Roku

Roku means "six" in Japanese, but Roku media devices mean media awesomeness. It is surely one of the best devices of late for media consumption. Roku comes in different styles for you to enjoy a vast array of content. Earlier in 2017, I took the bait and decided to give the Roku a try. So allow me to share my thoughts and honest opinions in regards to the Roku.

---

Roku

---

The Roku is one of the many different media devices out there where you can enjoy loads of content. Each Roku comes with a remote you can use to easily navigate with content. Roku remotes feature four physical buttons to quickly allow you to access certain services. Depending on the model and such, you can access the likes of Netflix, Hulu, Sling TV, VUDU, Google Play, Amazon Video, and more. A stylish interface allows you to instantly access a variety of content and channels. You can add more channels if you please. Roku comes in different devices:

(all pictures from Amazon; click on the corresponding devices to learn more about them)

• Roku Express (and Express+)

^ The Express is gateway to all things Roku.

• Roku Streaming Stick

^ Hiding discreetly through an HDMI port, enjoy the Roku like never before with the Streaming Stick.

• Roku Premiere (and Premiere+)

^ The Premiere offers a much more enhanced experience than the Express and Streaming Stick.

• Roku Ultra

^ The Ultra is the ultimate in Roku enjoyment.

Each Roku allows you to enjoy content ranging from subscription content to certain online exclusive content. All you need to do is to pick out channels. Channels can range from free channels to those that may require subscription fees. Material can be viewed on your television or on your mobile device (iOS and Android). For what I know, the Premier and Ultra Roku devices are capable of expandable memory as well as voice searching for content. So if there are videos stored on flash drives or anything, you can view them on the Roku devices that allow for USB device input.

It was not too long ago that Roku changed up its lineup from Roku 1 through 4 to these newer names. You can visit Roku's website to find out what many of the popular channels are, but what is really out there? Among MANY other Roku channels: Amazon Video, FOX News, ABC, PBS, Pandora, TuneIn Radio, iHeartRadio, WWE Network, FOX Sports Go, ESPN3, and many more. Channels can be either free or may require certain fees and subscriptions.

When you buy a Roku, you need to set up an account to be able to use all the various features of the Roku. All that has to be done is to hook your Roku to a certain online network, pick out channels you want, and play away. Newer channels may require you to access a certain website to activate the Roku and that channel. So you may want to be near a computer or maybe look up a site on your mobile device as you are adding channels.

Roku also has a suite available if you want to develop channels or games for the Roku. You will need to look around online to learn more about that if you plan on developing channels for the Roku.

---

Roku Reviews

---

This post is about the Roku, and I am here to discuss the two Roku devices I own. The headings take a look at the ones I own.

Roku Express.

If you want to enter the Roku realm, you need not spend a whole lot. In fact, the Roku Express costs around $30 USD. I bought a Roku Express from a Sam's Club. One of the big reasons was because one of the buttons on the remote was for Google Play. You hook in the device using the HDMI port on your TV. If you're going to use the Roku Express or Express+, make sure you are able to point the remote at the device to operate it. For the price point and for what you get, you honestly can't really beat it.

If you don't have an HDMI port, you can pick up the Roku Express+. This is for TVs that don't have HDMI ports. You have to order it from Wal-Mart (I believe), though.

Roku Streaming Stick.

I then tried to buy the Streaming Stick. C|Net notes the Roku Streaming Stick as an Editor's Choice, and for good reason. You can hook in the Streaming Stick straight into the HDMI port. Its discrete design works great and doesn't clutter things much. You can charge it using either the included AC adapter or with the USB port on your TV. The best thing about the Streaming Stick is that it can be controlled from your remote without having to directly point at some device. It is also a better performer than the Roku Express. I would say you get the Streaming Stick if you can afford it. Only complaint, if any, is that the Roku Streaming Stick can run a little hot sometimes. It's only a nit-pick and not really anything of great concern.

Final Thoughts.

I am pretty happy with my Roku Streaming Stick. I don't know if I want to upgrade to the Premier or the Ultra if I had the money (or if I were offered either or both free of charge). So if you want to give the Roku a chance, what are you waiting for? I say go for it! Check one out and enjoy media the way you want with a stylish device.

For More Information...

If you want to learn more about Roku and its vast array of channels, please visit: www.roku.com.





So ends another blog post on "John's Blog Space." Thanks for visiting! Make sure to Subscribe and Follow if you enjoyed your time here. Share my posts with friends if you enjoy my work. Thank you for reading! Take care and be well.

"Like" me on Facebook, Follow JBS, Follow me on Bloglovin', and/or Contact Me via E-Mail!
Subscribe to John's Blog Space (JBS)	Subscribe to John's Creative Space (JCS)	Subscribe to John's Race Space (JRS)	Subscribe to StyleSpace (SS)