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I recently purchased the third generation Roku 2 at the end of July. I've been keeping an eye on the Roku for a long time, but have finally decided to get one based on the fact that they now support DLNA.
The new Roku 2 is basically the same as the Roku 3, but minus the gaming function, the motion controller (with built-in audio), and voice search. That's okay to me, I don't think I want to game on this thing and I would rather save $30.
Pros:
The Ethernet port is back (which was missing in previous revisions)
USB support. This is important if you watch digital films via USB sticks or portable USB harddrives. It has enough power to power up the portable drives (unlike the Raspberry Pi 2, which probably need an upgraded power source?).
It's fast and it's very simple to use
YouTube has fewer ads than PS3 or PS4
Cons:
No OFF button! You have to always keep it on. I have to physically unplug the device.
You will need a credit card to activate the Roku. I couldn't find a way to skip this process - even though I read that you could.
Media Player does not support multiple audio or subtitles.
I have a Raspberry Pi 2 and an OUYA for comparison (see how they stack up on the image). The OUYA is the worst of the three products, it's big and the gaming controller is clunky and poorly designed. Its WiFi chip simply does not work if you move it into another room. I've read solution that people had to buy WiFi bridge to plug into the Ethernet port to get it to work.
All three devices will play your local USB media, access DLNA, play your local MP3s, etc.... but using the Roku is the easiest because of their simple remote controller. If you use Netflix, Amazon video, RDIO, or Sling - they have dedicated buttons for those apps!
The Raspberry Pi 2 is the superior media streaming device, however it's not always normal people friendly. You have to nerd around with it, downloading O/S and keeping it updated. Plus, it's bare-bones... meaning that the $35 CPU board is the start. Your final cost is probably closer to $100 or more. However, if you get it going, it does it all: multiple audio tracks, multiple subtitles (exterior or softcode!).... basically everything a tiny Linux computer can do, the RP2 can do it too.
If you're looking for options, I recommend the RP2... if you just want an easy to use media box, the new Roku 2 has a lot to offer.
The new Roku 2 is basically the same as the Roku 3, but minus the gaming function, the motion controller (with built-in audio), and voice search. That's okay to me, I don't think I want to game on this thing and I would rather save $30.
Pros:
Cons:
I have a Raspberry Pi 2 and an OUYA for comparison (see how they stack up on the image). The OUYA is the worst of the three products, it's big and the gaming controller is clunky and poorly designed. Its WiFi chip simply does not work if you move it into another room. I've read solution that people had to buy WiFi bridge to plug into the Ethernet port to get it to work.
All three devices will play your local USB media, access DLNA, play your local MP3s, etc.... but using the Roku is the easiest because of their simple remote controller. If you use Netflix, Amazon video, RDIO, or Sling - they have dedicated buttons for those apps!
The Raspberry Pi 2 is the superior media streaming device, however it's not always normal people friendly. You have to nerd around with it, downloading O/S and keeping it updated. Plus, it's bare-bones... meaning that the $35 CPU board is the start. Your final cost is probably closer to $100 or more. However, if you get it going, it does it all: multiple audio tracks, multiple subtitles (exterior or softcode!).... basically everything a tiny Linux computer can do, the RP2 can do it too.
If you're looking for options, I recommend the RP2... if you just want an easy to use media box, the new Roku 2 has a lot to offer.
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Compare |
RP2 |
Roku 2 |
OUYA |
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Price
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$35 - $100
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$69
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$99
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HDMI
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YES
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YES
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YES
|
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Ethernet
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YES
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YES
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YES
|
|
USB
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YES (4)
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YES (1)
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YES (1)
|
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Remote
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Keyboard (addon)
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Remote Control
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Controller
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Wireless
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WiFi dongle (addon)
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WiFi (dualband)
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WiFi (barely works)
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