Roku XDS user reviews (2100X)

Pros I have recently dropped cable in favor of an antenna (22 1080i local FREE broadcasts :), and needed to get netflix (as well as other digital media) to my TV's.

Cons Many channels, I've never heard of, have no interest in :)

Summary If you need to stream netflix or Hulu to another tv in your house and don't want to pay for yet ANOTHER cable box, this is an inexpensive way to get it on your tv (in 1080P no less).

Pros Content Selection, 1080p, No hassle set up, Easy to understand interface.

Cons Setting up takes a little effort, Lack of parental controls

Summary I have been in the market for a set top box. The most common argument that I have heard is why would someone need a set top box if they have Xbox, Playstation etc... My simple answer to that is its not easy enough. I am a tech junkie and I totally understand how the gaming consoles work, but my wife doesn't. She needs something that is easy to use and the Roku box is built for just this purpose. My primary considerations when shopping for a set top box were an easy to use interface and a product that had a great deal of good content. Going into my selection period the 2 set top boxes I was considering were the Apple TV and the Boxee Box. After much research the old man on the street (Roku) won out. Dont get me wrong, I love Apple. I own an iphone, a macbook, and and Ipad. For me Apple TV has a better interface than the Roku, but AppleTV simply does not have the content selection that Roku does and Roku's interface is not bad by any means. Also I dont care bout having my itunes on my tv, thats what I have an iphone for. I stated to my peers that the wildcard in my decision making process would be which company would be able to access Hulu. Since Roku announced their deal with Hulu my decision was easy. I now have all content that my wife and I used to watch with cable and more for a much cheaper price! I think I made a good decision for our household, although I haven't seen what Boxee Box has to offer. Ultimately I decided against Boxee for the same reason I decided against Apple TV, lack of content. Boxee taken a neutral stance with no comments about partnerships with Hulu and Netflix which concerns me. The only cons I can speak of to this point is the setup. For me, it wasnt too much trouble, but I can see how it could be an issue. There is a lot of going back and forth between the computer and the Roku box, however once you are done adding the channels you want, you are done. No more setup. I love this box, it is great for doign exactly what I need it to do. If you want to lose the cable bill get Hulu+, get Netflix, and use the Roku to watch it on the big screen.

Pros I have been unable to connect to my system so I can't tell you.

Cons Roku uses nonstandard component video cable (3.5 mm plug to 3 RCA connectors). Calble is not available from any cable supplier on the internet or elsewhere and Roku is out of stock.

Summary I have a Roku Netflix player with a standard component video RCA outputs (RGB) that I connect to a component video switch that connects all of my video components to my HD TV through an in-wall component video cable. I use the optical audio out to connect to my home theater audio system.

I purchased the XDS because it has both wireless n and a component output. When I opened the box I was surprised to find that the component output is nonstandard (I admit that I did not read the fine print). It has 3.5 mm jack output, not the normal 3 RCA jacks. Consequently I am unable to simply unplug my old player and plug in the new one. When I went online to find a cable I discovered that no one seems to make this cable. To make matters worse ROKU is out of stock of the cable.

What I don't understand is why they kept the RCA composite video output (Y) with the RCA stereo audio outputs (R/W) when there are lots of inexpensive cables on the market that use the 3.5 mm jacks to connect camcorders and ipods to TVs. Component video equals HDMI video in quality when using quality cabling. Composite video is clearly inferior, especially for a box that is supposed to have 1080p out. BAD ENGINEERING is the only answer.

I use my current Roku to watch Netflix videos several times a week. I also use it to listen to Pandora on my stereo because we live in an area with terrible FM reception. I just want my new box to work with my new wireless n router to take advantage of HD video streams. My new XDS is waiting patiently. In the meantime I am sharing my experience with all, which I promised Roku customer service that I would do.

Pros Tons of content and channels

People fail to realize the PlayOn private channel allows you to stream PC files over to a ROKU box. It even plays MKVs and AVI files. Best of all, its easy to setup.

Cons I wish more content was free and integrated by default. The addition of PlayOn puts the box on a whole new pedestal and its not even reflected in CNET's review

Summary Get a Roku XDS box. You won't be disappointed. My wife loves it and it especially came in handy for the family during the holidays.