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*Official* Roku 2 Media Streamer Thread - Page 26

post #751 of 1015
10/2/12 at 10:22pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by michaeltscott View Post

Kinda shocked that the networks will condone that. I could understand when it was outside-of-the-US-only.
Where did you find this announcement about USTVNow?

Looks like they have been around for a few years. However, a few things seem suspicious to me:

1) Why a private Roku channel only instead of a Channel Store offering?
2) Why an HTML5 solution for iOS instead of a native app submitted through the App store?
3) Why two different brands and domains (basic service for $29/mo offerred through USTVNOW.com, but the premium service with HD channels is offered through Nationphone.com)
4) Major networks are only offered with the Harrisburg, PA broadcast channels

In general it seems like they're trying to fly below the radar.
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post #752 of 1015
10/3/12 at 10:00am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Matt L View Post

Well did you look at the pricing? There will be few if any takers. $265 to setup, and $165/m.

Yea,i saw the pricing,and it's not something i would sign up for.Heck i dropped my Sat. service because $96.00/mo. was tooo much for me. eek.gif The $29.00/mo. service is IMO "almost" "maybe" worth having, for the major news networks,History channel,and Nat.Geo. I'm guessing that a fair number of people might sign up for it. There have been a lot of people who have wanted USTVNOW for a long time,some (like me) have used proxy servers to hide their IP address in order to get the service. I "might" sign up for the free plan,but only because it carries WGAL channel 8 from my home town of Lancaster,PA.,which i haven't been to or seen for 25yrs. tongue.gif
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post #753 of 1015
10/3/12 at 10:17am
Quote:
Originally Posted by greaser View Post

Yea,i saw the pricing,and it's not something i would sign up for.Heck i dropped my Sat. service because $96.00/mo. was tooo much for me. eek.gif The $29.00/mo. service is IMO "almost" "maybe" worth having, for the major news networks,History channel,and Nat.Geo. I'm guessing that a fair number of people might sign up for it. There have been a lot of people who have wanted USTVNOW for a long time,some (like me) have used proxy servers to hide their IP address in order to get the service. I "might" sign up for the free plan,but only because it carries WGAL channel 8 from my home town of Lancaster,PA.,which i haven't been to or seen for 25yrs. tongue.gif

This whole setup seems very odd.

When I tried to sign up for the free service it says I must reside outside the US.
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post #754 of 1015
10/3/12 at 10:22am
Well it is only available to US residents outside of the US.
Quote:
USTVNow's Internet content is available, at this time, only to US citizens and residents while they are in foreign countries

There is no way the networks would go for this inside the US.
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post #755 of 1015
10/3/12 at 11:21am
Yep. Nothing on their site says that they've become available in the US (and a customer base with no where else to turn for this kind of variety of US TV programming would explain how they can get those high fees). There was a thread in the Roku forums opened a few days back in which a guy quotes e-mail from USTVNow tech support saying that they're only available to people outside of the US.
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post #756 of 1015
10/6/12 at 6:12pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by aaronwt View Post

Vudu seems to work well with the Roku Box. It is very fast. Of course my only complaint is that the Roku2 only has pass through of 5.1 DD+. It can't transcode it to 5.1 DD. SO with a title that only has DD+, you have to select stereo audio in the Roku settings to be able to get any audio, which of course is stereo. The Roku2 in the room I'm in is connected to a sound bar that only handle legacy audio.
But when you select stereo in the settings what is it playing the audio from. I'm checking out MI4 and it supposedly only has 5.1 DD+ for all quality settings. Is there a stereo track that can only be accessed when you choose stereo mode in the Roku settings?

This is not entirely correct. No you can not play DD+ 5.1 tracks but does extract the Dolby Pro Logic II at up to 9.1 matrixed channels. When it comes to Vudu you have to put the Roku in stereo mode and pass the stereo channels to your receiver. Your receiver will decode the Dolby Pro Logic tracks. It sounds really good too.
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post #757 of 1015
10/6/12 at 9:32pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by FX4 View Post

This is not entirely correct. No you can not play DD+ 5.1 tracks but does extract the Dolby Pro Logic II at up to 9.1 matrixed channels. When it comes to Vudu you have to put the Roku in stereo mode and pass the stereo channels to your receiver. Your receiver will decode the Dolby Pro Logic tracks. It sounds really good too.

Yes I've been using ProLogic since back in the 90's. And been using it to create a 7.1 soundfield since 2001. It's still not as good as discrete multi-channel audio so It is typically a last resort for me. But I will choose HD with stereo audio over SD with multi channel audio any day.
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post #758 of 1015
10/7/12 at 10:49am
I thought that too, but my receiver and it's an old receiver puts out 4.1 channels in pro logic and it sounds really good. While I agree that a full 5.1 DD is better I do find the 4.1 I am getting to be entirely satisfactory.
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post #759 of 1015
10/30/12 at 1:23pm
There's a new "Roku Search" "channel" available after you take the latest upgrade. You enter a search term and it will search for available matching titles in Netflix, Amazon Instant Video, Hulu Plus, Crackle, VUDU and HBO GO (it will also display matching people names, which if selected displays a list of titles that they're in or directed).

It's pretty cool, though there are a few changes that I'd like to see. (For one, I'd like for it to be movable so I could put it in the middle of things and not have to scroll forever to get to it's position next to settings).

EDIT: It may not actually appear in the Channel Store. Go here to install it, then enter and exit the Channel Store on the device to get it to appear.
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post #760 of 1015
10/30/12 at 1:27pm
Another recent feature is that you can browse and install channels from the web site, at this page.
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post #761 of 1015
10/30/12 at 1:52pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by michaeltscott View Post

There's a new "Roku Search" "channel" available after you take the latest upgrade. You enter a search term and it will search for available matching titles in Netflix, Amazon Instant Video, Hulu Plus, Crackle, VUDU and HBO GO (it will also display matching people names, which if selected displays a list of titles that they're in or directed).
It's pretty cool, though there are a few changes that I'd like to see. (For one, I'd like for it to be movable so I could put it in the middle of things and not have to scroll forever to get to it's position next to settings).
EDIT: It may not actually appear in the Channel Store. Go here to install it, then enter and exit the Channel Store on the device to get it to appear.

Set up the "My Channels" channel for accessing your favorite, most accessed channels and put the new 'Search' channel in one of your groups, or put it in it's own group

The 'Search' channel is a good idea, but I'd like it better if I could filter the searches to check only the content providers I prefer/subscribe to
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post #762 of 1015
10/30/12 at 2:10pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by gmd024 View Post

Set up the "My Channels" channel for accessing your favorite, most accessed channels and put the new 'Search' channel in one of your groups, or put it in it's own group

I just tried it and if you follow a search result into a player, when you exit that player it puts you back on the home page; doesn't help any. (Actually I don't really see the point of My Channels; if you enter another channel from within it, exiting that channel doesn't return you to My Channels so you just end up having to get back to My Channels from an arbitrary point on the home screen).

Someone programmed a direct button to Search in Remoku, but I don't normally use an IP remote app; I want an IR code mapping for my Harmony. I'd program in a sequence if there were a "go to beginning of home page" control, but there isn't so far as I can tell ("HOME HOME" would be a good mapping for that).
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post #763 of 1015
11/7/12 at 2:10pm
Black Friday at Best Buy

https://blackfriday.bestbuy.com/#!/tv+amp+home+theater3

Roku HD $40
Roku 2 XD $60
Roku 2 XS $80
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post #764 of 1015
11/7/12 at 3:37pm
Wow might need another one.
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post #765 of 1015
11/22/12 at 4:49am
Roku Facebook deal even better

https://www.facebook.com/roku/app_161683100556760?ref=ts
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post #766 of 1015
11/22/12 at 8:19am
It seems that the Roku 2 prices are coming down everywhere to within a few $$$ of each other.

Target now has both the regular XS and Angry Birds edition down to $79.99 with free shipping. And I've read about a few Birds edition being in stores clearance section at $49, but YMMV. None were at my local stores here in Central NJ.

Seeing as the 2 versions have been out for over a year now, any rumours or speculation on what the next models will bring? They must have something in the hopper besides just the Streaming Stick right?
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post #767 of 1015
12/12/12 at 2:33am
I set-up a Roku 2 today and I am having an issue with HBOGo. Every time I launch the channel it requires a new authorization. Is this normal? I would think not, but maybe HBO is that tightly controlled. Thought I would ask here. Wondering who to contact Cox or Roku?
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post #768 of 1015
12/12/12 at 4:19am
^^^
No, it's not normal behavior for that channel (or any other Roku channel I've ever seen)
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post #769 of 1015
12/12/12 at 6:43am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bryan_CoxPHX View Post

I set-up a Roku 2 today and I am having an issue with HBOGo. Every time I launch the channel it requires a new authorization. Is this normal? I would think not, but maybe HBO is that tightly controlled. Thought I would ask here. Wondering who to contact Cox or Roku?

As stated, not normal. I can watch HBO Go and then come back to it days, or weeks later and I'm still signed in.
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post #770 of 1015
12/12/12 at 6:48am
Is their authentication linked to IP address? If so, then is your external IP address changing often enough to be a problem? Some ISPs rotate customer IP addresses more often than others. Check what IP address you're using now and check it again if the Roku wants to authenticate again. If they're different you may have one clue. But short of changing your subscription to using a static address (which usually costs more) there may not be an easy fix.
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post #771 of 1015
12/12/12 at 7:23am
Quote:
Originally Posted by wkearney99 View Post

Is their authentication linked to IP address? If so, then is your external IP address changing often enough to be a problem? Some ISPs rotate customer IP addresses more often than others. Check what IP address you're using now and check it again if the Roku wants to authenticate again. If they're different you may have one clue. But short of changing your subscription to using a static address (which usually costs more) there may not be an easy fix.

If true, that would be a pain. My ROKU IP address is served by DHCP and I've never had an issue maintaining my signed-in state for HBO Go.
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post #772 of 1015
12/13/12 at 1:35am
The HBO Go authentication seem to be good now. Maybe it just took 24 hours for it to completely process.
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post #773 of 1015
12/16/12 at 11:28am
I picked up a ROKU 2 XS package (with the HDMI cable) at Sam's last week for $79.99.

It was easy to install.

At first I wan't impressed with the picture quality, then I "found" the Settings Icon, and switched from 720 to 1080. Now I'm a Happy Camper.

I do need to upgrade to a recevier that has HDMI inputs, so I can take advantage of the 5.1 audio that ROKU delivers.

I have noticed that some Channels like Flixster, as it retrieves each Movie Trailer, shows only 2 of the 4 Quality Buttons highlighted.

Some channels like TBN however, when you revtrieve them, do not display any Quality Buttons placeholders. I guess it's up to each channel to show or not show the Quality buttons... The picture quality for any of the TBN channles or sub-channels is not very good. The audio quality though is good, for listening to a Christmas program.

I am most happy to wean myself off the big cable/internet company and their bundled/pre-selected packages and numerous user fees. smile.gif
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post #774 of 1015
12/16/12 at 12:57pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by See The Light View Post

I picked up a ROKU 2 XS package (with the HDMI cable) at Sam's last week for $79.99.
It was easy to install.
At first I wan't impressed with the picture quality, then I "found" the Settings Icon, and switched from 720 to 1080. Now I'm a Happy Camper.
I do need to upgrade to a recevier that has HDMI inputs, so I can take advantage of the 5.1 audio that ROKU delivers.
I have noticed that some Channels like Flixster, as it retrieves each Movie Trailer, shows only 2 of the 4 Quality Buttons highlighted.
Some channels like TBN however, when you revtrieve them, do not display any Quality Buttons placeholders. I guess it's up to each channel to show or not show the Quality buttons... The picture quality for any of the TBN channles or sub-channels is not very good. The audio quality though is good, for listening to a Christmas program.
I am most happy to wean myself off the big cable/internet company and their bundled/pre-selected packages and numerous user fees. smile.gif
I got the same bundle at Sam's Club over the weekend after Thanksgiving for $70. Did your box have a card inside with an access code for two free months of Hulu Plus? I've had Rokus for almost three years and never tried Hulu Plus before but tried it since it was free. I discovered that I really like it, I'll keep it after the free period expires.
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post #775 of 1015
12/16/12 at 2:54pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Buckeye911 View Post

I got the same bundle at Sam's Club over the weekend after Thanksgiving for $70. Did your box have a card inside with an access code for two free months of Hulu Plus? I've had Rokus for almost three years and never tried Hulu Plus before but tried it since it was free. I discovered that I really like it, I'll keep it after the free period expires.

Yes, it had the card. But on the Roku site, there was another free trial. I wanted to use both both free trials, but I did not want to invalidate the 2 free months trial by opting for the shorter trial offered on the roku web site ....

I will try it, and will likely keep it. I have alread heard good things about Hulu Plus.
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post #776 of 1015
1/10/13 at 5:43pm
HULU + is 'OK' I suppose...I am not all that entranced with a channel that shows commercials when I am paying them a subscription fee. rolleyes.gif

Anyway, simple question. What Harmony or Harmony type remote is compatible with the 2XS? I am having an incredibly hard time getting this info...Thanks cool.gif
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post #777 of 1015
1/10/13 at 6:55pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Splicer010 View Post

HULU + is 'OK' I suppose...I am not all that entranced with a channel that shows commercials when I am paying them a subscription fee. rolleyes.gif

Anyway, simple question. What Harmony or Harmony type remote is compatible with the 2XS? I am having an incredibly hard time getting this info...Thanks cool.gif

I'm using an MX-780 (URC Brand) with my 2 XS. All the codes were available except the direct access buttons for Netflix, Pandora, and Crackle. I borrowed a last generation remote and learned those codes.
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post #778 of 1015
1/11/13 at 12:27am
Which streaming player can do hgh def audio and bd iso?
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post #779 of 1015
1/11/13 at 12:45am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Splicer010 View Post

Anyway, simple question. What Harmony or Harmony type remote is compatible with the 2XS? I am having an incredibly hard time getting this info...

I use a One but any Harmony remote should work. Nothing other than the original RF remote can do that motion game controller thing, of course.
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post #780 of 1015
1/11/13 at 4:14am
Quote:
Originally Posted by zoro View Post

Which streaming player can do hgh def audio and bd iso?
Same answer you got in all the threads you asked this.
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