[Randy]

Looking into it I see several versions of Roku (what the difference between the stick and their box versions?), Amazon has one, Chromecast, and a few others. What are you guys using? I tend to glaze over with bewilderment when I try to study up on the difference - if there are any.  Any opinions and/or advice?   i did see that there will be a Roku 4 next week, but I have no idea the differences between it and the other versions.

[Peter J]

I assume you saw this which is a pretty good comparator, scroll down just a little.

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

I think the stick is simply a plug in  module rather than sitting on table top. Kinda like a dongle on a laptop. But would require a port on TV...I think. Not completely up to speed on this as we have no wall mount TVs.

Ours is most equivalent to the "2" in terms of features. Was once their top-of-the-line. Even though it's wireless I hardwired it for reliability. It has worked flawlessly and is really easy to use. Assuming this is hooked directly to TV, you just change TV input to use Roku and you're golden. For the money spent, around $90 as I recall, I'd consider it a bargain.

Roku owns this particular space in TV land with something like 42% of market. They nailed the GUI and lead the pack as far as I know. I like that they're independent of Google, Amazon, et al.

[srb]

Looking into it I see several versions of Roku (what the difference between the stick and their box versions?)

The Roku Streaming Stick has a slower processor and less memory, so menu navigation is more sluggish and apps like YouTube can take ~ 30 seconds to load.  It comes with a remote and uses Wi-Fi Direct so you can also control it with a smartphone, but it has no IR receiver so you can't use a programmable IR-only Harmony or Universal style remote.

Still, for the price it might just be the ticket for a non-primary TV location with simple no-cord clutter-free installation.  (If you don't power it with the included USB AC wall adapter, but instead power it from the TV's USB port, it does take about 90 seconds to boot up when you power up the TV)

Steve

[ajzepp]

I have several of these and use them every day...

In my opinion, the best in terms of the hardware is the Amazon Fire TV. In terms of software, the Roku. I also have a couple AppleTVs, but even though I do like them, I wouldn't recommend them right now because the next gen AppleTV is just about to be released and supposedly it's quite an overhaul. The Apple also has the fewest apps/channels.

If you are ONLY needing HDMI connectivity, the Roku is a great choice. You can find almost anything on there in terms of apps/channels. My issue is that there are no other output options on the current gen of Roku players. No analog, no mini-jack, no optical...only HDMI.

So I'd look at the channel listings available and determine what you want...or at least come up with a list of "must haves'. Then compare your list to what is available. I enjoy all three, though, personally.

[GentleBender]

I've got a Roku XR that even has the optical audio out. Here are the specs http://www.engadget.com/products/roku/hd-xr/specs/. I upgraded to the Roku 3 so I could use the Synology app with my Synology, otherwise I would still be using it. I'll only charge you shipping if you want it. I also have a 2nd Gen Apple TV if anyone is interested. I really hate having them sitting in their boxes doing nothing when someone could be enjoying them.

[Odal3]

I have had a couple of different ones. They all do about the same thing, so I guess it's a bit of a preference as well as what you actually will use it for - streaming movies from netflix, websites, or locally stored movies, or?

[Odal3]

Forgot to add,  normally all of these are heavily discounted at least in the US around Black Friday sales.

[Randy]

Thanks, guys. I will no doubt go for the Roku 4. On the wireless router end, which I have never gotten, I see Sam's club has various versions of Linksys units. Are they pretty good? (I am far from being an early adopter.) My computer and modem is in the lower level of my house. The TV is on the upper level on the other end of the house. maybe 125 feet away. Will there be a problem with that? Internet speed is supposed to be 25 mbs. I can probably get a faster level if I pay for it from the local cable company. Would it be worth it? I am not a gamer, so I am interested mainly in streaming old movies, You Tube music videos, and Brit programs from acorn. That's about the extent of it- of what I'm aware of at least. I'd like good sound and have a receiver and a pair of good sparkers hooked up, but the tangle of wires behind is nearly impenetrable, and I am in trouble if I have to mess with them too much - it's pretty much trial and error for me.

[srb]

Unless you have multiple users simultaneously streaming 1080p video, your 25Mbps Internet won't be a bottleneck and should be fine.

The Roku 4 has 802.11ac Wi-Fi so you should try and take advantage of that and get an "AC" router as well.  802.11n dual band routers have both 2.4GHz and 5GHz radios while 802.11ac only works on the 5GHz band.

5GHz n has better speed and less interference than 2.4GHz n, but also has less range and doesn't penetrate walls and floors as well as 2.4GHz n.  The 5GHz ac band is the best of both worlds.  Your ~ 125 foot distance through floor and walls is at the outer limits of range, but may work just fine.  So much depends on the number, materials and construction of the floors and walls.

If you're not getting enough signal at the Roku location, you may also have to add a Wi-Fi Extender to repeat the Wi-Fi signal.  Another option is to use Powerline Ethernet * from the router to the Roku.  Powerline Ethernet adapters create a virtual Ethernet cable through your house AC wiring and don't use Wi-Fi at all.  The Roku does have a 10/100Mbps Ethernet port so it can be used with PE.

* Powerline Ethernet adapters require that both outlets are on the same leg or "phase" of the electrical service panel to work.

Steve

[Randy]

Unless you have multiple users simultaneously streaming 1080p video, your 25Mbps Internet won't be a bottleneck and should be fine.

The Roku 4 has 802.11ac Wi-Fi so you should try and take advantage of that and get an "AC" router as well.  802.11n dual band routers have both 2.4GHz and 5GHz radios while 802.11ac only works on the 5GHz band.

5GHz n has better speed and less interference than 2.4GHz n, but also has less range and doesn't penetrate walls and floors as well as 2.4GHz n.  The 5GHz ac band is the best of both worlds.  Your ~ 125 foot distance through floor and walls is at the outer limits of range, but may work just fine.  So much depends on the number, materials and construction of the floors and walls.

If you're not getting enough signal at the Roku location, you may also have to add a Wi-Fi Extender to repeat the Wi-Fi signal.  Another option is to use Powerline Ethernet * from the router to the Roku.  Powerline Ethernet adapters create a virtual Ethernet cable through your house AC wiring and don't use Wi-Fi at all.  The Roku does have a 10/100Mbps Ethernet port so it can be used with PE.

* Powerline Ethernet adapters require that both outlets are on the same leg or "phase" of the electrical service panel to work.

Steve

Steve,
  Thanks for quick reply. Your asterisk note eliminates that solution regarding ethernet. I am looking at this model. http://www.linksys.com/us/p/P-WRT1900ACS/  While probably overkill for my purposes, I do want a strong and reliable signal with as few bugs as possible. What do you think? It has the AC options, I think, you talked about.

[newzooreview]

Here's a good overview of routers and a recommendation: http://thewirecutter.com/reviews/best-wi-fi-router/

The recommendation: "Our pick: TP-Link Archer C7
The Archer C7 is faster and can cover a large area better than many routers that cost two to three times as much. It's good for larger apartments and multiroom houses."

http://www.amazon.com/TP-LINK-Archer-C7-Wireless-1300Mbps/dp/B00BUSDVBQ?psc=1&SubscriptionId=AKIAJM4NKIQGABP2PIRA&linkCode=xm2&camp=2025&creative=165953&creativeASIN=B00BUSDVBQ&tag=thewire06-20&ascsubtag=WC29013

[Randy]

Here's a good overview of routers and a recommendation: http://thewirecutter.com/reviews/best-wi-fi-router/

The recommendation: "Our pick: TP-Link Archer C7
The Archer C7 is faster and can cover a large area better than many routers that cost two to three times as much. It's good for larger apartments and multiroom houses."

http://www.amazon.com/TP-LINK-Archer-C7-Wireless-1300Mbps/dp/B00BUSDVBQ?psc=1&SubscriptionId=AKIAJM4NKIQGABP2PIRA&linkCode=xm2&camp=2025&creative=165953&creativeASIN=B00BUSDVBQ&tag=thewire06-20&ascsubtag=WC29013

Thanks, I'll consider the Archer - C7. Looks good to me.