Streaming Services.
Premium:
Netflix, Amazon Instant Video, Vudu, Hulu, Blockbuster, CinemaNow, M-Go, HBO Go, Google Play Movie and TV, HBO Now, Showtime, CBS All Access, Disney Movies Anywhere, MLB.TV, NHL, WWE Network, NFL Sunday Ticket, NFL, MLS, UFC.TV, Tennis Channel Everywhere, Sling TV
Other:
YouTube, Pandora, Spotify, Picasa, Flickr, Facebook, Watch Disney Channel, Watch Disney Junior, Watch Disney XD, Fox Now, FX Now, Watch ESPN, NBC, Starz Play, Nick, Crackle, Vimeo, Plex, Slingplayer, Showtime Anytime, TuneIn Radio, iHeartRadio, Amazon Music, Rdio,Vevo, Slacker, Epix, and more
Description. The Roku 1 is among the smaller streaming-media players; it's about a 4-inch square--though its edges are curved rather than straight--and it's just over an inch high. The player has a glossy black finish, with the now-familiar purple Roku tag hanging off one side. The Roku 1 is noticeably lighter than the Roku 3 and 2, and may be prone to being pulled backwards by a heavier HDMI cable. The Roku 1 has an HDMI out, and a composite video output. However, it does lack a wired Ethernet port for connecting to a home network. The Roku 1 comes with a relatively simple remote that includes dedicated content buttons for Netflix, Amazon Instant Video, Blockbuster, and M-Go.
Setup. This player is a bit harder to set up than other models, mainly because it was one of only a few tested models that require you to register the device using a computer. While there was labeling for all the connections, it lacked contrast so it was a bit difficult to connect the HDMI and other cables. It does have an onscreen guide that automatically scans for available WiFi networks, but it does not support an easier WPS connection, which doesn't require entering a password. We found updating the firmware for the box is easy because it will automatically prompt you if there is a firmware update.
Ease of use. For everyday use the box is generally easy to use:
Interface. The main home screen uses graphic tiles for all the available apps and content, and it can be customized for easier access to favorite apps. It also has a search function that will search the video streaming services for content.
Remote control. The provided remote is very simple, with few buttons that are well sized and labeled, with high enough contrast that they can be seen in a room with low-light conditions. It even includes dedicated buttons for accessing Netflix, Amazon Instant Video, Blockbuster, and M-Go. However, some buttons are labeled with non-standard icons, which could be initially confusing. You can download an iOS, Android, Windows, or Fire OS app that lets you use a phone or tablet to control the player, and use the device's QWERTY keyboard to enter text, making it easier to enter passwords. The app also lets you search for content and use the device's built in mic to do voice searches, access channels directly without navigating the player's menu, and beam photos and music stored on the device to the player via its "Play on Roku" feature.
Picture quality. This player supports 1080p output. In general we found the streaming picture quality to be very good, better than standard DVDs but not quite as sharp or detailed as from a Blu-ray disc. However, the quality of the video you'll get is largely dependent on the speed of your wired or wireless network. Since this player has no Ethernet port we had to test it using a wireless connection.
Audio. This player will output multichannel digital audio via its HDMI output.
Connections. This player only has a fair number of connections, including one HDMI output, and a composite video output. It has built-in WiFi, but does not support dual-band 5GHz networks and lacks an Ethernet jack. It supports "casting," which allows you to load content from YouTube and Netflix onto the player and control the video from the app on your mobile device. While it also lacks a USB and memory card slot, it does have DLNA support, so you can play pictures, videos, or music stored on a DLNA enable device connected to the same network.
Miscellaneous. This player does not have any form of a sleep or standby mode, so it always consumes the same amount of power (just under 4 Watts).
Firmware Version. All players are evaluated using the latest firmware version available at the time of testing.
Firmware version for the Roku 1 is: 6.2 Build 3672
About Firmware Version. Our test results are valid for the version of firmware indicated above. If your player's firmware differs from the one shown you either have an older or a newer version of firmware. Manufacturers may periodically upgrade the players’s firmware to enhance operation, fix bugs, or add features. Firmware upgrades may be downloadable directly to your player via a wired or wireless network, USB port, or memory card, depending on your player’s capability. You can check your player’s firmware version, or upgrade to the latest firmware by pressing the menu button on your remote and navigating to the appropriate submenu, typically under settings. Consult the user manual or manufacturer’s website if further guidance is needed.
