I couldn't have cable at my last apartment, so my boyfriend gave me a Roku for Christmas. He thought it was a pathetic/heartless present, but it was a total lifesaver for someone who's addicted to watching tv (and not on a little computer screen). It worked well for me because I was able to use my roommates Netflix subscription, another friends HBO GO subscription, and then I purchased my own Hulu Plus subscription - so the overhead was relatively low for me monthly. A couple cons for me: couldn't watch live shows like the Today Show and you can't stream certain shows through your device (i.e. 30 Rock..sad face). All in all, if you can't have/don't want cable and you know people with subscriptions they're willing to give you the password for it's total win situation. Even now that I've moved in with my boyfriend and we have cable, we still use the Roku all the time!

I'm hopping over to Amazon to purchase right now! Last cable bill almost put me over the edge. Just disappointed I won't be able to keep up with those housewives!

The Roku (esp the tested 2 XS unit here) is an awesomely simple unit. Our family decided the cut the cable this summer, and while my kids' Wii lets us use Netflix, Hulu, etc. in the living room, the bedroom TV needed a box. I tried my PS3 but getting the whole system to work drove my wife nuts (she's NOT a gamer). I surprised her with a Roku 2 XS on a trip to Target (impulse buy), and she loves the simplicity of the navigation (compared to the Wii). She's even been experimenting with the other free channels that are available through the box, and keeps finding more things to like about it.

And anytime my wife is happy, *I'm* happy.

In the picture you use the A/V out, was that just for show or did you hook it up to anything? Did you use the Wi-fi? Was there any issue with buffering over wi-fi if you tried wi-fi and ethernet? Is there any point to the roku fabric tab sticking out? It looks dumb.

Since the remote is RF it would be great to velcro this to the back of a tv, somewhere with ventilation of course. Is the stream 1080, or does that require ethernet?

Oh my God, I have had my Roku for about a year and a half now, My parents bought this for me two Christmases ago when I moved out. I love love looooooove it. I have never even considered paying for cable. I think I recommend this to someone about once a week or so. I love how much content you have, love that I can hide it because I use my phone as my remote, so I don't have to worry about anything blocking the sensor. And even if you were going to use the remote it comes with it's so tiny and inconspicuous.

And as a heads up I had the old roku player and when I decided to buy the new one I discovered that you can get a refurbished roku for $75!! (And it still comes with a warranty!)

http://www.roku.com/about/roku_coupons

Does the new Roku allow for subtitles while using HBO Go? The model I have doesn't allow it and the older models don't accomodate subtitles at all!

I haven't paid for cable TV in about 8 years and I don't miss it at all!! In fact, I just removed my long distance service since I have a cell that I use most of the time. I keep my lan line because I work from home...Anywho...I order TV series through Netflix; although a season later, I can do a Sunday slob day and watch the entire series usually in 2-3 days depending on the lenght of the series. I don't miss cable although I do miss a FEW shows but the savings out numbers the want.

Does anyone have the Boxee? I've been thinking about getting one...they have an add-on for live TV via the airwaves (which we still have here in NYC). The add-on is essentially an expensive "bunny ears" attenna but I like that the channels are synced into the Boxee on-screen operating system...

http://www.boxee.tv/

I LOVE my Roku! It is the best. It'll make you wonder why anyone pays for cable.

I bought a Roku a few years ago and still love the little thing. I mainly use it for Netflix and Amazon instant video. When I cut my cable, I started subscribing to my absolute favorite shows on Amazon and can keep up that way. It's been fabulous. I recommend it to everyone.

The only problem we've ever had with it is losing the remote because it is so small. I swear the cat steals it sometimes. I used to use it across the house from the router and it never lagged. Planning to move it back to the bedroom now that the wireless is working on the router again, and we have the Wii hooked up to the TV now.

You can always buy the individual episodes of many favorite shows the day after they air if you have just one or two "shows". I've been cable free for 2 years and have purchased a season pass from Amazon for the one show I watch - at $17 it is a huge savings over cable.

So can you watch new episodes of shows or it is just reruns??

So what channels do you miss with Roku? Bravo? ABC/CBS/NBC?

We cut the cable, dropped the dish, and went 100% Roku and Apple TV. We subscribed to Hulu Plus and Netflix and just rent or buy anything else as a per-view addition via Amazon or iTunes. We save over $1000 a year this way! Check out www.RokuSpotlight.com to read about what we did!

I love my Roku. I use it with Netflix, Hulu+, and Amazon Prime. I do miss BCC even though Hulu shows many shows a few seasons later.

IF you live in Canada I don't think it'd be worth getting (not enough programming). The American version appears to have more shows etc

@urban_handyman,

I had a boxee that a friend loaned to me while I saved up and bought a tiny computer with XBMC on it.

I really liked it and I think it would be comparable to this Roku. It's bigger and more expensive, and I don't really know what advantages there are above the Roku, but I definitely recommend it!

I recommend having an actual computer attached to your HDTV if possible. That way you can watch anything that's available on the internet, look at web pages (much easier on a computer than on Boxee or Roku), plug in a webcam for skype chatting... It's obviously more expensive, but I think it gives you more options.

The way to get shows is with HuluPlus, Netflix, Crackle, Amazon, and other programming. They mainly show older programs, with the exception of HuluPlus (which is a paid service). I thought about cutting cable, but when I tried it, you had to sit through commercials on HuluPlus and I prefer skipping them. If they had a paid service that killed or let you skip commercials, I would consider it.

Also, I am not sure there is a way to get live sports. You will most likely need rabbit ears to get local games and for sports on TNT/ESPN, I am not sure there is a workaround other than going to your local sports bar. (NOTE: Things may have changed in the last year, but that was my main issue). I would love to know about new alternatives that fix this problem.

I'm really curious to hear from everyone that "cut the cable," how do you get your internet? I currently have Xfinity Triple Play. While I don't like the cost and customer service has been spotty for me, I can't argue with the broadband internet.

I don't know if my household could do without sports... any solutions anyone knows about?

Yeah, my question is, does this version support subtitles? My mom got an early version of Roku that didn't support subtitles from any format, which was a deal-breaker for her since she's pretty hard of hearing.

I am now thinking of buying this thanks to the post and all of the positive reviews. I can't do the Apple TV setup because as an infrequent cable/movie-watcher I don't have an HDTV. But from what I understand, this can be set up with a regular "old" tube television and RCA cables. I'm going to pick one up from Target ($10 right now, I just learned) when I get off of work!

*$10 OFF

I love my Roku. As a matter of fact we have two in the house, a Roku LT and an Roku HD. We cut cable and have never looked back. Lot's of options for children's programming, family and yes sports. Roku offers several sports channels including MLB, MLS, UFC and others. You basically have to subscribe to the service that each sport offers, then link that service to your Roku account, bingo you are watching sports. Another great feature is if I miss a game, I have the option of watching later on demand via the Roku channel. For NFL games, I use a simple pair of bunny ears hooked up to my tv to get the local broadcast. Bunny ears also offer, in HD mind you, access to ABC NBC, CBS.

In addition to my previous post, there are so many different channels being added all the time to the Roku lineup, public and private channels. A couple of my recent faves are for hunting and a some new cooking channels. I also like the various weather options such as Weather Underground. I don't work for Roku, but I sure tell everyone I know how cool it is. www.antenaweb.org is a good resource for local channels via bunny ears to pick up ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC.

I typed "antenna" wrong, correction to link above, www.antennaweb.org for info on bunny ears in your local area.

I was wondering the same thing as someone above.. does the ROKU have subtitles on movies? I have a friend who is hard of hearing and I want them to enjoy the programs just as much as me. Thanks.

Yes subtitles are supported on Roku, more here: http://support.roku.com/entries/20845208-does-netflix-on-roku-support-subtitles-or-closed-captioning

i've had this roku box for aboutttt... 8 months now, after upgrading from an earlier model. let me lay down some negatives that 8 months of use have showed me.Over all, if you don't care about the games and do not need an ethernet or usb port then save yourselves $20 and any unnecessary annoyances and just get the XD. If you don't even care about HD then go for an even cheaper model.

http://www.roku.com/roku-products#3

with the X2 besides ethernet/usb ports ALL you get is the ability to play (expensive) basic games that you probably already have on your phone (it comes free with angry birds and the game play sucks. the remote is not really that sophisticated). and because of the capabilities of the remote to basically act like a wii remote, it runs through batteries pretty quickly. And when the batteries in the remote start to die, then the roku itself starts acting up. I don't understand WHY but it happens. so prepare yourself for some extra battery costs or get rechargeables. It isn't that frequent but much more than the lower model.

to answer some questions:
I am pretty sure Roku does not allow for subtitles across different programs. imagine the roku to be like a smart phone, and you download "apps" so they all function separately and roku is just the platform like the phone you're downloading them onto.The programs themselves have to offer the subtitles. for example, I have HBO Go, and there's the option for subtitles in their "HBO Ole" shows. The apps get updates though so if your HBO Go does not have subtitles at ALL you might want to see if you need to update the app. although i think they might do it automatically though...

I use my roku over wifi and the roku, of course, won't work if your connection goes down, but as long as it is running, even at a slower speed, you won't have too many problems. although sometimes the picture will be fuzzy if the internet slows.

Overall, I recommend it to everyone who can't afford cable, just cause it's better than just having the antenna tv.

@Carrotsticks - thanks. I'm interested in the Boxee b/c it can stream literally any audio/video file regardless of format (even covers some of the ones I've never dealt with). Thanks for the input!

OR if you have an hdmi capable tv and laptop just buy a cheap HDMI cable and use your computer to hook up to the tv and save yourself the $50-100...

@urban_handyman - Check out Plex. It's free, built off of XBMC, and streams any kind of media format from your Mac or PC to a Roku (or iPad, iPhone, etc.). I love my Roku, and Plex is one of my favorite features.

@TTucker - You have the option of just getting the internet service.

How can you get an HBO Go subscription if you don't have Cable+HBO. I would give up my cable right away if I could only keep HBO.

Friends, I've read the article, seen the recommendation, and read all 34 of your comments. I still have a few questions, though, so please indulge me.

1. I live in hurricane country and must have access to the local off-the-air broadcast channels. I think I understand that with ROKU all I need to receive them is a set of rabbit ears. Is that correct?

2. My wife and I love to watch certain series on the various channels, including o-t-a, pay channels, and premium channels. How will we continue to watch this year's version of our favorites, such as NCIS (o-t-a), Ad Men (pay) and True Blood (HBO)?

3. We currently subscribe to DirecTV and have the DVR and three set-top boxes. Will Roku allow us to continue receiving TV programs at each of the other three TVs if we have to turn the boxes back in to DirecTV? And if that is the case, how do we make up for the loss of programming in three locations that no longer have a set-top box? (FYI, I have a desk-top pc with wi-fi, a laptop pc, and an HD TV.)

4. Is there a list anywhere on the net that I can access to see everything (channels) offered by ROKU? My interests are many and varied and I would hate to miss out on some of the programs I currently watch.

Thanks to all,
Bob

@Urban_Handyman,

The Boxee handles all files really really well. I never had a file it couldn't read and play perfectly. My setup included a hard drive connected to my router (so all my computers can access the media), then the Boxee had a hard-wire connection to the wireless router. It recognized media kinda slowly (as in, when it automatically detects new downloads it can take about an hour to show up on the slick menu, this was remedied by simply navigating the folders on the drive if I wanted to watch something immediately after it was downloaded). One negative I would caution is that if you want the Boxee to work over wifi with 1080p HD content, it can get a little dodgy. You need a veeery fast router within relatively close range, in my experience anyway.

Now my setup includes everything as before, but I have an Acer Revo attached to the network instead of the Boxee. The advantage of this is that I can manage all the downloads, iTunes etc.. from the same computer. It's more expensive, but I feel that if you want more control and more options it's a better way to go than the Boxee.

@Bodgie7129

I live in Canada and am happy with the selection up here. I know the USA gets a lot more content (and more recent content) on services like Netflix, Hulu and Amazon Prime. I used to watch a lot of TV by channel surfing and just watching whatever was on. Ever since cutting cable I've watched less TV, and the TV I do watch is intentional. I watch full series and some comedy programs, but I don't just sit there and wait for something to pop up... which I think is a good thing. It's definitely a different TV experience, but I wouldn't say it's not as good. There are way fewer ads (if any) and now I go out for walks and read much more than I used to. It's removed the temptation to just sit there and absorb whatever the cable company wants to show you...

We have a digital antenna from Radio Shack or HH Graig that was around $40, and a Roku. The antenna allows us to get all the local network channels, including some music video channels and 3 PBS channels. We do live on the top floor of a 3 story bldg which probably helps with the reception. However, during storms or low flying airplanes the signals can go out or go static, but that never lasts long. We have not missed cable at all.

We've had our Roku for about 2 years now in lieu of cable and it's been great. We mostly use it for Netflix, Vimeo and Pandora, but I do wish that we could get some live events like the Olympics or sports. We had an MLB subscription, however after shelling out $100, found that we were blacked out of our home team's games, which was a bummer.

Though there are 500+ stations, most of them are junk, in my opinion. Mostly religious and specialty channels.

I have an older roku and I love it. Currently I use the parent's amazon and netflix accounts to watch tv and my own pandora account. What I'm curious about is HBO. From what I've seen, HBO's streaming service is only available to HBO subscribers who have existing cable or satellite connections. So unless you can use a friend's account there's no way to get your favorite HBO shows without paying for cable. Does anyone know if it's possible to just get the streaming service?

sorry, off topic, but not totally. the writer mentioned that they went this route because of an ended cable promo.

when that happens, i just call my cable company, and say that the cost is just too much for me and that such-and-such competitor is offering me much better rates (there are always competitive promotions being advertised. if they still don't offer you a steep discount by then, just say that you want to cancel your account.

usually that is when they forward you to the retention customer service ppl who will offer you good discounts, all in the name of keeping you as a customer.

i like my cable company, have had no complaints, and when i did this last time, they offered me a PVR at no monthly cost, 50% off my cable package. i had to sign on for 2 more years, but like i said i do like the service i get, and have never had issues with the company.

i have contemplated other TV watching options, but at the end of it all, i love being able to watch local news, record TV and all the other features.

now when my contract ends, i might just look at OTA and use it in combo with a wifi TV for shows and movies online.

thanks for the roku review, i'm not sure if it is Canada compliant, have to check that out ;p

I have an Apple TV that I use for viewing Netflix, video podcasts and for AirPlaying video content from my iPad and Mac for either local content or from the internet. For the AirPlay feature alone the Apple TV is highly recommended if you have an iPad or an iPhone. It's an amazing feature.

I also have a Mac Mini that I use for viewing other legal content that is simply not available any other way, like directly from the channel's website (not through most mobile devices) and for Amazon Prime Video. I set up the Mac Mini's desktop with shortcuts with big icons of the channel's website video page so navigation is simple and minimizes having to use the wireless keyboard. I also use the Plex interface on it. Plex has video plugins from different sources to allow you to view video in a relatively easy to use interface with the tiny Apple remote.

Other than those two things I also have a Blu-Ray player for watching Blu-Rays and DVD discs from my Netflix subscription. In the end no one device is ideal as of yet when it comes to ease of use and/or access to content. The combination of a home theater computer, like the Mac Mini I use, and something like an Apple TV or a Roku is as good as it gets.

The Roku is an excellent device but don't be fooled by the amount of video content on offer. Outside of the big brands on offer most of it is worthless. I still highly recommended it if you no longer want cable of satellite. Those with an iPad of iPhone should also get the Apple TV. Trust me, you will not regret it once you start using Airplay with it.

I also prefer AppleTV to the Roku. The Roku has more channels, but I would take Airplay and Airplay mirroring over what Roku offers.

If you have a new Mac, it may be compatible with Airplay mirroring with Mountain Lion. This will currently allow you to mirror the desktop of your newer Mac (check Apple's site for details about compatibility) without a physical connection. The upside is you can get Amazon Prime streaming (not available on iOS) if you don't mind a stereo audio signal.

I have both, but would get rid of the Roku first. Airplay mirroring has replaced a lot of what I bought the Roku for. I still use it for Amazon and MOG (when I don't want to grab my iPhone), but other that, it gets very little use.

I do plan on looking into some of the options for Sports. However, I was more interested in football (NFL network and ESPN) and basketball (ESPN and TNT). If I could get both as separate packages, it might be easier to drop Directv.

My husband and I have been using a laptop hooked up to the tv for the last six years as a way of viewing our favorite shows, but the set up was not as streamlined as I would have liked. We considered Appletv and Roku, but neither had all that we had available on our laptop set up (PBS video, regular Hulu, etc.). We even bought a Roku but ended up returning it because the navigation was wayyy clunkier than what we were used to. Now we have a Mac Mini mounted to the back of our flat screen tv and the tv is mounted on the wall. We use a wireless mouse/keyboard as a remote. No complaints an free!!!

*and free

@Uofmtiger

Amazon Prime is available iOS.

I'm so glad that more people are shutting off the cable and going to the streaming players. I hope this wakes up the cable companies. I live in an area where we only have 2 options for cable and they are both raping people left and right. I'm so glad to be free from cable, however, I still have to use them for internet service. Boo.

I ditched cable in college when I was too busy to watch it and too poor to afford it. That was in 2003 and I never looked back. We have an Apple TV in our living room and a Roku in our bedroom. We subscribe to netflix, huluplus, and amazon prime. We also have an antenna, which I recommend if you love CBS, because they're really stingy with their online content.

With Apple TV there is a MLB, NHL, and NBA channel (they do cost $$). You can "airplay" whatever is on your mac, ipad, or iphone screen to the TV - so if you go to a networks website to watch the shows, you can still watch it on the big screen. You can also send your music, photos, etc., which is really cool. It's also really easy to rent movies or subscribe to specific TV shows.

WIth Roku you can use amazon prime (which is not available on the apple tv) and you can download a bunch of free apps. It's really easy to navigate and rent movies & tv shows through amazon prime, but it doesn't have as much of the cool cross-device stuff that the apple tv does.

You can't lose with either one of them, as long as you subscribe to some kind of video streaming service. I recommend Netflix if you want to watch TV but are fine with reruns, Hulu plus if most of what you want to watch is new episodes that air on mostly on network TV) and Amazon Prime if you're frequent amazon shopper and would like free two day shipping.

I haven't had cable my entire life, so my Roku was a huge step up for me! I really love it and mainly use it for my Netflix subscription and Amazon Instant. The only issue I have with it is that since it uses my WiFi connection, I can't use the internet on my laptop at the same time (it slows down the connection too much), which isn't even really a big deal. I recommend Roku to so many people, it's great!

I love my Roku but BEWARE! The power cords that supply juice to our little boxes have problems and often stop working. They fail so often that they are out of stock on the Roku website on a regular basis. They even suggest buying a "spare" to have on hand. I can't use my little box until they get more in stock. Boo Roku, Boo!

No, not yet

I have two Roku 2 XS' and I build a rooftop antenna. It's called an 'MClapp M4' antenna, and it is VERY powerful. I get up to 70 miles of 1080 broadcasts of my local Pittsburgh channels, but also West Virginia, and Ohio!!!

Anyone with a Roku, get Plexapp and PlayOn. Plex is free and a lifetime subscription for PlayOn can be had for about $50 bucks.. These programs run on your PC, Mac, or Linux computer and create a small network server. The Plex server lets you stream your own TV shows or movies and provides a few extra channels. PlayOn, does the same thing, but let's add live content and lots of extra channels. There are scripts out on the internet which let's you add some live news, sports, and cable channels!!

For phone service, I bought a $40 VOIP box called the "Obihai 100". It runs Google Voice for free. It has call waiting, caller ID, and call forwarding... All FREE and FREE calls in the continental US.

I went from a $220/month Triple Play Comcast bill to $58/month internet only bill, we don't miss A-N-Y-T-H-I-N-G-!!!

P.S. I had to buy a powerful new wireless router, for all this to be possible. Asus RT-N66u. You will not go wrong!!

Try it, and remember "Google" is your guide...

My wife thinks I'm brilliant... ;)

Sounds perfect!

Just ordered a refurbished 2XS on website for $49.99.

I have Verizon (CTV and Internet only) and didn't find much difference in price of wifi with and without cable.

What u/l and d/l speeds did you get for your Comcast internet only?

Any idea if that's for new customers too? It's always a royal pain in the ass to get a straight answer from any cable provider......worse than cell phone companies!

Thanks and once again.....EXCELLENT job and post!

We cut the cord 2 years ago and installed digital antenna to get our local broadcast networks - NBC, CBS, ABC, Fox, CW. At first we connected our laptop to the TV to access HuluPlus, Amazo, iTunes and Netflix. After a few months we got AppleTV because it's more convenient than having a laptop doing double duty.

Our high speed internet access is through Comcast. We have to stay on top of that account to keep getting the good rate (starts at $25 and quickly jumps to $70 if you don't stay on the look out for promotions). We also don't have a land line phone, relying only on our cell phones and Skype.

Things we miss:
Sports - we only get broadcast games on the digital antenna - CBS, ABC, NBC, Fox. If you are a big sports fan and watch a lot of games, you probably need to keep your cable for now. It's the last stranglehold the cable companies have on customers.

BASIC CABLE - HGTV, DIY Network, Style, E!, TLC... all those shows are not available. You might find an episode here or there, but no full seasons available to stream. I hope those channels get it together, but it's another way cable companies can keep you tied to their extortion rates.

SKIPPING COMMERCIALS - iTunes and Netflix are commercial free. Hulu has far fewer commercials than broadcast but they still have enough to be annoying. I would pay more to avoid these but that option isn't available yet. "No Commercials" was once the major selling point for getting cable.

I think eventually it will be possible to buy all shows on demand, but it will take years. The contracts between cable companies, broadcast networks and content producers are complex and designed to last for decades. I wish the entertainment industry will take a look at what went wrong in the music industry and try to avoid a similar fate.

I just cut the cable tv. Comcast jumped up to $143....way to high. Bought the Roku xd via onedaysale for $39.99 refurbished. I bought the exact same modem comcast was charging me $7.00 a month for $88.00 on Amazon. I joined Amazon Prime for free 2day shipping plus free Prime Instant Videos. Currently watching Downton Abbey and Sons of Anarchy plus the occasional movie for free. I downloaded the free Plex app to my Roku and my laptop that serves as a "server". So any of the things you can't get on Roku, Plex will stream it over to the Roku. MSNBC, YouTube, ABC, NBC, etc. Any movies, tvs you have can also be accessed through Plex just tell it where to look. I have mine on a Drobo for long term storage. So far I love Roku, Plex and Amazon Prime. Those three things have made it worth it. Oh I cut the cable and up my download speed to 50mbs for $74.95.