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Reviews (2)
Dec 08, 2015
The true usefulness of the Roku 3500R Streaming Stick
1 of 2 found this helpful A device such as this can't really falter much in terms of quality or service. I'll explain where it could later. I believe any true disappointment will be in misunderstanding what a Streaming Device like the Roku can really do for you. Let me state this clearly. This and other alternate streaming devices can never completely replace cable service. If it is your intent to ditch the cable companies for good but still receive the same level of service elsewhere, all I can say is good luck with that. Why do I believe that?
The Roku Streaming Stick and other streaming devices are marvels of modern technology but you must have a dedicated Internet Service Provider to use them. So what you ask? Where do most of us go to for internet service? The cable companies. And that service is rarely available as a stand alone product; Hence, you must pay for Cable TV Service before you can add on the Internet Service. I never used Satellite Dish Service but I assume that it's similar in nature. The only true separate stand alone ISP service that I know of is Broadband Mobile, which most Mobile Phone Companies provide. Like the Roku Stick, Broadband Mobile gives you a USB Stick or Pad, like an over-sized USB Flash Drive, that accesses local cell towers just like your phone and now you have the internet without cable. Here's the major Achilles' Heel about that. No U.S. Provider offers Unlimited Bandwidth any longer. The best you can hope for is around 5-6 GB's for roughly $50-60 a month. That covers most basic web needs - except Streaming. A simple half hour show streamed will easily eat up 100 MB's or more and channel surfing does much the same without you realizing it. After a few days of that your allotted bandwidth is already eaten away.
Another cost cruncher is the Network Services themselves. Most standard networks we watch are included in most low-end cable setups, along with local channels. Some networks you still have to pay for on separate accounts through Roku or prove you have paid service via cable already. Sound redundant? As of yet, I still can't receive local channels via Roku. Many networks or services, like Hulu, will give you massive amounts of content to pick through; the catch is you pay a set amount per show, like 2 or 3 bucks, on top of the monthly service fee. Doesn't seem cost effective now, does it? And some networks are never available, like Cartoon Network (You pay through say Hulu to gain it). Live Streaming Channels are rarely found in Roku; you stream previously recorded content, including the news. After exploring the Roku service, I also found one that parallels it almost perfectly called PlayOn. However you can get a PlayOn account for your computer without Roku, access the same networks (mostly) and Record the content straight to your hard drive. Oops, why do I have Roku again?
It may seem like I hate the Roku Service but to be honest I consider it to be a blessing in disguise. It's still an improvement over standard cable service and through it I now have a real understanding of what kind of true TV viewing content is available for me. If you have a modern digital TV with a simple antenna, local channels should be easy to get but check your TV's specs otherwise you'll need some kind of box. For additional content (including movie and special interest networks) cable is not necessary. Yippee!! But Unlimited Internet Service is. Boo!! And without unlimited internet, you can't get unlimited streaming with Roku or anything else. Got it? So before you cancel your cable service and tell them where to go, I say try Roku (or perhaps PlayOn for the computer) and weigh which options works best for your needs. I consider it more of a trial option that can be easily dumped if it's not really for you. And it's a great backup service regardless, so it's not really a waste of money.
This review is about a Certified Refurbished Device and most available seem to be of this nature. I think I know why. This USB Stick connects directly to your digital TV's USB Port (Hence, make sure you have one). A Micro USB setup on the opposite end goes to the power at the wall (If your TV can't power it alone). This means that stick is always running. I keep mine connected to a power strip with an On/Off switch so it won't burn out. USB is fairly robust but it isn't 24/7. Get a warranty just in case. When obtaining your device, the previous owner's info may still be present but you need your own Roku Account so do a complete System Refresh and get your account setup right away. You need to marry your remote with the stick immediately also (check the instructions) and that's an odd process. Once those are setup, it's quite fun. Try all the free stuff first. You may not even need the pay services. Navigation and searching is clunky but alright if your not in a hurry.
Remember: This is a pay service that can get costly. Keep your cost to a minimum. Cable isn't dead yet, my friends. Sorry.
Feb 26, 2025
Surprisingly simple to use from the USB ...
Surprisingly simple to use from the USB dongle. Much better than discs. Check to see if your computer is capable before buying.