Roku


Roku Heads One Step Closer to Television Domination

Access to streaming services is an integral part of the television experience. There are so many services that integration across the software, your subscriptions, and your hardware is crucial. Roku has a plan for that, with “Roku TV Ready” partnerships, assuring consumers their experience will be as seamless as possible.



Roku Launches Pre-Orders for New Smart Soundbar and Wireless Subwoofer

Roku, long known for their streaming devices, has decided to up the ante in the audio market by introducing the new Roku Smart Soundbar and Roku Wireless Subwoofer.  The Smart Soundbar is said to produce excellent sound on its own, but the new Wireless Subwoofer should a punch of bass.  Preorders are open now on Roku.com for October 2019 shipping.


TCL 6-Series TVs: This 4k HDR TV Is the Most Bang for your Buck

The TCL 6-Series is a great 4K LED TV, especially when you take into account the affordable pricing. With 55” and 65” models, the 6-Series shines with excellent picture quality, high-dynamic-range imaging (HDR), easy-to-use smart TV features, and a nice, small remote with voice-control features. Starting at $649.99, the TCL 6-Series deserves a top spot on every holiday shopping list.


Roku Jumps from Streaming Box to Webpage with the Roku Channel

Roku is a company that has defied all conventional wisdom to become a household brand. They’re in the streaming business and up against Apple, Amazon, and cable companies, yet they just keep ticking away gathering more and more loyal users. Now they’re making a jump from hardware to software by expanding their Roku Channel and bringing it to computers and tablets in the USA.


TCL Drops TV Prices in Time for Super Bowl

Shopping for a new TV to watch the Super Bowl on? Well here is a TV deal that rivals even some of the best Black Friday deals. TCL has dropped the price on their S Series 55-inch 55S405 model to $369.99. The 49-inch 49S405 has also been dropped and is now just $329.99. The TVs both feature a 4K Ultra HD Resolution, HDR, a 4K Creative Pro upscaling engine, a 120Hz CMI effective refresh rate, dual-band Wi-Fi, and an ethernet port. And of course they come running the awesome Roku TV interface.


TCL 2018 TV Lineup Focuses on HDR and Dolby Vision

TCL might be known for being a budget TV brand, but their product announcements at CES indicate that they are focused on bringing even more premium features to their TV series, and that includes a major focus on HDR. To that effect, today they announced two new series of 4K UHD TVs with HDR and Dolby Vision.



Roku Announces New Smart TV Lineup with Sling TV & WatchESPN

One of my favorite devices that I use in my home is my Roku. Even though I have a Smart TV, I was actually pretty disturbed that Roku TV was not on my Sony Vizio when I purchased it. So I was surprised when I found out a lesser known (in the US) brand by the name of TCL announced they would be making Roku TVs.


Apple Reportedly Gearing Up for Online Television Service

In a new report from The Wall Street Journal, Apple seems to be in the talks to launch an slimmed-down online television service which would have around 25 channels with some major names like ABC, CBS, and Fox, and heavy hitter cable channels like E!, and Syfy.


10 Reasons I Found the Apple Watch Event a Snooze-Fest

I thoroughly enjoyed reading Greg’s take on Why I’m Considering Getting an Apple Watch, more than I enjoyed yet another over-long, under-delivering Apple ‘event’. Part I can understand, as I was listening to the audio stream through my car for a half-hour, but I found this the biggest Apple snoozer I can recall. Let me give you 10 reasons why!




The Negative Aspect of Software in Smartphones and Other Devices

There are some negative aspects to using embedded software in hardware.  A few sites have written that about how phones or tablets still on Android versions below 4.4 are at risk for a vulnerability in the default browser. Don’t blame Google for this; blame the OEMs and carriers, as Google fixed the issue. However, there’s much more to this story.



Roku Rolls Out Screen Mirroring for Android Devices

We love our Roku and use it constantly. It’s about to get far better, though, with a new screen mirroring feature! Android phones running KitKat will be able to beam the screen onto the TV, which will be handy for slideshows and game nights! Look for a full write-up after our Roku gets the update. Via Android Central


Traveling with the Chromecast or Any Other Set-Top Box

Two weeks ago, I went on another business trip.  Since I had just bought the Chromecast, I thought I would take it with me to have something to watch in my down time. While I was able to get it to work, it wasn’t the easiest thing to do, so that might be enough to make you rethink taking that tiny Chromecast. It’s not impossible, though!


The Synology DS415play NAS System Is a Powerhouse Data Storage Unit

Synology’s new DS415play is a 4-bay Network Attached Storage (NAS) system that was designed with the home theater in mind. With room for 4 SATA hard drives, the DS415play can hold up to 24 Terabytes of data. Combined with Synology’s excellent user interface, DiskStation Manager, the Synology DS415play  is an excellent buy. The MSRP for the DS415play is $539.99.


I Bought a Chromecast and Completely Changed My View

It’s hard to believe it’s been just a little over a year since Google released the cheapest set-top “box” there is, the Chromecast.  Initially, I wasn’t too enthused.  After hearing how my friends liked it, I figured why not make the jump?  It would give me some entertainment when I was on the road as well. Since picking it up, I’ve completely fallen in love.


Simple.TV Adds Windows 8.1 and Plex Support

If you’re looking to cut cable, Simple.TV should be on your shopping list. Combined with an over the air antenna, you get a DVR that supports iOS, Android, and Roku without having to sell your soul to the cable company. Now Simple.TV is adding support for Windows 8.1 and Plex, this is great timing considering Aereo’s loss today!