Roku Question?

[Nevergrow'nup]

Anyone here using a Roku to stream movies? We are getting one for Christmas. Do you need to buy any additional connections to connect your computer to the box and tv? The box is hidden away and I am completely clueless to all of this.

Thanks!

 

[TifffanyD]

Anyone here using a Roku to stream movies? We are getting one for Christmas. Do you need to buy any additional connections to connect your computer to the box and tv? The box is hidden away and I am completely clueless to all of this.

Thanks!

We have one and we love it!

The Roku has wireless connectivity so if you already have a router and network set up you just connect it. If you don't have a wireless router you will need an ethernet cable to connect it to the router. And it will have to sit near the router.

You do need to have Netflix if you want to watch those movies.

You do also need a way to connect the Roku to your television. We are using an HDMI cable since we have limited component connections available. We did not buy the HDMI cables through Roku or at a store. I ordered a cheap set off Amazon (maybe $5 with shipping). This little device is AMAZING and they are constantly updating it!!

We have been using it for almost a year now so let me know if you have other questions.

 

[MaumeeMom]

Congratulations! I love our ROKU box!

TifffanyD explained the set-up pretty well. I love that I can move the box from tv to tv because it is so tiny. We use it to stream via Netflix and the only downside is that you can only add to the queue via the netflix website, you can't surf from the ROKU box.

We've also used it to stream from Amazon.com when we get a coupon code.

Enjoy!

 

[Nevergrow'nup]

We do not have a HD tv, It is one of the older big box type ones. Will the HDMI cable work? I should have looked into this more...... I am trying to make sure I have everything for Christmas!

 

[TifffanyD]

This is from the Roku FAQ:

How does The Roku digital video player connect to my TV or stereo?

The Roku digital video player has a full complement of connections to support virtually any TV or AV receiver. While you only need to make one video and one audio connection, the Roku digital video player gives you the flexibility to connect in the way that works best for your setup.
Composite video
S-Video
Component video
HDMI (video & audio)
Stereo audio
Optical Digital audio
The Roku digital video player only includes a composite cable and customers should order the premium cable pack to get all the other video cables. An Ethernet cable may be purchased at a local electronics store.


So if your television doesn't have HDMI inputs you can connect it via the red/white/yellow cables.

 

[cruisnfamily]

This is from the Roku FAQ:

How does The Roku digital video player connect to my TV or stereo?

The Roku digital video player has a full complement of connections to support virtually any TV or AV receiver. While you only need to make one video and one audio connection, the Roku digital video player gives you the flexibility to connect in the way that works best for your setup.
Composite video
S-Video
Component video
HDMI (video & audio)
Stereo audio
Optical Digital audio
The Roku digital video player only includes a composite cable and customers should order the premium cable pack to get all the other video cables. An Ethernet cable may be purchased at a local electronics store.


So if your television doesn't have HDMI inputs you can connect it via the red/white/yellow cables.

OK, so we're getting one too. We do NOT have HD tv. Does that mean we don't have hdmi inputs? Can we just hook it up to the tv with whatever cords come in the box or do we need to buy the "premium cable pack"?

 

[cruisnfamily]

Congratulations! I love our ROKU box!

TifffanyD explained the set-up pretty well. I love that I can move the box from tv to tv because it is so tiny. We use it to stream via Netflix and the only downside is that you can only add to the queue via the netflix website, you can't surf from the ROKU box.

We've also used it to stream from Amazon.com when we get a coupon code.

Enjoy!

More details on how you add stuff to your netflix Q and use Amazon. Are there 2 Q on netflix? One for movies by mail and one for downloads?

 

[Malibustyle23]

More details on how you add stuff to your netflix Q and use Amazon. Are there 2 Q on netflix? One for movies by mail and one for downloads?

I don't know about amazon but I do about netflix. Yes you have two qs the first is an instant q and the second a by mail q. All movies are available by mail but not all are instantlyavailable. You can make 2 separate qs online and it will go on your download q instantly.

BTW incase you have a xbox 360 or ever get one your account can also stream instantly through your live account.

 

[TifffanyD]

OK, so we're getting one too. We do NOT have HD tv. Does that mean we don't have hdmi inputs? Can we just hook it up to the tv with whatever cords come in the box or do we need to buy the "premium cable pack"?

Yes if cords come in the box. Does it come with component cables? I don't remember. We had no room left for those so we had to get the HDMI. I wouldn't buy their premium cable pack tho - I would just buy them elsewhere (amazon - cheap) if you find you need them