Roku HD (2012) Reviews & Tests

Expert review by : Matthew Moskovciak (cnet.com)

Roku HD (2012) review

What's the difference between the Roku LT and the Roku HD reviewed here? Ten dollars, a different color body, and not much else. But you just want to know one thing: should you buy this box?

The Roku HD is a small streaming-media box that costs only $60. It offers hundreds of streaming-video and -audio services, including Netflix, Hulu Plus, Amazon Instant Video, HBO Go, Vudu, Pandora, Mog, Rdio, and MLB.TV. Roku also offers cross-platform...

For those invested in the Apple ecosystem, the Roku HD doesn't offer the same tight integration as the Apple TV's AirPlay functionality. The Roku HD also lacks channels for YouTube and Spotify. And there's no Ethernet port, so you'll need a solid Wi-Fi...

With its ability to stream hundreds of audio and video channels (including Netflix, Amazon, Vudu, and Hulu Plus), the $60 Roku HD would be our top pick for those seeking an ultra-affordable Internet media box -- if not for the fact that it's nearly...

Nov, 2011

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Expert review by (techreviewsource.com)

Roku HD (2012)

The Roku HD is a tiny Wi-Fi streaming media box that connects to your HDTV and provides access to dozens of streaming media services, including Netflix, Hulu Plus, Pandora and more. While only lacking a few important services, you get quite a lot and...

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Consumer review (cnet.com)

Product is junk!

When it was new it worked fine. That lasted 3 months.

After the 90 warranty expired, the Roku started having problems and after 6 months it stopped working completely! Stayed online over and hour to be told they would do nothing!

Aug, 2013

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Consumer review (cnet.com)

"I had Roku 3 then has HD I don't feel I'm missing much"

Okay, so most of the reviews here cover WHAT the Roku does. I'm going to get into some specifics about this VERSION of the Roku versus others. I've owned several Roku devices, including their very first model. In the second gen line, I've had the XS,...

+ Streaming rate, video and sound quality are excellent

- No on/off button

Aug, 2013

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Consumer review (cnet.com)

I had Roku 3 then has HD I don't feel I'm missing much

Okay, so most of the reviews here cover WHAT the Roku does. I'm going to get into some specifics about this VERSION of the Roku versus others. I've owned several Roku devices, including their very first model. In the second gen line, I've had the XS,...

+ Streaming rate, video and sound quality are excellent + Menu was cool and simplistic and offerred many free channels + Set-up was very simple

- No on/off button - No ethernet connection

Aug, 2013

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Consumer review (cnet.com)

Roku2 XS very easy to connect, up n running in minutes!

Great savings, Easy to set-up, nice small sizes. I have already down graded my services to basic with with cable provider. Great savings!

non! non! non!

Feb, 2013

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Consumer review (cnet.com)

"Does what I wanted it to"

I would have bought an Apple TV, but it doesn't support Amazon. I bought this solely to take advantage of my Amazon Prime membership. It does that beautifully, and the small investment has more than paid off. I would watch many of the other channels,...

- Plays Amazon content.

- Most available content is of mediocre to poor image quality (not Roku's fault, but limits its value nonetheless).

Dec, 2012

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Consumer review (cnet.com)

Does what I wanted it to

I would have bought an Apple TV, but it doesn't support Amazon. I bought this solely to take advantage of my Amazon Prime membership. It does that beautifully, and the small investment has more than paid off. I would watch many of the other channels,...

- Plays Amazon content. - Plays HD smoothly with my mediocre DSL connection. - Amazon HD looks as good as most cable HD channels - Bargain price - Wide selection of channels to chose from - Connects to older, non-HDTVs.

- Most available content is of mediocre to poor image quality (not Roku's fault, but limits its value nonetheless). - No dedicated Amazon button on remote

Dec, 2012

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Consumer review (cnet.com)

"Traveling with a Roku? Not!"

ROKU 2500X This cannot be used when a wireless password is required through a browser. I purchased this to be used mostly when I travel. Since hotels do not accept a password until you've connected to the wireless network and opened a browser window...

Looks nice.

1. Cannot connect to a wireless requiring a password in a web browser.

Sep, 2012

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Consumer review (cnet.com)

"Good but not great."

Nice product but nothing special. I also have the PS3 and its interface for Netflix is far superior. Roku is just one big long list of programs. For example, Law & Order, 15 seasons.. not broken out by season.. just one long horizontal list. Come on Roku!

Easy to use.

Netflix interface, although it works, is definitely sub-par.

Aug, 2012

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