Solving playback issues

[derekash3312]

We have 5 Rokus and all are the same.  Recently one, located in our office, automatically powers on the TV and begins the find remote routine.  There's no rhyme or reason as to why or when this occurs.  We have been awakened in the middle of the night to this happening as well as during the day.  

[DBDukes]

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@derekash3312 wrote:

... and begins the find remote routine. ...

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Do you mean the process where it causes the remote to beep? The same process that happens when you press the physical remote finder button on the device?

[derekash3312]

Yes, the same process.  You can navigate to the feature via the settings menu or push the button on the Roku itself.  I just walked in from outside and my TV was on and searching for the remote.  I am the only one at home and the TV was previously off.

[DBDukes]

@derekash3312 

That would indicate the connection that the button closes is activating for some reason. Yes, it could be a software issue, but I'd suggest ruling out hardware issues first. If it was software, I would expect more to be reporting such an issue. That tends to indicate hardware.

So, what hardware issue might there be?

I'm going to start with the obvious. While you are the only person there at the moment, are you the only living creature there at the moment? Is there an uncaged pet? Is there a mouse you've been unsuccessful in catching? Anything that could physically reach the button and cause the contact to close?

Failing that, it could be dust/dirt in the contact. That can cause a contact to complete a circuit. Blowing it out with air (compressed air cans such as for keyboards may work well) might clear out any dust/dirt that has accumulated around the contacts.

Then, it could be a bad weld/solder joint on or near the switch that is causing the problem. One would think this would show up from Day One, unlike the dust/dirt situation which can build over time.

Here is a test that could narrow the issue from Roku-external (pet, pest, etc) to Roku internal (dirt/dust, solder, etc). Swap two of the devices. Take one Ultra and its remote and swap it (leave the cabling in place) with a different Ultra/remote.

If the issue follows the Roku, it's something in the Roku. If it remains, there is an external factor involved.

[derekash3312]

Alright, here's what I did: (I am the only living creature in the home who could access the Roku)

1) I skipped to the last step and swapped my office Roku with my living room Roku.  All cabling left in place.

2) Approximately 20 minutes later, my living room TV turned on and the find remote process was running.  Hasn't happened since I turned the TV back off.  Again, no rhyme or reason as to when/how it occurs.

I think that narrows down that it is device specific.  I am going to head out after work and buy a can of compressed air.  The device does not visibly appear dirty; we are kind of OCD and very clean, but I will try nonetheless.  

As I mentioned, this is the only one of the 5 that we have that has this issue.  I should also mention that one of our Rokus resides on our screened in, covered deck.  That device is exposed to temperature fluctuations and dust. but no issue there.