(Part 2) Best products from r/Roku

There is no one single format the Roku supports. It supports a multitude of formats with various levels of settings within those formats. Here is a complete list of everything they support, along with encoding guidelines for each format.

It sounds like you're having multiple issues.

> I don't want Plex, it was a mess.

First off, if you don't like Plex or don't feel comfortable setting it up initially, I totally understand. From the little information you have provided, I'll not suggest that you go back to Plex. I will point out though, that Plex is one of the most mature and easy to use products in its market, so I'm curious as to why you think it's a mess?

> I even used Handbrake to convert the files to Roku 720p MP4/H.264/X.264. AAC Stereo.


(Handbrake uses presets for configuration, I'll assume you are referring to the official device preset from Handbrake, let me know if it's actually from somewhere else.)

• What are the original file(s) formats and settings?
  
• What operating system are you using? Windows? OSX?
  
• Are you able to play your newly encoded files on your computer? (If not, you have a problem with your Handbrake configuration or may lack the proper codecs to decode/encode whatever formats you're using.)
  
• Are you using a USB drive or MicroSD card? What filesystem is it formatted in?
  
• When they "don't work", can the Roku Media Player see the files, but just doesn't play them, or does it not even list them as playable?
  
  > Are the files maybe too big (1gig each)?
  
  
  Absolutely not. At a high quality bitrate, an x264 encoded HD file will be multiple gigabytes for an hour's worth of video. The only filesize issues you could potentially run into would be at the USB filesystem level, specifically if you have a FAT32 formatted USB drive and tried to load a file larger than 2GB in size (which shouldn't/wouldn't copy to the drive in the first place, so it's only theoretically, but not at all realistically possible).
  
  
  > What am I doing wrong?
  
  > I really wish Roku would be easier to watch with downloaded stuff.
  
  
  Taken from Roku's own How It Works page:
  
  > Who is Roku?
  >
  > Roku is the company that pioneered streaming for the TV.
  >
  > We make Roku® streaming players that connect to your TV as well as Roku TVs™ that have the streaming experience built in. Just connect them to the Internet, set up a Roku account, and start streaming. Roku is a more convenient and cost effective way to watch TV.
  
  As you can see, the Roku is specifically designed around being a streaming media receiver for your TV. The idea being that you no longer need to encode videos, throw them on a thumbdrive, walk it over to the TV, etc. You use it to access streaming services or devices. These services do not need to be "in the Cloud" or subscription-based, as there's built-in DNLA support for local network devices as well as support for HTTP Live Streaming and DASH. That said, Roku didn't want to completely alienate people with portable media, so they included the Roku Media Player and a USB support for basic media playback. It is an accessory feature, not a primary one.
  
  If you are looking for something that can play various types of media formats from a USB drive or SD card, then you might want to look at one of the many, many generic/cheap media players on Amazon.
  
  > Do the new Rokus use newer formats better?
  
  I'm not exactly sure what you would characterize as "better", but newer models can/do support other formats that older/lower-end models do not, especially with regarding 4K. Roku has a page listing all features of all models here.

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.

Definitely get a new router. If you go with a Roku 1 a good single band wireless N router will be good. I prefer to spend a bit more than you would think you need to for quality.

ASUS (RT-N16) is pretty rock solid and you can usually get at least 30mb down wireless off a 60mb connection.

If you do not have Netflix, Hulu, or Amazon Prime your options will be limited. Crackle is good and free but has commercials. There are a lot of niche channels that specialize in a genre or type of show. As with cable 90% of the channels will not be anything you care about. Explore the net for options on the "private" channels that you can add with a code instead of through he normal Chanel store. Some of those will charge a subscription, but a lot are free.

Think about if you'd like to stream media to the TV from your computer. If so look into using the Plex or Rarflix channel to connect to a Plex Media Server you run on your computer. Also if you run a Plex server it can be used to access other channels as well.

You can just a buy a Roku box for each TV you want to watch on.

As with many things you will get back what you put into it. A lot of work setting up Plex with channels/searching for the channels you like in the channel store and in private channels will result in a very good range of choices. If you have Netflix and/or Hulu or Amazon Prime you'll have to search less to find what you want.

I quit cable and went all Roku based streaming 2 years ago and have never regretted it.

On Kodi (not on Roku, but can be installed on cheap android sticks) there is an addon named Pseudotv that should do exactly this. It can also "build TV channels" around internet streams. Be sure not to stream illegal content (a lot of youtube videos showing how) and get your mother in law in trouble. Should work great for local content.

If you use a windows based HDMI stick (maybe with a cheap flash drive for storage, there is a nifty Pseudotv library tool.

Note, this can be accomplished without a windows stick for a lot cheaper, using an android stick, and you get better app support (windows 10 apps do not support remote controls out of the box. If you go that route use this to enable remote support in netflix)

There are a lot of options when it comes to client/server setup.

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 was having a hard time deciding too, but ultimately bought the streaming stick plus. I would definitely buy it again if needed. I didn't want to wait for black Friday, and I am happy with the value even at full price. I also bought one for my mother and her 43" samsung smart 4k tv had to have an extra dongle like this, because of the lack of room to plug it in..

DIZA100 HDMI Adapter Any Angle Adjustable Rotation 360 Degree Gold Plated HDMI Male to Female Connector Supports 3D 1080P HDMI Extender for TV Stick, Roku Stick, Chromecast, Xbox, PS4, PS3 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0126VOYDY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_MED0DbNGN6J34

I was going to get TCL's new series 6 55" but after reading and seeing pics of people's new TVs, I decided to pass. Too many of them reported severe vertical banding on the screen.

I thought it was relegated to just the 55" model. I considered the 65" model, but realized that was just too large for my tastes. This TV seems to be the top of the line for ROKU based TVs. In the end I just could not take the chance. I am disabled and shipping such equipment back and forth is not too practical for me.


I went with a Sony. May not be the most current. Definently not the most expensive. But it fit my size, and the reviews were far better. I did have to get used to the new interface as it run Android TV. I've come to appreciate it.

I still have my trusty Roku 3 in the bedroom chugging away without any issues.

I had it for a few months before I exchanged it for a Hisense. I was pretty happy with the defaults, but I was focused on other issues during the time I had it.

There are several DVD or BluRay based Display tuning videos that will walk you through "optimizing" the display, but I don't know how much improvement you'd actually see. They couldn't hurt though. If you mess something up you can easily reset to factory defaults.

Something like this

These are Roku Wireless speakers.

​

I started out like you, with a handful of chromecast audios. I like how it works. I plug those into powered bookshelf speakers from Amazon. I have a few sets of Edifier R1280T's. They sound great and are easy to setup. They look decent in just about any location as well.

Ended up ordering this one: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07KJD5XKK/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Came preset to work with Roku. Has Netflix and Prime buttons pre-programmed and the ability to add a few more apps to single launch buttons (HBONow, YouTube, and a few more).

In order to get the power and volume(MUTE!!) buttons to work with my LG TV there were easy to follow directions of a couple of button pushes.

Happy with it after one night - will see how it goes in the long run.

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.

You can buy directly from Amazon these days. And as for power supply it supports 240 so you can just buy an adaptor if you don't want to shell out for a new one.

Edit: amazon link for roku on sale. AUD$97 shipped.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BGGDVOO

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



J-Tech Digital - Model JTDAT5CH


ViewHD HDMI Audio Extractor

If your TV has component video inputs then you can buy a converter and connect the stick to that.

If your TV has other HDMI ports that are in use, then an HDMI switcher may be useful.

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 see a few travel routers out there with vpn.

https://www.amazon.com/GL-iNet-GL-MT300N-Pre-installed-Performance-Compatible/dp/B01AL7P1FU

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07794JRC5/ref=sspa_dk_detail_0?psc=1&pd_rd_i=B07794JRC5&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_p=f52e26da-1287-4616-824b-efc564ff75a4&pf_rd_r=VGQMB3HEWV5G8Q8CNFXW&pd_rd_wg=l5cdk&pf_rd_s=desktop-dp-sims&pf_rd_t=40701&pd_rd_w=4uV3l&pf_rd_i=desktop-dp-sims&pd_rd_r=ce4a151b-b900-11e8-b021-4fd414aa6d60

Edit. Not saying these are the best ones. But it's a start point.

The other option would be a raspberry pi based DIY variant.

Old link but proof of concept. https://makezine.com/projects/browse-anonymously-with-a-diy-raspberry-pi-vpntor-router/

Something like this?

The Amazon Page lists the differences.

If you want to watch 1080p, you'll need at least the roku 1.

The main differences between the 1 and 3:

• Fancier remote- Motion control for games, headphone jack for silent viewing. In practice I never use either of these functions- whether they're worth it is up to you.
  
  
• Faster networking- The 3 comes with dual band wireless and an ethernet port, which the other models do not. Since most of the Roku's use is for viewing streams not local to the unit, this may or may not be a big deal.
  
  
• Faster processor Apparently 5x as fast as the other models. I have a LT and a 3, and I can say the LT chugs along most of the time on menu interfaces, while the 3 zips right along fluidly. Video playback quality is the same (although the LT is outputting in analog).
  
  If those features are worth $40 to you, then go get the 3. If not, you can easily settle for a lesser model.

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 use this router with my VPN:
https://amzn.com/B01AL7P1FU

It work flawlessly.

$15 on Amazon, will control both TV and Roku express using just one remote

https://www.amazon.com/IKU-CJVP81-Universal-Compatible-Learning-Function/dp/B07KJD5XKK

The SD Card only stores programing info for the Roku's apps
If you want to view you media then you need a usb flash drive
I use this on my Roku 3
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01BGTG2A0/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

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

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

Let me Google that for you:

https://www.amazon.ca/Roku-Ultra-Streaming-Player-Voice-Headphones/dp/B07HDHXZH4

Also, Roku has quite limited content available in Canada compared to the US, and in particular lacks support for many Canadian networks/stations. No CBC, no TVO, CTV, City .....

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.