PBS and PBS KIDS on ROKU

Since I got my first Roku player, I've wondered why PBS doesn't have their own Roku channel - and I'm not the only one who has wondered that. I've been asked by several people where to watch PBS on Roku, and the only answer I could give them is Hulu - which, as we all know, is a paid service when using a Roku. I couldn't understand it myself, since PBS has always been an early adopter of technologies that can spread their programming to a wider audience.

But now at last, PBS and PBS KIDS have their own Roku channels!



I love that PBS and PBS KIDS now have their own channels on Roku that don't require paid services. PBS content has been available on Netflix and Hulu for some time now, but these are paid services on Roku. These PBS channels are 100% FREE. Another problem some people have with using Hulu and Netflix to watch PBS and PBS KIDS is that neither of these "premium" services is exactly "Kid friendly". There's no parental controls whatsoever for either. With these channels and a few other free channels, it's now cheap and easy to set up a Roku player just for the kids. Just buy a ROKU LT for $50, put it on a separate account, add a password, and load it up with the PBS and PBSKIDS kids channels. There are some other channels suitable for for children available on Roku, and most are free, add them as well.

One thing I noticed right away on the PBS channel: I did not see Downton Abbey episodes. That may just be because the season is over, but we'll have to wait and find out. (Sorry, adults.)

Here's some useful links:
Home | PBS
Channel Store | Roku Streaming Player
BabyFirstTV | Roku Guide ($4.99/ month)
Buy a Roku player

What Can You Do With a Roku?

Several people have asked me recently about streaming media set top boxes. Having a HTPC media computer connected to my LCD TV, I never used one of them. After asking several people their opinions, I decided I would try a ROKU box. In fact, I tried 2 of them: The top of the line Roku 2 XS, and the bargain priced Roku LT. Roku first introduced the streaming set top box to the market, and continues to be the industry leader. Of course, there are plenty of other ways to connect your TV to the internet nowadays, ranging from Apple TV,  Boxee, and Roku, Internet connected TV sets and Blu-ray players. I chose the Roku because of its reputation, access to lots of content, and price. If you're wondering what product you should choose, check out this review of network streaming devices.

If you've decided that a Roku player is for you, you'll need to choose the model that works for your needs and budget.

Guide to Internet Streaming Devices - The Pros and Cons of Internet Streaming Devices

The Pros and Cons of Internet Streaming Devices
by EscapeVelocity (originally published March 6, 2011 on DTVUSAforum)

Internet streaming of video has gone mainstream, and you want to get in on the action, but with so many devices out there to choose from which one is right for you? This guide seeks to bring you information to help make good decisions.

To begin your journey, one should take stock in what one has at his or her disposal that may already have internet connectivity and streaming functionality. Sony Playstation3 and XBox 360 are widely owned game consoles that have quite a bit of internet streaming capability, and laptops are easy starting places to hook up a modem and provide video to your television. The lessons that you learn from using these devices will help you make good decisions on future purchases. That being said, we will discuss individual boxes and general categories of devices below, their pros and cons, and their features and limitations, which will help you make good purchasing decisions with regards to this new technology.