What is a Roku streaming player? How does it work?
Roku is a small device that streams movies, TV shows, music, and other entertainment to your TV via the Internet. Since Roku streams (rather than downloads) video, you get instant access to a huge library of entertainment without having to store any video files on your computer or hard drive.
Once you set up Roku, you do not need a PC to use it. Roku connects directly to your TV and your high-speed Internet service home using your wireless home network. It then lets you access the streaming entertainment channels that you sign up for (like Netflix) right from your TV, using a handy remote.
What can I watch on Roku ? Are there monthly fees?
Roku brings a huge selection of streaming entertainment to your TV. There are over 300 entertainment “channelsâ€, featuring 100,000+ movies and TV shows, music, sports, photo and video sharing, games, international programming, news and much more. All of the channels are available for you to browse and select in the Roku Channel Store, which you can access from your TV screen.
Most channels on Roku are completely free. Crackle, for example, is a movie channel that features hundreds of free Hollywood movies on demand. Pandora is also free. You’ll find hundreds of others, covering virtually every category and genre.
A few popular channels, like Netflix and Hulu Plus, require that you have a monthly subscription with those services. For example, a Netflix streaming subscription that provides unlimited access to a streaming library of over 20,000 movies and TV episodes costs $7.99 per month. Roku simply gives you access to that subscription on TV. We do not charge any additional fees to watch subscription-based channels like Netflix and Hulu Plus.
A new feature unique to the Roku 2 product family is the ability to play casual games like Angry Birds. A full version of Angry Birds comes free with the purchase of the Roku 2 XS model. A variety of games are also available in the Channel Store for a nominal, one-time fee.
What do I need to set Roku up?
Roku uses the Internet to deliver streaming entertainment to your TV, so you'll need high-speed Internet service (like DSL or cable) for the best experience. To see what your network speed is at home, go to http://www.speedtest.net on your computer and hit the “Begin Test†button—a quick test will run that measures your download speed in “Mbps†(megabits per second). Generally we recommend a network speed of at least 1.2 Mbps, but to view live events, like Major League Baseball games, you’ll want at least 3 Mbps. For HD viewing, we recommend 5 Mbps.
Most of our customers connect their Roku players to a wireless network at home, using a wireless router. Simple instructions on-screen guide you through the one-time setup process. You can also connect models with an Ethernet port to your router using an Ethernet cable.
The cable you need to connect Roku to most television sets is included in the box. However, if you want to watch in high-definition, you'll need an HDMI cable. Roku offers a great deal on a 6 ft HDMI cable during checkout—it’s just $9.99 (that’s $15 less than most other retailers).
If I order, how will it ship and when will it get here?
All orders placed before 11 AM PT on weekdays will be shipped out of our warehouse the same day. Orders placed after 11 AM PT on weekdays, and on Saturdays and Sundays, will be shipped the following business day. For all shipping options, holidays do not count as business days.
Free Shipping uses US Postal Service Mail, which takes 5-9 business days depending on your zip code.
US Postal Service Priority Mail delivers to residential and business addresses, including P.O. boxes and A.P.O./F.P.O. addresses, Monday through Saturday. Transit times are estimates and not guaranteed.
Saver Shipping uses US Postal Service Priority Mail, which takes 3-5 business days depending on your zip code. US Postal Service Priority Mail delivers to residential and business addresses, including P.O. boxes and A.P.O./F.P.O. addresses, Monday through Saturday. Transit times are estimates and not guaranteed. FedEx 2-Day shipping takes 2 business days and is delivered only Monday through Friday to residential and business addresses.
NOTE: FedEx does not guarantee on-time delivery between Dec 18-24. Once your order ships, you will receive an email with your tracking information. Shipping is not available to US territories or to other countries. With all shipping options, weather can cause unexpected delays – check with USPS or FedEx for more information.
How does the 30-day money back guarantee work?
We want you to be totally satisfied with your Roku player. Return it within 30 days of your purchase, and we'll give you your money back. Return shipping cost is not covered by the Roku 30-day money back guarantee.
All Roku players are also covered by a 90-day hardware warranty against manufacturing defects. If you want to be worry-free for even longer, you can purchase our 2-Year Roku Extended Care warranty for only $19.99.
Can I find Roku in a local retail store?
Roku players are sold directly at Roku.com, as well as at a wide variety of local retailers. Click here to find a store near you.
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