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Yes! Most people here probably won't agree (in the wrong subreddit lol), but I am looking to make the switch away from my Roku 3.

The Roku 3 was awesome when it came out, but the competition has surpassed it since it's launch. If you are very price sensitive and you can get a Roku 3 for ~$60 then I think it's justifiable. Otherwise hell no!

Here are the alternatives:

• Chromecast - $35
  
• Very compelling price. Much cheaper than a Roku 3
  
• BUT it requires another "smart" device to do anything
  
• Nexus Player - $99 (Not confirmed)
  
• Just launched today!
  
• Don't have all the information, but it appears to have a solid SDK for 3rd party development. In comparison, developers don't seem to enjoy working with Roku's SDK. The result is a lonely app ecosystem outside of major (although most important) big providers like Netflix, HBO Go, etc.
  
• This is what I will probably switch to
  
• Amazon Fire TV - $84
  
• Great if you are already in the Amazon ecosystem (have Amazon Prime, a Kindle, etc.)
  
• Retails cheaper than Roku 3
  
• Apple TV - $99
  
• Great if you are already in the Apple ecosystem (have an iPad, use iTunes, etc.). Check out airplay to learn more.
  
• Can't use airplay unless your using an Apple device. Pretty exclusive ecosystem.
  
  In my opinion ANY of the above devices are better than the Roku 3. I got mine before the Chromecast launched. Since then the Amazon Fire TV came out and now Google Player has launched. Don't get me wrong, I loved my Roku when I first got it and I think it was a damn good device in its day. But it is clearly in need of a refresh, and I'm not sure Roku is up to the task of competing with the 800lb gorillas that are fighting tooth and nail in this space.
  
  Just for good measure here are some major gripes I have with my Roku 3:
  
  
  

1. The interface. This thing is on my 50" TV in my living room and the interface is hideous. It's unacceptable.
   
   
2. Lack of cool apps (channels). Roku has been unable to foster a vibrant development community. As a result, I haven't seen more than a handful (and I think that's being generous) of useful channels outside of the big content providers. I consider apps like Netflix and Hulu to be a given when buying a set top box, but where are the apps that come out of left field and wow us? These 3rd party apps nobody sees coming are the result of cultivating a thriving ecosystem of developers who are empowered to create awesome stuff. I am hoping that's what Google's Nexus Player achieves, but if history is any indication Apple will be the first to make that happen. Either way it will be a tech behemoth that has the intense resources required to make it happen.
   
   
3. Lack of "casting". Now I should say that a week or so ago Roku had a blog post about how screen mirroring has been added in an update that is rolling out as we speak. My box has not received that update yet, so I haven't had a chance to give it a try. That being said, this was likely made a priority as soon as the Chromecast launched and started eating into Roku's sales. It took them this long to provide their response to that market pressure. This is what I mean when I'm talking about Roku not being able to compete with the likes of Google and Apple. I don't necessarily blame them for it, but it affects their users.
   
   TL;DR: There is no reason to buy a Roku 3 at this time.

Harmony Remote 650 or 700. They are identical, except the 700 is rechargeable (both use AA batteries, but the 700 has a built-in charger). The 700 has been discontinued but you can still find them pretty easily.

Harmony 650: http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-Harmony-650-Remote-Control/dp/B004OVECU0

Harmony 700: www.amazon.com/Logitech-915-000162-Rechargeable-Discontinued-Manufacturer/dp/B004OVECUA

I have one of each and have been really happy with them -- I'm using them with Roku 2XS, Roku 3, Samsung TV, LG soundbar, Sharp TV, a set-top digital antenna box, my XBOX360, bluray player, air conditioner, etc... it's all programmable via a webapp and highly customizeable as well.

The Harmony series operates a little different from "normal" universal remotes. Once you have your devices defined, you create "activities" that use them. Push the button for an activity and the remote figures out what settings need to be applied. IE "turn the TV on and to HDMI1, switch the soundbar to optical2,set the volume controls to soundbar, the menu & arrow buttons to ROKU, and dim the lights to 40%" -- it makes it REALLY easy to use.

I realize this Is going to come across as biased and in full disclosure, after being offered a substantial discount from the seller, I bought this one off amazon. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07L76F7S8/

It works well with my ultra 4, Yamaha receiver, and sharp TV. Easy to program and buttons feel close to the original with travel and tact. Best thing is that I could use this in addition to my original ultra 4 remote for night listening through the headphone jack.

If you check past threads, seller is looking for additional testers offering a discount in exchange for a shout-out on reddit, Facebook, Twitter, etc (specifically not Amazon).

Again, take it for what it’s worth but at ~$8, I’m very pleased. Good luck!

The harmony hub works with both. The remote can be purchased with it as package. You can also control things with your phone and you use your phone to program it.

Having both is great. I can do tv/movies by feel with the remote, but I can also fire up my system from the other room and start playing some music without getting up to find the remote.

I just got this one recently and it’s great. It hits every device in my entertainment center without direct line of sight from the IR blaster and the remote doesn’t need line of sight either it uses a radio signal.

Logitech Harmony Smart Control with Smartphone App and Simple All in One Remote - Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BQ5RYI4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_WPDEDbMEYDEGN

You probably have a Harmony Hub based remote which has been available down to around $100 if you dig for it. That line has been discontinued and replaced with a nearly-identical line of Harmony Home Control devices. The new Harmony Home Control line hasn't been discounted anywhere that I am aware of, outside of a trade-in deal from Best Buy.

The Home Control series adds the ability to interface with some HA devices like Nest and SmartThings. They have promised that an upgrade for existing Harmony Hub users will give them these capabilities sometime "early [this] year" (it was "late [last] year" at one point, so don't hold your breath). It has also been noted that this will not be a free upgrade.

So, I just bought this remote from Amazon. It's very clicky, and feels super cheap, but it has a source button on it, which is awesome. It's IR only so has to be line of sight, but I like it.

You can't change the shortcut buttons on the bottom, but you can teach the remote pretty much any IR command, so I've repurposed some of the buttons to control my soundbar modes, etc.

The 650 is cheap (I just bought another one new for $20), but it doesn't have RF or WiFi. It's IR only, with USB to sync settings with the computer app. For accessing out-of-sight devices you would want something like the Harmony Smart Control: http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-Harmony-Control-Smartphone-Simple/dp/B00BQ5RYI4

Harmony remotes are great but pricey - if you want a cheaper option Inteset INT-422 is great.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00M4I1BAY

Pretty much your only option is the pricey but awesome Harmony 650.

When I was exploring options, I settled on the much more affordable RCA 6-Device Remote. But my Roku is in line of sight...

still, it's very compelling even if you are not an amazon prime member. if i didn't already have a roku3 i would buy the amazon box, since i'm just watching a third party subscription on them (netflix+hulu), so who provides the $100 box means nothing as long as it's got the best possible specs inside.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CX5P8FC

amazon's comparison chart has a few obvious mistakes. i do get bloomberg tv and pandora on my roku, while hbo go only works in your house if you already have a cabletv subscription in your hose. i think roku will finally have to come out with a keyboard if they want to compete with voice recognition.

This is the one I used for another project:

OREI HD-102 1x2 1 Port HDMI Powered Splitter Ver 1.3 Certified for Full HD 1080P & 3D Support (One Input To Two Outputs) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005HXFARS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_ggm-BbJ9AP3SB

Worked great!

You should upgrade to the Hub. The One is no longer supported. The Hub is $60 on Amazon right now with the screenless Harmony remote.

That said, any of the cheap RCA remotes that say "SUPPORTS ROKU!" should work. I got mine at Home Depot, this is a newer model: https://www.homedepot.com/p/RCA-4-Device-Universal-Remote-Streaming-and-Dual-Navigation-RCR414BHZ/303087492?

Ahhh gotcha that make sense. My Roku is this one: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075XN5L53/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_TA5TCb9DZH4GF

Is there a way to change all input to IR by chance? Seems that would be ideal. I'll try moving it around for now and see if that helps.

And to add, if you’re in the market for cables, I would recommend the Monoprice ones.


Monoprice Certified Premium HDMI Cable - 6 Feet - Black, 4K@60Hz, HDR, 18Gbps, 28AWG, YUV 4:4:4, Dual Video Stream https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01GCGKI3O/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_lLNoDbTCC4RE9

For example. They have some slim ones too.

I just upgraded all my HDMI cables to these yesterday and everything works great.

Thanks guys. I ended up getting this RCA 33709 remote and it works perfect. The Back and Home buttons are great, it has a decent hand feel/weight to it, al it seems to have great range. The only minor complaint is that the volume controls are a touch squishy - pushing Vol Up usually knocks the volume up 2 points instead of 1 point unless I feather it, but that's a very minor complaint for a solid $10 Roku remote replacement.

Get this, you will not be disappointed. Logitech Harmony Smart Control https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BQ5RYI4

If you want to save money get an RCA remote https://www.rcaaudiovideo.com/images/common/RCRN05BHZ/addl/RCRN05BHZ_1.png
OR
The INTESET universal remote will be twice as much but still less expensive than a Harmony remote... https://www.amazon.com/Inteset-Universal-Backlit-Learning-Streamers/dp/B00M4I1BAY

This logitech remote will control your Roku and every other device you own. We love our's.

I have this soundbar. I love it. Even though it gets a bit mushy on the low end at higher volumes, it sounds great at normal levels.

http://www.samsung.com/us/televisions-home-theater/home-theater/sound-bars/hw-j355-soundbar-w-subwoofer-hw-j355-za/

I use a sideclick for volume control as well as basic TV functions.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01LXAYO14/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1502941520&sr=8-2&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=sideclick&dpPl=1&dpID=41mbLZ3Ix5L&ref=plSrch

EDIT: forgot to add that the sound bar turns on automatically when it gets a signal via optical connection. It also turns off automatically after the TV has been off for a bit.

> RF20

Where did you find it cheaper than the Harmony 650 being referenced in this thread? The 650 is $60 at Amazon and the cheapest I can find the RF20 is $60...

http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-Harmony-650-Remote-Control/dp/B004OVECU0/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1421101426&sr=1-1&keywords=harmony+650

Try restarting it and plug it in the TV like normal.

Doomed that you have to buy another Roku remote or universal remote? Probably.

There's generic ones on Amazon for pretty cheap, or something like this will work:

https://www.amazon.com/GE-4-Device-Universal-Designer-33709/dp/B01HSSAZX8

yeah you can get any harmony remote but i prefer the inteset remote off amazon for 20 some bucs. https://www.amazon.com/Inteset-INT-422-Universal-Backlit-Learning/dp/B00M4I1BAY/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1503017245&sr=8-2&keywords=inteset+remote

An HDMI audio extractor should work, the reviews on Amazon of these two look promising:



J-Tech Digital - Model JTDAT5CH


ViewHD HDMI Audio Extractor

Not directly from the headphone jack, but you can plug a SPDIF-to-headphone adapter into that jack and use that, something like https://www.amazon.com/PROZOR-Digital-Converter-Toslink-Adapter/dp/B00KNNSKV0

I've heard good things about the Inteset INT-422, haven't used it myself though.

Something like this?

Go with This one. It's the cheapest device that features the power button and volume controls on the remote, this way you're not juggling remotes. It also has a Wi-Fi extender and 4K capabilities in case you upgrade to a 4K TV in the future.

If you wait until Black Friday you can probably save $20 dollars.

If you just want something cheap, I'd actually go with the standard Amazon fire stick which is $34.99 right now.

Well if its not a 4K set and you can find a Roku 3; you can use this to mount the Roku 3 on the set.

Edit: Alternately, if you have a 4K set and want to use one of the newer Rokus (Premiere+ or Ultra) you can use this.

If you have a TCL tv, don't you have Roku built-in? That's how my TCL is. I just bought this to control my sound bar

Sideclick Universal Remote Attachment for Roku streaming player https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LXAYO14?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf

The USB cable used for the Roku Streaming Stick+ is actually a special one with a built in Wi-Fi antenna, so you actually need a USB-A extender to connect the end of the special cable to the TV. https://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-Extension-Cable-Male-Female/dp/B00NH11PEY/

Or if you don't have the Streaming Stick+, meaning that the cable does not have a noticable black block in the middle of the cable (where the antenna stuff is), this should be able to replace the cable. https://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-Male-Micro-Cable-Black/dp/B07232M876/

Roku Stick Plus comes with IR remote that will control the TV. I bought one for a customer who's just like your mom.

One I bought
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B075XLWML4/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Just buy a used one for about $50

If you're talking about the Streaming Stick Plus, I'd recommend the Harmony Companion Remote

I've used both of these without issues:

https://www.amazon.com/HDMI-Cable-6ft-Connectors-PlayStation/dp/B00NQ9OQU2/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1526569361&sr=8-7&keywords=hdmi+4k+cable&dpID=51DjmSvcvNL&preST=_SY300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch

https://www.amazon.com/HDMI-Cable-Resolution-Bandwidth-Compliant/dp/B00SI1JA0Y/ref=sr_1_44?ie=UTF8&qid=1526569408&sr=8-44&keywords=hdmi+4k+cable

There are probably others. Just make certain it's rated for 4k60

It's the hdmi cable. I promise you.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00NQ9OQU2

Get this.

Why not just buy the TV remote attachment for your Roku remote?

Sideclick Universal Remote Attachment for Roku streaming player https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LXAYO14/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_xKlJDbBYVP7ZJ

Maintain the functionality of your Roku remote but add TV functionality.

I wouldn't expect the first 2 HDMI cables to work well since they are not made for the newer HDMI sources. The last cable should technically work since they claim it can pass up to 18 Gbps, but I personally wouldn't trust that claim. If you're up for trying yet another cable, look for one that is a Certified Premium HDMI cable like this one https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01GCGKI3O . I had similar issues and this cable solved it for me.

You can also try powering up the TV and changing to the Roku input, then rebooting the Roku. I found my Roku didn't like hotswapping HDMI cables without a reboot.

I bet that Roku 3 is really fucking futuristic, no wonder its above the rest! Probably plays files that wont be invented for almost 1000 years!

I vote for Roku 3 over Roku 2, having a remote that doesn't need to be pointed at the TV is freaking awesome, plus the headphone jack has come in handy several times.

The roku 3 is only $10 more then the Roku 2 right now

http://www.amazon.com/Roku-Streaming-Player-4230R-Search/dp/B00UJ3IULO/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1450232049&sr=1-1&keywords=roku+3

It's a very basic app there aren't any new features in it that are in the iOS, Android, or PC apps. If you get a Roku 3 you can mirror an Android phone or tablet to stream the app from there as well as anything else you have on the device. I haven't tested to see if you can mirror an iOS device.

As for a remote, I was told to try this one. Link

I've had nothing but trouble with the Amazon Basic HDMI cables.

It seems after a few months, they always start giving me the purple screen Unauthorized Content message. I started replacing the failed ones with this.

I actually replaced one today. Got the purple screen of death and I grabbed a replacement cable and it came up perfectly, I didn't even pause the movie I was watching.

You can get a Roku 'mount' at Amazon, fifteen bucks. The Roku3 is wifi so no line of sight required. I just aim at the wall (even worked from another room).

http://www.amazon.com/TotalMount-ROKU-Mounting-System-Compatible/dp/B00I8Y6V9E/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1421855208&sr=8-1&keywords=roku+mount

This one works for me. My roku has a box which is required for the ir reciever to work, won't work if the box is hidden. Does everything you want and you can program macros to turn on/off devices. Can lock the volume buttons to one device Inteset INT-422 4-in-1 Universal Backlit IR Learning Remote for Apple TV, Xbox One, Roku & Media Center https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00M4I1BAY/ref=cm_sw_r_other_awd_nYbOwbV28E37F

And that's for "output"? No. In fact, looking a the specs, it seems to have SPDIF (optical) out though. Also says that it has a headphone jack (but I wonder if it's the crummy thing that might be on the remote, like with other Roku devices).

If so, you can buy devices to convert optical SPDIF to something else. In my case I wanted a mini-jack. I bought: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00KNNSKV0

Seriously get the 2017 Roku Streaming Stick. I don't think it can be explained with words how slow the old ones are. This one should last you several years.

I've used this one for a while now and it rocks.

Here you go. Seamlessly controls my Roku, AppleTV, TV and AVR. Backlit too! https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00M4JYTWA/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01__o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

You have two options:

1 - look into getting a sideclick for your Roku

2 - get a universal remote and program one of the functions to control the Roku. This is the option that I did.

https://smile.amazon.com/Sideclick-Universal-Remote-Attachment-streaming/dp/B01LXAYO14/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1520437163&sr=8-3&keywords=roku+volume+control

OP - it's a small piece of plastic that clips a TV remote control to your Roku remote:

https://www.amazon.com/Sideclick-Universal-Remote-Attachment-streaming/dp/B01LXAYO14

/u/Zenkin

Its pricey but this is what I use. It controls the roku over ip or you can control it with ir.

http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-Harmony-Control-Smartphone-Simple/dp/B00BQ5RYI4

I use this. http://www.amazon.com/TotalMount-ROKU-Mounting-System-Compatible/dp/B00I8Y6V9E

Sideclick

Here what you can use.

https://www.amazon.ca/GE-4-Device-Universal-Designer-33709/dp/B01HSSAZX8/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1A3SD9WFYGLDA&keywords=ge+33709&qid=1550536967&s=gateway&sprefix=GE+33%2Caps%2C138&sr=8-1

You need to look for a HDMI Premium certified cable.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01GCGKI3O/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1497540721&sr=8-3&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=hdmi+premium+cable&dpPl=1&dpID=41UMBnDu5kL&ref=plSrch

roku 3 https://www.amazon.com/Roku-Streaming-Media-Player-Search/dp/B00UJ3IULO/ref=pd_lpo_vtph_504_tr_t_2?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=WE4CW2R7557QXSFKCPEN

TCL 65R613

Would this cable work?

i use an inteset with roku tv, apple tv and blueray.
it comes preprogrammed for atv and roku.
it learns buttons and has macros.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00M4I1BAY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_t1_0l6uCb5Y2H4JT

This is 99% chance a TV issue that doesn't support 'pass through audio.' HDMI is digital audio, coax can be digital/analog, but AFAIK tends to be analog for the system you described. TVs need the appropriate hardware to convert the audio and send it out, while it has become cheap and standard, it was an additional feature for TVs back in the day that you often had to look for.

Something like this should solve your problem:

https://www.amazon.com/ViewHD-Extractor-Optical-Toslink-Converter/dp/B00KBHX072

I have some experience with this. Original hookup was

Roku ---[HDMI]--- TV (Sharp) ---[SPDIF]--- Soundbar (Yamaha)

The problem with this setup was no matter what I set the delay to on either the TV or the soundbar, the sound was always out of sync. The soundbar didn't have HDMI input, and the TV only supported Dolby Digital whereas the Roku and the soundbar supported DTS. So, I bought one of these and it solved all my audio issues.

EDIT: if I upgrade to a Roku 4, it has SPDIF out, so I won't need the extractor anymore.

Not sure if a generic one would work, but I was considering this one myself:
https://www.amazon.com/Inteset-Universal-Backlit-Learning-Streamers/dp/B00M4I1BAY/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8

​

Yes, but take a look at this: https://www.amazon.com/Logitech-Harmony-Control-Smartphone-Simple/dp/B00BQ5RYI4

Hub with remote for $70. Not the best remote, but it’s a remote.

No they do not play/stream to more than one tv. Only the tv they are connected to. Being on the same account does affect the situation.

You could connect one Roku to a splitter (linked below) and run a long HDMI cable to another room. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005HXFARS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_Scs1BbDCW8RWW.
I've heard of wireless HDMI options but know nothing about them. Maybe someone else knows?

no, here:

https://www.amazon.com/Roku-Streaming-Stick-streaming-wireless/dp/B075XLWML4/ref=sr_1_3?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1511458702&sr=1-3&keywords=roku+stick+plus

I bought one of these $25 HDMI audio extractors for my mom, specifically to use with her Roku and an old receiver. It's been working great for her.

I have a 2016 Roku Ultra that I use the optical connection on, and I don't care for it. The 4K video side is great, but the optical audio has problems. There is a delay every time before the audio starts up, even if I just do something as small as pause a video. Some times it'll just lose audio completely, not even on menus, and I have to reboot the entire device.