Comments on Doc’s Tech Notes: Roku XR -- Streaming Netflix Perfection

TiVO has long held the position as the best provid...

2011-10-21T02:13:37.393-04:00

TiVO has long held the position as the best provider for shows with its wide coverage, but along came Netflix and Roku, it lost grounds and from a household name had slowly disintegrated into a memory from years gone by.

{Doc’s Note: Scott originally sent the comment abo...

2010-04-26T21:20:55.889-04:00

{Doc’s Note: Scott originally sent the comment above via e-mail and was gracious enough to repost here so I could comment, below is the e-mail as sent.}

Thanks for reading and thanks for the question. Here’s what I recommend. First, in order to use the MacBook with HDMI, you are going to need a Display Port to HDMI adapter (not a cheap solution). What you will find is that this adapter does not feed the TV an audio signal, so you will also need an audio cable (another expense) from your MacBook (from the head phone jack) to your HDTV (usually RCA inputs or optionally a TOS). This setup works, but it requires more cables, money, and is a bit gangly when connecting your MacBook.

Now, concerning quality. I’ve found that the Roku HD-XR provides the best possible Netflix image. I am unsure why, but is seems to adjust the quality better to the bandwidth than does my Mac. I’ve used this setup at a second home were we have Verizon DSL (3Mbps plan) and I never have a downgraded signal on DSL. Only on our cable connection have I seen a downgraded signal - those peak hours. When it does downgrade, you will notice the difference on your HDTV. It will be a bit blocky, but still very watchable and we’ve noticed after a few minutes, we get adjusted. It’s no HDTV stream, but it is usually no worse than VCR quality...ever...and most usually DVD quality. If you want the highest stream, upgrade your plan and I think you will be VERY happy with the quality and shouldn’t experience many downgraded signals. A regular reader and good friend has this same DSL setup and he too is pleased.

I think you will also find the Roku more convenient when permanently connected to your HDTV and you will use Netflix more often. The remote and additional Roku featuers (channels) will have you exploring other online media on your HDTV. This will also allow you to have access to your MacBook when watching movies. All plusses in my opinion. So, if you want my honest opinion, go for the Roku if you have a bit of extra money. And when you connect the Roku, you will only need a single HDMI cable (get the Amazon cable for around $5) since the Roku feeds both audio and video through the HDMI port. A simple and inexpensive solution.

If you decide to purchase a Roku, I recommend purchasing through Amazon. Quick, free shipping, and no tax (here’s the link again: Roku HD-XR).

Dear Steve, After reading the technotes on net...

2010-04-25T21:48:28.118-04:00

Dear Steve,

After reading the technotes on netflix streaming, I have a
question. I own a 52" Sharp L.C.D. t.v. I have a Bose Wave radio
hooked up to it, and an apple macbook connected to airport extreme. A
short while ago I subscribed to netflix and I enjoy watching their
instant movies on my macbook with a pair of bose comfort 2 headphones.
My internet is Verizon DSL, a little under 1 megabite per/second.
I want to stream netflix to my T.V. Should I buy an HDMI cable and
use my macbook or order the 129$ Roku box as the article says?
Which would work better? To be more specific, I have the slowest
DSL connection that Verizon offers. Movies play well on my macbook. If
I order the Roku box will the quality of the movies be the same as if
I connected my macbook to the tv. The article stated that during
primetime the internet connection slows down and the roku box gives
lower resolution pictures. I guess "resolution" is what I'm concearned
with. To put it another way will my macbook give a better resolution
streaming netflix to my TV, compared to the Roku box.
I don't want to throw away 129$. I can also up my DSL to 3
megabits/ per second for 10$ more a month.
Thanks,
Scott