Manage updates with the Download AppRoku 3
Manufacturer: Roku Part number: 4200R
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- The Roku 3 is the best streaming-video box yet, with tons of content sources, lightning-fast performance, and an innovative remote with built-in headphone jack.
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Where to buy
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CNET editors' review
Roku 3 price range: $99.00 - $127.99
- Reviewed by: Matthew Moskovciak
- Edited by: John Falcone
- Reviewed on: 03/11/2013
- Released on: 03/06/2013
The good: The Roku 3's excellent new interface and faster processor makes it feel quicker and more responsive than any other streaming box. More than 750 channels are supported, including Netflix, Amazon Instant, HBO Go, Hulu Plus, Pandora, MLB.TV, Amazon Cloud Player, and Vudu. It also has cross-platform search that scours several major TV and movie services to find content. And Roku's nifty new remote has a built-in headphone jack that lets you listen without disturbing others.
The bad: There's still no official YouTube channel. Some services have an outdated interface on Roku compared to other streamers. The Apple TV still works better within the Apple ecosystem. And the Roku 3 isn't a great option if you're mostly looking to stream your personal digital media collection.
The bottom line: The Roku 3 is the best streaming-video box yet, with tons of content sources, lightning-fast performance, and an innovative remote with built-in headphone jack.
User reviews
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When it comes to TV, Roku does it right!
by IrvingArnold on April 16, 2013
Pros: + 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 ...
Summary: 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!3 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Disappointed
by Mongyt on May 5, 2013
Pros: 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 ...
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.
by wilback on May 1, 2013
Pros: 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
by jman81 on April 18, 2013
Pros: 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 ...
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
by mattliptak on April 3, 2013
Pros: 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 ...
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!
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Roku3..What I've Been Waiting For...
by teleonard52 on March 18, 2013
Pros: Super easy setup - LOTS of excellent content - No brainer to use - Picture quality is outstanding!
Cons: Wish it had all the major vendor channels...like the new Redbox Instant that Redbox and Verizon just made available.
Summary: I have waited a few years for ROKU to advance and when I saw the new features in this version I decided it was time to go for it! Both ...
Summary: I have waited a few years for ROKU to advance and when I saw the new features in this version I decided it was time to go for it! Both my Samsung TV and Blue Ray players have the web "apps" built in and they work. BUT...it's a pain in the neck to try to move from app-to-app with both of those. I especially found trying to login to my Amazon Prime Videos a pain...had to load Yahoo then hunt for it...which means I rarely watched anything there. As I'm either lazy or just can't handle poor designs...I just wasn't willing to live with the "free" interface I have with those devices. So...in comes my Roku 3 last Friday to hopefully provide me the solution I was hoping for.
Installation was a no-brainer...pick an HDMI port on my Pioneer reciever, plug it, add power...then go through the activation with the ROKU website. Fortunately I had my ASUS Zenbook handy so I didn't have to run back and forth to/from my office to do the ROKU and several of the channels' activation code inputs. Within about 10 minutes of unpacking I was up and operational! The interface is "sweet"...very obvious so anyone will feel comfy with it. The screens are vivid and colorful, so all feels nice. When loading a channel the response is nearly immediate! I was really impressed with how quickly most of the HD content (Netflix, Amazon, etc.) started up...not sure how much memory is in the ROKU but it seems to do a great job, for most channels, of buffering your content so you get a seemless view. My wife and I spent several hours enjoying the content over the weekend...to the point I got the "Wife Stamp Of Approval"...no small deal! ;-)
I can recommend the purchase and use of the ROKU 3 based on my experience. At $99.95 it's a fair deal for what you get and is definitely a very nice addition to my home entertainment system!! -
Superior to Apple TV
by awashburn1012 on March 13, 2013
Pros: Private listening is amazing
Pandora Radio
No need to point remote at box
Remote is easy to use and full of features, while still compact, but not too compact like apple's
Easy to navigate and fun customization
Search across many appsCons: No YouTube
Netflix not as easy to navigate
Setup is not as easy (entering codes on a computer needed)
Remote isn't backlitSummary: I have been an avid apple user for years. I decided to make a departure from the norm and pick up the Roku 3. I have never been more pleased. ...
Summary: I have been an avid apple user for years. I decided to make a departure from the norm and pick up the Roku 3. I have never been more pleased. The Roku superior or equal to Apple TV in almost every way. The Roku is fast and easy to use. My 2 year old son has already mastered the remote and can pull up Curious George to his heart's content. My wife and I love the private listening for that reason. My son can enjoy his shows, and my wife and I don't have to listen to them. It's pretty amazing.
The inclusion of Amazon Prime is huge. Very few devices have it, and Apple TV isn't one of them.
I was concerned that I could airplay from my mac or phone onto the Roku, but with the help of a few programs and apps, I can play Hulu from my computer on my big screen without having to pay for Hulu Plus.
The remote is much better than Apple TV. I get the whole minimilist thing, but with kids you lose you Apple TV remote every few minutes. Not to mention it isn't intuitive or easy to use. With no labels or direction, its a few slow learning curve. The Roku 3 remote is amazing. With an easy to spot lanyard, and clearly labeled and naturally place buttons it is a joy to use. My only critic is the lack of backlighting. However, the remote is intuitive and simple enough that a week or so with the remote creates enough muscle memory to make up for it.
Last Word: If you are on the fence between an Apple TV and a Roku 3. Hands down go with the Roku, and this is coming from a huge apple fan. The only reason to get an Apple TV over Roku 3 is if you can't live without YouTube directly on you TV. For most users the Roku 3 just makes sense. -
Excellent upgraded device
by Sparrow-hawk on March 12, 2013
Pros: Much faster than previous versions (I have the original roku and roku 2).
Headphone feature is great (we use a splitter and my husband and I listen at night with headphones so we don't wake the kids).
Quality is great.Cons: Had to sync the remote when I got it. Minor inconvenience. Set up was seamless just had to sync all my accounts to the new roku player.
Summary: Would highly recommend roku's new device. The new remote that allows you to stream sound to headphones alone makes it worth the upgrade. Speed was considerably faster than the ...
Summary: Would highly recommend roku's new device. The new remote that allows you to stream sound to headphones alone makes it worth the upgrade. Speed was considerably faster than the original roku unit too.
We are cord cutters and we mostly watch things on Hulu, amazon, netflix and pandora. Works great for what we need. Thought about adding an Apple TV too because we have an apple ecosystem but haven't taken the plunge yet. -
I would give 5 stars, but no HBOGO for DirecTv.
by ericschwartz15 on March 12, 2013
Pros: Interface. Ease of use. Set-up. Wifi connectivity. Picture clarity. Smooth playback.
Cons: When signing in to HBOGO, only certain providers are available to choose from. This know doubt has to do with Dish's connection to Roku. I am with DirecTv, so that is no good.
Summary: This is the best streamer I've seen. I own Apple TV (worthless without Amazon Instant Video Support), Google TV by Logitech, Google TV by Sony, and Sony PS3. The ...
Summary: This is the best streamer I've seen. I own Apple TV (worthless without Amazon Instant Video Support), Google TV by Logitech, Google TV by Sony, and Sony PS3. The PS3 has been my streamer of choice, but this Roku 3 is exceptional.
Don't know how to edit my initial review. In the cons section I typed know instead of no. My bad.
Updated on Mar 13, 20130 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Roku NOT good for International Channels
by srmamidi on March 12, 2013
Pros: Easy to use
Cons: Noting good about for International channels
Summary: Roku drived all the little folks out of their channel lists who were providing International TV services for a nominal service fee. Now the big guy (Dish Network) all over ...
Summary: Roku drived all the little folks out of their channel lists who were providing International TV services for a nominal service fee. Now the big guy (Dish Network) all over Roku and charging so hefty service rates. They made Roku drive all the little guys (I wonder ROKU might be owned by Dish network). These devices are suppose to be cable cord/dish service cutter. IMO, this is only in theory.
0 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Roku
- Part number: 4200R
- Bottom Line: The Roku 3 is the best streaming-video box yet, with tons of content sources, lightning-fast performance, and an innovative remote with built-in headphone jack.
General
- Type of product Streaming player
- Compatibility Android phones and tablets,
iPad,
iPhone - Dimensions (WxDxH) 3.5 in x 3.5 in x 1 in
- Weight 5 oz
- Additional features Roku app for iPhone and Android devices,
Access over 750 channels Network & Internet
- Connectivity Ethernet,
Wi-Fi - Functionality Internet gaming,
Internet radio playback,
Internet video playback - Internet Streaming Services Amazon Instant Video,
Blockbuster,
Hulu Plus ,
Netflix ,
Pandora ,
Rhapsody ,
HBO Go,
NBC,
Vudu
Component features
- Supported Audio Standards AAC,
MP3 - Supported Pictures Standard PNG,
JPG - Supported Video Standards MKV,
MP4 Remote Control
- Type Standard remote control
- Technology Infrared
- Features Headphone jack (includes earbuds),
Motion control for games
Manufacturer info
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Roku products on Shopper.com
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- Manufacturer:Roku
- Address:
399 Sherman Ave., Ste. 12, Palo Alto, CA 94306 - Phone: 1-888-600-7658
- Fax: 650-321-9648
