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This review is from : Funai TB600FX2 HD Streaming Player
A Bit Cumbersome on Netflix but Overall Good . I'll admit it's got a lot free channels if you click on "Vudu Apps". A ton of free stuff comes up. But what a lot of people want to watch are the movie channels like Netflix. I'm a member of Netflix and love that it streams via my router to my TV set using whatever interface I happen to have. I have 3 now: Wii, Roku and now Funai. Setting up the Funai was very easy, just connect your HDMI cable or audio/visual cables (red, yellow and white) if your set doesn't have HDMI outputs or if you've already got them taken up by other stuff. Put the batteries that came with the Funai in the remote, aim, fire and go through a very easy set-up phase. The Funai might be the best option for those who don't have credit cards because it doesn't ask you for a credit card number as the Roku set up does prior to activation. Not everybody has a credit card and they can still use the Funai. You still have to input your router password, and go to your computer to activate Netflix and some other channels. I opened the Blockbuster channel but don't want to pay for movies I can stream via Netflix or get cheaper on Amazon (Roku).I had trouble figuring out how to navigate around in the Netflix channel. It was straightforward with the Roku and Wii, but I couldn't figure out how to get back to the main menu with the Funai remote without first having to go to a "FULL STOP" in which Netflix had to be totally reloaded. I thought I had pushed every button on the remote trying to find the one that would take me back to the main menu but couldn't find it. I finally gave up and gave the remote to my 9 year old daughter with the instructions to please figure this out for me and report back. She did. You're supposed to push the "UP" arrow key to go back. Not very logical but I'll be gosh-darned it worked! Neither the Wii nor Roku took so long to figure out and both are extremely easy to navigate around. But once over that hump the Funai streaming player works pretty good.It's not a bad streaming device, it has a lot more free stuff than the Roku (I think, not completely sure yet) and you can go to Youtube. But it's not a good experience....it's not like going to Youtube on your computer where you can easily see the homepage and type in a few letters and up pops a lot of videos. With the Funai, you have to go to a "search" screen and slowly type in the title of the video you want to see while all the time in the background is a video running which can be anything. The one I had to endure several times was some guy screaming in Spanish and looked like he hasn't had a bath in days and had an IQ of about 60, and that's on a good day. I really got tired of seeing him but at least I could mute him while I toiled with the tiny search screen. The search screen is fairly user friendly but you have to be careful when you approach the letter you need. Stop clicking on the letter before it or it will pass over the letter you want and upload the next letter. So, you have to carefully click up to the backspace button and try again. And again. And a few more times before you get the hang of it.Overall, it's small, and black like the Roku, has a small remote, has lots of free stuff and you can stream several big movie Channels like Netflix, Blockbuster and Vudu. I was excited to see all the news channels until I realized every single one of them were right-wing, conservative news shows so blech on those. No Al Jazeerah like is on the Roku. Doesn't come with an HDMI cable but does have composites, just like the Roku. I will probably put this streamer upstairs and put the Roku back on the TV downstairs since it's the one watched the most.
A Bit Cumbersome on Netflix but Overall Good . I'll admit it's got a lot free channels if you click on "Vudu Apps". A ton of free stuff comes up. But what a lot of people want to watch are the movie channels like Netflix. I'm a member of Netflix and love that it streams via my router to my TV set using whatever interface I happen to have. I have 3 now: Wii, Roku and now Funai. Setting up the Funai was very easy, just connect your HDMI cable or audio/visual cables (red, yellow and white) if your set doesn't have HDMI outputs or if you've already got them taken up by other stuff. Put the batteries that came with the Funai in the remote, aim, fire and go through a very easy set-up phase. The Funai might be the best option for those who don't have credit cards because it doesn't ask you for a credit card number as the Roku set up does prior to activation. Not everybody has a credit card and they can still use the Funai. You still have to input your router password, and go to your computer to activate Netflix and some other channels. I opened the Blockbuster channel but don't want to pay for movies I can stream via Netflix or get cheaper on Amazon (Roku).I had trouble figuring out how to navigate around in the Netflix channel. It was straightforward with the Roku and Wii, but I couldn't figure out how to get back to the main menu with the Funai remote without first having to go to a "FULL STOP" in which Netflix had to be totally reloaded. I thought I had pushed every button on the remote trying to find the one that would take me back to the main menu but couldn't find it. I finally gave up and gave the remote to my 9 year old daughter with the instructions to please figure this out for me and report back. She did. You're supposed to push the "UP" arrow key to go back. Not very logical but I'll be gosh-darned it worked! Neither the Wii nor Roku took so long to figure out and both are extremely easy to navigate around. But once over that hump the Funai streaming player works pretty good.It's not a bad streaming device, it has a lot more free stuff than the Roku (I think, not completely sure yet) and you can go to Youtube. But it's not a good experience....it's not like going to Youtube on your computer where you can easily see the homepage and type in a few letters and up pops a lot of videos. With the Funai, you have to go to a "search" screen and slowly type in the title of the video you want to see while all the time in the background is a video running which can be anything. The one I had to endure several times was some guy screaming in Spanish and looked like he hasn't had a bath in days and had an IQ of about 60, and that's on a good day. I really got tired of seeing him but at least I could mute him while I toiled with the tiny search screen. The search screen is fairly user friendly but you have to be careful when you approach the letter you need. Stop clicking on the letter before it or it will pass over the letter you want and upload the next letter. So, you have to carefully click up to the backspace button and try again. And again. And a few more times before you get the hang of it.Overall, it's small, and black like the Roku, has a small remote, has lots of free stuff and you can stream several big movie Channels like Netflix, Blockbuster and Vudu. I was excited to see all the news channels until I realized every single one of them were right-wing, conservative news shows so blech on those. No Al Jazeerah like is on the Roku. Doesn't come with an HDMI cable but does have composites, just like the Roku. I will probably put this streamer upstairs and put the Roku back on the TV downstairs since it's the one watched the most.
Funai TB600FX2 HD Streaming Player Reviews
Funai Roku and Apple TV-which streaming player works best? . The day will soon be at hand when most television receivers will have built in streaming devices. These devices presently allow broadband access to movies, music, and photos, although theoretically there is no limit on services which can be streamed. The principal content providers for Funai's streaming device are Netflix, Blockbuster on Demand, VuDu, YouTube. and Pandora. Missing for the moment at least is Amazon's Instant Video which is available on the competing Roku 2 HD Streaming Player.I have the Roku as well as an Apple TV MC572LL/A (2010), which is the (slightly) higher priced option. All three devices work well and deliver first rate performance. The Apple TV allows connectivity and content streaming from Macs, iPads, and iPhones which justifies the small premium in price and gives it more present flexibility than either the Funai or Roku units. On the other hand we watch Netflix on all three units and Amazon Instant Video on the Roku units (actually I have two). Only rarely to I use the Apple product connectivity built into my Apple TV. I suspect most people will use it the same way. As to Blockbuster On Demand and VuDu, they are options for some, but it is hard to beat Netflix or the free content offered to subscribers of Amazon Prime.This unit is a competitively priced and delivers what it promises. Streaming video is the wave of the future, but available now. All three products are excellent options.
Funai Roku and Apple TV-which streaming player works best? . The day will soon be at hand when most television receivers will have built in streaming devices. These devices presently allow broadband access to movies, music, and photos, although theoretically there is no limit on services which can be streamed. The principal content providers for Funai's streaming device are Netflix, Blockbuster on Demand, VuDu, YouTube. and Pandora. Missing for the moment at least is Amazon's Instant Video which is available on the competing Roku 2 HD Streaming Player.I have the Roku as well as an Apple TV MC572LL/A (2010), which is the (slightly) higher priced option. All three devices work well and deliver first rate performance. The Apple TV allows connectivity and content streaming from Macs, iPads, and iPhones which justifies the small premium in price and gives it more present flexibility than either the Funai or Roku units. On the other hand we watch Netflix on all three units and Amazon Instant Video on the Roku units (actually I have two). Only rarely to I use the Apple product connectivity built into my Apple TV. I suspect most people will use it the same way. As to Blockbuster On Demand and VuDu, they are options for some, but it is hard to beat Netflix or the free content offered to subscribers of Amazon Prime.This unit is a competitively priced and delivers what it promises. Streaming video is the wave of the future, but available now. All three products are excellent options.
Funai TB600FX2 HD Streaming Player Opinions
Very pleased . This Funai netbox is a simple, well made, easy to use device. The main thing I was looking for out of this device was access to netflix. I do not have a tv with built in apps nor due I own a gaming system that allows access to netflix' library of streaming content. I came accross the funai tb600 and decided it was reasonably priced and that I would give it a shot. I had also had a good experience previously with a dvd player made by funai. I am currently using the device wirelessly on my home wifi network and it was extremely easy to set up. I have it connected to my tv by hdmi cable and the picture quality is brilliant! Like I said previously, access to Netflix was my main interest in this device but I was also pleased with the added feature of pandora radio. I use Pandora quite often on my home pc and iphone, and now have the ability to access internet radio through my tv as well. Overall I am quite satisfied with my purchase and would recommend this product to others!
Very pleased . This Funai netbox is a simple, well made, easy to use device. The main thing I was looking for out of this device was access to netflix. I do not have a tv with built in apps nor due I own a gaming system that allows access to netflix' library of streaming content. I came accross the funai tb600 and decided it was reasonably priced and that I would give it a shot. I had also had a good experience previously with a dvd player made by funai. I am currently using the device wirelessly on my home wifi network and it was extremely easy to set up. I have it connected to my tv by hdmi cable and the picture quality is brilliant! Like I said previously, access to Netflix was my main interest in this device but I was also pleased with the added feature of pandora radio. I use Pandora quite often on my home pc and iphone, and now have the ability to access internet radio through my tv as well. Overall I am quite satisfied with my purchase and would recommend this product to others!
Surprised by Funai . I received this netbox as a birthday gift and really didn't know what to expect. I have been pleasantly surprised to say the least. I have experience using a Sony PlayStation 3 to stream media to my TV and this product is much easier to use. I mainly use it to stream YouTube videos and the quality of the video is great with an hdmi connection. It is also great to stream music with Pandora if you have a good home theater system connected to your TV. The other great feature that many people might not be aware of is the film fresh app which offers access to movies, including adult films! This is my only experience with a Funai product and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for an easy to use product with a number of useful features.
Funai TB600FX2 Streamer . I first purchased a blue-ray player from WalMart to use its streaming functions.
Once I brought (much more expensive than my Funia Streamer) it home, I found out that it was limited to only few of the internet streaming applications(and about $100.00 more expensive). I immediately returned it and went home to do my research. It was at that time that I found out about internet streaming devices such as the Funai TB600FX2 Streamer.After review and comparing the specifications and prices of the different manufactures and models of internet streaming devices, I selected the Funai TB600FX2. This unit is very compact and was E-Z to setup. Because of the different signal outputs capabilities ( HDMI, RJ5 Cable-vision type outputs, Audio/Video Jacks) I can move it from room to room on different vintage TV's.Note:
I did however, due to the location of my wireless modem, had to make an adjustment on the signal strength setting on my two wire AT&T modem. (Contact your wireless modem provider and they will tell you how to make this adjustment, if necessary)Once this was complete the Funai TB600FX2 worked like a charm.Funai TB600FX2 HD Streaming Player
Once I brought (much more expensive than my Funia Streamer) it home, I found out that it was limited to only few of the internet streaming applications(and about $100.00 more expensive). I immediately returned it and went home to do my research. It was at that time that I found out about internet streaming devices such as the Funai TB600FX2 Streamer.After review and comparing the specifications and prices of the different manufactures and models of internet streaming devices, I selected the Funai TB600FX2. This unit is very compact and was E-Z to setup. Because of the different signal outputs capabilities ( HDMI, RJ5 Cable-vision type outputs, Audio/Video Jacks) I can move it from room to room on different vintage TV's.Note:
I did however, due to the location of my wireless modem, had to make an adjustment on the signal strength setting on my two wire AT&T modem. (Contact your wireless modem provider and they will tell you how to make this adjustment, if necessary)Once this was complete the Funai TB600FX2 worked like a charm.Funai TB600FX2 HD Streaming Player
Cons Review
Doesn't cut it against Roku . I've own several Roku boxes and I also stream video from my XBox 360, so streaming video from the internet is commonplace in my home. When I had the opportunity to review this new player by Funai, I jumped at the chance.For those of you new to streaming video, here are the basics: you will need a computer (for activating your device on your subscription accounts) and internet service. Most players, this one included, can be set up to be wired (using an ethernet cable) or wireless (over your home wireless network). If you will be using a wired connection, you will need an ethernet cable near the TV you will be hooking this device to, and an available electrical outlet. For wireless setup, you will need to know your SSID and your security password, if any, and an available outlet.If you will be using this device with an HDTV, you will want to connect using an HDMI cable (NOT included) for the best picture. There are standard AV cables included with this player, but they will not produce an HD picture.This player is about the same size and shape as the original Roku boxes, and is sleek, attractive and well built. The remote is excellent! It is small and has a few simple buttons so ANYONE can use it. It has a dedicated Netflix and Vudu button on the remote. Batteries were also included for the remote.One especially nice feature is an included bracket that allows you to wall mount this device. Funai thoughtfully placed a second IR receiver on top of the device for this option. Also, there is an on/off button. This is a big deal to me and Roku does NOT have any way to turn it off except to unplug it.I wish they had included a usb port so that you could view your own content.The big question is: How does it work and how does it compare to Roku? Unfortunately, not very well on either count. Set up is easy and quick, and the picture quality is excellent, but then you are left with a paltry number of apps to choose from - most of which are subscription which you must pay for. Roku has hundreds of apps (they call them channels) and many of them are free. Funai does have Pandora and YouTube, which are free, but the YouTube app is so clunky and awful with a horrible search feature that it is too painful to use.The Netflix app works great! There is also Blockbuster Video on Demand, Vudu, and FilmFresh. They are similar services to Netflix, but I don't subscribe to any of them. Sadly, Funai did not include an Amazon Video on Demand app. That is very disappointing to me since, as a Prime member, I have hundreds of free movies and TV shows available to me at no charge. (Roku has an Amazon channel.)I am not counting Funai out completely because they got the hardware right and the wifi works perfectly and the setup process is even quicker than Roku. But until they add quite a few more apps, and update their YouTube browser, I cannot recommend this player at this time. You will be much, much happier with a Roku.Note: I do think that Funai will have firmware and software updates delivering soon. I will update this review when/if improvements are made that will make the Funai a device worthy of considering.
Funai vs. Roku Smackdown . We bought the Roku 2 HD Streaming Player about two months ago and have been happy with it. There are a few things that could be improved though, so we were curious if other streaming players might provide a better service.The Funai HD Streaming Player is listed for about ten dollars more than the cheapest Roku model. Audio/video cable is included but not an HDMI cable. The Roku also came with audio/video cable but no HDMI cable. Wired or wi-fi options are both supported on both players.Funai (which is the name now associated with Magnavox and Philips in the U.S.) was easy to install, I just used my own HDMI cable and the included power source, popped the included batteries in the included remote control and turned it on. (The Roku has no on/off switch - it stays on all the time.) There are no included instructions for set-up other than a very basic multi-language sheet. If you want more information about specs and troubleshooting, a downloadable guide is available on funaiamerica dot com. Now you're ready to go with a limited set of "apps." Roku calls theirs "channels." Funai has Blockbuster On Demand, Netflix, Vudu, Film Fresh, YouTube, Picasa, Pandora, and something called Vudu Apps. We were pleased to see YouTube, which is the one channel missing from Roku that we would most like to see. What a hassle, though. Searching for YouTube videos was only possible via an onscreen keyboard and remote. There are no search filters and you can't save anything or sign in, so get the search terms right the first time or you'll have to enter it all over again. This was more trouble than I want to go through every time. The Vudu apps are a collection of podcasts, some audio only, most video, such as news program and clips of TV shows. Slate V, the video articles that Slate.com produces was an option, but for the several days I tried to access it, it was not available. Of more concern was that we could not view any of the clips or podcasts, no matter how short, without Funai having to stop and reload. Even after closing all other activity on our wi-fi, the interruptions continued.We had planned to continue using the Funai instead of Roku while we watched a five part series on YouTube over five days (Stephen Fry's Planet Word), but gave up halfway through. The combination of interruptions and reloading, plus the clunky YouTube search was too much. We're back to our Roku. No YouTube, but it has a wider selection (once you access private channels), easier searching, and less frequent stops and starts.
No Amazon... and Some Very Weird Stuff. . First, for the beginners like I was until very recently: I misunderstood what a streaming player was all about when I bought my first one. I thought that whatever you had on your computer screen would show up on the TV. Nnnnope. There are "channels" (Roku) or "apps" (Funai) that tell you what you're able to watch. They're not like regular television channels... and on the Funai, they're mostly useless junk (more on that below).I bought a Roku primarily for YouTube. My daughter loves watching cute animal videos, episodes of old cartoons, children's music videos, etc. and I thought it would be nice for her to be able to watch them on a big screen on the couch instead of sitting at my computer. Imagine my disappointment when I quickly discovered that YouTube no longer works with Roku. (Apparently, if you had it programmed on before they stopped affiliating with one another, you're sort of grandfathered in... but I'm not.)I was happy to get the chance to test the Funai because it DOES work with YouTube. Setting up the device was a breeze-- no tech expertise needed. Then I went straight to the YouTube app, and... some weird Spanish guy started yelling at me. In Spanish. I have no idea why this video auto-started when I pulled up YouTube, but anyway... then it asked me if I wanted to search or browse, so I chose "search." The process of typing in keywords to search for is slow and cumbersome-- like typing in your initials on an old video arcade game. It took me more than a minute to type in the name of a singer my daughter likes, and in that time, the Spanish guy was replaced by a seriously sexist, R-rated clip of a guy staring at a woman's chest while she whines and screams. Bizarre. I was so glad my daughter wasn't in the room. While I continued searching, I was also forced to watch a very weird and insulting parody of Oprah and similarly off-the-beaten-track oddities.I finally got the video we wanted and called my daughter in. We watched a few related clips, and then for no reason at all, the screen went blank and would not start again. I tried and tried, but gave up and eventually went to another room and set up the device again to see if it would work. It did.Maybe the signal strength wasn't good enough from my wireless router to the other room, even though it was only two rooms away... I'm willing to go with benefit of the doubt on that one. But then came the next big disappointment, which is the quality of the apps.On first glance, it looks like you have a decent selection of free things to watch, including some popular shows like Big Love and True Blood. Once you actually try watching them, though, you'll notice that you don't actually get to see any episodes. These channels are, for the most part, previews and "behind the scenes" and podcasts. I finally decided to check out an AC360 podcast and... couldn't. It said there was an error with the network.Okay, moving on. I tried using the Facebook app and it told me I needed to "activate my account" (a paid account-- you get a $5.99 credit for a trial or something, but it's paid after that). Forget it. I tried Twitter and was able to get to a few screens, but it gave me another error message when I clicked on "Popular Tweets" or something like that. The font was so tiny that I couldn't read it even on my big screen television.Moving on again... I looked and looked for any apps appropriate for kids and there were none. The Roku doesn't do tons better on this, but at least there's SOMETHING. Roku has 3 or 4 channels that are "watchable" for kids, even if the shows aren't the cream of the crop. Here, there's nothing at all.Nearly every app I clicked was pointless. CNN headlines without any commentary whatsoever. Old movie trailers. Actors shilling for you to watch their movies.The only two I came across that were more than just ads for something else were the podcasts Scam School (teaches you how to screw with people) and DeliciousTV (3-4 minute recipe demonstrations). I'm sure there are a few more, but I didn't have the patience to try every one, and there weren't any others that looked interesting enough for me to bother.I'm not a Netflix or Blockbuster subscriber, so I can't comment on those, but I am an Amazon Prime member and that comes with lots of free videos... that I can't watch on Funai. Very frustrating.As far as appearance goes, this is fine-- a small, black, shiny box just like the Roku. You can mount it next to your TV on the wall if you like (but not behind the TV, which would interfere with the signal). It doesn't come with an HDMI cable (neither does Roku). There's a small remote, and it's pretty intuitive to figure out what you need to do to get to where you want to go... which is good, because the directions are lacking. They leave you to figure it out for yourself beyond setting up the device.Right now, the only advantage I see to this device is YouTube, and even that is a pain to use. I'd be interested to see future versions, but I can't recommend this one to users with my sorts of interests.
Product Image
Feature Funai TB600FX2 HD Streaming Player
- Wi-Fi Built-In
- Network service-Netflix
- Network service-PANDORA
- Network service-Picasa
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Supported - Black
Product Details
EAN : 0053818460016UPC : 053818460016
MPN : TB600FX2
Brand : Funai
Weight : 2 pounds
Height : 5 inches
Length : 7 inches
Width : 7 inches
Binding : Electronics
Manufacturer : Funai Corp.
Model : TB600FX2
Publisher : Funai Corp.
Studio : Funai Corp.
Where To Buy
You can buy Funai TB600FX2 HD Streaming Player on Amazon . Click here to Read More
