New Rokus: LT, 1, 2, 3

[Kaido]

http://www.engadget.com/2013/09/25/roku-2013-refresh/

Comparison:

Roku LT ($50): 720p + HDMI/Analog + 802.11n
Roku 1 ($60): Adds 1080p
Roku 2 ($80): Adds remote with built-in headphone jack + dual-band wireless
Roku 3 ($100): Adds motion control to remote + Ethernet/USB/MicroSD + removes composite output (HDMI only)

So basically, four models. The LT, 1, and 2 all support older televisions (great for kids, in-laws, workshop TV's, etc. that don't have HDMI input). The 3 only supports HDMI output.

http://www.roku.com/products/compare

Notes:

1. Still no official Youtube channel, although they are apparently in talks.
2. The IR receiver can be controlled through a lot of universal remotes, so you're not stuck using the tiny remote if you don't want to, or want a single remote for the whole TV setup.

 

[Kaido]

I'm not really sure why there's so many models, other than to offer the illusion of choice. As a consumer, I would prefer just a single $99 model with all the features:

* 480i/480p/720p/1080p
* HDMI + Analog
* Remote with motion control + headphone jack
* Dual-band 802.11n + Ethernet
* USB + MicroSD

As a company, I think it would have been better to split it into just two models:

1. A basic cheap one with Analog support
2. A premium HDMI-only model with all the goodies

I find it odd that they introduced a 1080p version of the 720p-max LT. I guess if you have an older Component TV and want max resolution, although on the new models I only see a Yellow composite jack on the back alongside the HDMI jack:

http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/09/img9817.jpg

And they're probably keeping the LT around to shove off old inventory. I do like that they have the Roku 2, which supports analog video as well as the headphone jack on the remote control, because I think that'd be a really useful feature for people with older televisions who want to have a cheap & easy method to get wireless headphones.

 

[ImpulsE69]

There are different models because:

1) Price points/uses

2) Generations/Enhancements


Your prices are a bit high though. Those prices were release prices (MSRP). Roku 3's can be bought for around $85 since release if you aren't buying it directly from Roku. Also, there are 3 Roku 2 models, all of which are cheaper than $80. The Roku 3 is meant to replace the high end 2 XS.

I would imagine they are still selling the old models simply because they still have stock of them and when new models came out demand for older was less. Once they run out, they quit selling them.

By itself the Roku is OK. Adding Plex to Roku makes it great if you don't mind a PC working as a server. I actually run one off my gaming rig and it doesn't interfere at all.

The no Youtube channel is a bother, however Plex has a few that work just fine.

I am a big fan of Roku's. They aren't perfect, but I haven't found a streaming box that is.

 

[Kaido]

Yeah, I've been really happy to see them at the $85 price point (just listed MSRP's in the OP since sales vary day by day). Anything under $99 is very accessible, imo - that's on-par with an Internet-enabled Bluray player for most people these days, so I think it's pretty reasonable. I have bought several of the $49 LT models for family members and they work great wirelessly with Plex & Netflix, so that's great, especially since a lot of people still have older "analog" televisions.

I've actually been replacing my entire home system with Roku 3's. Plex + Netflix is a pretty killer combination. I really do hope they come out with a Youtube app because if you have children, it's just easier to have non-fiddly interface. I'm still a big fan of my WDTV Live Streaming player, but Roku does pretty well with direct streaming a couple different formats and Plex is just a far better interface to deal with (especially for the family), without actually having to have a dedicated HTPC (lockups, software management, figuring out remote controls, dealing with an OS instead of just an interface, etc.).

I actually just retired my HTPC a few weeks ago; the only thing I'm really missing is the games, but I never have time to play so that's on the back burner for now anyway. Plus I mostly like older console games, so I'm messing around with a Raspberry Pi as a tiny emulation station. And the wireless headphone jack is amazing for working out, since you can keep the noise to yourself if you exercise in the morning.

 

[SolMiester]

We purchase the roku 3 for my Dad here in NZ, but they didnt supply the proper power plug voltage so we had to get an 240 adapter for here..Dad hooked it up and lucky got the negative around the right way. We had Plex all setup and working well, but they got new carpet in and after moving the TV and all the stuff, i managed to get the negative around to wrong way for the roku and blew it....So we got aTV3 instead..Dads pleased as he has YouTube now!

 

[Raincity]

I bought the LT and 3 a couple months back to help with cutting the cord. Both units have been working great with no complaints.

 

[destrekor]

There are different models because:

1) Price points/uses

2) Generations/Enhancements


Your prices are a bit high though. Those prices were release prices (MSRP). Roku 3's can be bought for around $85 since release if you aren't buying it directly from Roku. Also, there are 3 Roku 2 models, all of which are cheaper than $80. The Roku 3 is meant to replace the high end 2 XS.

Well, not quite.

First, yes, that's how it WAS.
That's not how it will be. What is in the OP is how it will be.

They are dropping the various sub-models now that they are launching in Europe (or was it just Roku 3 launching in Europe? can't remember, not looking it up).

How it originally worked is that, with each new generation, they still continued to manufacture the older generation (or just made such a massive number of them, it appeared that way - I always saw all generations in stock, everywhere).
They dropped the price of each generation, I think, but ultimately, they left each generation as it was at time of release, and added new features to new generations.

Now, with the relaunch, they redesigned the previous generation models, and gave them each a little bit of a bump in features. They also redesigned the exterior so that each one is consistent in shape (generally matching the Roku 3).

I suspect they won't be allowing the old generations to be sold anymore.
The Roku 1, at this point, is essentially still the first generation Roku 1 but with some features and capabilities from the most recent generations.

Going forward, there will only the LT, 1, 2, and 3. No other models will be made until they make a truly new generation (Roku 4?). They went the "OK, Good, Better, Best" route, simplifying their product portfolio and broadening the capabilities across the entire expense spectrum so that they can get more people to buy who might otherwise ignore the $100 model.

 

[ImpulsE69]

Yea, I missed that these were re-releases.

I would still recommend most people skip the lower ends and just go with a 3.

 

[Kaido]

We purchase the roku 3 for my Dad here in NZ, but they didnt supply the proper power plug voltage so we had to get an 240 adapter for here..Dad hooked it up and lucky got the negative around the right way. We had Plex all setup and working well, but they got new carpet in and after moving the TV and all the stuff, i managed to get the negative around to wrong way for the roku and blew it....So we got aTV3 instead..Dads pleased as he has YouTube now!

Really my only complaint, lack of a native Youtube channel. Apparently they're in talks, so hopefully soon!

 

[Kaido]

Yea, I missed that these were re-releases.

I would still recommend most people skip the lower ends and just go with a 3.

Yeah, I don't see the point of getting the lower-end models unless you really need to save $20. I'd get the 3 if you have an HDTV and the 2 if you have an old TV, because that way you'd still get the wireless headphone jack on the remote on either one. Plus they go on sale all the time - the Roku 3 has dropped to $85 twice in recent weeks, so if you can skip a pizza for the weekend you can bump up to that model instead of a lower-end model.

 

[Kaido]

To me, a great TV setup is:

1. "Dumb" HDTV
2. Logitech Harmony Smart Control
3. Roku 3

No point in paying extra to get a smart TV when the internal CPU is just going to get outdated quickly & the manufacturer stops supporting system updates. So a nice-quality dumb TV, along with a $129 Logitech Harmony Smart Control, which gives you a wifi-enabled Infrared blaster and the choice of either using a simple "dumb" remote (no screen or touchscreen on the remote) or your smartphone with a remote-control app (useful when you misplace the physical remote). So one remote to control the TV & Roku with your smartphone as backup remote. Add in the Roku with wireless headphone support & apps like PlayOn, Netflix, Plex, Vudu, Redbox, Amazon, etc. And if you want to get fancy, a surround-sound system for great-quality audio, plus simple control via the Logitech remote system. Dirt simple & family-friendly.

We typically use Netflix for most of our TV-watching, along with Plex for our own movie library, and Vudu for the occasional movie rental. Amazon is okay for some stuff (like Doctor Who, which isn't on Netflix) but I'm not a big fan of the whole workflow for purchasing or renting movies on Prime (Netflix is 1000% better). Plus there's other neat stuff like PlayOn, Redbox Instant, etc. And the quality of Netflix is amazing these days to the point where I don't miss not using a DVD or Bluray disc.

 

[soulcougher73]

I love my Roku 2 XS. Dont see a need to update yet. The main reason i got the Roku over other boxes was (at least at that time) it had HBO GO. I dont think any of the other did. Plus is had Netflix, Hulu+ and Amazon Instant Video (was already a prime member). Those 4 are the ones i wanted and it was the only streamer that seemed to have them all.

 

[destrekor]

To me, a great TV setup is:

1. "Dumb" HDTV
2. Logitech Harmony Smart Control
3. Roku 3

No point in paying extra to get a smart TV when the internal CPU is just going to get outdated quickly & the manufacturer stops supporting system updates. So a nice-quality dumb TV, along with a $129 Logitech Harmony Smart Control, which gives you a wifi-enabled Infrared blaster and the choice of either using a simple "dumb" remote (no screen or touchscreen on the remote) or your smartphone with a remote-control app (useful when you misplace the physical remote). So one remote to control the TV & Roku with your smartphone as backup remote. Add in the Roku with wireless headphone support & apps like PlayOn, Netflix, Plex, Vudu, Redbox, Amazon, etc. And if you want to get fancy, a surround-sound system for great-quality audio, plus simple control via the Logitech remote system. Dirt simple & family-friendly.

We typically use Netflix for most of our TV-watching, along with Plex for our own movie library, and Vudu for the occasional movie rental. Amazon is okay for some stuff (like Doctor Who, which isn't on Netflix) but I'm not a big fan of the whole workflow for purchasing or renting movies on Prime (Netflix is 1000% better). Plus there's other neat stuff like PlayOn, Redbox Instant, etc. And the quality of Netflix is amazing these days to the point where I don't miss not using a DVD or Bluray disc.

The Roku 3 is a great supplement for me, and is the VOD component to my HTPC/DVR. But it isn't replacing everything, especially not blu-ray.
I will still have to worry about data caps, unfortunately, and that is shared with two roommates at the apartment.

TV shows I am way behind on, I'll utilize Netflix and/or Amazon Instant (only due to Prime), and will utilize HBO Go as well - since VOD through cable is impossible when utilizing CableCARD, this at least gets me close to the same thing (though sadly it now uses data when it would have not done so on Cable VOD - oh well).

I'm using Amazon for Under the Dome, simple because the video and audio quality are better than straight from cable, however - it's also only because it conveniently had episodes released the same week as the air date. I was also behind and still catching up so at this point I'll keep streaming.

For any TV show I can stay current with, I do intent to watch on cable, just because it's usually not until sometime after that it is available to stream. If I didn't have to worry about caps, and could stream day and date with the air date, I would... streaming anymore has superior video and audio.
But it's not such a HUGE difference that I feel a need to forgo cable entirely and wait to stream. Especially because once I get caught up on Walking Dead, I'm going to want to stay current. 🙂

I can't replace discs with streaming though, not when I feel it matters. Watching full movies, I'll either buy or rent the disc. I imagine if it's a documentary or something I don't mind if I miss out on some quality, I'll use Netflix, HBO Go, or if not on those, perhaps Redbox Instant or even VUDU. But especially if I am paying for a rental, I'd rather hit up a Redbox for a disc if possible. A lot of movies I expect I'll like I typically just buy outright, because it really isn't that much difference in cost than a theater trip, especially after two or three viewings, which is almost guaranteed for me.

But yeah, Blu-ray.... the extra video detail and the vastly superior soundtracks, I just can't give those up. 🙂

 

[Raincity]

Yeah, I don't see the point of getting the lower-end models unless you really need to save $20. I'd get the 3 if you have an HDTV and the 2 if you have an old TV, because that way you'd still get the wireless headphone jack on the remote on either one. Plus they go on sale all the time - the Roku 3 has dropped to $85 twice in recent weeks, so if you can skip a pizza for the weekend you can bump up to that model instead of a lower-end model.

Depends on your priorities. The LT works like champ for me with my older 720P LED set and saved me $50. I never use the headphone or game motion feature in the 3 model. One and two where not available locally when I purchased them.

 

[Kaido]

Depends on your priorities. The LT works like champ for me with my older 720P LED set and saved me $50. I never use the headphone or game motion feature in the 3 model. One and two where not available locally when I purchased them.

True. I set in my in-laws up with a pair of the $50 LT's and they work great, including streaming Plex transcodings over Wi-fi.

 

[Kaido]

The Roku 3 is a great supplement for me, and is the VOD component to my HTPC/DVR. But it isn't replacing everything, especially not blu-ray.
I will still have to worry about data caps, unfortunately, and that is shared with two roommates at the apartment.

TV shows I am way behind on, I'll utilize Netflix and/or Amazon Instant (only due to Prime), and will utilize HBO Go as well - since VOD through cable is impossible when utilizing CableCARD, this at least gets me close to the same thing (though sadly it now uses data when it would have not done so on Cable VOD - oh well).

I'm using Amazon for Under the Dome, simple because the video and audio quality are better than straight from cable, however - it's also only because it conveniently had episodes released the same week as the air date. I was also behind and still catching up so at this point I'll keep streaming.

For any TV show I can stay current with, I do intent to watch on cable, just because it's usually not until sometime after that it is available to stream. If I didn't have to worry about caps, and could stream day and date with the air date, I would... streaming anymore has superior video and audio.
But it's not such a HUGE difference that I feel a need to forgo cable entirely and wait to stream. Especially because once I get caught up on Walking Dead, I'm going to want to stay current. 🙂

I can't replace discs with streaming though, not when I feel it matters. Watching full movies, I'll either buy or rent the disc. I imagine if it's a documentary or something I don't mind if I miss out on some quality, I'll use Netflix, HBO Go, or if not on those, perhaps Redbox Instant or even VUDU. But especially if I am paying for a rental, I'd rather hit up a Redbox for a disc if possible. A lot of movies I expect I'll like I typically just buy outright, because it really isn't that much difference in cost than a theater trip, especially after two or three viewings, which is almost guaranteed for me.

But yeah, Blu-ray.... the extra video detail and the vastly superior soundtracks, I just can't give those up. 🙂

Ouch, data caps, that stinks. Yeah, I think Bluray discs still have the best picture quality, but MakeMKV does a pretty good job of encoding BR discs to MKV files. The Roku does a pretty good directly streaming MKV & MP4 files directly, although nothing but a PC has beaten my WDTV Live Streaming box for maximum-compatibility & high-bitrate files on a set-top player box.

It will be interesting to see who gets to 4K in a set-top box first with HDMI 2.0. RED has ODEMAX system that sends 4K to the $1750 Redray Player & Sony has their $699 4K UltraHD media player, but I'm curious to see if a combination like Netflix & a Roku 4 really hit it out of the park. I am a picture quality snob, but the Roku is extremely family-friendly, so it's our main device for watching movies (vs. HTPC, WDTV Live Streaming, Bluray player, etc.). And I have to say, Netflix's 1080p SuperHD streams look incredible for being pushed out over the Internet:

http://blog.netflix.com/2013/09/highest-quality-hd-now-available-to-all.html

Netflix themselves said they'd be delivering 4K UltraHD within a year or two:

http://www.theverge.com/2013/3/14/4...hunt-expect-4k-streaming-within-a-year-or-two

But I know they're having some trouble getting ISP's to adopt their Open Connect distribution system, so we'll have to wait & see:

https://signup.netflix.com/openconnect

I do like the Redbox system, because you can go & pick up a high-quality disc locally - easily. Video rental stores don't exist in my area anymore, so you usually have to just buy the Bluray copy if you want it. I think the future is really in streaming though, we just need to make high-speed Internet with higher data caps more accessible to more people, and whether that means rolling it out in more places, making it cheaper, making it wireless (like those 4G LTE hotspot modems), I don't know.

 

[SolMiester]

Really my only complaint, lack of a native Youtube channel. Apparently they're in talks, so hopefully soon!

Yeah, i was going to see if the youtube channel for Plex worked via the Roku3, however never got a chance...however thge folks are quite happy with the aTV3, as they both have iPads and like using the airplay feature too!

 

[Kaido]

Yeah, i was going to see if the youtube channel for Plex worked via the Roku3, however never got a chance...however thge folks are quite happy with the aTV3, as they both have iPads and like using the airplay feature too!

I do wish someone would hack Airplay onto the Roku properly...they have it on the desktop version of Plex (Plex Home Theater) but not on the Roku yet. I don't use Airplay all that often, but when I do it would be REALLY useful to have, haha.

 

[maziwanka]

roku 3 works well with my plex setup