I love my Roku!

[chimilady]

We got the same deal through Dish when AMC left, and they sent us a free Roku and I have absolutely no idea how to use it. I don't understand the channels at all, or what means what. I was told to go to the yahoo group and let's just say it is NOT beginner friendly. Asked one question and was yelled at. I would be happy to use it if I can figure out how. I need to a Dummies guide to Roku.

 

[Nayan]

We got the same deal through Dish when AMC left, and they sent us a free Roku and I have absolutely no idea how to use it. I don't understand the channels at all, or what means what. I was told to go to the yahoo group and let's just say it is NOT beginner friendly. Asked one question and was yelled at. I would be happy to use it if I can figure out how. I need to a Dummies guide to Roku.

It's really easy (says the gal who builds her own computers!). If you have an HDTV, connect an HDMI cable from the back of the Roku to the back of the TV. Select the output from your TV menu to match that of the Roku (like video 1, HDMI 1, etc.). Either connect an Ethernet cable to your router or set up wireless in the Roku menu.

http://support.roku.com/entries/221022-how-does-the-roku-player-connect-to-my-tv

 

[ExPirateShopGirl]

If you have an iOS or Android phone you can use the Roku app (free) to do the exact same thing on your Roku boxes. Edited to add:

It can be any device (iPad or tablet) that runs the roku app.

I didn't know you could stream to the Apple TV. That would be good for me. I have Roku boxes now though. I wonder if I can find a reason to buy one anyway????

Dawn

 

[hsmamato2]

I;m thinking of trying either roku or the computer to stream for websites, I already can stream netflix and amazon thru that, but UGH netflix has so little programming, I can't wait till my due date to shut it off! they have almost NOTHING....
considering amazon prime, 79 per year is pretty cheap do they have a better lineup?
tried Vudu, ack,high prices!
what am I doing wrong?

I meant to add we have a ps3 for streaming stuff...but I can't find content....what about regular current tv and movies?

 

[chimilady]

It's really easy (says the gal who builds her own computers!). If you have an HDTV, connect an HDMI cable from the back of the Roku to the back of the TV. Select the output from your TV menu to match that of the Roku (like video 1, HDMI 1, etc.). Either connect an Ethernet cable to your router or set up wireless in the Roku menu.

http://support.roku.com/entries/221022-how-does-the-roku-player-connect-to-my-tv

Thanks, I should clarify that I figured out how to do the manual hook up. I just don't understand channels, or how to use it once it's hooked up. It's been hooked up for months now and every time I try and use it, my husband and I just stare at each other. I'm not tech savvy, but I'm not computer illiterate either. I can usually figure things out on my own, but have no idea where to start on Roku. Do you have any resources on which channels equal what?

 

[Nayan]

Thanks, I should clarify that I figured out how to do the manual hook up. I just don't understand channels, or how to use it once it's hooked up. It's been hooked up for months now and every time I try and use it, my husband and I just stare at each other. I'm not tech savvy, but I'm not computer illiterate either. I can usually figure things out on my own, but have no idea where to start on Roku. Do you have any resources on which channels equal what?

http://www.roku.com/channels/#!browse/movies-and-tv/by-popular

 

[Nayan]

I;m thinking of trying either roku or the computer to stream for websites, I already can stream netflix and amazon thru that, but UGH netflix has so little programming, I can't wait till my due date to shut it off! they have almost NOTHING....
considering amazon prime, 79 per year is pretty cheap do they have a better lineup?
tried Vudu, ack,high prices!
what am I doing wrong?

I meant to add we have a ps3 for streaming stuff...but I can't find content....what about regular current tv and movies?

For some current TV you would need Hulu Plus which is $8/month but has commercials. Hardly any movies that are current stream unless you rent them through Amazon or ITunes. Amazon streaming has pretty much the same as Netflix and I would not pay for it unless you shop a lot at Amazon and plan on taking advantage of the free 2-day shipping. If you're looking for the equivalent of cable, you won't find it easily.

 

[chimilady]

http://www.roku.com/channels/#!browse/movies-and-tv/by-popular

Yup, and this is a link to a bunch of channels that require you to pay, which is why I don't understand the roku love. Aren't there free channels that show actual shows and movies without a subscription service?

 

[Nayan]

Yup, and this is a link to a bunch of channels that require you to pay, which is why I don't understand the roku love. Aren't there free channels that show actual shows and movies without a subscription service?

Not new stuff. If you want the newer stuff then you either have to pay for the channels or get cable. I am a huge B-rate movie lover (think of the Sci-Fi Diner at DHS) so for me I get my fix here. But I could never rely on just using Roku for my TV watching in general, since I like a lot of stuff that's not streamed anywhere.