Great overview! Getting one for my not-very-tech-savvy-but-learning father for Christmas. He recently bought a good non-smart HDTV, but has been looking for a simple way to use Netflix and Pandora on it, as plugging his laptop into and out of an HDMI cable when wanting to watch something proves cumbersome. This fits the bill!
I just got a Roku Streaming Stick from Best Buy on sale for $40 and they have actually upgraded the remote some. The direction and OK buttons have been changed a bit with the OK button in the middle of the direction arrows. They are also made of the same soft material as the other buttons now.
Would this be worth it to get in Canada? We can't get Pandora or Hulu, and our Netflix is seriously lacking. Can you not just stream videos like on the Android Box? I dpn't want to have to pay per show I watch, might as well get cable and save $$$. Thanks!
So, u just pay , one time fee of $50, nd u r good to go? Is that it, or you have to be making monthly payments? Im a little hard headed, will i b able to get rid of my cable company if i purchase this device?
on my roku 3 I can watch videos on a USB, since there is a separate USB port on the Roku 3. Since the streaming stick uses its USB port for power, can the streaming stick play videos off a USB if the USB is plugged into the TV and the streaming stick is powered to the wall outlet?
I bought the Roku Streaming Stick for my son for Christmas. Not only would it not connect to the WiFi but remote will not work. Did all the trouble shooting and still nothing. Took it back and got a new one...exact same thing. Call Roku customer service...No help! Any advice?? Thanks.
As an addendum to my comments re: traveling with the Roku in hotels, I've been putting a bit more time on the road and have noticed a significant increase in the number of hotels that require a sign-in page. Currently, you cannot sign in directly from the Roku devices. Best case is that you can spoof the mac address from a phone or computer, and sign in with the browser there, but this is a pretty technologically advanced solution. You can also use a travel router. I believe this problem plagues the chromecast as well, so as of right now, there's a huge "BUT" associated with using these streaming devices in a hotel.
Right now I have a crappy Samsung box and this looks tempting. Now,not having a Credit Card,would a prepaid Vanilla Mastercard/Visa card suffice? And how much is Roku asking for ? Thanks.
Hello.! Yes! It can work with prepaid cards. I used one called green dot and had no money and it worked fine. I just had to manually enter the log in for Netflix and find youtube on search to load it.
So I want to buy a Roku but I may have a problem.. I dont have the best WiFi signal in my room. I wouldnt mind the long load times to get to channels but with a 2 bar WiFi signal (according to my phone) would Netflix be laggy?
I would recommend a Roku 3 using a hardwired Ethernet cable. If you can't do that, netflix won't be laggy, but it will buffer a lower quality signal, in other words, the picture won't be as sharp.
"no power button" is a very bad thing, because on several monitors, you just don't have a remote and screen auto-turn-on when a source is connected. intel stick has a power button, but intel stick is much less user-friendly to install and use.
I'd say they stuck with the 720p as a default to be safe. No sense setting 1080p as the default and having it cause some random issue with some random TV that doesn't do as we expect.
Like the Review, think you did a great job. I had a Roku3 and it worked great for a couple years. Then had random issues with it toward the end, so got the streaming stick a few days ago to replace it. I've been pretty happy with it, and haven't noticed any huge differences. In fact, I think it's a better device for me, as i ended up not using the features that were specific to the Roku 3, and the stick is a cleaner setup.
+Randy Gani that's perfectly ok, Since I don't watch either, I can't say for sure, but I think the only one you may need to pay for as far as live content goes is ESPN, but double check with other sources to make sure. Have a great day!
I like the format of this review... and I appreciate the review.... If I had one critique, I would say you never mention (and it's not in the notes) the model number.... There's the 3500R , 3500X, etc... I'm assuming 3500R. Help us make sure we pick up the right one... especially those ordering online... thanks again
What you dont mention is that with out a credit card you cant use this device. For some billshit reason you have to have your credit card information to get this system to work. Even if you only want to just watch RUclips.
Problem with traveling with Roku is that 99% of all hotels have some sort of sign-in/agree-to-terms site, which cannot be accessed by a roku, due to NO web interface.
if you include the phone with the chromecast, chromecast = 500 € roku = 50 € plus, my old mother doesn't understand anythink to smartphone, but she know how to use a remote control. so, thanks for your smart designed device, just miss a web-browser and an optionnal keyboard ^^
I double checked with my 1st grade math teacher, and she verified that $49.99 does exactly count as "under $50." I did not discuss the concept of "bargain" with her, however.
not a very useful video IMO. I don't care about how to set it up and what cable it plugs in with, what texture the remote is, etc. I just want to know what the device does.
I like to think of it as a device that lets you watch internet video channels on your television set. Some of the most common internet video channels out there are: Netflix, youtube, Hulu, Amazon video, Sling, Vudu (there are literally thousands of channels out there). So, you are going to need access to the internet. Also, just like a lot of video players (DVD players, VCRs, etc.) you might have to pay for the video content. There are some free channels out there, though.
lel wut take a break rethink this over and fuk off not only did your sentence make absolutely no sense you say pay to watch channels is stupid? your on youtube last time i checked wifi and 4g, 3g etc. were not free you contradicted yourself as soon as you typed that, also cable dish directv and every other "channel provider" is not free so fuk off dumbass
MINDS ALL OF SUDDEN DOESN'T COME ON. U C THE BOUNCING ROKU HOWEVER, IT SHUTS OFF & OFF WITH THE BOUNCING ROKU LOGO. I DNT GET PASS THAT. I DNT EVEN C TROUBLESHOOTING 4 IT. DO I HVE 2 RESET??? OR SOMETHING IS WRONG WITH THE DEVICE?
That was about the most comprehensive review on any tech I've ever seen in my life. Thank you guys.
+critter505 yep
Great overview! Getting one for my not-very-tech-savvy-but-learning father for Christmas. He recently bought a good non-smart HDTV, but has been looking for a simple way to use Netflix and Pandora on it, as plugging his laptop into and out of an HDMI cable when wanting to watch something proves cumbersome. This fits the bill!
I just got a Roku Streaming Stick from Best Buy on sale for $40 and they have actually upgraded the remote some. The direction and OK buttons have been changed a bit with the OK button in the middle of the direction arrows. They are also made of the same soft material as the other buttons now.
Which one is better the stick, or Roku Special Edition Streaming Media Player?
U were reading that script a little too hard but it was a VERY good video lol. Thanks!
Prepared material but he does cover all the bases well. Great review.
Well, he probably prepared and wrote it himself. Why do you have to mention your point. Could you do it without prompts?
ugt pro
Don`t like the fact that after you bought it, it won`t work unless you come up with a credit card. Nice!
Would this be worth it to get in Canada? We can't get Pandora or Hulu, and our Netflix is seriously lacking. Can you not just stream videos like on the Android Box? I dpn't want to have to pay per show I watch, might as well get cable and save $$$. Thanks!
U have a great teleprompter! Good review!
So, u just pay , one time fee of $50, nd u r good to go? Is that it, or you have to be making monthly payments? Im a little hard headed, will i b able to get rid of my cable company if i purchase this device?
The various Roku service range from free, to a one time fee, to a monthly charge. The hardware itself is $50.
Setting up an account is free but any channel subscriptions you purchase (netflix, vudu, hulu) are not included.
on my roku 3 I can watch videos on a USB, since there is a separate USB port on the Roku 3. Since the streaming stick uses its USB port for power, can the streaming stick play videos off a USB if the USB is plugged into the TV and the streaming stick is powered to the wall outlet?
Ok looks good but as you said the ruku 3 is a lot faster but can it be connected via my HDMI on the amps as you showed with the stream stick?? .
I bought the Roku Streaming Stick for my son for Christmas. Not only would it not connect to the WiFi but remote will not work. Did all the trouble shooting and still nothing. Took it back and got a new one...exact same thing. Call Roku customer service...No help! Any advice?? Thanks.
Great review. I'm getting one with my next paycheck.
i will take a look at the roku 3 too
As an addendum to my comments re: traveling with the Roku in hotels, I've been putting a bit more time on the road and have noticed a significant increase in the number of hotels that require a sign-in page. Currently, you cannot sign in directly from the Roku devices. Best case is that you can spoof the mac address from a phone or computer, and sign in with the browser there, but this is a pretty technologically advanced solution. You can also use a travel router. I believe this problem plagues the chromecast as well, so as of right now, there's a huge "BUT" associated with using these streaming devices in a hotel.
Right now I have a crappy Samsung box and this looks tempting. Now,not having a Credit Card,would a prepaid Vanilla Mastercard/Visa card suffice? And how much is Roku asking for ? Thanks.
Hello.! Yes! It can work with prepaid cards. I used one called green dot and had no money and it worked fine. I just had to manually enter the log in for Netflix and find youtube on search to load it.
Where to get Roku IP address for my smart Phone? original remote is dead after 2-3 weeks of use.
So I want to buy a Roku but I may have a problem.. I dont have the best WiFi signal in my room. I wouldnt mind the long load times to get to channels but with a 2 bar WiFi signal (according to my phone) would Netflix be laggy?
I would recommend a Roku 3 using a hardwired Ethernet cable. If you can't do that, netflix won't be laggy, but it will buffer a lower quality signal, in other words, the picture won't be as sharp.
Can you access basic channels like Disney channel, Animal Planet, and others?
+selmeysa You can see all of the channels on our platform here: channelstore.roku.com/browse/
+Roku thank you!
"no power button" is a very bad thing, because on several monitors, you just don't have a remote and screen auto-turn-on when a source is connected. intel stick has a power button, but intel stick is much less user-friendly to install and use.
I'd say they stuck with the 720p as a default to be safe. No sense setting 1080p as the default and having it cause some random issue with some random TV that doesn't do as we expect.
Like the Review, think you did a great job.
I had a Roku3 and it worked great for a couple years. Then had random issues with it toward the end, so got the streaming stick a few days ago to replace it. I've been pretty happy with it, and haven't noticed any huge differences. In fact, I think it's a better device for me, as i ended up not using the features that were specific to the Roku 3, and the stick is a cleaner setup.
+Clinton W Salvato Totally agree Clinton
+Randy Gani that's perfectly ok, Since I don't watch either, I can't say for sure, but I think the only one you may need to pay for as far as live content goes is ESPN, but double check with other sources to make sure. Have a great day!
do u still need a Netflix account to watch Netflix via roku??
yeah
+Mo Punchinella Yes mam!
No shit?
You need the acct. to put on your roku stick so i would say yes
I like the format of this review... and I appreciate the review.... If I had one critique, I would say you never mention (and it's not in the notes) the model number.... There's the 3500R , 3500X, etc... I'm assuming 3500R. Help us make sure we pick up the right one... especially those ordering online... thanks again
+rrmin36 Hi there! There is no difference. You only need to pay attention to the model number. :)
What you dont mention is that with out a credit card you cant use this device. For some billshit reason you have to have your credit card information to get this system to work. Even if you only want to just watch RUclips.
+Al D. That's what I thought and addd that to my review so people know.
+Charbel Sarkis No!! No membership fees.
+Al D. I wonder if a simple gift card would work.
I guess you can use a PAYPAL card or whatever will surfice.
Hello! I used a prepaid card without money and it worked out fine.
I don't have a USB Port, how do I get it to work.
you can plug it into a wall port too
+Malinda Smith LOL - what wall port?! Is your house a smart home?
+Gem Webb I meant you can plug it into the wall. he said it came with an adaptor
Amazing Channel! Did you "cut the cord"? I did and love my Roku 3.
Excellent review. Im going to buy this now.
my roku is asking me to set up a new account, like brand new set up
I'm having trouble getting ROKU EXCEPTING MY LOCAL NETWORK PASSWORD. MY NETWORK PASSWORD NO PROBLEM CAN YOU HELP ME.
+Billy Ellis What's the issue?
Great review
Very informative and well done...thank you!
can u plug this into your xbox 360?
Willie Young What purpose would that serve?
Lol y tf would u want to do that
Problem with traveling with Roku is that 99% of all hotels have some sort of sign-in/agree-to-terms site, which cannot be accessed by a roku, due to NO web interface.
my control dont work anymore 8 months work
+Edwin Arroyo Sorry to hear that! You can contact our support team at bit.ly/rokuhelps.
The only problem I have with this is that Internet selections where I live are not reliable, it always goes out
+Kevin Stevenson Yah, that sucks. I have friends in slow internet zones.
if you include the phone with the chromecast, chromecast = 500 € roku = 50 €
plus, my old mother doesn't understand anythink to smartphone, but she know how to use a remote control. so, thanks for your smart designed device, just miss a web-browser and an optionnal keyboard ^^
This is a very helpful video - who cares if you read it. Better to do that and get accurate info.
$49.99 doesn't exactly count as "under $50"...you're not getting a bargain by "saving" a penny.
Ha ha I know right!
$47.98 at Walmart! 😂
+daysia222 Ha, close enough. Assuming that tax doesn't bump it to above the $50 mark.
+Jinxsue exactly
I double checked with my 1st grade math teacher, and she verified that $49.99 does exactly count as "under $50." I did not discuss the concept of "bargain" with her, however.
not a very useful video IMO. I don't care about how to set it up and what cable it plugs in with, what texture the remote is, etc. I just want to know what the device does.
I like to think of it as a device that lets you watch internet video channels on your television set. Some of the most common internet video channels out there are: Netflix, youtube, Hulu, Amazon video, Sling, Vudu (there are literally thousands of channels out there). So, you are going to need access to the internet. Also, just like a lot of video players (DVD players, VCRs, etc.) you might have to pay for the video content. There are some free channels out there, though.
So sorry to learn that the remote buttons were so painful to operate😣😣😣😣😣 LIFE IS SO HARSH !!!!
He's really cute. Who is he??
what is he looking at?
Teleprompter
+TheBomb100 Agreed. How else could u speak thing long on a subject like that with massive details. RUclips channels gotta have the TV tricks.
You pay $50 for that useless stick and pay to watching channels.. Junk
lel wut take a break rethink this over and fuk off not only did your sentence make absolutely no sense you say pay to watch channels is stupid? your on youtube last time i checked wifi and 4g, 3g etc. were not free you contradicted yourself as soon as you typed that, also cable dish directv and every other "channel provider" is not free so fuk off dumbass
+dok park Better than a BlueRay player or outdated dvd player.
MINDS ALL OF SUDDEN DOESN'T COME ON. U C THE BOUNCING ROKU HOWEVER, IT SHUTS OFF & OFF WITH THE BOUNCING ROKU LOGO. I DNT GET PASS THAT. I DNT EVEN C TROUBLESHOOTING 4 IT. DO I HVE 2 RESET??? OR SOMETHING IS WRONG WITH THE DEVICE?
Try a reset and contact Roku for a warranty replacement if that doesn't work.
Awesome video! Please subscribe also. We can both help each other!
Apple TV is better
Ok looks good but as you said the ruku 3 is a lot faster but can it be connected via my HDMI on the amps as you showed with the stream stick?? .
The Roku 3 is a "puck" aka small box, not a stick, but it still connects via HDMI. You can find more details on the Roku website.
I'm having trouble getting ROKU EXCEPTING MY LOCAL NETWORK PASSWORD. MY NETWORK PASSWORD NO PROBLEM CAN YOU HELP ME.
+Billy Ellis Mine would my Internet easily. U still having trouble?