Roku Player, The Easiest Way to Stream on TV -- Product Review

What is Roku?:

Meet Roku—the original, best-selling streaming player. With Roku, it’s a snap to enjoy the best movies and TV shows, live sports, music, games and more—all instantly on your TV, whenever you want it.

No PC needed
Roku connects easily to your TV and wireless (Wi-Fi) network at home. Be up and streaming in minutes.

You can do it
With the simple remote, you choose what you want to watch, and it starts instantly. It's even more convenient than watching a DVD.

No extra monthly bills
Access your existing subscriptions like Netflix. Enjoy tons of free movies, shows, and music. Or browse the latest blockbusters available on demand. 

Always getting better
Roku brings you endless entertainment choices, and we’re adding more all the time. So you'll always find something new to watch, hear and enjoy.

Features:

With over 100,000 movies and shows available from the biggest and best places, Roku instantly delivers that perfect title to match your mood. Start with the best Netflix experience out there, featuring up to 1080p HD video and support for English subtitles. Current TV shows? Try Hulu Plus. Hundreds of free movies from Crackle? Check. The latest Hollywood releases? Right there, on Amazon Instant Video. And the selection gets better every day.

The simple XS remote makes it a breeze to watch movies or play games.

How Do You Install the Roku?:

It’s ridiculously easy

From the simple remote to the easy-to-use interface, Roku 2 was designed to please everyone. All you need to get started is a high-speed Internet connection (and a TV, of course). The built-in wireless and guided setup mean you can be up and running in minutes. And we bet you don’t even have to call your nerdy nephew for help.

What Internet connection do I need? You need a high-speed Internet connection with a speed of at least 1.2 Mbps (such as mid-level DSL). If you are unable to connect the player directly to your cable or DSL modem you may also need a wired or wireless router.

My Thoughts:

We have been using the Roku 2 XS for the past two weeks and just love it.  It reminds me of the little black boxes back in the day -- but, this is legal.  I can't believe how many channels are available and all the content that you can view, from music, movies, news and so much more.  After using the Roku, it is making me wonder why I spend so much on cable when I can access television shows and movies with my Netflix and Hulu subscriptions.  

I am not tech savvy when it comes to installing devices, but it was a breeze installing the Roku.  Within minutes I was able to install the compact black box and had it configured and ready to use.  After you install the Roku, you have to make sure you have your computer near you, as you will have to link your online accounts like Amazon, Netflix, Hulu and Facebook with the box, in order to access these accounts.  Roku will give you key codes to enter to sync each application.  After you sync all your accounts that work with Roku, make sure you spend time browsing through all the free and fee-based channels that you can add to your lineup.  I was amazed all the number of channels available, including foreign-based channels.  My husband has been watching Spanish television shows and listening to radio stations based out of Latin America.  

It is truly amazing at what you can watch with the Roku.  During the daytime, I use the Roku and watch Disney music videos and trailers with Savannah, stream Netflix videos and listen to radio stations from all over the United States.  And, then when my husband gets home and Savannah goes to bed, we watch hit movies from the various free channels available through Roku and then catch the weather and news updates before heading to bed.  You have access to just about any content you would access through the internet at your fingertips with the Roku and easy-to-use remote.  And, if games is your thing, you can play Angry Bird and other games (free and for a small fee) directly from your television.

I have told my family about this product, and will be picking them up one for Christmas.  And, it is so easy to navigate that they will not have a problem using the Roku.  My dad will sure like the old movies and television shows available, as well as all the news channels and feeds from all over the world.

If you are looking for a great gadget for your family, why not look into picking up the Roku today.  There are 3 versions to choose from -- ranging in price from $59.99 - $99.99.  But, it is worth the investment, with all the free movies and services available to you, right from you television.  You, too, will wonder why you pay outrageous cable bills once you hook up and begin using the Roku in your home.  And, the Roku is family-friendly and offers something for the whole family, from toddler programming to adult programming.  If you are busy mom like me, the Roku comes in handy, as you will not have to run to Redbox or other movie kiosks.  You have all the movies you ever wanted to watchwatch a movie!  It is easy as 1-2-3.

Head on over to Roku today to learn more and order you own Roku device.  You will be glad you did.

--BUY NOW--

I have great news, today Roku introduced the new Roku LT Streaming Player, which only costs $49, and streams Netflix, Hulu Plus, Amazon, Pandora and 300 More Channels.  How great is that?  Now you can afford to bring all the fun and entertainment available from Roku into your house.  And, for this price, it makes a great holiday gift for in-laws and your college students.

Disclosure:  I was sent a sample of the Roku in order to write up an honest review.  The views above are mine and mine alone.