Are there any other streaming TV subscription services like Netflix or Hulu Plus?

[NetflixDude]

I love Netflix but it seems like they're television show offerings are limited. Are there any other subscription based streaming TV services like it?

 

[salemtubes]

I love Netflix but it seems like they're television show offerings are limited. Are there any other subscription based streaming TV services like it?

you can checkout the services available on the Roku streaming player HERE.

 

[leighdu]

you can checkout the services available on the Roku streaming player HERE.

Hmm, that's a pretty cool site. Seems like they just about all of them combined into one site. Thanks for sharing .

 

[Orrymain]

Does anyone here actually own one of those Roku boxes? I'm curious how well they actually function.

 

[Cutthecable]

Does anyone here actually own one of those Roku boxes? I'm curious how well they actually function.

I actually have 3 ROKU boxes, one for each TV in the house. I cut cable TV 3 years ago and installed an OTA antenna and use ROKU to stream Netflix, Hulu and home server videos to the TVs.

It is a great set top box for only $59.

I find that my 3.0MBS DSL internet connection is fast enough to stream a Netflix movie in near HD quality. The box is very small and has a very simple menu and remote control....anyone can use a ROKU including granny.

I highly recommend a ROKU, free channels are being added all the time.

 

[Cutthecable]

you can checkout the services available on the Roku streaming player HERE.

In addition there are many "hidden" channels that can be added to the ROKU menu. ROKU is an open platform that allows developers to create channels public and private. The full list of ROKU channels available is at this link Roku Channel Database

 

[EscapeVelocity]

Does anyone here actually own one of those Roku boxes? I'm curious how well they actually function.

Yes, they are very simple to operate...and easy to use. The GUI is nice but not as good looking as some others (like AppleTV and Boxee).

There is no on/off button, they run continuously but consume low power. So anytime you switch to that input you should have a Roku screen ready to go.



As to the OP, yes...

Walmart backed Vudu
Amazon on Demand
iStore
CinemaNow
BlockBuster

Those are some of the big ones. There are also quite a few smaller companies out there.

 

[agatethompson]

I actually have 3 ROKU boxes, one for each TV in the house. I cut cable TV 3 years ago and installed an OTA antenna and use ROKU to stream Netflix, Hulu and home server videos to the TVs.

It is a great set top box for only $59.

I find that my 3.0MBS DSL internet connection is fast enough to stream a Netflix movie in near HD quality. The box is very small and has a very simple menu and remote control....anyone can use a ROKU including granny.

I highly recommend a ROKU, free channels are being added all the time.

Hey Cutthecable, Thanks for sharing this information.

 

[Purple Flower]

It's fantastic! I watch complete series of tv programs. There are new tv programs that are available at the same time they're on tv. There are multiple channels to add to your lineup, like Acorn TV which is British programs, documentaries, the programs offered on PBS. There are free movie channels, free music channels, exercise videos, how-to videos, etc. I use HuluPlus which I think is much better than Netflix. If you're into movies, you'll like Netflix better, but Hulu Plus has lots of old and new tv programs. Hulu Plus also has their own programs that are not available anywhere else.

 

[Guest]

I predict Roku and Netflix type streaming will replace the major cable companies in a few years. We have another video streaming device but the Roku is vastly easier to use. We also have both Netflix and HuluPlus. Netflix is much more user friendly. Both have excellent customer service too so no more lousy "help" from the cable companies who make so much money they don't have to care. The only criticism I have is that there's not a bigger selection of tv shows and HuluPlus's menu is crowded with Asian anime cartoons. (Who watches those?) It makes trying to find shows time consuming as well as irritating.

 

[Tim58hsv]

HuluPlus's menu is crowded with Asian anime cartoons. (Who watches those?) It makes trying to find shows time consuming as well as irritating.

I just re-subscribed to Hulu Plus about a week ago and you ain't kidding about all the anime selections. That stuff should be put in it's own little genre section so the rest of us don't have to sift through it to find something to watch.

 

[Fan-boy-comics]

Rabbit TV is a $10 USB attachment that gets internet videos and online video services such as Hulu. It also offers Google Video, Amazon Instant, and anything you can search for on the internet!

 

[Guest]

I have had Roku for years, ever since I decided not to pay high cable fees. Couldn't be happier! (The new smart tvs do basically the same thing)

 

[Fan-boy-comics]

roku limits your access for how much your paying there are better options. even a blu-ray player for about $40-50 will have smart TV technology and do all the functions of a roku and more, plus it plays blu-rays...

 

[redsoxfan949]

Crackle definitely has some tv shows, not like Hulu or Netflix but still some shows.

 

[MrPogi]

roku limits your access for how much your paying there are better options. even a blu-ray player for about $40-50 will have smart TV technology and do all the functions of a roku and more, plus it plays blu-rays...

Really? Have you even used a Roku box?

I know of no Blu-Ray players that offer as many choices as Roku. It cost $50-$100 upfront, offers over 1000 channels - the only other device I know that offers more streaming choices would be a computer with a Blu-Ray player. And that will set you back a few hundred dollars.

Want to see what is available on a Roku box?
catastrophegirl's roku channel list

What can you do with a Roku?
Cache Free TV: What Can You Do With a Roku?

I was just watching ESPN and BBC on my Roku using PlayOn and a script. Can you do that with a Blu-Ray player?

 

[CaliTVguy]

@MR Pogi,
Ok...you have convinced me to sweet talk Momma into buying a Roku next pay check to "test" out...my test will be being able to get her shows. What kind of PVR setup are you using with yours?

 

[Aaron62]

@MR Pogi,
Ok...you have convinced me to sweet talk Momma into buying a Roku next pay check to "test" out...my test will be being able to get her shows. What kind of PVR setup are you using with yours?

You won't regret it, make sure you check out the private channels. Also, check out PlayOn | Watch Free Online Movies, Shows, Live Sports on Your TV and More | PlayOn - it's a must for the Roku.

 

[Lily13]

You should check out Roku, maybe it's not as popular as Netflix but it's still not buying a pig in a poke as it's got its share of fans... Finding some info about Roku shouldn't be difficult.

 

[Fan-boy-comics]

Really? Have you even used a Roku box?

I know of no Blu-Ray players that offer as many choices as Roku. It cost $50-$100 upfront, offers over 1000 channels - the only other device I know that offers more streaming choices would be a computer with a Blu-Ray player. And that will set you back a few hundred dollars.

Want to see what is available on a Roku box?
catastrophegirl's roku channel list

What can you do with a Roku?
Cache Free TV: What Can You Do With a Roku?

I was just watching ESPN and BBC on my Roku using PlayOn and a script. Can you do that with a Blu-Ray player?

Yes I have ESPN, NBC, ABC, MSNBC, BBC, PBS, all that through my blu-ray player. It accesses the internet, Hulu, Netflix, Rodbox Instant, and has Smart TV capabilities. I have youtube at my fingertips, Google Video, and Amazon Prime all there on my Panasonic blu-ray player I picked up off Amazon for $43.99 and free shipping.