Scout for Netflix does a beautiful job addressing the poor user interface with older Roku’s, specifically Roku 1 and Roku 2. Scout also works well with Roku 3 and Roku stick; however, the newer Roku Netflix app has some playback issues with Roku 3 and Roku stick that the older models do not experience.
Our video review:
Scout allows you to explore the full Netflix catalog with your Roku; no longer are you limited to only the 50 TV dramas Netflix wants you to see. With Scout, browsing by release date, title, ratings, and other categories make your Netflix search smooth and easy.
There are few drawbacks with Scout right now. Once you start a video with a Roku 3 and the new Netflix app, you cannot pause, rewind, etc. Also, while Scout does a great job categorizing movies into different genres, the TV section is just has one long list. If you are in the mood for a TV comedy you will have to dig to find it.
With the new Netflix app, the Roku 3 does not give you the option to select a specific episode or movie, instead you are launched directly into viewing your initial selection
The Roku 1 and Roku 2 do not have these issues; when you select an episode or movie to view with Roku 1 or Roku 2, you are brought to the Netflix app listing for your selection which gives you two options: one is to select a specific episode or movie, and the other is to immediately begin watching your selection. You can also pause, rewind, etc. with these versions of Roku and the Netflix app.
These issues look simple to fix, and are not unexpected with a service as new as Scout. Hopefully, they will quickly address creating categories for TV selection and resolve playback issues with the Roku 3.
If you have the older version of Netflix on your Roku you may be wondering if you should get Scout for the better interface. It is only $1.99 a year or about $0.17 a month. So, let us break this down one more time.
The positives:
- Beautiful new user interface
- Full access to the Netflix library on your Roku
- Works smoothly with the Roku 1 and Roku 2
The negatives:
- Has playback issues on the Roku 3 and Roku stick
- There are no categories for TV shows
We highly recommend Scout for anyone with an older Roku who really wants full access to the Netflix library; however, if you have a newer Roku, with the newer Netflix app, we do not see a great need to spend $1.99 a year for Scout.
Please follow us on Twitter or like us on our Facebook page.