This is my second Roku box. I bought the first one (the HD model) about two months ago as part of a promotional package for my PlayOn software and liked it so well that I decided to purchase the 2XS for my large-screen TV. I've been streaming video on that TV for several years using a Briteview CinemaTube box which is, to put it kindly, primitive when compared to the Roku products.
Set-up was simple and fast but you do need to have a computer available with internet access. You will be required to create an account with Roku and provide them with your credit card information. If you want to use the device to stream video from Amazon, you will also have to register the device with Amazon and have an Amazon account. All of that takes just a few minutes.
I'm an Amazon Prime customer so I use Amazon as my primary source for streaming video. Out of the box the Roku also has Netflix and a few other sites enabled. You add sites by going to Roku's Channel Store. You can also remove sites so your interface is not cluttered. One interesting thing is that there are also hidden channels that don't show up when you browse the Channel Store. These are added by going to the Roku web site. I had to add my PlayOn software that way. One last observation: the only offering for Hulu through Roku is the paid HuluPlus channel, but I can still access basic free Hulu using my PlayOn server.
The HD model, contrary to what the name implies, supports 720p resolution, not true 1080p HD, but it is more than adequate for my small-screen kitchen TV. The 2XS model is true HD, suitable for large-screen TVs like my 50" plasma. In addition, the 2XS is the only Roku model that comes with a wired ethernet port in addition to built-in wireless. This is important when streaming HD content which can stutter over a wireless connection. I have my U-Verse router located in the same area as the entertainment center in order to be able to plug the media streamer directly into it.
The Roku remote control is simplicity itself. The 2XS comes with an RF remote that is motion sensitive to support playing the built-in Angry Birds game (not something I'm really interested in). Fortunately, it also supports standard infrared remote commands so I was able to program my Logitech universal remote to handle all of the functions. One oddity was that Logitech puts the Roku into its DVD category which makes it almost impossible to find when trying to add a device. A google search resolved that problem without too much head scratching. I'll keep the original remote handy for when the kids come to visit.
The user interface is attractive with thumbnails and cover art. Navigation is fast with confirming clicks and sound effects, a big improvement over my old CinemaTube.
All in all, an excellent product and a good value. Amazon's price was less than the Roku site, which also for some reason wanted to charge me sales tax.
Edited to add a follow-up: After using this device for several weeks I am more impressed than ever, not only with the hardware but also with the way the Roku folks have packaged and organized the vast amount of content on the web and delivered it in a way that even the most technically challenged person can get to it easily. This is not a gadget; it is a reliable, hard-working internet appliance.
One other thing I'm delighted with is the internet radio channels. Using the TuneIn app I've found a dozen or so classical and jazz stations from around the world that I really like. These can be preset (like setting the buttons on your car radio) to make listening as easy as turning the TV on.
| Brand Name | Roku |
|---|---|
| Item Weight | 0.3 ounces |
| Product Dimensions | 3.3 x 3.3 x 0.9 inches |
| Item model number | 3100R |
| Batteries | 2 AAA batteries required. (included) |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Color Name | Black |
