Roku 3 Review

This is the Roku 3. It’s a multimedia streaming device that allows you to stream content straight to your Television. You can also hook up an external storage device to stream your videos, photos, and music by using the USB connector on the side of the device. You can also use the Micro SD reader which is located under the HDMI port on the back of the device. You can also use the Ethernet port to get files from a local server, or just to hook it up to the internet. Speaking of an internet connection, you can also connect it wirelessly through the settings on the device. The power port however is just a power port, so nothing special there.

The Roku also comes with this easy to use remote control. The controller itself has buttons which quickly opens the preinstalled applications, and it has the usual navigation buttons. However there are some unique things about this remote. For example there is an A and B button, and that’s because the Roku is also a gaming device as well. But the best part about the Roku remote is the headphone jack on the side. This allows you to listen to your content in private, so you don’t bother anyone else. Also with the headphone jack is a volume up and volume down buttons which work only for the headphones, not the TV itself. The remote only takes two triple A batteries and that does last quite a while.  

Now let’s set this device up and see how well it works. The main things I needed to hook up are the HDMI cable, my External Hard Drive which is located here, and the power adapter. There is no power switch on the Roku, it turns itself on. The only indication you get that the device is on is a simple white LED light. Once the device is on and ready, we can start using the Roku.  

One of things advertised on the box is how this device has over 1,500 different channels to choose from and download. Channels are the applications for this device; you can connect to the internet and download them. Unfortunately you do need an internet connection to even use the device, so that is a small problem. There are in fact many channels to choose from, some are free, and others you have to pay for. You also have channels which are free but cost a subscription fee from the channel manufacturer. The four preinstalled applications are Amazon Video, Radio, Hulu, and Netflix. So you don’t have to worry about those.

The games that the Roku has to offer aren’t that great. But considering what the device is supposed to be I cannot complain too much. There are mostly paid games, and some are free but only for a short amount of time. The quality of the games aren’t spectacular, you’d be better off downloading games onto your smartphone or tablet. But considering I used this device mainly for streaming media, I can’t complain.

When using this device to playback video files, you cannot play certain formats. I had a problem with Mk4 formats, and sometimes mp4. I also had a problem with certain movies having a lag, but it’s nothing to do with the file itself, but more the device. There is no real clear way on how to fix this either. But aside from those minor nitpicks I personally think the Roku 3 is worth the money. You can buy it from the website for about $99, or even from your local Walmart for the same price. I got mine on a deal through Amazon, for a simple $80, which isn’t saving a lot, but it is saving some money. So if you’re interested in buying this product, check the description of the video below.

To purchase the Roku 3 you can go here:

(Roku 3 New) https://www.roku.com/products/roku-3

(Roku 3 New)http://amzn.to/1HsF7Qd

(Roku 3 Refurbished )http://amzn.to/1dRJqNw