Like many people I wanted to move away from cable TV to a streaming only option since most cable TV providers have decided their business model is to price themselves out of the market. I had looked at various streaming boxes and decided that since back in the day I owned the original Roku box when Netflix got into the streaming game, I might as well go back to the brand that I had experience with in the past. So I looked around at the Roku website, and looked at all the features I wanted and landed on the Ultra for a few reasons:
- The look of the box
- Remote support for RF and IR remotes (Important if you have an IR universal remote)
- Wired Ethernet connection (Yes WiFi works, but wired is better if you have the connection)
- Included remote is rechargeable and has voice commands
Why did I go for the refurbished/refreshed unit? It was about 30% less than a non-returned one, and it was worth it for me in case I didn't end up liking the Roku platform might as well go for a better priced one with pretty much the same warranty. (Oddly after buying this Roku sent me 40% off deal on a new box a few weeks after getting this one.. so now I have two of them).
Set up is pretty easy create an account, zip code, wait for software updates. Some of the usual streaming services apps are already added to the main screen, and can be removed if you do not need them, adding additional streaming services apps is simple enough, and the inclusion of Roku live TV at no extra cost is a nice bonus for people transitioning away from traditional live TV (you cannot DVR things with this but it helpful if you want to watch the news or live sporting events). It works with my Harmony remote, and with the Roku skill, basic voice commands worth with Alexa.
Con: I hate the big white inspection sticker they put on the front of the refurbished Roku boxes. Seriously they could have put it on top, on the side, on the bottom.. but no, right on the front and off to the side so it is an eyesore. Even in the middle on the front would have looked better. At some point I will get some WD-40 and a q-tip and remove it, but is an odd place to put the sticker. But seriously that really is my only issue and if that it all I have to "complain about" it is not a big deal.
Brand Name | OLKIEQZ |
---|---|
Item Weight | 5.9 ounces |
Product Dimensions | 5 x 2 x 1 inches |
Color Name | Black |