Verdict
If you are an entertainment buff and would love to be able to enjoy your favorite shows or movies at a moment’s notice then this little device is for you. It’s the Roku XDS streaming player and despite looking like an ordinary little black box, once you see what it is capable of you will quickly find that it is nothing less than extraordinary.
Simply put it is a unit that gives you an unbelievable amount of programming to your TV anytime you want it. There is currently a library of over 100,000 movies and TV shows available from a number of sources, including Amazon Video on Demand and Netflix, as well as other areas.
You also have access to major original Internet programming such as sports, news and other subjects. Plus, you can access your own personal iTunes playlists, listen to music on Pandora, or hear any music that you wish from around the world. Since more and more material is being added every day you’re sure to always have the most updated selection in instant entertainment. All of this is available to you whenever you want to access it. The great thing about it is that it doesn’t require a PC or a Mac.
The Roku XDS features 1080p streaming video for the latest in outstanding wireless technology. It is the perfect way to watch your programming in as little as five minutes of setup. It uses a Dual-band wireless technology which means that you can get it almost anywhere in your house. It is compatible with any TV and regardless if your house is wired or even wireless, there is a simple-to-use tutorial that will walk you through the steps quickly and easily.
One of the outstanding features of this entire setup is the remote, which controls everything. It is simple to use and even comes with one really cool feature- an instant replay button. This gives you the power to skip back in 8 second intervals. And it does it without delays. How cool is that?
Included with the Roku XDS are audio and video outputs including HDMI and composite A/V. You have wireless and Ethernet capability and composite A/V cables. There is a power adapter and, of course, an instruction manual. And all of this technology is backed by their one-year warranty.
All you are required to have in order to operate it is a high-speed Internet connection with at least 1.2 Mbps of speed. For those using HD video it is recommended that the requirement be bumped up to 5 Mbps. If your equipment is such that you can’t connect directly to your cable or DSL modem then you will also need a router.
Take a look at the Roku XDS and you’ll see what all of the hype is about. Once you see how relaxing and simple it can make your viewing you’ll know that all the commotion was for real.