Roku 2 XS Wireless 1080p HD Media Player (Refurbished) $55

Quote from Simoleon : Very much on the fence here. I would like to use this for a second TV in a home sports bar setup. Can anyone speak to the free sports options on this device? I looked on the Roku site, but it was vague at best, especially when trying to find out if things were free or not.

I would say the free sports options would be classified as non-existent. I've got several Rokus and been using them for a couple years now. I love them, but I have not seen any live sports options whatsoever. No real live TV or any kind really.

Can I stream 1080p bluray rips .mkv files over wireless with this?

Does this stream media from a computer to my tv?

Quote from itzraman : Does Plex update automatically for any new files that gets added to the PC. I've downloaded couple of new files to the same directory in the PC running Plex server. But the Plex channel in Roku doesn't seem to find the new files.

Mine libraries do automatically update in PLEX. But there is a setting in the Plex Media Manager for this. I'm sure it is turned on by default, but you can check there. If it's not checked, it won't update automatically.

Quote from henucu : All my rokus show up as bluetooth devices when I search on my phone. They cannot be paired or connected though.

Yeah, according to the specs on amazon, all Roku 2 devices have bluetooth built it, but its only enabled to worked with the Roku bluetooth remote. It would be awesome if they were able to change that with a firmware upgrade to allow bluetooth keyboards.

does this stream my desktop to my TV? Also does this have a browser?

Quote from Robert95z : Does this stream media from a computer to my tv?

Yes, and most everyone is Plex media server for that. I personally think it works great. I set up a folder for kids movies and one for grown-ups. I also pointed the server to my photos folder. I was worried about the photos because its a huge folder with many, many subfolders. It took Plex quite a while to update that library, but its working pretty slick now.

Quote from sdeals4ak : does this stream my desktop to my TV? Also does this have a browser?

doesn't stream your desktop to your TV like a Splashtop. But does stream movies, music, and pictures from your computer to your TV via Plex.
No browser.

Quote from johnnyblades : Yes, and most everyone is Plex media server for that. I personally think it works great. I set up a folder for kids movies and one for grown-ups. I also pointed the server to my photos folder. I was worried about the photos because its a huge folder with many, many subfolders. It took Plex quite a while to update that library, but its working pretty slick now. doesn't stream your desktop to your TV like a Splashtop. But does stream movies, music, and pictures from your computer to your TV via Plex. No browser.

can this mirror my laptop if its not connected by hdmi? like airplay for an apple tv?

just bought this thanks selma.. I wanted to buy at costco ($75 out the door) but these units are not that worth spending. Just another gadget you want in your list. Also I warn, I bought the refurbished unit (XD) from TigerDirect last month FP, it was DOA and looks like pretty beated up unit. So I am afraid if I receive similar one now, dont know whats the "1saleaday" return policy. Tigerdirect was kind enogh to accept the return with return shipping label. Any comments?

got mine yesterday from the last time they had it...all good

Quote from deals2dream : just bought this thanks selma.. I wanted to buy at costco ($75 out the door) but these units are not that worth spending. Just another gadget you want in your list. Also I warn, I bought the refurbished unit (XD) from TigerDirect last month FP, it was DOA and looks like pretty beated up unit. So I am afraid if I receive similar one now, dont know whats the "1saleaday" return policy. Tigerdirect was kind enogh to accept the return with return shipping label. Any comments?

Never returned anything to 1SAD but I've heard it can be a nightmare. I've bought a handful of refurbed items from them, even one of these Roku XS, and they have all been like new condition.

Quote from lantzuh : can this mirror my laptop if its not connected by hdmi? like airplay for an apple tv?

No, it doesn't mirror your computer. Just streams content stored on your computer

We cut cable almost exactly a year ago with one of these. We use this same model in our living room.

As others mentioned, I setup a PlayOn server and throw movies and TV Shows on that server, and stream them to the Roku player.

However, Streaming HD content over WIRELESS isn't all that great, it can be a bit choppy. But then again, its wireless. Its the connection speed, not necessarily the Roku's fault.

Just picked up a second one for the bedroom TV.


The drawback to "cutting the cord" I've found is really just the lack of "Live" TV Shows/sports. you want your buddies over to watch the NFL game Sunday afternoon? Sorry. Pick another friends house. And, that when you have company over (ie, Parents, friends, other people not familiar with Roku/streaming TV) you have to "teach" them how to use the system. They cant just flip on the TV and start "channel surfing" like they normally would. But for me, its worth saving the $50-$100/mo to the cable/sat company.

Quote from lantzuh : can this mirror my laptop if its not connected by hdmi? like airplay for an apple tv?

At that point why not just plug the HDMI cable from your computer to the tv and skip the middle man all together?

[e]Sorry I am sick and read the original comment incorrectly.

Plex transcodes mp4 and mkv files. Is this correct?