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Roku Finally Adds YouTube To Its Iconic Media Player

Posted by Unknown on from the apt-get-install-xbmc dept.

DeviceGuru writes "Roku's popular Linux-based media players have long been criticized for their glaring omission of YouTube video support. As of Dec. 17, that is no longer the case, provided you have the high-end Roku 3 player and live in the U.S., Canada, Ireland, or the U.K. Google's YouTube channel is available immediately for the Roku 3 in resolutions up to 1080p, and will be supported on additional models (though probably just Roku 2) next year, according the company. Previously, the only way to run YouTube over a Roku box was to use the third-party, subscription based PlayOn service, which requires a connected PC or Mac running the PlayOn app. The YouTube update also adds a Send to TV feature, letting you send videos to the Roku for display on the TV with a single click."

12 of 80 comments (clear)

  1. What I would prefer... by rikkards · · Score: 2

    is static IP configuration and ability to play more media types from USB than what it does. I use DNS Redirect to get access to US Netflix and Hulu and had to jump hurdles to get the Roku 3 to work. Also I was hoping for something I could take with me in luggage when I travel so I could watch stuff in a hotel room on business. Last time I brought 4 different files and none of them worked. That was my fault for not confirming but would be nice.

    1. Re:What I would prefer... by Aqualung812 · · Score: 3, Insightful

      Have you considered using DHCP reservations?

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  2. Lots of options for YouTube on older Rokus by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Informative

    Plex and Twonky Beam are both free and allow you to search / steam YouTube, Twonky even has the send-to-tv feature.

  3. Links by Thanshin · · Score: 4, Informative

    Roku 3

    also:
    Chromecast

    AppleTV

    1. Re:Links by Virtex · · Score: 3, Informative

      And for the do-it-yourselfer:

      XBMC

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    2. Re:Links by MetalliQaZ · · Score: 2

      Grab that karma! ;-)

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  4. I do it with Plex. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 4, Informative

    You can cue up Youtube videos on MyPlex

  5. You can also access YouTube on Roku via Plex by mj01nir · · Score: 4, Informative

    Goodness sakes, Plex is wonderful.

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  6. Meh by snarfies · · Score: 2

    Call me back when Roku finally adds support for uPNP and/or DLNA.

  7. Re:I think the first Roku had YouTube briefly by andyring · · Score: 2

    So if you like your YouTube you can keep your YouTube?

    (Sorry, had to go there)

  8. Re:I think the first Roku had YouTube briefly by bill_mcgonigle · · Score: 2

    Unless you upgrade. This is actually one of the things that has prevented me from upgrading to a newer Roku box.

    Somebody claimed that it was Google that dropped the ban hammer on Roku, it wasn't Roku's desire. Does the new app show ads (supposedly the bone of contention)?

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  9. PlayON was NOT the only option for Roku users by Danathar · · Score: 2

    "Previously, the only way to run YouTube over a Roku box was to use the third-party, subscription based PlayOn service, which requires a connected PC or Mac running the PlayOn app. "

    Incorrect.

    Plex could run Youtube with a roku just fine and no subscription needed.