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"When it comes to TV, Roku does it right!"
on by IrvingArnoldPros + Updated user interface, an RF remote control with a very unique feature
+ Remote - very intuitive and easy to use
+ Interface visually appealing and intuitive
+ Lots of international channels
+ Fast loading appsCons - Remote control seems a little cheap
- No YouTube channelSummary After all my years in the computer industry, its become a very high expectation of mine that hardware and software be easy to setup and get started with. That being said the Roku 3 is the fifth Roku I have personally installed. It is amazing that its ease of setup continues to get ever better. Take it out of the box, peel off the protective plastic, hook up the HDMI cable to your TV or monitor and the back of the Roku 3, connect the power brick and a Ethernet cable and you're done. That's it, you can't complain about 3 cables now can you?
Unlike many other products, the Roku has no power button, it consumes so little power it really doesn't need one. This means when you are ready to watch a show, there is no waiting. I knew from previous models (Roku 2) to put batteries (included) in the remote prior to going through setup. This ensures the Roku finds the remote and synchs up with it right away. Speaking of the remote, the new Roku 3 remote has an earphone jack built right into it's side. What a great feature, now when sitting in bed you can easily add earphones so as to watch TV without ever bothering the other half. The volume control is handled by two buttons on the opposite side of the remote, just where they should be. It is features like this that demonstrate the folks at Roku actually use their own products and pay close attention to detail. Small things like this really make the experience much more pleasurable.
Once you have powered on, the mostly automatic setup is a breeze and super easy to deal with. Just for the sake of seeing how well it worked, I connected the Roku 3 through both a Ethernet cable and over wireless to my dual Netgear wireless router. Added the Mac: address to the router and had it reserve an IP. Ran the wireless detection and it configured first time through without a hitch. Then I switched the cable for the faster speed over the gigabit network. I can always fall back on the wireless in case something goes bonkers with the cables.
Once the Roku 3 was up and running with my Roku account, it downloaded the new firmware, updated all my channels and I played a game of Angry Birds Space. Love the new remote, really works well for playing games like Angry Birds. As much as I like Angry Birds, it was time to put the Roku to it's best use, watching movies in HD on my 27" monitor. Went straight to Amazon Prime, linked the new Roku to my account and rented SkyFall in full 1080P. The picture was outstanding, not one hiccup or stutter, and no buffering at all, not once. skyfall is a killer movie by the way, I highly recommend it:)
All in all, the Roku 3 is just another prime example of how to do things right. Check out the new interface, search capability, and channel store look and feel, you won't be disappointed. Changing settings has never been easier. With a great new interface which allows you to go right where you need, to change between network types, interface themes, audio modes, time, etc. you'll be watching and playing within minutes of opening the box.
This new Roku is a real pleasure to use, never even looked at the literature that came with it and was watching a new release HD movie in under 15 minutes, and two of those were waiting for the popcorn in the microwave. Next ill try the USB channel with one of my slim drives with all my media, but I have a bunch of movies to catch up on first!
NOTE: for best deal, I suggest check at: streamingplayergreatdeals.blogspot.com/p/roku-3.html
You can't go wrong with the Roku 3, the best Roku yet, five stars at least! -
"Disappointed"
on by MongytPros More content then the Apple ITV
Cons You can not listen to internet radio through your stereo without having the television on. This is a very big negative and over sight on the part of Roku.
Summary While having more content the inability to listen to internet radio without the a television on is a deal killer. The TV kills the mood, heats up the room and wastes energy. This is big blunder on the part of Roku. It is to bad as other then that it is not a bad device.
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"Good streamer, advertising is misleading."
on by wilbackPros Fast interface, lots of channels.
Cons - Not very good at accessing local media.
- Does not support 1080i, only 720p and 1080p. This was not clearly advertised anywhere. In fact, their advertising states "up to 1080p" which implies 1080i. -
"Unless you're American & computer illiterate, stay away"
on by jman81Pros 1. really fast streaming
2. headphone jack on remote is very convenient, great if someone wants to sleep while you're watching tv.
3. Remote has technology similar to wii remote. (not sure why they are trying to be a gaming console though)Cons 1. Don't even consider this for local media of any kind
2. extremely limited content for non-americans
3. horrendously limited options, can't even choose dns to ensure child safety
4. Poor instructions (had to google how to get the usb player)Summary Once again, a company has favored greed by geo-locking content and channels, I was looking for a boxee box replacement since the boxee is discontinued and riddled with bugs. Based on all the reviews I was really convinced that Roku3 was the best, instead I regret wasting my time and money dealing with it.
This is the most limited device I have ever used, and unless you want a 100 dollar netflix/angry birds player, don't buy it. If you're not American, consider this a fancy paperweight.
Can someone please recommend something like the boxee box that actually works?
- Desperate Canadian -
"Blows Apple TV away..more content and channels"
on by mattliptakPros Over 700 channel applications with everything from movies to TV and everything in between. Apple TV does not even compare to the content this little box contains. Plus a comparable price rage and easier to use.
Cons Some of the channel content costs but the rates are still reasonable
Summary I owned one of the first generation Roku boxes when this first was released and ended up getting rid of it because the content was slim to none. I thought this box would never be able to keep up with the likes of Apple and Vudu. Was I ever wrong. I am a die hard Apple fan and own every type of product from Apple TV to 3 MACs to iPad and iPhones. Apple TV is okay but depending on iTunes for everything and the lack of new content just makes it mediocre in comparison to this. This box is slicker, more streamlines content and a plethora of content from over 700 different channel applications. Plus it is easier to use with a very seamless interface and screens. You can also add channels from your computer and it goes directly on your account. The channel lineup is awesome, everything from movies and TV channels to outdoor and fitness, technology, news, internet TV and exclusive content channels. Plus with Netflix, Amazon Prime (Apple has yet to add this), Hulu and Epix and HBOGo and Blockbuster Video, it blows away the movie content on Apple. I never thought I would knock an Apple product, but Apple TV has never been the greatest. Don't get me wrong, I will never get rid of my Apple TV due to the sync with iTunes, but I will not use it as much for downloading on demand movies. Plus Roku boxes never shut off or sleep and having to put Apple TV to sleep so it doesn't burn up is a royal pain. Do yourself a favor and buy this box, it is reasonably priced and uses less power than a nightlight. Very happy with this purchase!
Roku 3 user reviews
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Quick Specifications
- Release date03/6/13
- Product type Streaming player
- Functionality Internet gaming Internet radio playback Internet video playback
- Connectivity Ethernet Wi-Fi
- Remote control type Standard remote control
