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Roku 2 XD Internet Streaming Device w/2 Months Hulu Plus Offer

by on ‎11-25-2011 11:56 AM

Following are some key questions about the Roku 2 XD.


Q:  What are the system requirements to use Roku 2 XD?


A:  You need a computer connected to the Internet for initial setup. You need a TV that accepts HDMI or composite A/V inputs. You need a wireless router (802.11b/g/n).


Q: How do you get Hulu-Plus?


A:  It’s easy.  You just go to hulu.com and subscribe to an annual subscription.  Roku then gives you unlimited access to all the entertainment available via that subscription. 


Q: Are there are additional fees to obtain streaming TV?


A:  Roku does not charge subscription fees. It is a one-time purchase. There is a lot of free entertainment available on Roku. However, some channels, like Netflix, require a subscription.


Q: What type of channels do you get with this service?


A:  There are over 300 channels available on Roku right now including movies from Netflix, TV shows from Hulu-Plus, music from Pandora, sports from UFC and NHL, and many more.


Q: Will this work on more than one TV or do you need one for each TV?


A:  Roku connects to one TV at a time, like a videogame console or a DVD player. You need one for each TV. Or, you could carry the Roku from one TV to another. 


Q. What is the difference between the Roku 2 XD and the Roku XD?


 A. The Roku 2 XD has an upgraded processor that enables 3D graphics support. The updated design of the Roku 2 XD is both smaller and more energy-efficient than the Roku XD. The user interface on the Roku 2 XD has been improved. Also, the Roku 2 XD has an Ethernet port, which the Roku 2 XD does not.


Q. Can this Roku replace a DVR?


A. No. A Roku player cannot record live television programming from a satellite or cable television feed. However, because the Roku player streams content on demand, you no longer need a DVR.


Q. Will this Roku work internationally in countries such as South America?


A. Roku recently announced that it will be expanding from the United States only to Canada and the U.K. No South American countries are supported at this time.


Q. Do you need multiple boxes if you have more than one television or can it share on multiple TVs?


A. You can use the Roku player with multiple TVs. However, you will need to disconnect the cables from one TV and reconnect it to another TV.


Q. Can you access the Internet on your TV with this?


A. While there is not a browser, most content on the Roku player comes from the Internet in apps called “channels.” There is no email, but there is a Facebook channel.


Q. Can I attach my wireless router to the Roku?


A. Absolutely. The Roku player supports Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n. You need a wireless router and broadband Internet service.


Q. I have a Comcast cable box and my mom has U Verse. Can this be hooked up with those? How would one do that?


A. You cannot connect the Roku player to your cable television service. The Roku player offers a complimentary experience to cable.


Q. Do you have to have cable already to be able to use the Roku?


A. No. You do not need cable. You only need broadband Internet service.


Q. Can this work on an older TV or a TV that’s not HD?


A, Yes. The Roku player works with standard definition televisions. A cable for this is included with the player.


Q. Will this work in on a TV in a motor home?


A. Yes, as long as the motor home has broadband Internet service.


Q. Will the use of Roku effect your download time on your Internet service?


A. Possibly. Check with your Internet Service Provider. Different providers have different terms.


Q. Can it be hooked up to a laptop or a computer?


A. No. The Roku player is designed for TVs.


Q. Can I use this on a TV that’s already a smart TV?


A. Yes.


Q. What if you do not have WiFi but have a desktop hooked up to cable?


A. You would need to add a wireless router to your cable service.


Q. Can I plug it into my surround system? How do I get audio?


A. Yes. You can connect the Roku player to a stereo receiver if that receiver supports audio and video over HDMI.


Q. Since it's always streaming/updating, does it slow down my wireless reception on my laptop if I'm using it at the same time?


A. The Roku player only uses Internet bandwidth when you stream a video or song. It does not constantly stream. If you have a slow broadband connection, it could slow the connection to other devices in the same way that streaming video to a PC could slow your connection.  


Q. Will this work on a TV if I have wireless internet but not cable?


A. Yes.


Q. Do you have to disconnect your cable or satellite service to use the Roku?


A. No.


Q. I was planning on ordering one for our main TV and use our Wii and Xbox to stream Hulu and Netflix in our basement and bedroom. Will that work?


A. Yes. You can use the Roku player independent of other devices.


Q. I do not have wireless or WiFi in my area. We have satellite and dial-up internet. Will this work for me in place of satellite? What other "extras" would I need?


A. It depends on your connection speed. Roku recommends at least 1.2 Mbps download speed. Check with your satellite Internet provider to see what connection speed you get.


Q. Is this like an Internet hotspot?


A. No. The Roku player is a media streaming device.


Q. Will this work with a hotspot on my Smartphone?


A. Possibly. It depends on the download speed you receive from your hotspot. Roku recommends at least 1.2 Mbps download speed.


Q. My TV is Internet-ready, but I can’t get the Internet on TV. Would this device help me get connected?


A. The Roku player enables you to stream high-quality content from the Internet to the TV.


Q. Can this be used with a monitor instead of a TV?


A. Yes. As long as that monitor has an HDMI or component video connection.


Q. Why does the description say that you have to "activate account (with Roku) and box with a credit card"?


A. A credit card is required to gain access to the Roku Channel Store, which is where you can install apps to stream content. Your credit card only is charged if you purchase a paid channel. Most channels are free to install.


Q. What monthly fees are involved? What can you watch for free and what requires a monthly charge to watch?


A. Roku does not charge any monthly fees. However, some streaming content channels, like Netflix, Hulu Plus, and the professional sports leagues do require paid subscriptions.


Q.  How much do you pay per month for Roku 2 XD?


A. For the Roku 2 XD itself, you only pay the one-time price of $79.96. Roku does not charge any monthly fees. However, some streaming content channels, like Netflix, Hulu Plus and the professional sports leagues do require paid subscriptions.


Q. Does the Roku have the Animal Planet?


A. No. At this time, Roku does not have the Animal Planet.


Q. Can you get QVC using the Roku?


A. No. Not at this time.


Q. Is Angry Birds included in the game section?


A. The Roku 2 XD does support the playback of Angry Birds. However, to use that game, the purchase of the Roku game remote is required. The standard remote does not have the technology required to control the game.


Q. Can I watch all the stations I get on direct TV now?  Will I have to keep my regular TV provider?


A. No. The Roku player is a supplement to, not replacement for, your regular TV provider.


Q. Does this also stream Blockbuster movies?


A. No. However, you can get on-demand latest release movies from Amazon Instant Video on the Roku player.


Q. Is this only for streaming movies and TV channels or can I get to my email with this also?


A. It’s for streaming video, music, and photos. Email is not supported.


Q. Does this come with Google or YouTube?


A. No.


Q. Can you get the local network channels?


A. There is support for some local news broadcasts, but in general TV programming comes via Hulu Plus, Netflix or Amazon Instant Video.


Q. How do you play the games on the Roku 2 XD?


A. In general, you just install the game from the Roku Channel Store and begin playing. Some games, such as Angry Birds, require motion controls and you would have to purchase an upgraded remote to play those games.


Q. What about sports packages?


A. Roku supports MLB.TV, NHL GameCenter LIVE, NBA Game Time and MLS MatchDay Live. All of those require a subscription with the respective sports leagues.


Q. What kind of channels do you get? Do you get E!?


A. Roku offers over 375 channels from Netflix and Hulu Plus to sports leagues to news to music to social networking to international to religious. E! is not one of the supported channels.


Q. Can I watch missed episodes of favorite TV shows?


A. Yes, if those shows are shown on Hulu Plus and if you have a Hulu Plus subscription. Netflix and Amazon Instant Video also offer a number of TV show titles.


Q. With this device, can you tune into TV channels such as CBS, NBC, PBS, etc.?


A. You can watch news programming from some of those networks. Hulu Plus enables you to watch TV shows from some of those networks.


Q. Can you use it to stream Sirius XM?


A. Sirius XM is not supported at this time.


Q. Where can I find a list of all the services this unit has access to?


A. Go to Roku.com and click on “What’s On.”


Q. Can I get Showtime, HBO and other premium channels that I already have with my cable provider? If so, is there an extra fee to subscribe to them?


A. You can get access to HBO Go and EPIX if you already have a subscription via your cable or satellite provider for no extra fee. Not all cable and satellite providers are supported however.


Q. Can you access the free content on Hulu?


A. No. Roku only works with Hulu Plus. Hulu.com is supported on PCs and is only standard definition.


Q. Can you get the Food Network or Cooking Channel?


 A. No. However, there are other food related channels such as Chow and iFood.TV.


Q. Can you get NFL or Red Zone?


A. No. The NFL is not available on the Roku player.


Q. Do I still need to buy the MLB channel from my cable company and is it included for free with the Roku?


A. While the MLB.TV channel can be installed for free on the Roku player, you do have to have an active MLB.TV or MLB.TV Premium subscription in order to watch live and archived games.


Q. Will Roku 2 XD work with a Mac?


A. No. The Roku is designed to stream content directly over the Internet and not through a Mac or PC.


Q. Do you need to connect TiVo to the Roku?


A. No. Roku does not require TiVo and does not work with TiVo. All content is streamed to the Roku player on demand so there is no need for DVR functionality.


 


Information provided by Roku.