Roku 2 - Streaming Content - I have questions...

[exitspeed]

Roku 2 XS Review - IGN (http://www.ign.com/articles/2011/10/31/roku-2-xs-review)

Just saw this on IGN and it seems pretty cool. I guess it's like the Apple box, which I'm also unfamiliar with.

I have some questions about exactly how it all works and what the prices are like. If anyone has one of these or Apple's or whoever's and can fill me in it would be appreciated.

So I get there's Hulu, and sports, and flickr, Amazon, but I'm wondering how much stuff actually costs.

So if I get Netflix, it would just be the standard Netflix cost I assume...but how much is HBO, or the UFC package?

What about ESPN? I don't want to miss Monday Night Football.

If I ditch cable (something I'd been wanting to do for a long time) I would get all the digital free channels that are out there now in addition to this, right? I'd still get local news, etc?

AMC? I can't miss The Walking Dead.

And with like Hulu, are the episodes available on the day they come out on TV?

I'm just trying to get a grasp on this whole thing to see if It will actually save me money every month or not.

Ok, that's a lot of questions. :w00t:

[SimpleS14]

That's alot of questions!

I have the Roku (v1) since I rarely watch TV and wanted to save money. Hulu, Amazon and Netflix are all the standard subscription price. There's no extra charge or hidden fees when using the Roku. Think of the Roku as another way of displaying your subscription to these services (aka streaming media). As for Hulu, some episodes are available the next day after it's been aired and for some reason they are only available for a limited time.

HBO, as far as I know, does not provide a separate streaming subscription service. This is only available if you have cable (aka HBO GO). The same for AMC and ESPN..these are available only via cable. However there are some games available online through ESPN's websites, but you will NOT get NFL football online (legally). I got to a bar or a friend's house to catch a football game.

You can get free local HD channels if you buy an HD antenna.

[exitspeed]

That's alot of questions!

I have the Roku (v1) since I rarely watch TV and wanted to save money. Hulu, Amazon and Netflix are all the standard subscription price.

And what are those prices specifically? It doesn't say on the website.

HBO, as far as I know, does not provide a separate streaming subscription service. This is only available if you have cable (aka HBO GO).

Their website lists HBO GO.

The same for AMC and ESPN..these are available only via cable.

Damn.

Thanks for answering all my questions though. Tons of help.

[SimpleS14]

And what are those prices specifically? It doesn't say on the website.

It's not something you pay for via Roku, that's why it's not listed on their website.

To get the prices you need to check out the service's website:

https://www.netflix.com/
Hulu - Plus (http://www.hulu.com/plus)
Amazon Instant Video: Watch on Your TV (http://www.amazon.com/gp/video/ontv/ontv)

Their website lists HBO GO.

As I mentioned before, the Roku is just a unit for streaming subscription media to your TV. Think of it as an alternative to building a media center or buying a PS3/Xbox. HBO GO is a subscription service that is only available to you if you subscribe to the television service (very backwards IMO): HBO GO. It's HBO. Anywhere. (http://www.hbogo.com/#signup/)

[Persona]

Why not just hook your laptop up to your TV. I need to read more about these devices to actually understand the pro's I guess.

[exitspeed]

It's not something you pay for via Roku, that's why it's not listed on their website.

To get the prices you need to check out the service's website:

https://www.netflix.com/
Hulu - Plus (http://www.hulu.com/plus)
Amazon Instant Video: Watch on Your TV (http://www.amazon.com/gp/video/ontv/ontv)



As I mentioned before, the Roku is just a unit for streaming subscription media to your TV. Think of it as an alternative to building a media center or buying a PS3/Xbox. HBO GO is a subscription service that is only available to you if you subscribe to the television service (very backwards IMO): HBO GO. It's HBO. Anywhere. (http://www.hbogo.com/#signup/)

Ah, gotchya. Makes sense now. Thanks again.

[sw20>>s14]

i dont have much valuable input besides stating if you have a weak and/or impacted internet connection with many users/load the stream drops occasionally.

my gf has roku v.1 and its not that bad. i watch mostly travel channel shows, documentaries, and x-men from the 90s (chyeah boi!) on saturdays, lol. the quality of stream isnt anything to write home about, but its not as bad as standard cable either. when you stream at 4 dots of quality (highest), its all decent. i cannot determine whether her 720p tv is the limiting factor at that point.

all in all, she doesnt have cable and we make due with that little box (and mario party :D ) when we stay in.

so i could only imagine (and assume) that the v. 2 would be something i would actually be interested in barring any major flaws in design or performance.