Roku?

[Clementine_3]

I'm thinking of ditching cable and getting Roku. I'd get Netflix but what else?

I have an older TV, no HDMI/USB nuttin' so all of my TV watching needs have to be met through Roku. The only things I really watch are NCIS and Criminal Minds. I also watch hockey and baseball, I'd probably get MLB.tv premium and NHL GameCenter (not sure about that due to blackouts, may not be worth it).

What is free and what is paid/subscription and what do you cable-free folks recommend?

Pro's and con's please

 

[Kelmar]

http://androidforums.com/lounge/577439-who-here-has-ditched-cable-satellite-tv.html

http://androidforums.com/lounge/499671-cutting-cord.html


I know I don't use mine NEARLY to what it's capable of, but I often refer to those threads (specifically THIS POST) when I'm feeling daring.

 

[kate]

Netflix for sure, Hulu Plus if you want more current stuff.

Crackle is free and has many movies.
Amazon Instant.
Vudu if you want to rent new movies
Like music? Pandora and Vevo are on Roku.

 

[Clementine_3]

I have Netflix, Amazon Prime and MLB.com and it's fine so far
Called TWC today and went down to basic broadcast for local channels. I also bought the season of Duck Dynasty (amazon), love my ducks!
Haven't really checked Crackle or Hulu yet.

 

[tube517]

If you can use Crackle and (free) Hulu along w/Netflix and Amazon Prime, that's a lot right there.

You can also use the TV Portal app (not in playstore) on your Android device and mirror to your TV.

 

[kate]

and (free) Hulu

Unfortunately you can't use free Hulu with the Roku. You have to pay $8 for Hulu Plus.

 

[breadnatty08]

I've posted in both the links Kelmar listed, but I'll just reiterate, we cut the cord a few years ago and have been fine ever since. We first started out with a Blu-ray that could stream Netflix and even that was fine. Now we have a Roku and it's even better.
We usually just use it for Netflix and Amazon, but there's loads of shows on there. My wife likes it for the Korean soaps.
Also picked up a Chromecast for fun, so now we have Youtube since it's not on Roku.

 

[HanSolo]

I know this is an old thread, but I just picked up a Roku 3 and it's awesome! I put in Hulu+, Netflix, and thinking about Amazon Prime (any advantage over Hulu+?).

 

[Clementine_3]

I have Amazon Prime and Netflix, never did try Hulu but honestly have plenty to watch. I do get nhl and mlb too. I also get basic broadcast cable. Between everything it's working out pretty well.

 

[MacFett]

Also picked up a Chromecast for fun, so now we have Youtube since it's not on Roku.

I have youtube on my roku II and have since I got it right after it was released.

I've been looking and can not find the YouTube app I have. But it looks like there is a new one around the web.

 

[bjacks12]

My folks have a Roku. We watch Netflix and Hulu on it. We're not into sports at all so I can't comment on the sports channels. The Chromecast is nice because of the ease of use with my phone. I use it for Netflix, Hulu, and YouTube.

I don't know if the Roku has an output except for HEMI.

 

[MacFett]

I don't know if the Roku has an output except for HEMI.

The Roku and Roku II both have SD video out. Unsure about the III.

 

[unnamedny]

Just build Home Theater PC. Building that pc could be around $250, but it pays off in no time.

 

[MacFett]

Just build Home Theater PC. Building that pc could be around $250

My Roku was $75.

 

[unnamedny]

My Roku was $75.

and its capable of what? no mouse or keyboard, can't play games, property browse internet. I dumped cable more than 3 years ago and until they start offering channels unbundled, I'm not going back to it. Roku does not replace cable, HTPC does more or less. My system cost me $500, but it paid itself off.

 

[JohnLaird]

I have a Roku 3 and I'm very happy with it (Netflix). Only downer is that it has to run on HDMI which means I can't take it just anywhere and plug it in like I would have been able to do with the Roku 2.

 

[unnamedny]

I have a Roku 3 and I'm very happy with it (Netflix). Only downer is that it has to run on HDMI which means I can't take it just anywhere and plug it in like I would have been able to do with the Roku 2.

You can run any video service on HTPC without any restrictions, and its much easier to navigate. Home Theater PC is more practical in every way possible. Roku has zero advantages over HTPC.

 

[Brian706]

Thread cleaned up. Please keep it civil and on topic. Thanks!