Roku review

jobguy · Nov 24, 2014

Purchased a Roku 3 last Spring. A relative also has one and experiences the exact same problems.
Others on line also experience these problems.
The unit consistently stops receiving. Constantly reloads to 25% then tells me my wifi is not working.
The Wifi is working, every-time.
When I use my computer to get content on line viewing works without fail.
I do not recommend the Roku for accessing on-line content.

amaxwell · Nov 24, 2014

jobguy said:
Purchased a Roku 3 last Spring. A relative also has one and experiences the exact same problems.
Others on line also experience these problems.
The unit consistently stops receiving. Constantly reloads to 25% then tells me my wifi is not working.
The Wifi is working, every-time.
When I use my computer to get content on line viewing works without fail.
I do not recommend the Roku for accessing on-line content.

Tried one and sent it back. Got a Chromecast by Google and it works fine ,I can pass it thru my computer , or my phone with Bluetooth without using data .

OKnewguy · Nov 24, 2014

I am sorry to hear about the Roku problems (and no I do not work for them). My experience with them has been great. I will say being slightly techie helps. From my experience it sounds like your problems had something to with wifi interference. One thing you had going for you was that you had a Roku 3, this is the only unit in the current lineup that has ethernet. I wish more of them had ethernet. I have a mix of old Roku 2 and the newer Roku 3's. All of mine are on ethernet except one (5 total) The older Roku's used a bluethooth connection or IR on the remotes, but some of the newer ones use a wifi protocol for the remote signal which just jams up the wifi spectrum even more. If you ever try it again, you might try wired or bust out a wifi analyzer app if you have a smart phone. This can help you setup things so you are not getting interference. With most people running older wifi routers you only have 3 bands to run on, but the newer routers are better.
I also run a box with xbmc that can do most of what the Roku does and much more, but it is extremely techie. I have been itching to get a FireTV and customize it with xbmc (from what I have read, it makes a great platform)
In general, these streaming boxes are great, paired with Amazon and Netflix streaming they are a very easy way to get content. You can also use the Plex app on them and stream from other devices on your network.
FWIW, Dave

OKnewguy · Nov 24, 2014

BTW, when it comes to streaming devices, most of the reviews basically say it all comes down to what service you want. Meaning: Roku great for the vast majority of service but not apple itunes, apple tv-most service minus hbo go? and so on.
So really it just comes down to what do you want to stream (which service) and find the best player for that.
Dave