Features, settings & updates

[dolph]

For those who used Roku 3 and Roku Express, is it worth upgrading from Roku 3 to Roku Express (3960R)? I currently have Roku 3 (‎4200R, 2014 model) and am looking for a faster loading speed and stability. I added a micro SD card to Roku 3, but the speed didn't increase at all, and Roku sometimes reboots itself while using Amazon Music.

[atc98092 · Accepted solution]

Your Roku 3 is quite old. The SD card will do nothing to make it speedier, as it's sole use is for channel storage. It's not used for operational memory. 

However, I would not recommend the basic Express model. It's single band WiFi, and is just a basic player. Your Roku 3 is just as powerful as the Express, and you have an Ethernet jack as well. But because of the age of your Roku 3, it's completely possible that it's going to lose support within a year or so.

I would recommend at a minimum upgrading to the Express 4K+. It's not that much more money, but it's far more capable than the basic Express. Dual band WiFi, much, much faster processor, much more memory, and so on. It also supports using a 3rd party mini-USB Ethernet connection. 

[dolph]

It's a great advice. Thank you so much! I'll certainly consider that.

Will the current Roku 3 remote work with Roku Express 4K+ as a second remote?

[atc98092]

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@dolph wrote:

Will the current Roku 3 remote work with Roku Express 4K+ as a second remote?

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It's possible, but I can't say for certain if a remote that old will work with a new model. The Express 4K+ comes with the Voice Remote, so it's much more capable than the remote your 3 has. 

[dolph]

Thank you for your reply!

[makaiguy]

My Roku 3 has long been replaced by newer Rokus, but I gave it to a friend in another state and it is still going strong.  It was an excellent state of the art unit in its day, but has been surpassed by later units, as indicated by @atc98092 .  When I visit my friend it makes me appreciate how much faster and responsive my current Rokus are.

As for the Roku 3 remote:  Since today's Voice Remotes will work with it, I suspect its remote will work with today's Rokus. 

If I recall correctly, this remote has an earphone jack for private listening, and two buttons labeled A and B for use in game play.  I suspect the private listening would work with a later Roku, not so sure about the game buttons, though. 

[dolph]

Thank you for your input. That encourages me to upgrade. What Roku devices are you using after giving away your Roku 3?

[makaiguy]

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@dolph wrote:

Thank you for your input. That encourages me to upgrade. What Roku devices are you using after giving away your Roku 3?

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Streaming Stick 4K+ 3821 | Streaming Stick+ 3810 | TCL Roku TV 43S245/C107X, as I list in my forum signature. I find the Streaming Stick format very convenient for wall mounted flat panel TVs.

In addition, I still have a Streaming Stick 3600 that I take with me when traveling, and sometimes hook up to my computer monitor when answering questions here for a quick check of Roku menu paths, etc.

[atc98092]

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@dolph wrote:

What Roku devices are you using after giving away your Roku 3?

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Remember that if you're going to dispose of your 3 in any manner other than completely destroying it (which isn't the environmentally friendly way to do it) you need to first delete it from your user account on your account web page, and then do a factory reset on the Roku 3 itself. You'll find a setting in the System menu to do that. You want to ensure all your personal information is removed from the Roku and that it can't be used again on your account without being linked back up. If you just want to use it on another TV, you don't need to do anything, just connect it to the new set and everything will work as it does now. 

[dolph]

Thank you @makaiguy for your reply and additional information--that's interesting. Sorry, I wasn't aware of the devised listed at the bottom (now I know).