Just ordered a Roku

[j_garcia]

Wasn't sure if the lower models did 5.1, but it does show up on my XD as an option.

Yes, as mentioned, the source material is the real culprit there. Only a small portion of the streaming content out there is currently 5.1. Netflix streams up to 640K also (DD+), so we aren't talking lossless audio either. No TrueHD, dtsHD-MA or uncompressed PCM like you would get on Blu-ray.

I am not aware of too many devices that are actually 5.1 enabled with Neftlix yet either. The PS3 and obviously a few of the Rokus also, but not sure how many others are. I think there are only like 3 or 4 devices that currently are, but the limiting factor is still the source material.

 

[sholling]

If you have a 5.1 speaker set on your <strike>TV</strike> PC you can do a free Netflix trial and see if you like it. That way you're not putting out money for a streaming device before trying it.

Oops had to fix a brain fade.

 

[j_garcia]

I havn't checked into it yet, but I don't think it's available here yet.
I'm curious of the cost.

Dish "Hopper" as it is called is now being blasted all over the Dish site as of today.

 

[j_garcia]

I've had this thing for a few weeks now and do have some minor complaints. Even with a 2G SD card in it, it seemed to freeze randomly on both Netflix and Amazon (Amazon more frequently), to the point where I had to unplug it to reset it. So this weekend I switched it to a 4G SD card and it seems to have helped considerably. I have not had it quit responding since doing this. Overall, I am pretty pleased with it so far. Going to sign up for the month of free Hulu+ soon now that I've pretty much decided to keep it (still within the 30 day trial period).

 

[afterlife2]

Roku Streaming Stick - Digital Media Receivers - CNET Reviews

 

[j_garcia]

Saw that yesterday too. Not sure if good enough at a slight price premium over the Chromecast, but it works with other devices and uses HDMI port so that's kinda cool.

My issue with that unit, and why I didn't post it, is that it uses an old style chip which means using it will kind of suck (guess).

 

[j_garcia]

Looks like our Roku 2 died this week. Probably won't buy another one.

 

[mikey d]

When we purchased our house last year my wife and I decided to forgo cable. We have cable internet and stream netflix, hulu and crackle when we want to watch tv. Any audio I stream I do via the PS3 and audiofiles on my pc or with a tablet/phone directly to the stereo.

I cant see ever needing anything else and pay less than $100 a month for it all. Our first year we even did skype, it was like 12.99 for the year and used an un-activated Droid X as our home phone.

We stream via a PS3 but have been thinking of testing out the roku for heat/energy reasons more than anything.

Anyways were a satisfied family of 5 and will never go back to a cable bill. Streaming is the way to go

 

[j_garcia]

When we purchased our house last year my wife and I decided to forgo cable. We have cable internet and stream netflix, hulu and crackle when we want to watch tv. Any audio I stream I do via the PS3 and audiofiles on my pc or with a tablet/phone directly to the stereo.

I cant see ever needing anything else and pay less than $100 a month for it all. Our first year we even did skype, it was like 12.99 for the year and used an un-activated Droid X as our home phone.

We stream via a PS3 but have been thinking of testing out the roku for heat/energy reasons more than anything.

Anyways were a satisfied family of 5 and will never go back to a cable bill. Streaming is the way to go

No, streaming is not the way to go, because now you put the ISP in control instead of the cable company - in many cases now, the SAME COMPANY. So the solution isn't much of a solution or a choice since they will now just jack your internet rates up instead of your cable bill. These companies know this is the situation as well.

IMO, the PS3 is a better streamer than a Roku, but the Roku is certainly smaller, somewhat easier to use and has none of the size/fan/heat factors. I dropped cable nearly 2 years ago and have zero desire to have it back.