Roku and similar devices
 

Netflix has informed us that it will soon not work on our bluray player. It is great for movies we own so we aren't interested in replacing it. But this opens a possibility...

The only devices that I know about for streaming are roku and amazon's thing. I know nothing about either and am starting my research. I have a couple for questions for the masses and hope that someone can chime in with experience.

Are either of them good? I head that amazon's will do 4K. Will the roku? Will they do netflix? Also, can I get an affordable sports package without having to buy a lot of other crap?

I have fast wireless in the house and FIOS upstream, so am not worried about connectivity issues. I do not have a place for a wired connection near the tv.

Advice would be greatly appreciated!

Re: Roku and similar devices
 

Mark, do you have FIOS as your cable provider?
In Jersey I can watch Netflix from my FIOS box.

Re: Roku and similar devices
 

I do, Dom. Netflix is saying that they won't support my device anymore (the bluray player that also connects to the internet). I have to buy a new device if we want to still get netflix. As long as we are going down this route, I thought I would consider more options. We haven't had real tv for several years. I don't really miss it except for some sports.

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In general the "experts" consider Roku to be the best device amongst the common ones available (Fire, Chromecast, etc.). I have a cheap Roku hooked up to my Samsung TV as the built in smart app pretty much sucks. The Roku is vastly better.

As for 4K, that is a more complex issue. Do you have a 4K TV. If not, there is really no point in caring. Do you have access to sources for 4K signals? This is growing in availability, but if you do not have a streaming service which provides it, or a 4K deck and discs you again need not care. Finally, and more subjectively, are you really discerning enough to see the difference between 4K and regular HD, and if so do you truly care? I can answer none of these questions for you, and can only pose them.

As for 4K with Roku, a quick search showed me that at least the higher-end Rokus, like the Ultra, do provide 4K for you . . . at least according to what Roku says. It should be simple enough to do more extensive research into this. Google is your friend, and Bing is good too. :D

Re: Roku and similar devices
 

From Roku site:

https://www.roku.com/products/players

Re: Roku and similar devices
 

Thank you for teaching the professor of computer science about google.

I wasn't asking where to find manufacturer information on Roku devices, I was asking about people's experience with such devices. I do appreciate you trying, though. Thanks!

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I have the amazon with 4K and does Netflix

You have my number call and can explain how we have done sports packages on it.

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4gi9zFRBCIM

:r

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I have the Roku Streaming Stick + on 3 different TVs and it works very well. It offers Netflix tho I am not a subscriber. Personally, I use it for YoutubeTV, Amazon Prime and CBS all access. They work well.

There are many other channels, free or paid, available. There are also unofficial channels that a computer scientist may be able to find.

Re: Roku and similar devices
 

We went all in on firetv devices when we cut the cable TV. I did that because of the fire recast integration. I had orders from the wife to keep a DVR for over the air stuff she likes. I could have also done any number of other DVRs but needed ease of use for wife and kids. Also decided on fire devices because of channel guide integration with some of the itv providers. We picked up Philo and Pluto. The fire allows one channel guide for all of them. Saving about $90 a month over dish this way.

Only problem I find with the fire devices is that they are sensitive to wifi signal strength. Especially the 4k stick. It'll act up with out good to excellent signal strength.

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Cool! Thank you, John!

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I have had a Roku device before and been very happy. I gave the Roku to my son and picked up an Apple TV box for myself. It’s not a cheap alternative. It’s probably the most costly.

But, if you have an iPhone or iPad it integrates well with those devices. It’s also nice if you decide to get Apple TV+. You can load apps on to the Apple TV box for Netflix, Hulu, Vudo, DirecTV, Amazon Prime, YouTube, etc., so you can still watch everything from one interface.

I’m not trying to tell you that it’s the best device out there, but it is well built, well maintained and easy to use.

Just my :2

Re: Roku and similar devices
 

I started many years ago with Roku and was happy with them for Netflix, and Hulu. About 3 years ago I switched to Firesticks and like them better. They will do Netflix of course but I don't have any subscriptions any more except AT&T TV Now, which was DirecTV Now until recently. We have a big discount on the service since we are longtime AT&T wireless customers with an unlimited plan. I also use Kodi on the Firesticks, with an app for Kodi called Exodus and Exodus Redux. You can pretty much stream almost every TV show and Movie on the planet. I reckon it's questionable whether it's legal or not. I happen to know one of our DSL providers tech's and he has always told me they could care less what I stream.

Re: Roku and similar devices
 

Mark I have both the Roku ultra and the roku 3. The ultra does 4K according to my tv, meaning it activates the HDR, visually I can’t tell the difference even though I like it and think it makes a difference. I have no experience with Apple TV but I do have an older fire stick. The roku seems to process much faster. Down side is if you have a Dolby atmos system Netflix does not process through it yet. But it does pass activate my atmos through amazon and Disney movies.

The only sports app I downloaded on the Roku was nbcbayarea to watch the Warriors.

If you want I have a refurb Roku 3 thats just sitting at home if you want to play with it to see if you like it. Just drop me a pm it’s not a roku stick it’s the boxy style one.

Re: Roku and similar devices
 

Thank you, Greg, Michael, and Greg! That is just the sort of information that I am looking for. I'd love to borrow the Roku 3, Greg. I'll send you a PM!

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If you go amazon, don’t get the stick. Get the more expensive one. The stick is slow and frustrating.

Re: Roku and similar devices
 

Thank you. I've read a few statements like this today on review sites as well.

Re: Roku and similar devices
 

I have the firestick 4k, and don't really have any issues with it being slow. But then again I had the generation before that too and it didn't give me any problems. I only have 100 mbps down and 10 mbps up, so maybe I am just lucky.

Re: Roku and similar devices
 

I have an nVidia Shield and it's really good. A little more expensive than some of the other options, but still quite cheap. Might as well go for the more powerful ones. Apple TV is also quite recommended.

Re: Roku and similar devices
 

We have 2 roku players. One is the 4k snazzy one we keep in our living room for all our streaming stuff. LOVE it. Have had amazon fire sticks and used our UHD bluray player for streaming. This is our preferred method.

We also have one of the entry level roku sticks in our guest house, which we rent out as an Airbnb. No complaints from folks yet.

BIG Roku fan!

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Another vote for Roku.( Also for their stock!) I get the MLB package thereupon. I also have YouTube TV that covers college football( and other sports that I don't watch.) I tried the Amazon stick and did not like the interface at all. I have both Roku sticks and boxes, both are great IMO. Good luck to you!

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The IPTV service I use has like 4000 channels. Every subscription service you can think of. Every US regional channel, international channels, all the NFL, NBA, NHL subscriptions along with 128 adult channels. I pay $70 a year.

Another service called Apex is really good. I think that is well over 4000 channels for like $50 a month. I think the price depends on the reseller.

Re: Roku and similar devices
 

Mark: I have a Roku TV and "Standard" Roku device I hooked up to my "Non-Smart" TV. Netflix works great on both of them!😊👍

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Hmmmm...info on the service??...I cut cable and have ben using YouTube TV, Netflix, Amazon Prime and various services downloaded on firestick...

Re: Roku and similar devices
 

Yes, please. I need this in my life, Moses…..

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Re: Roku and similar devices
 

Apex is a monthly service. I can give you my guy I bought the other service from via PM if you want. You'll still need a streaming device like nVidia Shield, Roku, etc... Android based I think are most require.

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Thank you Moses!

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Mark, what did you end up doing?

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Haven't found the time to evaluate the device that Greg sent me. So ... nothing.

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Got this today from C/Net:

https://www.cnet.com/news/best-strea...13150264035733

Re: Roku and similar devices
 

nVidia is not even mentioned... :confused:

Re: Roku and similar devices
 

It's CNet, that shouldn't shock you. They only mention advertisers.

Re: Roku and similar devices
 

All I know about Nvidia Shield is that it costs 3 to 5 times more than many other systems available. Is it 3 to 5 times better?

Re: Roku and similar devices
 

Nvidia is mentioned in both the title and contents of the review. :confused:


Best streaming device of 2020: Roku, Apple TV, Fire Stick, Nvidia Shield and more

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2nd time reading, I see it. It's only $150 so it's not like buying a TV. Why not just get that and you game controller which helps in navigating screen?

It's better than the Fire Stick and Roku; which I have both of as well.