Customer Reviews

Roku 1 Streaming Player (Black) (Roku 2710R)

The Roku 1 is a compact, nicely designed media streamer. It may not have some of the bells and whistles that its bigger siblings, the Roku 2 and 3, have but what it does it does well. The main features it does have are those that count the most; 1000+ channels, built in wireless, and 1080p video playback. It has a HDMI line out for HDTV's and RCA component line out for standard TV's, making it compatible with virtually any TV. The Roku 1 comes with a newly designed remote that features 4 channel shortcut buttons. At $60, the Roku 1 is very affordably priced.

------
COMPARISON OF FEATURES BETWEEN THE ROKU LT, 1, 2, 3:
Roku LT - 1000+ channels, built-in wireless, channel shortcut buttons on remote, 720p video
Roku 1 - Same as LT but adds 1080p video
Roku 2 - Same as 1 but adds dual-band wireless and remote with headphone jack
Roku 3 - Same as 2 but doesn't have channel shortcut buttons on remote and adds motion control remote for games, 5x faster processor, and USB hook up

ROKU 1: I own or have owned the Roku LT and Roku 3 along with the Roku 1. I like the Roku 1 the best. It features 1000+ channels, built in wireless, and 1080p video playback. The remote with the Roku 1 is updated from previous Roku remotes. The Roku 1 remote adds 4 channel shortcut buttons toward the bottom that provide instant access to M-Go, Amazon Instant Video, Netflix, and Vudu. Normally if you want to switch to a different channel you have to hit the home button, go to "My Channels", and then select a new channel. This is a nice update that saves time and steps if you regularly watch one of those channels.

ROKU 2: Looking at the Roku 2, the dual-band wireless is important if your Roku will be far away from your wireless router. My Roku 1 is a few feet away so it isn't an important feature. My LT is now about 35 feet away. I haven't had any connection issues at that distance but 1080p will be more demanding than the LT's 720p video. The remote with headphone jack on the Roku 2 is a great feature to avoid disturbing your partner or roommate if watching programming on the Roku late at night. It does the job but I found the sound quality to be mediocre, most likely as a result of the very cheap earbud headphones included.

ROKU 3: The Roku 3 also has dual-band wireless and a remote with headphone jack. It however doesn't have channel shortcut buttons on the remote like the 1 & 2. Instead the remote adds motion control for games. The remote basically works the same as a Wii remote although not quite as fluid. The Roku 3 has been a very well reviewed product but with mine the remote would occasionally lose sync. Of the complaints about the Roku 3, it is one of the more common ones. The Roku 3 has a 5x faster processor. Using the Roku 3, than the LT, and now the 1, I wouldn't have known the Roku 3 has a 5x faster processor. Surfing through the menus on the LT and 1 is fluid and I didn't notice any significant lag time in loading videos compared to the 3. Finally, the Roku 3 allows you connect an external drive to it. To me this was the biggest selling point for the Roku 3 when I purchased it. However, the interface when connecting an external drive to the Roku 3 is horrid; it is a very common complaint.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT ROKU: The Roku 1 will fit most people's needs. If your Roku is going to be far away from the wireless router or if you will be watching programs late at night and don't want to disturb anyone than the Roku 2 is your best option. To me the only reason to step up to the Roku 3 would be to play games with the motion control remote.
------

SET-UP:
If your looking to purchase your first Roku rest assured that set-up is easy. Simply plug the Roku 1 into your HDTV or receiver via a HDMI cable. A HDMI cable isn't provided so if you don't have an extra one you will need to purchase one. Then you connect the power cord to the Roku. There is a set-up menu that walks you through the process which pretty much consists of connecting the Roku to your wireless network. The final step is linking your Roku 1 to your Roku account on a computer. If you don't already have one, you will need to create an account online and provide a credit card number like you do with an iTunes account. Like an iTunes account the credit card information is provided for any channel purchases that may be made in the future.

1000+ CHANNELS:
Roku's channel selection is unmatched. You can select your favorite channels of the 1000+ available to show up on the Roku 1's "My Channels" screen either through your account on a computer, directly through the Roku 1, or with the Roku phone app. To be honest many of the channels are what I'd consider "community access" programming. A fair amount of what's left over are subscription or paid channels, like Hulu Plus, Netflix, and Blockbuster On Demand, or channels which require a TV cable subscription like Fox Now and HBO Go. Be aware that many channel apps are free to download but require payment to view anything. I consider those to be paid channels even if the app is free.

There is a large enough selection of channels to start with that anyone will find some freebie gems in the 1000+ channels available. For me it's PBS, PBS Kids, Smithsonian, and NASA. While some of the main channels that people seem to watch on the Roku, like Hulu Plus and Netflix, are standard on many devices, one of big reasons I looked at the Roku initially was to unify my channel/app programming onto one device. I had to turn the blu-ray player on to watch Amazon Instant Video, my WD TV Live on for Hulu, and my computer on for PBS or MLB. Now with the Roku I just use one device to watch all those and more plus I can use my iPhone as a remote control via Roku's app.

SUMMARY:
Roku's new media streaming player, Roku 1, has the right combo of features with 1000+ channels, built in wireless, 1080p video playback, a HDMI and RCA component line out, and channel shortcut buttons on the remote. Plus, it is at an great price. At $60, it would be hard not to get your money's worth out of it.

I really enjoy using my Roku 1- from the quick and easy setup, minimal parts and plugs, to the fast and simple logins with various streaming accounts. The device barely takes up any space. Once you are logged into various accounts such as netflix, mlslive, hulu, you are good to go. This isn't free online TV- you do need to have some kind of account to watch something-- but with Roku 1, it's so easy to sign up and into programs you actually want to watch. There's no need to watch basic cable or wait through commercials anymore. Definitely a fun item to try out.

I unplugged the extra cable set box that I am paying extra for each month and plugged in the Roku 1 -- and I actually have more access to more sources of entertainment. The directions were easy to follow. Without much trouble I added NetFlix, Amazon, Pandora, HBO, and TWC. I can control all of those "channels" with the one simple remote. The picture is just as good as it was before. I had the Roku set up and all of these channels in less than 30 minutes, and that's includes entering a few codes in the computer and setting up a Roku account.

I downloaded the app and that works pretty well, too -- I don't need to be in the line of sight and I can control all things that I can with the remote and more. It takes just a fraction of a second to capture the touches from the iPad screen. It even plays my playlists and other music I have loaded on my iPad.

It's hard to believe that this only costs $60.

The only drawback I see so far is that the TWC channel doesn't stream the local TV stations-- I'll need to figure that one out (but I don't really watch those too much, anyway).

The Roku 1 is the newest unit in the Roku Streaming Player line. The Roku 1 is just above the Roku LT in price, but comes with better features. The most obvious of these is the ability to stream at full 1080p HD, where the Roku LT can only do 720p. 1080p is also called Super HD (SHD), or HDX if you watch VUDU. These designations are designed to further distinguish 1080p HD from 720p HD. Get used to them, you will see them more often as time goes by.

The Roku 1 has a new remote control design, somewhat slimmer than previous remotes, with rubberized buttons. This is not one of the motion control remotes, so there is no lanyard. There are the usual controls found on other Roku remotes, including Back Arrow, Home, the D-pad arrows for directional control with the OK button centered on the D-pad, FFW/RWD, Play/Pause, Replay and Asterisk. But there are also four quick access buttons at the bottom for accessing MGo, Blockbuster, Netflix and Amazon, just a few of the more popular channels from the 1000+ available on Roku devices.

The user interface is the newest one available, the same one found on the Roku 3. Navigation is simple and intuitive, I have no trouble getting to the channel or device setting I want. The search tool is awesome, allowing you to search all of your channels for content, not just Netflix or VUDU, for instance. Type in the name of a movie, actor or director, you are then presented with a list of matches and which of your channels you can find that content on. Select the channel/provider you prefer to watch and you are taken directly to the content to begin watching. Functional and easy, I can't say enough about this feature.

The Roku 1 comes with an HDMI output, as well as standard RCA connectors for audio and video. There is no SD card slot, nor is there a USB slot for viewing/listening to your own content. This unit is wireless only, so no Ethernet port, either. If any of those features is important to you, you may want to look at the higher-end Roku 3 instead. Also note the Roku 2 and Roku 3 have remote controls with headphone support, but the Roku 1 does not.

Setup was easy and mostly automated. You need a wireless network, and you will need to know your wireless access code. You will also need to create a user account on the Roku.com website. Once the Roku 1 is connected to your wireless network, it will connect to the Internet and automatically update itself to the latest software version, followed by a reboot. After that you will be presented with a special code that you enter on the Roku website under your user account, linking your Roku 1 to your user account. From there you are ready to take a look in the channel store and start adding content to your player. You will want to go into the settings menu and change from 720p to 1080p, if your TV supports 1080p. The Roku 1 is set to 720p by default.

I did notice the unit runs a little warm during use, so give it some space and decent ventilation. My unit is plugged into the switched outlet on the back of my surround sound receiver, so when the receiver turns off, the Roku 1 turns off with it. Might as well save a little power and extend the life of the Roku 1 and its power supply.
Altogether, the Roku 1 is a nice little package. For a few dollars more than the Roku LT, you step up to full 1080p HD. It is another great product from Roku, filling a nice gap between the cheap LT model and the more expensive Roku 2 and Roku 3. The Roku 1 is a good choice among many.

Why I got the Roku1: I got a Roku2 for the guest room (due to the headphone jack on the remote) also sometimes my wife and/or I hide out in the guest room to catch a movie with peace and quiet)) and was so happy with it that I bought a $99 19" Insignia TV from best buy (awesome deal BTW) and bought a Roku1 to hook up to it to use in the workshop.
This Roku1 is really something and then there is the price, which is also incredible. So now I can be in my workshop and listen to Pandora with the Roku1, watch Netflix, listen to Amazon MP3, listen to Radio Paradise, watch a free movie on crackle, check the weather, see news, watch a movie on Amazon Prime and the list goes on and on. So why am I a Roku-aholic; ANSWER: I have one in every room that has a TV and even bought a TV to go with a Roku...
Final Thought: With the price point being so great on the Roku1, I am thinking about giving some to friends for Christmas this year.

It was very easy to set up. I certainly have more viewing options. Don't know why I didn't try it sooner. After the hook ups are done, turn on your TV and make sure your Internet connection is functioning. During the setup process you will have to enter a code to get the unit setup/activated. That code will appear on your TV screen. I noticed on the Internet that a lot of people could not figure out how/where to enter this code. Please read the directions that come with your Roku. It's easy, in order to enter the code you will have to get on the Roku website and setup an account. At the end of that process you will be able to enter the code. I already had a free trial for Netflix that I was viewing on my laptop. I also have a prime membership with Amazon. After everything was setup and I actually clicked on those two viewing options, I had to enter my email address and passwords for Netflix and Amazon. A little keypad will appear on the screen to input your information. Take your time when entering the information. If you input the wrong information, you will have to back out of the process and start all over. So unless you have the passwords memorized, you might want to write them down and have them ready to input. Pay attention when you click on some of the movies you want to view on the "viewing options" available. They are not all free and the price will be listed in the write up. Obviously, there are more choices than Netflix and Amazon to consider. Glad I purchased this product. I am trying to eventually eliminate some of my Dish programming options. This is an excellent start. Sign me..."HAPPY CAMPER".

It's pretty cool because it has a remote, the drawback is the remote only works if it's close to the player meaning your right at your couch in front of the tv, don't expect to be cooking and use the remote from you kitchen or anything, I have my roku in front of my tv and if I lean back in my computer chair it wont even work were talking like seven feet and it has to be aimed directly at player, other than that here's the deal. I have netflix and you get all their hd in hd even old shows that are hd now but weren't then, hd for them but lame picture quality since they weren't made in hd so know that. If you are looking on netflix for season 11 of cheers for example you will have to scroll through all the seasons to get there unlike with your comp where you can just click on a season and then go from there. The free channels mostly suck and are gimmicks like ufc free channel to get you to buy the fights with free previews of the fighters but no action, you need your credit card and a comp to activate most of the pay sights they don't bill you anything on your card but it's needed to gain and activate them on your roku. Some sights like target will give you free movies I got fifteen ultraviolet movies free good ones but there arent many to choose from but still a perk. The roku will give you a code to enter into your comp for each channel to register it to you, once completed the only channel I have besides my free ultra violet movies is netflix, which if you like arrow SOL they only show last years episodes for season shows not this years till the year is over and they get them then is what netflix told me, otherwise shows are expensive to rent or buy a 1.99 per episode and that might just be standard definition. So long and short if you have netflix it's a pretty good controller for it but otherwise don't expect this to replace cable by offering a thousand free channels, some are ok freebies like if you like news then your hooked up, or cooking channel is ok. The roku 1 offers red white and yellow hook up or hdmi cable so that's cool. The unit runs warm just the way it is. It's small. You can buy movies from many different sites and mygo will even give you choices on pricing between standard def movie or the hd version of movie or complete seasons which is very expensive, better off buying complete seasons used off amazon. There is an option on vudu channel that for 2.00 a piece you can download your owned dvds to ultra violet which may be a good answer for some who like to travel and take their movies with them with the ultra violet cloud copies being right there for them. If you don't have any interest in netflix or purchasing for large amounts for movies don't buy this. If your looking for a remote for your netflix this is it. p.s. A lot of channels that offer movies will offer you a month free membership like hulu plus, amazon prime, etc. This does have the pandora channel available and offers a security code to be used before you already registered credit card is billed so no accidental purchases can be made, I like that. If the remote worked anywhere I went I would have rated it five stars but it doesn't so just four, hope this helped.

I love my new Roku1!! I have a Roku in every room of my house! I have tried other media players in the past and this one is perfect. I love the puck size. The price is right and makes viewing all of my favorite shows, easy and affordable. I have canceled cable and only stream through my Roku1! I can access Netflix, Pandora, Hulu and sooo many other channels. I can watch what I want, when I want and my Roku makes it easy!!!

Very disappointed. Bought this to watch Netflix in another room. Could not activate without a credit card even though I already have a Netflix account. They claim it is for convience. Should give you the option of creating an account with or without a credit card. The say you can delete it after you create the account. If so then why require it in the first place. What are they doing with the information?

Roku does not disclose that a credit card is required until you go to create an account. The box says you need internet, a router, and an HDMI cable. Nothing about a credit card or paypal. Very fraudulent in my opinion.

The Roku 1 is my first Roku. I have to say that I am very impressed.
Pros:
Form factor: When unboxing, I was quite impressed at how compact the device is. It is lightweight, and does not take much shelf space, so your TV stand doesn't get all cluttered with stuff.
Setup was easy,: You need a wireless network, because there is no port to put a wired connection.
Useability: I have to be honest and tel you that I did not read the user manual. Probably like most users, I just plugged it in and tried to figure it out. With the simple remote, and uncomplicated menu interface, learning to use the Roku was easy. Certainly easier than using either the Comcast or DirectTV interfaces.
Movie Rental Cost: I would say the movies average about $3.99 to watch on demand. Compared with $4.99 through Google Play Movies, and $5.99 through my satellite provider, this is a good deal. Of course, if you have a streaming subscription service, movie rental is free (though the selection is limited).
Channel Selection: There are a boatload of channels. Lots of content = lots of viewing time. A lot of the free stuff I am interested seems a little dated though.
Cons:
Channel Selection: There are a boatload of channels. Learning which one provides which content will take some time. Even after I learn how to watch what I want to watch, the rest of the family still needs to learn. I am a long way away from being able to cut traditional TV off. One standout channel that is notably missing is YouTube. Both my TV and DVD player stream YouTube, so was hoping that Roku would too.
Channel Cost: Most of the really good channels (Netflix, Amazon Prime, etc) require a subscription. Even though subscribing to a couple of pay channels would more than off-set the cost of paying for traditional cable/satellite, it is hard to tell what the right mix of subscriptions is.

Overall, this is a great niche product. I look forward to learning the ins/outs of the various channels, and the expiration of my satellite provider contract, :>