Ok Let Me Review It: Roku Streaming Device

The Roku has been around since May 2008, and has quickly given standard televisions and non-smart HDTV's access to streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, Pandora and more.
So why blog about them, or do up a product review on them now? Well there are still folks out there who dont know which streaming device to choose, nor have access to the above mentioned services.  There are several "generations" on the market right now. I currently at the time of writing this article have a Gen 1 and a Gen 3. So what is the difference? Well I have a flat screen HDTV in my bedroom, and an old standard definition TV in my living room. I know it should be the otherway around. Well on newer tv's they have what is called an HDMI port, and older tv's have RCA ports.

RCA/Composite Cable Port and HDMI Ports

The other difference between a Gen 1 and Gen 3 is the programs that it can broadcast, and their connection types. So Gen 1 can connect to older tv's as well as newer ones, and the Gen 2 and above connect into HDMI. Now they do have a a Roku Express + which is an updated version of the Gen 1 that you can connect to any tv too. I just happen to have gotten the Gen 1 off Craigslist for free. 

Here is a more technical break down of what the different Roku's offer: Click to make larger.

Now what does all of this mean? Well if you are looking for a way to get more out of your TV or to cut out your cable/satellite bill then you are going to want one of these. You will still need internet or WIFI in order to use these, but you do not need a tv provider in order to watch most of the content offered. You will need subscriptions to Hulu, Netflix, HBO, Showtime, Starz and other movie channels like that. Most start off at $7.99 a month. But there are other free channels and services that you can access from your Roku and "hidden" channels that you can install in order to get additional programing. As of right now I do not know of a way to get free sporting events on Roku but there are plenty of subscription options. Here is a full maintained list of channels you can add to your Roku http://streamfree.tv/roku-channels/private/  I dont own, maintain, or have any associations with this site and make no claims to. 

I also have a Google Chrome Cast and for me I almost wish that I had gone with Roku first, as there are more features, and you can screen cast from your cell phone, or tablet/computer. Google Chromecast you can do the same thing but its more of a pain in the butt.

So with the holidays quickly approaching, and if you are thinking about getting someone something special, I would highly suggest this device. You can get them online, or by going to walmart, target, or best buy.