Roku

[BrianR]

We bought a Roku XL recently.

My opinion is pretty good so far, on the whole. Installation went easily. I do recommend that you do NOT use the HD mode, there are problems with compatibility on your 1080p set. It uses the 480p standard, which isn't going to work with newer sets but they are working on the problem and will release a software update when they fix it, or so they claim.

If you do select HD, prepare for fun and games fixing it.

The secret was found in an obscure forum...press and hold the reset button (well hidden on the bottom of the unit) for forty seconds exactly, while the unit is powered up.! Then immediately pull the power plug for ten seconds. This will reset the unit to the factory settings. You will have to redo your logon sequence after such a reset.

Synching your player to your Netflix and Roku accounts went easily if you can follow directions and happen to have your computer in the same room with the TV. I recommend this highly. Running from room to room trying to remember codes and such is a pain.

After the initial setup, it runs well. I use the wireless option to avoid yet another hardwire running into my living room. It works very well with no lag or stuttering of the picture, even though the walls are thick and old.

Queuing movies to watch in Netflix is easy. Just browse (on your computer) and select the ones you want. Then, you go to your player and select which you want to see from the player's on-screen dialog. It is easy and intuitive. If you watched part of it earlier, you will return to the point that you left unless you want to start over (you select which at the start).

Video quality at the 16:9 resolution is good with only a slight pixellation in certain situations noticeable. The remote is easy to use with large buttons and clear labels. If only Roku had done this with the Reset button!

All in all, we like it and will close out our cable account soon. I am holding off on it for a little while until we gain more experience with the unit. So far, we don't miss cable at all.

The cost is much less than cable. You can add channels to the player from the on screen menu easily. There are free channels and a la carte channels. I wish cable did this long ago! We are still exploring and deciding which we want. More to come on this point later.

By next weekend, we will return the cable boxes and remote and save around $100 a month. Not bad.

I recommend it.

BrianR