Best products from r/Roku

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 don’t have that particular model, but I do use harmony hub based remotes and they work wonderfully. They link up with the roku over IP, so line of sight is never an issue. I also love to program in a “home” command in my power off sequences so that the hub will kill my stream and return the roku to its home screen every time you turn it off or switch inputs.

You don’t need one that fancy, but I certainly wouldn’t blame you for getting it. Even a harmony hub by itself will work great and you’d use your phone as a remote. I use this one in my bedroom and the battery lasts for the better part of a year:

https://www.amazon.com/Logitech-915-000194-Smartphone-Certified-Refurbished/dp/B00ZYIFXSM/ref=mp_s_a_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1538663666&sr=8-6&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=harmony+hub&dpPl=1&dpID=41c3jZ0ZX8L&ref=plSrch

The Roku Ultra goes on sale for about 69$ very regularly, and looks like it went down to 50$ last black Friday. Maybe gives more evidence to /u/Somar2230/'s post saying it will be 50$ this black Friday as well.

You can see the price history of both here:

https://camelcamelcamel.com/Roku-Ultra-Streaming-Player-Now-Headphones/product/B07HDHXZH4

https://camelcamelcamel.com/Roku-Premiere-HDR-Streaming-Player-Premium/product/B07HDBZN7Q

Looks like the lowest a new Premier has been on Amazon is 29$. I'm sure both are great devices. I got the Ultra just cause I like being able to control the TV power and volume w/ the Roku remote. I also thought the wifi might be better and like the option of having a wired ethernet port. My last Roku lasted quite a few years so I figured why not just get the best one. I would look through the feature list another user posted and see if any matter for you.

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 Roku could not plug directly into the HDMI port due to the recessed area not being long enough to accommodate its length. I had ordered a flexible HDMI plug on Amazon, but it may not have been manufactured to the proper standards, despite it stating that it supported 1080p:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07HRCJBYD/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

The Roku receives power from its own USB port. I also checked all three HDMI ports with my PS3 and all three successfully displayed 1080p without flickering.

I ordered a simple cable extender from Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07FGFNZG8/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

And also a free one from Roku's site.

We'll see which one does the job!

this is the replacement remote can be ordered , price is very good , and it even comes with a remote holder , which cost 8$ separately , but this tcl remote control with holder just cost 9.49$, that is really good price , hope it would help and solve your issue !

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https://www.amazon.com/Control-50FS3800-32S4610R-32S3850A-Protective/dp/B077ZBWFLP

The whole concept of a Smart TV is dumb. If you want the best possible streaming experience, then you need to have a nimble solution to pick and choose the best streaming box(es) and apps. You need popular platforms that are well supported (Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire) that have a large market share, lots of developers, and are routinely updated. I've had the same Panasonic plasma panel for 14 years now. In that time I've gone through 3 generations of Roku, two generation of Tivo, two generations of Apple TV, three different DVD/BlueRay players, and three gaming consoles. Even "commodity" TV's last at least 3 to 5 years. I get app updates on my Roku every day. But no need to worry, just use one of your HDMI inputs and buy a Roku Ultra for $80. https://www.amazon.com/Roku-Streaming-Player-Premium-Headphones/dp/B07WVF9SL5/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=roku+ultra&qid=1572648399&sr=8-3

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

I would get a Roku Ultra. I have an LG TV, with an OTA plugged in, and a Roku Ultra, and it works great. I also bought a GE UltraPro Universal Remote where I was able to set the remote to control the Roku without needing two remotes. It works out perfectly.

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.

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?

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.

Pretty sure it was this one. I bought mine from Target out of convenience instead of Amazon for one, haha.

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What's "incompatible" is that it covers the headphone jack, which is a problem if you do private listening using the remote. I always use my phone and the Roku app for private listening, though, so this isn't a problem.

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

For our installations, we typically use something like this (it passes 4k 60fps), note the switch for 5.1 or PCM. We use a lot of J-Tech stuff, all their stuff is good. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B074HHSJVN/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I finally retired my old 2 XS a few months ago. It just wasn't working right with many of the channels. I too wanted to hook it up to a DVR, so I got a Premiere (faster and better than an Express +) and an HDMI-to-RCA convertor which came out to be slightly cheaper than an Express +. Be careful if you go this route since not all convertors handle HDCP properly. I got this one from Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07FK84B4R/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

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.

Which Roku are you using? That sounds a lot like my experiences with the CW app. I found our newer Roku 2 2720R, and the app seems to work fine there. I'm starting to wonder if the apps aren't backwards compatible, basically. Our older model was the the Roku 2 XS.

It depends on where you buy it. If it comes from Walmart it will have Netflix, Hulu, Vudu Sling. From Bestbuy Netflix, ESPN, Hulu, Sling. I think Amazon's has Netflix, Sling, Hulu, NOW. It looks like one button changes depending on where you buy it. If my Harmony remote I use with my Ultra ever breaks I'll look hard at this.
https://www.amazon.com/Sideclick-Universal-Remote-Attachment-Streaming/dp/B07D5JDM3N/ref=sr_1_3?crid=2G860TPF6SUWU&keywords=sideclick+roku&qid=1567436842&s=gateway&sprefix=Sideclick%2Caps%2C517&sr=8-3

> 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

It's the Roku 2 with the curvy shape instead of the more boxy one. It has the remote with the headphone jack. I can check in the morning for a model number.

Looks like this one, based on a quick Amazon search.

http://www.amazon.com/Roku-Streaming-Player-2720R-Headphone/dp/B00F5NB7MW/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8

Do you happen to know if that would work with this one? https://www.amazon.com/TCL-50S425-inch-Smart-Roku/dp/B07JK98NNQ/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8&th=1

Thanks for the reply

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

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

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.

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

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

then totally. amazon has the 2019 ultra for $48 today

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

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 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

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

Sideclick

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

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

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

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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.

Dumb question: could I use something like this to connect my optical cable from my soundbar to the HDMI arc input in my tv?

https://www.amazon.com/J-Tech-Digital-Extractor-Application-Function/dp/B074HHSJVN/ref=nav_ya_signin?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B00YHS5E6Q&pd_rd_r=30821704-7b44-4609-9942-24a107a8eea6&pd_rd_w=OFsAM&pd_rd_wg=CcDGy&pf_rd_p=21bbdc4d-873b-48c5-a88a-70e643377944&pf_rd_r=Q421NNMPRMF734SP5CGR&refRID=Q421NNMPRMF734SP5CGR&th=1