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Magnificat
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| Posted: Sept 02 2013 at 9:18am | IP Logged
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Hello everyone~
It has been ages since I have posted anything and have been mostly lurking, but I know that whenever something arises, I can certainly count on the 4Real family!
I am wondering if anyone can enlighten me on the Roku system. Cost? Easy to use? Parental controls? Any information would be great. I went to the website, but I found that none of these questions were really addressed. We have Netflix, but I am so disappointed at the "bottom of the barrel" selections, that I am thinking of chucking it. However, I would like something...yet I would like to still have some control on what comes into the house.
Any thoughts?
Thanks so much!
Charlotte
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TryingMyBest
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| Posted: Sept 02 2013 at 2:56pm | IP Logged
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We bought a Roku a few years ago when we cancelled our cable. We hardly ever use it since DH and I watch shows on our laptops. I don't remember how much it cost but don't think it was too much, especially compared to a monthly cable bill. It's very easy to use. I don't recall there being parental controls but I didn't look for them (our DD is only 3).
Do you have Amazon Prime? If so, you can watch their movies through the Roku just like Netflix. You can also buy streaming movies/shows through Amazon and watch on the Roku. I'm too cheap to pay for content but the prices aren't bad.
Overall for us it's just not worth it. We bought it back when we first dumped cable and were used to watching TV. But now that we're used to watching shows on laptops we don't need it anymore.
We allow our DD to watch TV but never use the Roku for her programs. Not that we're against it, just that I haven't taken the time to look for programs for her. It's easier to let her watch DVDs that we already know are appropriate.
I've had Netflix for years and am SO disappointed now in their streaming offerings. A few days ago, I went through looking for an old favorite, The Trouble With Angels*, which I'm sure I watched streaming a few years ago but now it's only available as a DVD. The studios have pulled many movies from the streaming option in the last few years. They're desperately trying to find a way to control their content and make money off of it. Too bad for them that my reaction to that is the unthinkable...to just not watch anything at all.
*BTW, everyone here would love this movie. Rosalind Russell as Mother Superior is pure awesomeness and who can resist Hayley Mills and her "scathingly brilliant ideas." Share it with your daughters too.
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JodieLyn
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| Posted: Sept 02 2013 at 3:28pm | IP Logged
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You know netflix rotates movies in and out of their streaming selection.. if it's in your list it will show back up when it's available again.
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TryingMyBest
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| Posted: Sept 02 2013 at 4:08pm | IP Logged
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I know they rotate but the real problem is that the licensing agreements they have with some studios have expired. See Netflix removing 1,794 titles.
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hmbress
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| Posted: Sept 04 2013 at 2:38pm | IP Logged
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We love our Roku and use it on a daily basis here. The kids just finished watching a couple of science documentaries, in fact. Even since Netflix has removed a lot of titles, we still find much worth watching, both for education and entertainment. Plus I recently discovered an app for my iPhone called Twonky that allows me to beam from YouTube (and other sites as well) to the TV. Much easier than gathering around a laptop!
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Heather Rose (ds13, ds10)
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hmbress
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| Posted: Sept 04 2013 at 2:49pm | IP Logged
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Just realized I didn't answer your specific questions. We got our Roku free as a hand-me-down a few years ago, but I understand they only run around $60. Netflix unlimited instant is about $8/month.
Parental controls - you can set a passcode to prevent purchases or downloads of apps (there are a bunch in addition to Netflix and some of them are awful. Some however are great ... Nasa, Weather Underground, Pandora, Travel with Kids).
The biggest parental control issue is with Netflix. There is a setting that allows only your queue to show up and not searches or suggestions of other shows. I keep my queue loaded with things that are ok for them to watch, and they are limited in their screentime so do not access it without permission. I am generally in the room when they are watching. Sometimes though I put on a show for them while I take a shower or nap.
Hope that helps!
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Heather Rose (ds13, ds10)
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Magnificat
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| Posted: Sept 09 2013 at 9:54am | IP Logged
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Thanks for all the responses! We haven't decided yet what to do..but you have given us lots to think about.
Peace to you all!
Charlotte
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CrunchyMom
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| Posted: Sept 09 2013 at 10:10am | IP Logged
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hmbress wrote:
The biggest parental control issue is with Netflix. There is a setting that allows only your queue to show up and not searches or suggestions of other shows. I keep my queue loaded with things that are ok for them to watch, and they are limited in their screentime so do not access it without permission. I am generally in the room when they are watching. Sometimes though I put on a show for them while I take a shower or nap.
Hope that helps! |
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That is so helpful! I had the parental controls set, but then *I* couldn't watch a lot of things like older shows and movies because they were unrated  That setting would make it much simpler!
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Lindsay
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hmbress
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| Posted: Sept 09 2013 at 2:16pm | IP Logged
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Yes Lindsay, it was a relief to me when I discovered this! So if dh and I want to watch something in the evening that isn't appropriate for kids, I just add it to the queue from the computer, then delete it when we are done watching.
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Heather Rose (ds13, ds10)
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4Real Forums : Our Lady's Loom, Larder, and Laundry
Topic: Roku
