[EdV]

For those of you who are interested in these new streaming video devices such as Roku with Netflix, I thought I’d mention a few things that could be helpful.

Although the Netflix streaming service for $8/mo is available on a large number of set top boxes and new model TVs, the tiny Roku boxes are the most popular. Conversely, the Roku box will connect to a number of different streaming video services but the Netflix service is the most popular. The availability of the award winning PBS series Downton Abbey on Netflix certainly helps.

The $50 base Roku model will connect to any TV, old or new and will provide High Definition if your TV is HD. The $80 mid-range model adds HD at the higher 1080p quality if the program, your TV and Internet connection speed supports that.

For you snowbirds, here’s the good news. Even if you have two residences, you only need one Netflix account. You can shuffle one Roku box back and forth (great if you own in one location but rent in the other), or you can configure two Roku boxes to connect to the same Netflix service.

The ability to browse through the library of available movies and series add them to a queue and then view them from wherever you happen to be is just too convenient to be ignored.

[Harry Gilbert]

Just want to add that you WILL need internet access to utilize these services. The faster the service the better the picture will be and the load time will be quicker. DSL at the min but cable/Fios would be much better

I have one and they do work well. Lot of non netflix content is available with Roku.

[Dirigo]

Originally Posted by Harry Gilbert

Just want to add that you WILL need internet access to utilize these services. The faster the service the better the picture will be and the load time will be quicker. DSL at the min but cable/Fios would be much better

I have one and they do work well. Lot of non netflix content is available with Roku.

We've had a Roku for a couple of years now and we love it.

[EdV]

Incidently, it's pronounced Row-Koo, not Rock-You.

[buzzy]

Originally Posted by Harry Gilbert

Just want to add that you WILL need internet access to utilize these services. The faster the service the better the picture will be and the load time will be quicker. DSL at the min but cable/Fios would be much better

I have one and they do work well. Lot of non netflix content is available with Roku.

Is 3mbs DSL sufficient?

[Harry Gilbert]

I have 2mb dsl for now hopefully Fios in the future.

With 2 mb I have to plan out my viewing by starting the program and waiting 10 min or so and then rewinding back to the beginning or else it will be buffering every 5 min or so. And definitely not HD quality. The tv is HD but the signal is not at that speed. I have read where 10mb or better will give the HD signal and smooth viewing. My son has 25mb and the service is flawless at that speed.

Hope this helps