Thank You, Corey!

Corey posted this six months ago, and we've been thinking about the ROKU she mentioned ever since.  

Hubby loved the idea and wanted to leap right away.  I'm anal a researcher, and needed to reassure my whiny self make sure I wouldn't miss any favorite shows.  We already DVR what we watch, so viewing what we want when we want appeals to our family.

If you have high speed internet, Roku is a box that streams movies and tv shows from the internet, through your wireless (or wired) router, straight to the television.  After researching ad nauseum, we decided to order the Roku XDS and this router so we could stream the best HD quality possible. We also like the idea of having the computers on one band, and the Rokus on another.

The setup of the new router was easy-peasy.   Both computers were linked wirelessly in 15 minutes.  In another 30 minutes, the two Rokus (one for each tv) were up and running. Then we downloaded the Roku channels we wanted from the Channel Store, linked to Amazon Prime free downstreaming (we already have Amazon Prime -- love it!), and Hulu Plus.  That took another 15-20 minutes directly through the tv.  We also went online, on the computer, to our Roku account, and added the FREE private channels of our choice listed here.  There are some great private channels, most at no cost whatsoever.  Within minutes of setting up the Roku, we were downstreaming in excellent HD quality. We love it!!!

Before making the leap, I had two major concerns.  There's only a handful of series I like to watch on tv.  But, Hulu Plus doesn't have several of my favorites, and 'regular' Hulu won't stream to the television (hiss, boo, studios!).  I didn't want to watch these on the computer screen.  Then I found this video.  Yes!  I can hook the computer up to the television using the same easy hdmi cable  used for the Roku and have the 'regular' Hulu stream from the computer to the tv.  Regular Hulu has all our favorite shows, and they are available for several weeks after the initial airtime.  And in case you are wondering, Hulu Plus has entire seasons for the shows it offers, so you can watch them at leisure.  It also has movies.  Amazon Prime has both too.

The second concern I had was HG*TV.  **sob**  I didn't want to give up HG*TV.  I love H*use Hunters, H*use Hunters Intl., H*use Hunters on Vacation, Pr*perty Virgins, etc.  Then I discovered there was a free private channel offered by theendless that has 14 of the top shows from HG*TV, with the last six episodes of each continuously available.  Eureka!!  Momma was ready to sign on.

If you are a movie buff you can sign up for Netflix and the billions of movies and old shows it offers. There are several other channels at Roku that offer movies for a low monthly fee also.  We chose Hulu Plus and Amazon Prime because they match our family personality better.  That's one of the great things about the Roku.  You can personalize it to fit your family's viewing choices.

I'm sharing this with you because I love bargains. We were spending close to $100 per month for s*tellite, and Daddy was very unhappy about this. The Rokus and router (on sale) cost us the equivalent of three months of s*tellite service. And we bought higher end items. It could cost you less.  Hulu Plus is $7.99 per month, Amazon Prime $6.67 ($79.99 per year), so after the initial three months cost, we will be paying less than $15 per month. For us, that's a savings of $900 per year, or the price of one 4-5 day beach vacation! Or, put in a much better perspective, the entire cost of my trip to Orlando for the TraumaMamas shindig, a little something for the Orlando Scholarship Fund, and a bit left over for a really nice box of chocolates or a bottle of wine for my friend, Corey.

Thank you, Corey. I'm a bit slow to change, even good change, and you helped us save some big bucks. I'd love to bring you a little something to Orlando to say thanks. What sounds good? Chocolates? Wine? Tequila? Medication? Free respite care for life?

Okay, I must confess that the last two are beyond my capabilities, even if I wish I could provide them.  But, if you know our sweet Corey, and what brings a smile to her face, send me the scoop by email.

I'll love you for it.