Roku 3 - Product Review

Roku 3

Looking for the latest way to stream movies from the comfort of your own home? The Roku 3 could be what you're looking for.

Roku is now on their 4th digital content streaming device with the Roku 3. Yeah '3'. Roku has taken everything that has made them successful in the past and added to it with a load of new features.

To alleviate some of the frustrations that people had in the past, Roku has added a very responsive and easy to use user interface. Jumping between menus is a breeze. No more click, wait, click, wait. Its a night a day different over their previous models.

With the Roku 3 they tried everything to give you the best connectivity and playback options. To help with any wi-fi issues you may have in your home they added dual-band wireless connectivity and if that still isn't good enough you can use the new Ethernet port.  So you'll be covered.

And not only does the remote include motion-sensor technology, but it also has a headphone jack mounted on the side. This single thing sold me on the Roku 3. Seriously this is one of the coolest features ever to be brought to the media streaming market. This is a great feature for parents, kids, or anyone trying to sleep. Say your kids are watching (insert popular kid show) for the 100th time and you can't stand to listen to that song anymore. Plug in the included headphones straight into the side of the remote. The TV is automatically muted and the volume is now controlled by the buttons on the side of the remote. Roku thought of everything, because when you pull the headphones out, the volume goes back to where the TV was previously set, no matter how loud the Roku remote was set at. So again, great for parents, or anyone trying to watch a late night movie and not wanting to want to disturb someone. I wish my TV remote had this feature. Of course it doesn't now, but this is so innovative that it surely will turn up on other remotes soon. Wishful thinking perhaps.


As far as the appearance, you get a nice slick black exterior. However, it still feels cheaper made than the Apple Tv, but really it shouldn't matter, you aren't going to hammer on it. Perhaps more of your money went into the technology of the Roku than the box. You are left with what feels like a cheaper device, but it's just a feeling.

Also there is no lack of content for the Roku 3. Below is a list of the most popular channels available to you.

Streaming options
750+ streaming entertainment channels that include:
Movie and TV Streaming options: Netflix, Amazon Instant, HBO Go, Hulu Plus, Syfy, Vudu, Disney, Flixster
Games: Angry Birds, Video Poker, Jeopardy!,
Sports Streaming Options: MLB.TV, NBA GameTime, NHL GameCenter, MLS Live, SEC Digital Network
Music Streaming Options: Pandora, Spotify, Rdio, Slacker, Amazon Cloud Player, Slacker, Mog
News & Weather: NBC News, FOX Business, Weather4us

Pros
A faster more user friendly user interface than the last 2 Rokus.
Remote with built-in headphone jack for cranking up late night movies.
Remote also has motion-sensing technology to play games like Angry Birds (included).
Ethernet port & dual-band wireless connectivity options.
Expandable with the MicroSD slot.
Free iOS and Android apps.

Cons
No YouTube…still.
And there continues to be this oddity where a company still isn't including an HDMI cable for devices like this.


Overall
With a new faster interface, remote with built-in headphone jack, sleek look, and the option to connect via Ethernet or the dual-band wireless, this clearly is the best Roku yet and worth the $99 price tag, especially if your life doesn't revolve around iTunes.