Got the Roku

I have been trying to replace my cable since 2001. I am finally getting close. I have built multi media pc's both windows and Linux. Then I hooked up my first Mac, a Mac Mini. While it all worked, it was a bit less than easy. So finally 9 years later it is starting to look like the internet, streaming music and movies maybe simple and easy. So There are three main choices out there, Apple TV 2nd Generation, Roku and Google TV. Yes I know there are more, but these right now are the main contenders. I have an Apple TV 2nd Generation and now a Roku. After reading up on the Google TV, lets say don't waste your money.

Well today I received a Roku. Had to use a gift certificate before it expired. So this is the Roku HDXS which is the top unit.

Features include N wireless, HD and an optical audio.

Setup was easy. The unit setup was as easy as the Apple TV second generation.

The unit comes with a remote, batteries included. Also there is an RCA plug for video and audio left and right. A power cable with a slim attachment to fit in an over crowded power plug. If you want to use the HDMI you will need to buy the cable.

Using a an HDMI plug I set up the unit and used my wireless to connect to the internet.

The first step after the unit powers up is to setup the wireless password. There is an option to hook up an ethernet cable if you are setting up near your internet router. Using the remote and an on screen keyboard you choose and then input your wireless password. The remote has a nice rubbery tactile feedback to it. I actually like the remote better than the Apple TV remote.

After unit connects to the internet a screen displays with a code. Now you will be required to go to your computer and go the link displayed on the screen and input a code that is also displayed on the screen.

The next step is to create a Roku account. After you have completed the steps. The Roku unit will boot and display the Roku home screen.

I chose to go into settings where I could adjust the clock setting and time zone. The default clock is a 12 hour clock with a choice to change to 24 hour format. The time of course is auto synch'd via the internet. From there you can choose screen saver mode. Another place in settings you will want to go is display. In display you can choose your TV type. My TV is a 1080P. Other choices go down to a standard TV.

On the main menu you have a choice to add channels to the unit. The default gives you Hulu, Hulu Plus and Netflix. I added almost all other additional channels so I can check them out later.

I fired up Hulu Plus which is one reason I believe the Roku fits my need better than the Apple TV which lacks Hulu.

I input my account for Hulu and in 2 minutes I was watching the latest Bones episode. The picture was as expected, very nice and HD. No screen lag or bugginess as I have experienced on my Mac Mini, no thanks to Adobe Flash.

The interface for Hulu is almost as nice as the one you find on your computer. A little different but if you have used Hulu on your computer you will pick it up pretty quickly.

Netflix was next and similar to my Xbox I had to logon to my Netlfix account on my computer and activate the code that was displayed on my Roku. Apple TV did not require this activation, but did require my logon information.The menu is similar to the one you would find on Apple TV.The picture is good.

So if you are trying to choose between the Apple TV or the Roku it really comes down to what channels do you want. Apple TV lacks Hulu so if you watch a lot of TV and like TV series over movies then go with the Roku due to Hulu. If you watch more movies and think Apple will open an App store and eventually get Hulu go with it.If you want 1080 then the Roku is the better choice. Honestly for the price of an Apple TV $99 and the top end Roku at $99 why not get both. Cheaper than my first VCR.