Solving playback issues

[laknox]

I have an older Roku 3 box that has been acting up recently.  Will randomly reboot, usually when auto-changing between episodes of a series.  I have run the update several times.  Tonight, it crapped out and is now stuck at the splash screen.  I tried resetting using the button on the back of the box and it did restart, but is still stuck at the splash screen.  This box is hard-wired to my ASUS gigabit router.  Given that this box is about 5-6 years old, should I just write it off and get a new box?

[AvsGunnar]

@laknox 

Could be a device issue, but would first maybe try rebooting the router and fully unplugging the ethernet cable from both the Roku and router and selecting another ethernet (LAN) port on the router first.  Then restart everything again. (Roku and the router).

You can also try using the Roku3 on a mobile hotspot (if available) or try on another network (friend or family) to help rule out device issue.  Would also see if I could connect the Roku3 using wifi (non-ethernet/non-wired) to your network.  Assuming you are also powering the Roku3 from the wall adapter and not your TV usb power port.

You can also try the factory reset as a last resort.  Not sure if you just pressed Reset button, but apparently to ensure an actual factory reset, need to press and hold that Reset button for 30+ seconds.

If still having problems, post back with your Asus router model number.  (may also be useful to know the firmware version of the Asus if you know it.)

[laknox]

Will try the wireless on a different TV.  This one just quit between episodes and had been working OK up until then.  My 2 Ultras are working fine, one wired and one not.  Swapped out the wireless box and it is working perfectly on the same ethernet cable that the 3 was plugged in to.

[makaiguy]

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@laknox wrote:

... I have run the update several times.  Tonight, it crapped out and is now stuck at the splash screen.  I tried resetting using the button on the back of the box and it did restart, but is still stuck at the splash screen.

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By the splash screen do you mean the animated dancing R O K U letters?  A corrupted SD card can have this effect.  If you have an SD card installed in your Roku 3 try removing it and restarting. 

To rejuvenate the card, try formatting the card in your computer, if it has a card reader that can handle SD cards. After formatting, see if the Roku will detect and reformat the card successfully.

Also, see if this post helps: https://community.roku.com/t5/Remotes-Accessories/Added-SD-Card-Remote-no-longer-works/m-p/646676#M1...

Windows instructions, don't know what would differ on other systems:
Do a slow (i.e. not "fast") format of the card via your computer. Select FAT32 and select it to use the default allocation size.

[AvsGunnar]

@makaiguy 

Good suggestion.  Forgot about the SD card as a potential culprit.i

[makaiguy]

@AvsGunnar- When I was using a Roku 3 I had this problem repeatedly.  I finally decided it wasn't worth the hassle and just left the SD card out.

[laknox]

Thanks for all the suggestions, everyone.  I remembered the SD card after I'd already swapped the box out for one of my Ultras.  I removed the card, but never looked at it.  I plugged the 3 box into the TV that I swapped with the Ultra and set it up wirelessly, and it's working.  I did notice that the 3 was a bit warm when I was messing with it the other night, but it didn't seem out of the ordinary.  Firmware and all channels are up to date.  As it's now only about 8' from my router, I have it running on 5g instead of 2.4g, too.  Only downside is that we now have to use the TV remote for power instead of the Roku remote.

I just formatted the SD card and will reinstall it and see what happens.  'doze likes the card and Avast scanned it without a problem.

Again, thanks for the tips.