[jeebusroxors]

I bought the Roku a few months back. I don't have cable and wanted to watch a few shows here and there.It's pretty simple to use, but to me it doesn't feel like a parent proof device.

The UI is split up into "Channels" which are essentially different applications that grab video listings. The most popular one is netflix. It should be noted that you cannot browse netflix from the Roku (yet). Your instant queue is displayed on the top row, and then various other options are displayed below it. There are groups like "Recently Watched", "Critically Acclaimed Movies From The 80s", "Dark Documentaries", and then recommendations, one from netflix and a few others based on things you've just watched, and a search feature. All of these, except the instant queue, search and netflix recommendations appear to be random.

I have had one technical problem with the netflix channel. From what I can gather, when netflix goes down and you try to access the channel it can lock the channel up, making all videos you try to watch unavailable. The only solution was a factory reset.

There are some other good channels as well, MLB.tv, Nasa.tv (haven't had much success), Khan Academy, TED Talks, and a few others. There is a way to stream videos from your PC but it's a bit of a nightmare.

All in all, it's a great little device, and I'm happy with the purchase but it may be one of those "you get what you pay for" things, but I've never seen any of the other devices. If you need more help feel free to email.

[ecaroth]

Awesome.. that's just the kind of info I was looking for. From the looks of things, they're actively developing their software and plan on supporting Hulu+ as well. Probably gonna pull the trigger on this badboy then! One more question... does it have a bittorent client built in? I have a cinemaGo, which lacks netflix support unfortunately, but I has a built in bittorrent client which has come in very handy. Not a deal breaker I guess, but still would be sweet

[jeebusroxors]

No bittorrent. This thing pretty much just plays video from netflix or amazon. It didn't look too hackable at first inspection, but it didn't appear to be locked down, just undocumented.

Hulu+ is in the works.

Here is a list of official channels:

http://www.roku.com/roku-channel-store

And official/unofficial:

http://www.roku-channels.com/

Also - not trying to be spammy but see if this link gets you a lower price. Their promo graphic says you get "Rokus Lowest Price". It gives me a month of netflix, so don't use it unless it helps you out.

http://roku.tellapal.com/a/clk/LTgJ2

If that doesn't work they place this link all the way at the bottom in grey text. If you're a new netflix customer you get $20 off any model.

http://www.roku.com/netflix-deal