$40 shipped - Roku LT

[Kaido]

http://www.amazon.com/Roku-2450D-LT-...dp/B008R7EVE4/

* HDMI + Composite (compatible with older TV's)
* 720p max
* Includes remote control (2 AAA batteries included), as well as available iOS & Android remote apps
* Composite/Stereo RCA cable included; HDMI cable sold seperately ($5.79 here)
* Perfect for a cheap Netflix & Plex streaming box
* 802.11n wi-fi connectivity
* Model 2450D (new models coming out = pricedrop)

If you install Plex Media Server on your computer (free for Windows/Mac/Linux/NAS) you can stream your movies wirelessly with the Plex for Roku app:

http://plexapp.com/roku/

I installed a couple of these for my in-laws last Christmas - ripped all their DVD's to their Mac, installed Plex on the Mac & Rokus, and voila, magic! Awesome combo with Netflix - all their favorite movies plus new ones streamed wirelessly!

 

[mshan]

The new Roku 1, 2, 3 you mentioned in another thread (http://forums.anandtech.com/showthread.php?t=2344429): are they just cosmetic upgrades, or has underlying hardware been improved also?

And is the LT in OP powerful enough for Netflix, Amazon Instant Video, and Time Warner cable app without freezing, stuttering, etc like Roku 3 I currently own?

 

[CurrentlyPissed]

Roku 3 is a massive increase in hardware,

I almost can't even use my XD it feels so slow next to the 3.

 

[Kaido]

The new Roku 1, 2, 3 you mentioned in another thread (http://forums.anandtech.com/showthread.php?t=2344429): are they just cosmetic upgrades, or has underlying hardware been improved also?

And is the LT in OP powerful enough for Netflix, Amazon Instant Video, and Time Warner cable app without freezing, stuttering, etc like Roku 3 I currently own?

The new LT is the 2700, the old one (this one) is the 2450D. I haven't seen any hardware differences listed yet. I'd imagine it uses the same chip as the Roku 1/2/3, so it'd be more future-proof if that's the case, but without seeing any comparison of specs, it's impossible to say. That's why I've been upgrading to the Roku 3...I have an LT, a 1 or a 2, and like a 2XD or something, and my old ones can't play some of the channels I want, won't even download. Plus I like the wireless headphone jack on the new remotes on the higher-end models, and the Roku 3 has been on sale for $85, so it's a pretty good deal any way you go.

 

[mikeford]

720P max, so not too desirable for any larger screen size, maybe good choice to support an older composite screen.

What I wonder about is the comparison between Roku "type" devices and similar function integrated into many disc players.

 

[slightlyhuman]

i have the roku 2 xd and like it. haven't got around to the plex yet but for as little as i watch tv this thing is the best money i've ever spent multimedia/entertainment wise.

 

[CurrentlyPissed]

i have the roku 2 xd and like it. haven't got around to the plex yet but for as little as i watch tv this thing is the best money i've ever spent multimedia/entertainment wise.

Check out PlayOn. Best Roku channel ever. Every TV Channel, Fox, CBS, TNT, TBS, A&E, History, etc. $8/mo and you can DVR all new shows. It's incredible.

 

[Kaido]

720P max, so not too desirable for any larger screen size, maybe good choice to support an older composite screen.

What I wonder about is the comparison between Roku "type" devices and similar function integrated into many disc players.

Mostly just an easier interface. I also have an Internet-enabled Bluray player and it's alright, I think it's a Sony model with the Playstation-style interface. But the Roku is so much faster, you can choose your own apps, really really simple to use, very high WAF if you need that. Easy remote - the Roku has like 6 buttons and the Sony has around 400 :biggrin:

 

[gorcorps]

720P max, so not too desirable for any larger screen size, maybe good choice to support an older composite screen.

What I wonder about is the comparison between Roku "type" devices and similar function integrated into many disc players.

Roku (at least the new one) is quite a bit smoother than the built in "smart" functions on blu ray players I've had. I've rarely used the smart features on my blu ray player or TV because I have things that can do it better. The Roku is pretty slick in comparison, though the interface for certain things is less than stellar. It's still good enough.

 

[notposting]

The new Roku 1, 2, 3 you mentioned in another thread (http://forums.anandtech.com/showthread.php?t=2344429): are they just cosmetic upgrades, or has underlying hardware been improved also?

And is the LT in OP powerful enough for Netflix, Amazon Instant Video, and Time Warner cable app without freezing, stuttering, etc like Roku 3 I currently own?

That sounds more like a wireless or internet issue -- or something that needs to be returned. It's a streaming video device, it should have no problems with that.

The current 3 is supposed to be more powerful than the previous models. I have the 2XS and no problems streaming any of that in 720p.

 

[Kaido]

And is the LT in OP powerful enough for Netflix, Amazon Instant Video, and Time Warner cable app without freezing, stuttering, etc like Roku 3 I currently own?

You own a Roku 3 and you're having freezing & stuttering issues? Like notposting said, that definitely sounds like a wireless issue. My living room Roku gets a great signal & never hiccups unless I'm doing something crazy on a computer to choke the Internet. My upstairs Roku in front of my elliptical machine is too far out of range to get a good signal & would stutter & downgrade the quality, so I ran an Ethernet line up to it & it's perfect, and it's actually an older model & still works great.

So first thing to check would be the wireless signal, for sure. Then make sure you have the latest system software in updates.

 

[zerogear]

If you're having stuttering issues, check to make sure your Internet connection isn't dropping out.