Since getting the Roku2 HD last month, I have been primarily using it to watch Netflix and some of the free tech and news channels. Crackle is the only free movie channel that has a decent variety. Unfortunately, Crackle is ad based, and the shows are frequently disrupted with advertisements for stuff I'm never going to buy. I used to be a big fan of Hulu, but they only offer their subscription service on Roku. I already have a Netflix subscription, so more monthly payments seems to defeat the purpose of switching to Internet based content. Anyway, I found some software that will allow you to add free Hulu to your Roku. It's called PlayOn. You have to install their software on a PC in your home network, then add the PlayOn channel to your Roku device. Your PC runs a service that allows the Roku to play free Hulu and about 20 other channels. Most of the other channels are already available on Roku's channel list, but I was looking for Hulu's free content, so I thought I'd give it a try.
You need to have at least a 1.5 Mbit speed and a wired or wireless-N network for it to work. My network is wireless-G, so the movies would frequently pause or would simply refuse to play. I also didn't like the way PlayOn lists the content for their channels. Each show is in a folder style navigation system. For example Hulu movies are listed in alphabetical folders, so you have to know the title of the show you want to watch in advance. I found myself spending more time hunting around for something to watch then actually watching. PlayOn supports a long list of network devices and the concept is interesting, but the redundant content, high bandwidth requirements, and lackluster navigation system doesn't make it worth adding to your Roku.
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