Roku or ? Need a box for the kids. :)

Christmas is going to be a bit light this year, but we want to get the kids a Roku (or similar). Their DVD player is dead and they've become Netflix addicts, so I figure a streaming box is the best bet. They can get varied content for minimally more than a DVD player.

We are not looking to spend much and they use an old CRT TV, so 1080 isn't really necessary. Maybe they'll get spoiled and get a nice TV someday, but not too worried about it right now.

Is the new Roku LT the best way to go for this? The primary use I can think of is Netflix. We have a Boxee downstairs for us, but it's a bit overkill for the kids and we really aren't looking to spend that much.

Opinions or thoughts? The kids are 5 and 3. We don't have cable or satellite package, so Netflix is how they get to watch tv.

Quote from tivaclare : Christmas is going to be a bit light this year, but we want to get the kids a Roku (or similar). Their DVD player is dead and they've become Netflix addicts, so I figure a streaming box is the best bet. They can get varied content for minimally more than a DVD player. We are not looking to spend much and they use an old CRT TV, so 1080 isn't really necessary. Maybe they'll get spoiled and get a nice TV someday, but not too worried about it right now. Is the new Roku LT the best way to go for this? The primary use I can think of is Netflix. We have a Boxee downstairs for us, but it's a bit overkill for the kids and we really aren't looking to spend that much. Opinions or thoughts? The kids are 5 and 3. We don't have cable or satellite package, so Netflix is how they get to watch tv.

I'd say the LT is absolutely the way to go. I have an XS, and frankly, the gaming aspect of the XS is weak and is not worth the extra money. So, I think the LT will make the kids happy. I have similar aged kids, and they're able to navigate the Roku interface without too much help on my part.

You might want to pick up some spare remotes from last Thursday's front page deal.

My only warning is that there aren't any parental controls with Netflix or Roku.

If you have an older CRT TV that you'll be connecting this to...will the Roku support that? I have a WDTV Live, and it only has HDMI and component (not composite) outputs.

Quote from radioscott : I'd say the LT is absolutely the way to go. I have an XS, and frankly, the gaming aspect of the XS is weak and is not worth the extra money. So, I think the LT will make the kids happy. I have similar aged kids, and they're able to navigate the Roku interface without too much help on my part. You might want to pick up some spare remotes from last Thursday's front page deal. My only warning is that there aren't any parental controls with Netflix or Roku.

Thanks for the info. I checked and the LT does use AV, so we're good on that. Even though it's in their room, I try to do most of the navigating, so parental controls aren't a huge concern...yet. They pretty much stick to Caillou (ugh) and other PBS shows anyway. (such good kids )

I will plan to get them a LT and maybe even get lucky and find a discount.

Quote from tivaclare : Thanks for the info. I checked and the LT does use AV, so we're good on that. Even though it's in their room, I try to do most of the navigating, so parental controls aren't a huge concern...yet. They pretty much stick to Caillou (ugh) and other PBS shows anyway. (such good kids ) I will plan to get them a LT and maybe even get lucky and find a discount.

A/V just stands for audio/video. Any connection from a device to your TV is technically audio/video.

I suppose, but I thought AV was understood to be just standard hookups like an older television would require. Is there something else I should have called it to make it less confusing?

Quote from tivaclare : I suppose, but I thought AV was understood to be just standard hookups like an older television would require. Is there something else I should have called it to make it less confusing?

Composite is the term you're looking for, methinks:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Composite_video

Quote from tivaclare : Thanks for the info. I checked and the LT does use AV, so we're good on that. Even though it's in their room, I try to do most of the navigating, so parental controls aren't a huge concern...yet. They pretty much stick to Caillou (ugh) and other PBS shows anyway. (such good kids ) I will plan to get them a LT and maybe even get lucky and find a discount.

My kids only want to watch age-appropriate stuff, thank goodness. But, I always think there's the possibility that they'll accidentally select Walking Dead or something in my queue! It hasn't happened yet, though.

And, yeah, the Roku will hook up to just about any kind of TV you have now.

Just checked my Roku box, the "A/V" connection is the Red/White/Yellow. The Roku is a good choice as you an select what channels to add and lock them out from others.