Roku

[maxximilian]

I am seeing sales on the Roku device as we approach the holidays. What exactly can I do with this thing right out of the box? Is there a monthly service fee or just fees for channels you buy ala carte? Is there a decent ammount of free stuff available immediately?

I tried to hook up a computer to a HDTV several times and failed miserably. Wondering if this device will get me some the results I was hoping for with a PC to HDTV hookup. Stream videos from computers on the network to the HDTV via Roku?

[Welshjim]

maxximilian--You have asked quite a few questions. The best way to answer and let you decide if you want to buy a Roku player (there are more than one) may be to let you read the User Guides
http://overtheairdvr.com/wp-content/...kuPlayerUG.pdf

http://www.retrevo.com/samples/Roku-manuals.html

or prowl around the Roku site.
http://www.roku.com/

[maxximilian]

Thanks for the links....

I guess what I mainly looking for is the basic function. For example, if you get a cell phone, it is worthless without a contract with a service provider. The device and service are both required. In the case of Roku, I am just wondering if there is a similar relationship....or can you just buy the device, hook it up, and view stuff without contracts or subscriptions. I understand you can improve the experience by buying channels as you go.

I am completely ignorant of these TV devices as a whole. After FedEx delivers it, and I hook it up and turn it on....what's going to happen. Anything?

[fink]

Not exactly a specific answer to the question but I used to admin a Roku music/mp3 distribution network at a venue that I worked at. It, for that purpose, was very reliable, flexible and more easily setup/used/tweaked/etc than the previous system made by TurtleBeach.

It was set up to serve both pre-programmed and user requested music to 8 different Roku music stations throughout the bldg via a music server that was updated with mp3 files.

I only bring this up because I was impressed with the product and in the research I did before we bought it so were many other customers.

[Welshjim]

maxximilian--
http://www.amazon.com/what-Roku-boxe...sin=B00426C57O
http://www.rokuguide.com/channels/public-all-az

I think you should ask the roku store for the latest info.
http://www.roku.com/roku-channel-store

or contact Roku http://www.roku.com/about/contact