Roku Streaming Stick: smart TV's future? Video

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Roku Streaming Stick: smart TV's future?
Created: 12/20/2012
Video description: With currently only a single TV on the market that fully supports it, the Roku Streaming Stick is too niche compared to every other Roku device.

Roku Streaming Stick: smart TV's future? Video Transcript

-Here at CNET, the friendly Roku boxes are our most often recommended streaming devices. I'm Ty Pendlebury, and this is the review of the company's latest product, the Roku streaming stick. While it shows us a functionality and features of the Roku 2 XS, this is a much more niche product. Why? It's the connection time. This stick uses the mobile high-definition link or MHL, which is backwards compatible with HDMI. It was invented the smartphones, but allows the Roku to integrate with the TV without needing separate power or a remote. However, at present, there are only a handful of displays that use the MHL, though more up promised to see this 2013, but there are even less than a Roku ready. In fact, there's only 2, the 3M Streaming Projector and the Insignia E480 television. The Roku streaming does come with the same game remote as the 2XS, and this allows you to use it on any MHL TV. It doesn't need Roku compatibility. It places one of the easiest to use of any streaming device, though picking new services from the Roku store can be a little overwhelming. Picture quality depends on the service and your network, though it should be fairly indistinguishable from other streaming devices. The problem is that image or connector. Until more than 1 Roku ready TV comes on to the market it's not really worth buying the streaming stick as a stand alone. I do argue to get the Roku 2XS instead. This has been Ty Pendlebury for cnet.com.

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Roku Streaming Stick Review

The good: The Roku Streaming Stick offers to streamline your smart TV setup by eliminating power cords and the need for a separate remote. The experience is akin to that of other Roku boxes and is one of the best streaming setups available. The device offers a motion remote and dual-band 802.11n networking.

The bad: The Roku Streaming Stick is completely functional with only two displays at present, and one of these (a 3M projector) already includes the Stick. For the same $99, the fully featured Apple TV is a better way to go if you're part of that ecosystem. While some TVs do have MHL, it still has a narrow appeal as the other Roku boxes offer better compatibility.

The bottom line: While the number of devices that support it will probably grow, the Roku Streaming Stick is still a niche item when compared with every other Roku device.

Read full review

Roku Streaming Stick Specs

Manufacturer: Roku
Part number: 3400R

Product Specifications
  • Product Specifications

Read full specs