.99, you’ll only be paying $79.99. Beyond providing access to a variety of “channels” including Netflix, … Read more

The Week In Roku

Firmware 4.3 Update

Widespread deployment of system software 4.3 is now underway for Roku 2 boxes (XS, XD, HD, LT). The firmware rollout actually began with a subset of users a few weeks back… and given the slight bump in release versioning (.1057 versus .1051), it looks like that pilot test was useful in identifying one or two elements that still needed some work. Roku’s blog posting on the milestone itemizes a variety of improvements to a core streaming service (HLS) and Netflix, such as speed and a/v sync. However, the biggest change is international support. Whereas Roku 2 XS boxes acquired via Amazon’s UK or Ireland outposts have been running 4.3 since launch, boxes acquired in the US (but used overseas) have been unable to access regionally restricted channels such as the BBC’s iPlayer without asking Roku for a manual firmware update. So the broad 4.3 rollout should put that particular issue to rest. However, I hear 4.6 is already in testing… and furthers international support.

Another Roku Hits The FCC

Another Roku 2 HD has hit the FCC. Although it was first discovered this week, the docs were published last month and originally submitted back in January. Given the existing Roku 2 HD ($60) is out of stock, a minor refresh isn’t entirely out of the question. Although, the new HD (model 2500) seems more akin to the LT (model 2400) than the HD (model 3000). The most obvious visible changes are a return to three distinct composite inputs – something folks are more familiar than the single 3.5mm adapter they’ve been using lately. Further, the base of the new Roku 2 HD is purple. One potential cost saving measure includes doing away with the micrSD slot, which is used to store additional channels and game data, and I wouldn’t be surprised to learn they’ve similarly dropped Bluetooth, utilized by their gaming remote.

YouTube on Roku. Via Facebook.

While most of the competition offers YouTube on the big screen, Roku remains a notable holdout. At one point, we did enjoy an unofficial “private” channel… which Google had shut down (to new users). And while there was a glimmer of hope last fall that an authentic YouTube channel was headed our way, it’s yet to materialize. … Read more

Gifting Roku Could Be Cleaner

Despite Apple TV’s recent update, we still recommend Roku for folks seeking a basic Netflix streamer (with benefits). After all, you can pretty much purchase two Rokus (starting @ $50) for the price of a single Apple TV ($99). And at such a reasonable price point, Roku also makes a great gift. Yet Roku could improve … Read more

Is Roku Really Kicking Cable's Butt?

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VentureBeat’s run a rather provocative headline that declares “Roku is kicking the cable industry’s butt.” Yet, it’s not exactly clear how they could be.

First thing first, we’re big fans of Roku. In fact, we were amongst the very first to purchase their original Netflix streamer, currently own several modern boxes, and named the $50 Roku LT as “a box of the year” in 2011. Yet, even with all that love, we just don’t see any way that Roku could be kicking cable’s butt.

In terms of numbers, Roku has moved about 2.5 million boxes. That represents one time sales and a small but growing recurring revenue share. Beyond that, Roku isn’t actually profitable. Meaning they spend more money than they ingest. Compared to say a Comcast. Yeah, they may have lost 19,000 cable customers last quarter but that still leaves them will more than 22 million households… who pay them each and every month for premium television services.