We are long time Apple TV fans, so it was with some trepidation that we finally added a Roku to the mix.  It was just that Roku worked much better with PLEX, our new media manager,  and as it turned out Roku had a few other niceties as well.  There may be a newer, more capable Apple TV in the works but for the low price of the Roku we decided  it was better to spend the money than the time on work-arounds.  It’s not a big investment, priced at $50 to $100, Roku is an affordable way to leave cable behind or just add a whole new encyclopedia of entertainment to your existing choices.

Over 2000 channels

Streaming fun

Streaming has come a long way.  Where once it was reserved to ultra high-speed connections and laggy (interrupted and slow) delivery of content.  Streaming has come of age and is now full HD and delivered smoothly and uninterrupted.  In a comparison between Cable delivery and Internet delivery of shows, there is no difference.  In fact due to the lack of commercials (on most channels) and a few other bonuses we’re willing to say Roku’s Internet delivery is much better.

Roku flavors

The Roku devices come in a variety of shapes and sizes.  From the Roku 1, which supports older TVs with Composite and stereo connectors, to the Roku 3 which is lightning fast and HDMI-only, there is a variety and a price range for everyone.   The Roku 1 is one of two $50 Roku models.  It’s the base model that put Roku on the map and it doesn’t support the faster processors available in later models.  Next up is the Roku stick (also $50), which is a really slick piece of machinery.  No bigger than a standard memory stick, The Roku stick does most things it’s bigger brothers do but is designed to be attached direct to a wall mounted TV and be invisible.  The Roku 2 has the upgraded dual-band wireless and one of the Roku line's coolest features.  You can plug your headphones into the included remote for silent listening pleasure.  That is so handy and eliminates headphone wires strung across the floor.  The Roku 3 is the newest and fastest offering, it comes with the headphone enabled remote, dual band wireless and includes motion control for using the remote with online games.

Only Roku 1 and 2 have composite/stereo ports

Real differences

All of the models of Roku get all the available channels.  If you have an older TV you’ll need either the Roku 1 or 2, they do HDMI as well but the key component is the composite/stereo jacks to connect to the TV.  The Roku stick and the Roku 3 are HDMI only for connection to the TV.  However the Roku 3 is the only offering with an ethernet connection for direct connection to your router or switch.  The wireless on all the Rokus is fast so not many people will care too much about this.  If you want to be able to plug your headphones into the remote (really cool) you’ll have to go with either the 2 or the 3.     This is so handy for watching in bed while your partner is sleeping, or the kids are driving you crazy playing a game.

Nice Surprises

Headphones plug into the remote.

For us, we got the Roku 3 and it was the speed that pleased us most.  The user interface is easy and moves really quickly, channels are simple to select and set-up and the overall feel is lightning fast.  Quality is superlative, full HD is amazing coming from this 3” by 3” box and has made us wonder even more about or commitment to Fios TV.  Of course we like things that are easy to set-up and use without endless looks at the manual and deliver a better than expected product.  Other littler niceties were being able to stream movies and pictures off our phones and tablets, access to Amazon video, youTube and Netflix, not to mention searching for entertainment across multiple channels.  For Time Warner customers there is a Time Warner cable app which allows users to watch all the Time warner channels.

Bottom line

Roku is cheap, most of the channels are free and the ones that do charge have only minimal expenses.  If you’re already paying for the Internet why not make the most of it?    Over 2000 channels are already available, and more are always on the way.

Prentiss Gray is a writer and stay at home Dad with 27 years in the information systems and technology business.  His favorite saying is “If you have to read the manual to use it, I don’t want one.”  He can be reached via his website GrayResearch.net.