The ROKU 2 XS 1080p Streaming Player is the newest in a line of 3 versions released by the company. This version has a USB port for connecting to a hard drive if you so choose to. So for example, if you have a huge DVD collection that you have burned on to an external drive, you can connect it to this device and play your movies directly off of that hard drive. It really helps clear up a lot of shelf space. Not to mention the convenience of having direct access to all of your movies under one user menu.

I cannot mention user menus without mentioning channels. As with the other models, there are three different types available Public, Apps, and Private.

Channels Briefly Explained

• Public The public channels are visible through the “Channel Store” which consistently adds content on a steady basis. The average amount of available viewing options begins with 300 or so. If you are just starting out with the device for the first time, that should be enough to get you by for a long while.

•  Apps  There are Apps that are free and Apps that you have to pay for such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Hulu. One thing to keep in mind is what it means by “paid” Apps and “Subscription” based apps. With the paid Apps you pay one time and are then allowed open access to the App. With the subscription Apps you must pay an on going fee for monthly access.
  

• Private  The Private channels can be put up by small companies or individuals. There are many of these available if you look for them in the open market.

If you like to play Angry Birds you will find the motion control quite entertaining. Although this is not meant to be a supplemental PS3, Wii or PC Gaming replacement, it can definitely add some fun to any get together.

Technically, the Ethernet jack is a fantastic addition for streaming High Definition Media content. This combined with the Linux OS creates a smooth user experience. Add the addition of a Micro SD Card for additional memory and you have a powerful media device that performs pretty quickly.

In the event that you do not need all the bells and whistles of the newer device, you can do a quick comparison between the older and newer devices in the chart below. Or Click Here for more information about the product from the ever so honest Amazon community reviews.

What I have used this device for the most is streaming media off of my external hard drive, and of course Pandora. In specific, I have a lot of old VHS tapes and other media that I hvae converted to digital format. Everything from family videos to educational programing is all in one 3.5″ External Hard Drive. During family parties, we have a good laugh or we can put on some basic learning or entertainment fun to occupy the children.

Although there are people who do not like the fact that they have to pay for some content. I am not concerned with that, because there are thousands of hours of free viewing content available online if you take a few moments to search for it. If you have never used a streaming device, I would suggest doing some research before purchasing the paid content though. Reason being, some of the paid content may or may not be of the same caliber of quality that you are be able obtain from the free content providers.

If you look a little closer at the photo above you will also notice an audio port. You can use this port to connect an analog cable to your device for playback through a speaker or home theater set if you have one. This also means you can use a headset if that is your preferred listening method. We like to use the Bose Companion 3 Series II speakers to listen to music or a Podcast or two while working on computers here at the Computer Corner. What ever you decide to use for your streaming media, hopefully this Roku 2 XS 1080p Streaming Player Review will help you make the best most well informed decision possible.