A lot of people seem to want the Roku to enable to cut out
their cable provider. If you are
getting your internet access from your cable provider, you are still going to
be tied. I have not explored the Roku
thoroughly yet however what I have seen I like, for the most part.
I am somewhat dismayed that accessing the Slingbox still
necessitates use of a computer or portable device in addition to the Roku. That dismayed was enhanced geometrically
when I tried to make the Roku and the Slingbox talk to each other. Neither Sling or Roku point out the small
symbol on the Slingbox Android app that initiates the process. I was not able to find that on either site
but I did find a YouTube video where the user pointed out the appropriate
little symbol and Voila! connection. So
thank you to YouTube and no thanks to Roku or Sling for their poor
documentation.
Once I was able to connect, the beaming of the Slingbox and resultant content from my TV was relatively easy. I say relative due to it sometimes necessitates rebooting one or the other to make connection.
Adding channels to the Roku is quite simple. There are a fair number of free channels and
more TV programming that I hope to never ever watch. There are ties to Vudu, and Hula, Redbox,
Netflix and many many more. With HBO
being unbundled, I hope to see HBO on there with out the current restriction
that you must have HBO on your cable provider.
The remote has a headphone port which is very handy! Neither my TV or my surround sound has a head
phone port so watching after others go to bed becomes problematic. The Roku remote works great for that and if
you have a Slingbox you can watch your normal channels through the Roku using
the remote for your wireless headphone.
It works pretty darn slickly.
Cat videos will now be easily viewed on my big screen
instead of my computer due to the YouTube channel on Roku. (I have grandkids and thusly grandcats.)
I am sure there will be many more things to do with the Roku
but it my principal reason was to use it with the Slingbox and easily access my
programming when I am traveling. It
does it, not without some trial and error but it does work. Sling you and Roku should work out your
differences and provide a Sling channel then I won' t have to tie up my tablet
to use my Roku with you.
From The Vendor:
Faster and more powerful. With up to 1080p HD video* and
extended-range, dual-band wireless performance for increased speed
Amazing remote with headphone jack. Use the included in-ear
headphones to crank up that late-night flick while the kids (or parents) sleep
One-stop search. Find your favorite movies and TV shows all
from one place from top
TV and Movie services like Netflix, Amazon Instant Video or
Hulu Plus.1500+ channels and growing. The best selection of streaming out
there.
Free iOS and Android device app. Use it like a remote.
Browse and add new channels.
Even stream your music and photos from your phone or tablet
to your HDTV
A Roku account is free. However, payment information is
required during setup to provide the convenience of making purchases from the
Roku Channel Store on your TV. You will only be charged if you choose to make a
purchase.
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