I accidentally put this on the gaming board first:

I've been TV-less for a good while. I have an upgraded laptop that I use instead; Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Instant Video plus subscriptions to NHL Gamecenter and MotoGP.

I'm looking at picking up a Roku and a good size monitor and giving that a go as an upgrade to watching things on my laptop. For using a Roku, do the services I stream require a Roku enabled app to watch or does Roku have a browser that I can use to go to the MotoGP website (for example), log in and go from there? If I go Roku I'd want to know I wouldn't have to plug in my laptop for certain things.

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Posted by efrad

Member since Nov 2007

18645 posts

Posted on 4/12/15 at 4:14 pm to ClydeFrog

You will need an app for it.

Netflix, Hulu, Amazon, NHL apps exist for Roku.

MotoGP, nope.

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Posted by Layabout

Baton Rouge

Member since Jul 2011

11082 posts

Posted on 4/12/15 at 4:16 pm to ClydeFrog

Roku is a standalone device although you will need access to a PC to add channels. When you add a channel from the Roku on-screen menu it will pop up with a registration number and instruct you to go to a web site and enter that number.

You select the channels from among the 1700 available that you want to appear on your own Roku main menu. It's a simple process that only takes a few minutes.

This post was edited on 4/12/15 at 4:18 pm

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Posted by Hopeful Doc

Member since Sep 2010

14962 posts

Posted on 4/12/15 at 4:51 pm to Layabout

Not all channels require registration. Those that do, you can often register from a phone, tablet, or computer in a matter of 3 minutes or less. Many channels are simply "install and play." Anything that requires a subscription or login is usually managed with a passcode as described above. It's very simple, and it's not unique to Roku- practically all set-top "smart" devices use this form of authentication.

The Roku App Store is both device and web browser accessible, so apps can be installed from browsing on your PC or phone, or directly from the device itself.

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Posted by ClydeFrog

Kenya

Member since Jul 2012

3261 posts

Posted on 4/12/15 at 6:13 pm to Layabout

Thanks to you both.

Looks like most of what I use already has an app for Roku. I'd also look at Sling TV and that new HBO streaming service; both of which I'm sure have Roku apps or are working on it at leastm

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Posted by efrad

Member since Nov 2007

18645 posts

Posted on 4/12/15 at 7:33 pm to ClydeFrog

quote:
Looks like most of what I use already has an app for Roku. I'd also look at Sling TV and that new HBO streaming service; both of which I'm sure have Roku apps or are working on it at leastm

SlingTV has an app for Roku. The HBO app is exclusive to the AppleTV, however you can get HBO through SlingTV (including on demand) now so you don't really need the HBO app.

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Posted by Layabout

Baton Rouge

Member since Jul 2011

11082 posts

Posted on 4/13/15 at 12:02 am to ClydeFrog

quote:
Looks like most of what I use already has an app for Roku.

If it streams, chances are that it will be on Roku, if not now then eventually. The same cannot be said for apple and amazon, both of which are in competition in one way, shape or form with other content providers.

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