I dumped cable TV, and still have loads to watch

On paper, it looks like a Roku knockoff, with a few extra features like web browsing, at a cheaper price than the comparable Roku model.

I'd be cautious, though. I couldn't find anyplace with a good, usable directory of compatible streaming content for the device. Seems like it hits all the big ones (Netflix, Hulu, Amazon), but if you're looking for anything more niche than that, well, it might have it or it might not and there doesn't seem to be any reliable way to tell.

Also, it's listed on the LG web site as discontinued, meaning that if (say) Hulu Plus were to make some change to their streaming format tomorrow that broke compatibility, it's not a sure thing that LG would push out an update to fix it. Or if some new streaming provider came along that you wanted to use, who knows whether they'd update with support. Whereas Roku has been 100% behind their set-top boxes in terms of support, which is unsurprising as that's all they do.

I'd love to hear all about your experiences if you do decide to drop the $50. If it were me, though, I'd take a hard think about what I'm actually going to use it for. Its only advantages over the identically-priced Roku LT are web browsing and the USB port. How often are you actually going to browse the web on your TV anyway? And if the USB port is a selling point for you, you can get a Roku with that feature for $40 more. Might be worth shelling out the extra dough now to avoid having to spend more than that to replace it a year or two down the line if something new comes along that it doesn't support.

The Roku 2 XS (with usb port) is on sale at Best Buy for $79.99 right now. The XD is 69.99.

I appreciate the feedback, I really appreciate it- I'm going to pass. While I actually have no interest in browsing the net on my tv, I thought that the option of going online might mean I could view videos on websites if they weren't available elsewhere. I could be wrong about whether this would possible and, if so, how often it would actually occur.

I was all set to make the move to cut my cable and see if I could just live on Hulu + streaming through my Wii, but with Hulu's possible upcoming changes I'm wary until I see how this actually impacts Hulu + as well.

I have friends and co-workers who love Apple TV- this restricts you to content stored in your iTunes, though, doesn't it?

I think sticking to a device with a history of being supported and being successful does make sense. Right now the Roku is seeming more interesting, even if it doesn't allow web browsing.

The biggest stopping point for me on Apple TV is that it doesn't go up to 1080p, only 720p.

demonbox wrote:

I appreciate the feedback, I really appreciate it- I'm going to pass. While I actually have no interest in browsing the net on my tv, I thought that the option of going online might mean I could view videos on websites if they weren't available elsewhere. I could be wrong about whether this would possible and, if so, how often it would actually occur.

In my experience, it's a tossup whether device-based web browsers can handle video streaming from any particular source and how good the experience is if they can. Browser-based video streaming is way more of a mess of competing standards than you might think, it's just that most of it is invisible to the end user as long as you keep your computer's web browser up to date. I wouldn't bet too hard on LG to continue pushing out the necessary updates to keep a discontinued device up to date on every crazy compression format that every two-bit web site uses to stream their videos.

Yeah most browsers don't include flash... something like the Wii or the PS3 browser for instance... so you can't watch ESPN3 or anything like that.

The solution is to grab a Mac Mini instead of an Apple TV, but that is pricy.

cartoonin99 wrote:

The biggest stopping point for me on Apple TV is that it doesn't go up to 1080p, only 720p.

The current Apple TV does 1080p. You are restricted to iTunes but that doesn't mean you have to purchase everything through iTunes. You just have to bring it into iTunes. I chose the appletv over Roku because of the other apple devices we have (2 ipads, 1 iphone, and 2 touches). If you aren't already invested in Apple I see no reason to get apple tv.

I trying out Hulu Plus right now. I know my expectations should be scaled to what $8 will get you, but I'm pretty disappointed. To be fair, it does offer some network television (though some is locked to just a few episodes- I thought this was just for Hulu Free). The real wasteland, though, is cartoons and family. Entertainment for my kids is going to be a pretty major factor for me.

To use an example as analogy- the selection was small enough that I was excited to see that it offered The Munsters, until I realized it was the color revamp (har har) of the show. This one example was kind of my experience with it in trying to find content for my kids. I decided to sidestep the unjoy of typing on the wii and found a few additional cartoons my kids would like- including Danger Mouse and The Littles. Turns out these are only availble online, not through tv.

Licensing is clearly a tough issue (something even Netflix struggles with, and they're mostly doing it right) and I probably should have lowered my expectations to a tenth of my current cable experience (since Hulu cost exactly 1/10 of what my cable cost me) but I am currently very unimpressed.

hbi2k wrote:

In my experience, it's a tossup whether device-based web browsers can handle video streaming from any particular source and how good the experience is if they can. Browser-based video streaming is way more of a mess of competing standards than you might think, it's just that most of it is invisible to the end user as long as you keep your computer's web browser up to date. I wouldn't bet too hard on LG to continue pushing out the necessary updates to keep a discontinued device up to date on every crazy compression format that every two-bit web site uses to stream their videos.

Useful information; thanks.

Sheazy wrote:

My wife and I are going to be making this switch with our move next month. We'll still have netflix and amazon through the ps3, but are there any recommendations on a good antenna for picking up OTA (HD) TV?

I may be a bit late, but I've heard good things about the mohu leaf antenna. I've been meaning to picking one up, but haven't got around to budgeting it yet. They also have a amplified version.

demonbox wrote:

I trying out Hulu Plus right now. I know my expectations should be scaled to what $8 will get you, but I'm pretty disappointed. To be fair, it does offer some network television (though some is locked to just a few episodes- I thought this was just for Hulu Free). The real wasteland, though, is cartoons and family. Entertainment for my kids is going to be a pretty major factor for me.

I like Hulu Plus for Comedy Central (specifically Daily Show) and for keeping up with some network shows, mostly NBC shows. I think those things combined are worth 8 bucks a month to me. Everything else is, exactly as you said, a wasteland.

The multichannel (cable/sat) TV prices in Israel haven't changed much for years. They added HD channels but since we got disconnected 4 years ago I don't watch TV at all. The prices are usually for all or nothing at about 50-80$ per month for TV. You can internet included and phone for 86/100$ ( for 30/100mbps ) from the cable company. There is no deals where I can pay 20$ a month and get a few channels I want to watch . the competition level is pretty bad too ( 2 companies).

There are no legal streaming services like in the USA but there are plenty of alternatives in Israel if you catch my drift. This makes TV not as desirable. The government is also getting more channels on DTTV (going from 5 to 18 channels) so then we'll need cable even less. The only people who have to have cable are sports fans and people with children. Most others work long hours so they don't get to enjoy it.

In terms of Internet I had a thread about my negotiation with the phone company. I started with 63$ for 20/0.8 immediately droped to 45$ after speaking to their "heart". Now, 3 month later I got 65-75mbps/1.5 (vdsl2 has trouble reaching 100mbps) for 37$. I thought about switching to the cable company but they are currently very expensive. The government also hit the cable company with regulations which doesn't allow them to combine services into one package.

I want some Kid channels but I am not planning to pay 50$ a month for them. I'd rather pay through a per view than pay an inflated monthly fee.

EvilHomer3k wrote:
cartoonin99 wrote:

The biggest stopping point for me on Apple TV is that it doesn't go up to 1080p, only 720p.

The current Apple TV does 1080p. You are restricted to iTunes but that doesn't mean you have to purchase everything through iTunes. You just have to bring it into iTunes. I chose the appletv over Roku because of the other apple devices we have (2 ipads, 1 iphone, and 2 touches). If you aren't already invested in Apple I see no reason to get apple tv.

Yup. Also, if you jailbreak it, it's an EXCELLENT Plex client.

Though it isn't possible to jailbreak the new Apple TV just yet.

clever id wrote:
Sheazy wrote:

My wife and I are going to be making this switch with our move next month. We'll still have netflix and amazon through the ps3, but are there any recommendations on a good antenna for picking up OTA (HD) TV?

I may be a bit late, but I've heard good things about the mohu leaf antenna. I've been meaning to picking one up, but haven't got around to budgeting it yet. They also have a amplified version.

A bit late - I had actually already bought this exact antenna by the time I saw this post. Thanks

Dumb Question here (and I guessing I am skimming too)

My wife has amazon prime. I understand we can stream some of their shows and movies. Will a Roku box stream it for me (not sure if we are going to use it on our 480p tube in the bed room or on the HD TV in the living room - so I would have to choose the model that would allow connections to either)

Also, what is the difference between Amazon Prime and Amazon Instant?

Thanks

Ego Man wrote:

Dumb Question here (and I guessing I am skimming too)

My wife has amazon prime. I understand we can stream some of their shows and movies. Will a Roku box stream it for me (not sure if we are going to use it on our 480p tube in the bed room or on the HD TV in the living room - so I would have to choose the model that would allow connections to either)

Also, what is the difference between Amazon Prime and Amazon Instant?

Thanks

I believe all Roku models comes with a standard RCA connector (the one with yellow, white, and red wires) so it can connect to just about any but the oldest TVs. You can also use an HDMI cable, though that isn't provided.

Amazon Prime started as a premium two-day shipping service. You pay the annual fee and any Amazon Prime eligible product you buy gets free two-day shipping.

Amazon Instant is Amazon's video streaming service. You can either buy or rent TV shows (individual shows or seasons) and movies.

A few years ago Amazon began offering people who bought Amazon Prime free access to a portion of their streaming library. The Amazon Instant content that is available via Amazon Prime has a lot of overlap with what's available via Netflix.

It's implied by the above, but to be clear, yes, Amazon streaming (both anything you buy/rent a la carte and the stuff that's included with your wife's Prime subscription) works just fine on Roku.

Sheazy wrote:
clever id wrote:
Sheazy wrote:

My wife and I are going to be making this switch with our move next month. We'll still have netflix and amazon through the ps3, but are there any recommendations on a good antenna for picking up OTA (HD) TV?

I may be a bit late, but I've heard good things about the mohu leaf antenna. I've been meaning to picking one up, but haven't got around to budgeting it yet. They also have a amplified version.

A bit late - I had actually already bought this exact antenna by the time I saw this post. Thanks :)

And what are your thoughts on it? I've got two different antennas in the house and neither of them are ideal. I'm only 11 or so miles from the antennas and I'm using the type recommended by antennaweb. Most of the time I get good reception, but on occasion I get channels breaking up and cutting out on me.

Woot had a roku for sale today. I spent some time considering this, but I'm not sure about the offerings outside of Hulu Plus and Netflix. I know there is Giant Bomb, which would make me happy. I consider Hulu Plus to be a wasteland, though there seems to be a chance we'll keep this for a while. There's a lot on Netflix streaming I'd like to see, but my wife does not share my opinion. Even if I do go that route there is my Wii to access Netflix or Hulu Plus. Just not sure that Rocku is enough of a value add to justify the price.

fleabagmatt wrote:
Sheazy wrote:
clever id wrote:
Sheazy wrote:

My wife and I are going to be making this switch with our move next month. We'll still have netflix and amazon through the ps3, but are there any recommendations on a good antenna for picking up OTA (HD) TV?

I may be a bit late, but I've heard good things about the mohu leaf antenna. I've been meaning to picking one up, but haven't got around to budgeting it yet. They also have a amplified version.

A bit late - I had actually already bought this exact antenna by the time I saw this post. Thanks :)

And what are your thoughts on it? I've got two different antennas in the house and neither of them are ideal. I'm only 11 or so miles from the antennas and I'm using the type recommended by antennaweb. Most of the time I get good reception, but on occasion I get channels breaking up and cutting out on me.

I don't know yet. We've moving in two weeks and won't be using it until then. I'll be sure to post once I do though.

demonbox wrote:

Woot had a roku for sale today. I spent some time considering this, but I'm not sure about the offerings outside of Hulu Plus and Netflix. I know there is Giant Bomb, which would make me happy. I consider Hulu Plus to be a wasteland, though there seems to be a chance we'll keep this for a while. There's a lot on Netflix streaming I'd like to see, but my wife does not share my opinion. Even if I do go that route there is my Wii to access Netflix or Hulu Plus. Just not sure that Rocku is enough of a value add to justify the price.

I've used my Roku extensively for Amazon videos, Crunchyroll, and for playing videos off an external HDD. I'm in process of ripping my entire DVD collection to a hard drive so that I don't have to mess with the discs anymore. It's been a great purchase for me.

It's worth noting that the model of Roku that demonbox was looking at on Woot didn't have a USB port for an external hard drive. Only the highest-end model does. So if that's something you'd use, it was probably a good decision to skip on that particular deal.

I'm pretty close to pulling the trigger on DirecTV again. their offer right now just may be too good to pass up.

Basically, it would be $44 a month for the first 12 months, and $68 for the second 12 months. But since I would be dropping the $13 a month we spend on Tivo, it works out to $31 and $55. That's already pretty good. But with a bonus of 3 months of HBO for free, we could jump on HBO To Go and watch a bunch of stuff we've missed over the last couple of years.

But the clincher is two years of NFL Sunday Ticket included for free. Combine that with making our last payment to my daughter's orthodontist, and it comes away as being pretty painless.

The contract is for two years, so I would not be surprised if we dumped it when the price goes up to $88.

As an added bonus, Tivo is back with DirecTV. One of the nicest parts of leaving DirecTV was getting a Tivo DVR again. DirecTV's DVRs were pretty awful compared to Tivo.

Still mulling it over, but I'm kind of excited to get a couple of years of Cardinals and blues back on my TV. Maybe they will come up with a better online solution to watch local sports in the mean time.

If dish network doesn't get their zombie issues worked out we may be switching to DirecTV too. No way my wife will let season 3 of The Walking Dead start without being able to watch it.

EvilHomer3k wrote:

If dish network doesn't get their zombie issues worked out we may be switching to DirecTV too. No way my wife will let season 3 of The Walking Dead start without being able to watch it.

Werd. Not so much for Walking Dead, but AMC has 50% of the shows I'd bother getting cable for, so if they lose that, there's that much less a reason for me to bother.

Does AMC put a delay on their iTunes/Amazon episodes? I'm still stuck with a couple of Food Network shows that she watches but this would be a way to get her to try getting rid of pay tv. I'd also have to get a pass to Hell on Wheels. That show is awesome.

The delay is usually not bad. But it is until at least the next morning or afternoon.

Jayhawker wrote:

The delay is usually not bad. But it is until at least the next morning or afternoon.

Yeah, there's essentially no delay for us since we always DVR'd shows anyway and watched them the next evening. If you've just *gotta* be on top of things, having to wait might bother you.

As an aside, Amazon on the Roku now has a watch list to which you can add shows and series, which it was sorely lacking at one point. Plus you can subscribe to individual series and have them automatically purchased whenever they air. It's pretty swell.

Also, one minor advantage for Amazon VOD versus DVR: any series you buy at Amazon is available to re-watch later whenever you feel like it. If you're the sort who wants to re-watch stuff, and are constantly fighting a DVR's storage limits, this is a really nice bonus.

Jayhawker wrote:

I'm pretty close to pulling the trigger on DirecTV again. their offer right now just may be too good to pass up.

Basically, it would be $44 a month for the first 12 months, and $68 for the second 12 months. But since I would be dropping the $13 a month we spend on Tivo, it works out to $31 and $55. That's already pretty good. But with a bonus of 3 months of HBO for free, we could jump on HBO To Go and watch a bunch of stuff we've missed over the last couple of years.

But the clincher is two years of NFL Sunday Ticket included for free. Combine that with making our last payment to my daughter's orthodontist, and it comes away as being pretty painless.

The contract is for two years, so I would not be surprised if we dumped it when the price goes up to $88.

As an added bonus, Tivo is back with DirecTV. One of the nicest parts of leaving DirecTV was getting a Tivo DVR again. DirecTV's DVRs were pretty awful compared to Tivo.

Still mulling it over, but I'm kind of excited to get a couple of years of Cardinals and blues back on my TV. Maybe they will come up with a better online solution to watch local sports in the mean time.

My brother pulled the trigger on this last fall. He had Comcast at the time the hurricane hit Baltimore...after the storm they told him it'd be 6 weeks before they could get someone out there for repairs. He called Direct Tv and they made him this offer after 2 minutes, and had a tech out the following day. I got HBO to go and Nfl Sunday Ticket to go out of it