subject: Consumer Review On The Best Media System For A Home Theater [print this page] With the television being the centerpiece of any home theater system, it is really only a glorified monitor. The fun really comes with deciding on the video sources you will plug into it.
This is a consumer review on what is considered by most experts to be the best home video devices that will round out any home theater. Looking for the all-in-one home theater systems that deliver both audio and video? Check this out.
Best Affordable Streaming Media System
The Roku LT ($50) is now over one-year mark and experts are well aware of its capabilities. Roku LT remains one of those home theater products that every expert is still recommending.
Streaming Media Content
At over half the price of its nearest competitors, it brings a very huge array of streaming-media content, such as Amazon Instant, Netflix, Pandora, Hulu Plus, MLB.TV, Rdio, Mog, and Vudu as well as HBO Go, besides tons of your favor niche type channels. The Roku LT still gets any updates that are major, such as the recent Search functionality that succeeds to do cross over platform video searches better than Google does.
Minor Flaws
There are flaws, but they are minor. It does not have the step-up features of more-expensive Roku Boxes such as Ethernet port, SD card slot, Bluetooth, USB port, but these are not essential features that most buyers care about. Those invested in the Apple ecosystem might be better off with the Apple TV, particularly with its excellent Airplay functionality, but Rook's AirPlay-esque Play on Roku addition is a decent auxiliary for households that are non-Apple. The flaw that is glaring might be its lack of a YouTube channel, as YouTube is increasingly offering compelling content, even for living-room viewing.
Remote Control
Another really delightful feature is the remote. There is an indicator pad with the OK button in the center and some uncomplicated playback buttons as well as home and back. At the bottom is an asterisk button that usually brings up additional options, but it is not totally clear what you are going to get when pressing it. The remote now has included direct-access buttons for Pandora, Netflix, and Crackle, which is a really nice touch.
The Pros
The Roku LT is a very small media box with a lot of power. It offers you literally hundreds of streaming video and audio services, including Netflix, Hulu Plus, HBO Go, Amazon Instant Video, Vudu, Mog, Pandora,Rdio, and MLB TV. It has a great platform search that is capable of finding content across all major streaming services and it also works well with older TVs with its output for analog video.
The Cons
For those that who have investment in the Apple ecosystem, Roku LT will not offer you the same close-fitting combination as the Apple TV's Airplay functionality. The Roku LT also doesn't have the channels for YouTube or Spotify. There is no Ethernet port as well, so you will need to have a really good Wi-Fi signal in your home theater.
The Bottom Line
For only $50, it is hard to contend that there is a value that is better found on the market, which is why the Roku LT earns 5 star consumer reviews for the 2nd straight year.
