What if we told you that you can get more than 500 channels, over 1200 apps like Netflix, Amazon Instant, HBO Go, Hulu and Pandora not to forget all that in HD for just $50; you’d be surprised wont you? Yes Roku’s HD Streaming stick lets you do all the just at a meager $50. Ladies and gents this is Fullestop review of the wonderful HD streaming device by Roku.
It is just like a dongle that fits into the HDMI slot of your television; it’s just that this dongle needs an external micro USB to power up. It stores all the channels that you subscribed in your account an you can access it from anywhere on any TV, you just need a WIFI connection and log into your account and let it download all your subscribed channels; you are ready with your pocket sized entertainment. You would need your smart phone or a computer to link the device with your account/subscription. The package comes with a remote unlike the chrome cast which Google recently launched. You can do most of the things like playback, next or fast forward with the remote or the app available on different mobile platforms. The stick in super ultra light and weighs around 18 grams. This makes this device the lightest entertainment you’ll ever take with you in your pocket.
The channel search is most advanced in Roku as compared to all of its competitors. It has this “Unicersal Search” feature by virtue of which you just have to type the name of the movie or even the name of the actor that’s in a particular movie, Roku’s will show all the movies related to it and also suggest when the related movies will be aired free. It has vast amount to content on the platform than chrome cast which is slowly trying to catch up. When it comes to Roku there are many channels to choose from, including the most watched ones and if you are not able to get your hands on your favorite channel you can always check the private channel listings. The streaming with Roku is extremely smooth and it’s something which takes the cherry on the cake.
The chrome cast is good but this one is a killer, you can ever control it with your iPhone or any android phone. The design makes it even better; it only takes the space of an USB device and packs a power punch in the services offered. The device has a 1080P and 720P outputs with native being 1080P and supports dual-band WIFI. The device sports a Roku’s standard interface, which is best in class at this point. You can pretty easily control your TV with your smart phone (iOS or Android), also there is a voice search option that lets you to call a channel through your smart phone and the device plays it on your TV. However a high speed WIFI connection is required for it to work flawless. The company recommends a minimum speed of 1.5 MBPS for standard definition and 3.0 MBPS and above for high definition. As always a device can’t be 100% perfect and this device is also guilty of taking a bit of time to load. It also takes quite a while to get the services started and the device ready to work.
Overall this device will give a serious fight to Google’s chrome cast to be the number one HD streaming device in the market and will surely give it a run for the money. We should not forget that the platform is still immature and will grow as the time passes but for now Roku is your best bet when it comes to digital streaming entertainment.
