The Roku has amazed me with many of its features. It seemed only natural that I’d be able to connect a keyboard to its USB port and use it to navigate and type. That doesn’t work though. Nor is there a Bluetooth keyboard solution available. It’s the one missing feature that would make the Roku absolutely perfect. Typing using the standard remote control is sometimes aggravating. Fortunately, There are a few handy alternatives for people who absolutely must use a keyboard with their Roku.
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How to Connect Roku to an Analog CRT TV
Back in January, I wrote about how the Roku streaming video player can make older analog TVs useful. I have a 17″ Sony in my bedroom that can display a 480i picture, and that’s fine enough for me. Since the Roku 1 can connect to older analog CRT TV sets, I currently run a Roku Express+ on that TV and enjoy it immensely.
Other Roku devices have only been released with support for connections via HDMI. If you were planning on using the Roku with an analog TV, this news is a bummer. You still have an option though. With these steps, you can connect the Roku Express, Premiere, or Streaming Stick to any analog TV.
Best Universal Remote Controls that Work With Roku
I was using 3 separate remote controls for my TV, DVD player and Roku box and decided that I had to find a universal remote that could handle all three devices. I wasn’t looking for anything flashy. The Roku is a simple device, so I wanted a simple remote that didn’t cost too much money.
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If you ever want to connect and mirror the screen of your Android device to your TV, you can do it via the Roku 4, 3, or Streaming Stick using these steps.
How to Connect Roku to Hotel WiFi
So you want to bring your Roku along so you can sit back in that nice hotel bed and stream some shows. The only problem is, most connections to a Wi-Fi network will not work without logging the computer in or accepting a license via a web page. How can you do this with a Roku? Give these steps a try.
Solve “HDCP unauthorised. Content disabled” Error in Roku Amazon App
This weekend I sat down to watch “Argo” using the Amazon app
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Roku: How to Change Amazon Account
Much of my time has been wasted trying to figure out how to change Amazon accounts from the Roku app. So I thought I’d write this post up to save others the trip. It would be wonderful to add multiple accounts, but the app only allows you to use one account at a time. If you want to switch accounts, the only way is to unregister the device. Here’s how.
Play Windows Media Center Recordings On Roku
I have a PC in my living room that rocks Windows Media Center for recording TV. The bedroom is where the Roku is located. I thought it would be oh so nice to be able to play some of my Windows Media Center recordings on the Roku. I had to find a solution for this. Here are the steps you can take to get started.
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Roku: How to Watch Videos From USB Drive
My favorite feature of the Roku Media Player is the USB port. You can watch MP4, M4V, and MKV video files from a USB Drive. How do you watch those files though? Here are the steps:
1. Add the Roku USB Media Player Channel. You can add it to your account via the Roku website or find it under the Music or Photos & Video categories in the Channel Store.
2. Plug the USB drive into the USB port on the Roku.
3. Open the USB Media Player channel and select “Movies”.
4. A list of videos will appear. Select the one you want to watch and enjoy.
You can use the normal Play, Pause, Forward, and Rewind buttons just as you can with most other Roku channels.
Don’t Throw Away That Old Analog TV. Connect a Roku to It!
It’s huge, ugly and emits more heat than your furnace. That old analog TV has been sitting there, unused for months. What should you do with it? Most people would give it away or throw it in the trash. I think old analog TVs still have a place in this world though. Especially when devices like the Roku work so well with it.
If your old analog TV has composite connectors, the Roku comes with everything you need. Connecting a Roku instantly makes any old analog TV a modern entertainment solution, giving you access to services like Netflix, Amazon and Hulu. Sure the picture isn’t in high definition, but if your TV can do 480i, it’s still a beautiful picture.
So find room in your kitchen, office or even your bathroom for that that giant tube that’s just been sitting around. It’s still got some years left.
Update: Since I wrote this post, the Roku 3 has since arrived. While the Roku 1 and 2 will work with an analog TV, the Roku 3 will not unless you have a converter box.