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Netflix: Roku vs. 360

post #1 of 20
8/31/10 at 1:19pm
Thread Starter 
Anyone here use Roku? How does it compare to the 360 Netflix interface?

I only use Gold for Netflix. I'm considering dropping Gold and getting a dedicated Netflix box due to the upcoming XBL price hike. Another option is getting a BR player with Netflix built-in.
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post #2 of 20
8/31/10 at 1:38pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bill McNeal View Post

Anyone here use Roku? How does it compare to the 360 Netflix interface?

I only use Gold for Netflix. I'm considering dropping Gold and getting a dedicated Netflix box due to the upcoming XBL price hike. Another option is getting a BR player with Netflix built-in.

I went the route of getting a BR player with Netflix built-in. For me, that represented the easiest solution as I needed a BR player anyway... FWIW, I was able to pick up a LG 370 for around $130 last year around Xmas and it works great.
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post #3 of 20
8/31/10 at 2:18pm
My buddy has a Roku...it's alright but I'm so used to the 360 interface that I don't like it.

And despite the 360 Gold price hike you'll probably be able to find prepaid cards a good bit cheaper still.
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post #4 of 20
8/31/10 at 2:20pm
all the roku's just dropped in price, too.
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post #5 of 20
8/31/10 at 3:11pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bill McNeal View Post

I only use Gold for Netflix. I'm considering dropping Gold and getting a dedicated Netflix box due to the upcoming XBL price hike. Another option is getting a BR player with Netflix built-in.

So you currently pay $50 a year just to watch Netflix streaming via your Xbox, but $60 a year is way too much?

Something doesn't sound right with that.
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post #6 of 20
8/31/10 at 3:21pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Lord Flatus View Post

So you currently pay $50 a year just to watch Netflix streaming via your Xbox, but $60 a year is way too much?

Something doesn't sound right with that.

I bought a 12-month Gold membership sometime in May because I wanted to get into 1 vs. 100 or other potential online game shows. Next month they cancelled 1 vs. 100.

Netflix is all that's left that I use Gold for, and the recently announced price increase just makes the decision easier.
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post #7 of 20
8/31/10 at 5:55pm
The Roku is GREAT. Until recently we had one in my daughter's room (Replaced with a WDHDTV+ for MKC playback as well as Netflix). The Roku is certainly the next best device after the 360. I think the top end Roku is only $99 right now. A STEAL.
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post #8 of 20
9/1/10 at 5:10am
Yeah, they just dropped the prices. The Roku boxes work great, but can't say I'd recommend adding another device when you could just get a Blu-Ray player that does it for a few bucks more (eliminating a device in your setup).
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post #9 of 20
9/1/10 at 5:52am
Quote:
Originally Posted by mproper View Post

Yeah, they just dropped the prices. The Roku boxes work great, but can't say I'd recommend adding another device when you could just get a Blu-Ray player that does it for a few bucks more (eliminating a device in your setup).

Count me in for the Roku. It's compact, starts up instantaneously, is dead quiet, and is available with built-in WiFi for a steal of a price. It's ridiculously easy to to use and comes with a nice remote that allows you to add items to your instant queue as well.

Here's a link to the Roku Channel Store -- many are free.

Hope this helps.
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post #10 of 20
9/1/10 at 6:36am
Get an HDTivo or Premier. However, if you really want a bluray player and can get a Netflix using model for about $100, then that's a decent deal.

I originally considered Roku myself, but wanted an HD capable Tivo so there was no need for a Roku. When I looked at hooking up my gym TV I found a bluray player to be perfect - throw in a disc while I work out, or stream Netflix. Considering it was only about $20 more than a Roku and wireless, it was an easy choise.

*see that Roku's have wireless now, nice. However, would your rather buy a Roku and another $100 on a bluray player, or just spend the $100-120 on the bluray, not need a Roku, use less rack space, less wires running to your receiver/TV, and one less power cord.
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post #11 of 20
9/1/10 at 7:18am
Quote:
Originally Posted by sirjonsnow View Post

Get an HDTivo or Premier. However, if you really want a bluray player and can get a Netflix using model for about $100, then that's a decent deal.

I originally considered Roku myself, but wanted an HD capable Tivo so there was no need for a Roku. When I looked at hooking up my gym TV I found a bluray player to be perfect - throw in a disc while I work out, or stream Netflix. Considering it was only about $20 more than a Roku and wireless, it was an easy choise.

*see that Roku's have wireless now, nice. However, would your rather buy a Roku and another $100 on a bluray player, or just spend the $100-120 on the bluray, not need a Roku, use less rack space, less wires running to your receiver/TV, and one less power cord.

I hate Netflix on TIVO. To me, it just doesnt compare to the 360's. I havent seen it on the Premier so I dont know if its any different, but it just seems very bland and generic and the HD-Tivo.
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post #12 of 20
9/1/10 at 7:22am
Another (possible) option is that the AppleTV is rumored to be upgraded today and include Netflix streaming...
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post #13 of 20
9/1/10 at 7:29am
Quote:
Originally Posted by gpthree View Post

I hate Netflix on TIVO. To me, it just doesnt compare to the 360's. I havent seen it on the Premier so I dont know if its any different, but it just seems very bland and generic and the HD-Tivo.

True, the menu presentation isn't so good, but it's virtually silent, less work for the Xbox, and everyone should have a Tivo.
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post #14 of 20
9/1/10 at 7:33am
Quote:
Originally Posted by gpthree View Post

I hate Netflix on TIVO. To me, it just doesnt compare to the 360's. I havent seen it on the Premier so I dont know if its any different, but it just seems very bland and generic and the HD-Tivo.

I have Netflix on both the 360 and TiVo Premiere on the same system, and I prefer the TiVo. Although I agree the 360's Netflix interface is much better and seems to operate smoother (less glitches), the Premiere has the advantage of being a DVR, so it's usually already on when we are watching TV.

Also, my 360 Elite isn't too loud, but it still has a noticeable operating noise level. The Premiere is nearly silent.
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post #15 of 20
9/1/10 at 9:16am
Agreed, while the Tivo interface is slower and less pretty than the 360's, the Tivo is always on while I'm watching TV. No waiting to boot a system.

I also have a Roku unit for the bedroom. We like it. It's interface is nice. You can add to your queue now as well. If you don't online game on the 360, I'd say skip the Live Gold membership and get a Roku or a Blu Ray player with Netflix streaming, if you deem playing Blu Rays necessary.
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post #16 of 20
9/1/10 at 9:18am
if you're going to spend this much money on a Roku, isn't it better to get something like the WD TV Live Plus? you can play a heck of a lot more stuff than just Netflix for pretty much the same cost.

I don't even understand why Roku is still around. for that price, you can buy so many different boxes that play netflix and do other stuff as well.
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post #17 of 20
9/1/10 at 9:32am
Well, you do get more than "just Netflix" with a Roku (Amazon VOD, Pandora, MLB.tv and some others) but I agree....I'm doubt I would get one now rather than another box (like a Blu-Ray player that has similar options). Maybe if the Roku was like $20, rather than a comparable price to getting something else.
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post #18 of 20
9/1/10 at 9:55am
Quote:
Originally Posted by mproper View Post

Well, you do get more than "just Netflix" with a Roku (Amazon VOD, Pandora, MLB.tv and some others) but I agree....I'm doubt I would get one now rather than another box (like a Blu-Ray player that has similar options). Maybe if the Roku was like $20, rather than a comparable price to getting something else.


I just bought an lg blu ray player from amazon for $160 with the wifi built in. Plays Pandora, mlbtv, netflix, and several others (not sure about amazon vod). The Netflix interface is a little clunky (if you've used the ps3 netflix disk it is exactly the same), but works well enough. Needed a blu-ray player for the bedroom anyway, and now use netflix on it almost every night. Firefly from the bed ftw!

Here's the link:
http://www.amazon.com/LG-BD570-Netwo...0&sr=8-1-fkmr0
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post #19 of 20
9/2/10 at 2:46pm
I've been streaming netflix since it was first introduced on the 360 and I really love it. Now we have netflix streaming functionality with a tivo, wii, and ps3.

I now want to get Netflix on my tv upstairs in the bedroom. It's a 25" hdtv. I don't need/want a bluray player for that tv. Was thinking that the $70 Roku would be a good option. Thoughts?
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post #20 of 20
9/2/10 at 6:54pm
The main thing that puts the 360 ahead of Tivo is the percentage watched is shown on the 360 and not on the Tivo (unless I've over looked it.) That means a ton to me since I'll jump around on series watching and I hate trying to go back and find where I left off. But saying that, if I'm watching TV and I know where I'm supposed to be, I will use the Tivo at times.

Its all preference though, pretty much all of them are good enough to use without worry.
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