UPDATE:
Still using ROKU streaming sticks at home and while traveling, and we have added a couple of streaming apps for ROKU that may be hard to obtain through some other devices. MeritMedia (By Dr. Phil) is available on ROKU. Also known as Merit+, it hosts shows by Dr. Phil, a US history TV series, a series by Mike Rowe, and more. If you have ROKU, check this new streaming source out. If you don’t have ROKU and it is not available on your streaming hardware – you may still be able to get these videos on your laptop or desktop computer, tablet or cell phone.
June 3, 2020
For years, television content has been delivered in expensive bundles via cable or satellite. Then, Netflix, Sling, Hulu, YouTube and others offered alternatives that streamed shows on demand over your internet connection to your PC.
ROKU devices are attached thru the HDMI video and audio available on most connectors. (Some ROKU models still support older TVs with last generation TV signal connections.)
I actually prefer the ROKU add-on device to the “built-in” streamig capabilities of large flat screen systems, even when the excellent ROKU software is included inside your TV!
Streaming TV is made possible by special purpose computers dedicated to doing one thing very well. But, how often does the demand on these devices change? How often should we consider a faster processor, more memory, and a move from 1080P to 4k Video and beyond?
I won’t replace my large screen TV every two year, but ROKU devices are relatively inexpensive and updated frequently with newer and more capable models. It is not unreasonable to update the ROKU on the main screen every couple of years and gift the older device or move it to a second screen.
Eventually, the oldest devices won’t be capable of running the most robust streaming services, as some Netflix users found out last December. An ROKU upgrade can bring new life to an older TV at a bargain price.
ROKU is also “screen-casting” friendly. The convenience of projecting the video and audio from a personal device is supported by most ROKU devices and I have used ROKU to present from Windows PCs as well as Android and Apple mobile devices. In fact, I can set up an instant slide show on my smart phone and project wirelessly to a large TV screen by attaching my little ROKU to the TV’s HDMI connector!
One other thought about the advantage of having the power to stream large screen television in a pocket-sized device… Our ROKU traveled with us on our last “away from home” family vacation. One quick connection to the television where we stayed and a couple of clicks to set up connection to WIFI, and our complete streaming library was available for evening entertainment!
Since we are US residents, there are some countries and markets where our streaming subscriptions are not allowed, but trips to the beach, the mountains or another US location with a reliable WIFI connection has never been a problem.