Roku 2 Review

This week I setup a Roku2 which came out in July 2011. If you are not familiar with a Roku, it's a device that lets you stream audio and video content from the Internet to a TV screen. The Roku2 is surprisingly small. As you can see from the photo, the remote is longer then the receiver. There are 3 models to choose from. I got the HD model which sells for $69 on Amazon with free shipping. All 3 models are wireless with 720p, the XD has 1080i, and the XS model adds a wired connection and enhanced remote. I decided to get the cheapest model because my 1.5 Mb Internet connection is too slow to stream 1080i video.

There is no on/off switch. They claim that you can leave it on all the time because it only uses about as much power as a night light. My wireless router is on the upper level on the opposite side of the house, and the Roku reports that the connection is good. Setup is fairly easy, although you have to make sure the device and remote are in line-of-sight to each other, or the remote won't work. You have to register on their website with a credit card before you can use the device, which I don't like, but they say no charges will apply unless you order something. There are several channels that charge fees, so you have to make sure you set a security code if you have others using the device. I had a Netflix account prior to getting the Roku2 and activating my account was fairly simple. The array of free content is enough to keep you entertained for hours. This is the perfect solution if you want to reduce your cable TV bill.