Roku 2 XS

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rokki

374 posts

Ultimate Geek

#106270 20-Jul-2012 14:10

Hi i am about to push the buy now on Amazon on one of these and was wondering if any geekzone'rs in NZ are already using one ? And their thoughts ?

link here http://reviews.cnet.com/digital-media-receivers/roku-2-xs/4505-6739_7-34850104.html?tag=mncol;rvwBody for a review of one

My gear 55" Samsung 4K SUHD LCD HDR , Denon AVR-4200W Reciever in 7.1.2 Surround , Denon 2 Channel Amp to power ceiling speakers , Combination of Polk Audio Fronts And Tannoy Surrounds plus 2 Cambridge Audio Ceiling Speakers Pioneer Downfiring Subwoofer , Oppo UDP-203 UHD Player , Roku Ultra , Apple TV 3

reven

3743 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

#659100 20-Jul-2012 14:16

with xbmc coming out on android soon (beta testing atm), i would suggest you look at an android device.

it should do everything this does, but with the benefit of android and xbmc running on it. similar sort of price too.

just an option to consider.

Ventura

109 posts

Master Geek

#659324 20-Jul-2012 21:28

Ordered one the other week from Amazon and turned up 6 days later.
I set up a vpn using the blog on nz tech podcast here- http://nztechpodcast.com/how-to-setup-netflix-in-nz/
I have an apple tv also so got netflix up and running on both no problems. Ruko has crackle and way more channels than the ATV.
Hulu has been a problem and is not showing up, there may be a workaround by searching the net but haven't delved too deep into it. I think they have a more sophisticated way of locating your location which seems to get around the vpn setup.
At $7/month (US) for netflix plus bandwidth/vpn etc a bargain as opposed to sky movies and soho.
It's the same price as an ATV, can carry more channels. The XD would be fine if your wireless is 'N' using the setup by NZ Tech Podcast as this cuts down on the wifi streaming if you already have another router set up (non VPN). I am able to network via cable but found the wireless works faultlessly. The XS has ethernet and usb and motion remote but really the XD would give me all that I need without the 'fluff'. If I would purchase another I would only get an XD.

Nick

Klipspringer

2385 posts

Uber Geek
Inactive user

#659329 20-Jul-2012 22:08

rokki: Hi i am about to push the buy now on Amazon on one of these and was wondering if any geekzone'rs in NZ are already using one ? And their thoughts ?

link here http://reviews.cnet.com/digital-media-receivers/roku-2-xs/4505-6739_7-34850104.html?tag=mncol;rvwBody for a review of one

Funny to read this post today. My Roku 2 XD arrived this morning.

I have just set it up using unblock-us. Fairly straight forward using the settings on their webpage.

The device itself is really good, very impressive for its size. Picture quality is very good. 1080p.

My only gripe so far is that it does not run youtube or Vudu, but there are so many other good channels on it. Its running Hulu+ and Netflix perfectly.

Good buy considering the price. The functionality is really easy and I had my 4year old all over it browsing through Netflix this evening and making her own selections.

Overall I think my original solution via the PS3 which runs Netflix, Hulu and Vudu and Amazon is a bit better. Im going to be using the Roku for the kids TV and pulling out the freeview antenna, no need for it anymore!

lchiu7

6479 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

#660274 23-Jul-2012 11:06

People fail to mention that the Roku has Angry Birds(!) which is awesome on a 100" screen :-)

The only annoying thing about it is the inability to change the IP DNS settings on it. It has to get them from your router. So if you are using unblock-us it has to be set in the router which affects all users rather than in the device itself.

I still think (apart from Angry Birds), the PS3 is the still the most flexible device given it can do Netflix, Hulu+, Vudu and Amazon Instant Video. But it's way more expensive than a Roku.

Staying in Wellington. Check out my AirBnB in the Wellington CBD. https://www.airbnb.co.nz/h/wellycbd PM me and mention GZ to get a 15% discount and no AirBnB charges.

rokki

374 posts

Ultimate Geek

#660353 23-Jul-2012 13:05

Hi all well i have ordered from Amzon and can't wait for it to arrive due on the 16th August.

Klipspringer

2385 posts

Uber Geek
Inactive user

#660458 23-Jul-2012 16:02

lchiu7:
The only annoying thing about it is the inability to change the IP DNS settings on it. It has to get them from your router. So if you are using unblock-us it has to be set in the router which affects all users rather than in the device itself.

I still think (apart from Angry Birds), the PS3 is the still the most flexible device given it can do Netflix, Hulu+, Vudu and Amazon Instant Video. But it's way more expensive than a Roku.

I solved this with a second wifi router running dhcp for devices which I was to give access to the unblock-us dns servers.

+1 to the PS3. I also find the icons in netflix and hulu etc much clearer than on the Roku. But for running movies the quality is no different.

kiwitrc

4123 posts

Uber Geek
Inactive user

#665104 1-Aug-2012 06:57

I see Pandora is now working on Roku in NZ.

Sharesies

Trade NZ and US shares and funds with Sharesies (affiliate link).

rokki

374 posts

Ultimate Geek

#665217 1-Aug-2012 10:14

Hi all my new toy has arrived and it is awesome. But i have run into a small technical problem because of all the gear i use i have a harmnony remote to control it all so that she who must be obeyed can work it. I have the Roku plugged into my oppo HDMI switch because my Denon AVR-2808 doesn't have enough inputs. Becuase the Roku is an always on device when i switch to sky for example the sky turns on, it is also plugged into the oppo switch ,you don't get sky you still have the roku as the source i have turned off HDMI CEC in the TV a samsung but still doesn't seem to fix any idea's ????