| Page (2) of 2 - 05/26/04 |
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Another aspect of Roku's usability problems actually has nothing to do with the user interface. It's the sub-standard remote (pictured at left). Even though it's ergonomically shaped, it's the old-fashioned type of infrared remote where if you're not pointing the thing exactly at the Roku, it doesn't register at all. Even with a brand-new set of batteries on board, the remote is finicky. And, since it does control music, it would be nice if it had a volume control that could be programmed to control commonly-used components. And, not only is the remote's transmission capability weak, Roku is slow to respond to it. Compared to the instantly-responding TiVo, which would let you execute twice as many commands in the same amount of time as this, this unit is nearly a non-starter. Even the woefully lame Scientific Atlanta Explorer 8000 DVR, which is about the slowest-responding set-top box I've ever seen, is more sprightly than this.
The Roku HD1000 represents an entirely new category of devices for the home theater. It's a platform that shows lots of promise, even though it's obviously not ready to be sold on the open market just yet. I can see its potential to become a diskless personal video recorder (PVR) for HDTV, where the video files can reside anywhere on your network. It could be a control center for you to access any kind of media anywhere in your house and show it in your home theater. And, in the off hours when you're not watching TV, it can turn your flat panel in the living room into a live art display device, giving your home the feel of a Bill Gates-style mansion with changing artwork showing on the wall. The only problem is, this Roku can almost do all these things, but "almost" only counts in horseshoes, hand grenades and nuclear weapons. The Roku HD1000 misses by such a wide margin, it isn't worth buying. Not recommended. Yet.
A very special quartet of "Roku"
Roku is locked up
Unplug it again, Charlie
Crashes more than plays
No dissolves, all takes
Jeez, this thing doesn't do much
Take my Roku, please
It plays video
Only one certain kind, though
Multimedia?
Smart-ass reviewer
Idiot -- it's called Haiku
No Roku for you
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