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2banon

(7,321 posts)
Fri Jan 2, 2015, 03:31 PM Jan 2015

I need help with Roku Issues

I originally posted in bloggers forum, I think I should have posted here. I have frequent trouble with Roku "connection" to my wifi router, constantly resetting router even though I have a very strong signal, all other devices and computers in the house have no issues streaming etc. Roku Tech support is WORTHLESS. When Roku is working, it's great.

Anyone have similar issues, and know how to resolve?



17 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
 

NYC_SKP

(68,644 posts)
2. Have you done a search on YouTube for help on this problem?
Fri Jan 2, 2015, 03:44 PM
Jan 2015

I've saved hundreds on fixing my gas fireplace, Prius, and Macbook Air thanks to helpful youtube videos.

I have a Roku, no problems. I don't see a reset button on it, I used mine wirelessly but see it has an ethernet port.

If I was you I would try using an ethernet cable between Roku and Router and see if the problem persists.

Not that you want to have to use a cable, but just to see if it's only a WiFi issue.

In the end you might just need to toss it. I have a Google Chromecast, they are pretty cheap and will do most of what a Roku can do, I think.

 

2banon

(7,321 posts)
4. Thanks for the advise. I haven't checked out youtube on this subject..
Fri Jan 2, 2015, 04:16 PM
Jan 2015

there is a reset button on the stick hiding underneath, but the one I'm referring to is the internet router's reset button.

I learned the hard way that resetting the button on the stick results in having to reset all my subscription passwords like: youtube, pandora, netflix etc. as well as resetting the router serial number information etc. As if it were just coming out of the package from the initial purchase.

There's also a reset button underneath the battery case cover on the remote. You have to remove or replace the batteries for that procedure. a total waste of time.

Until now, I found that simply resetting the reset button on the router is the way to go for connecting problems but now that simple procedure isn't sufficient. In the existing household set up, it would be somewhat problematic to run an ethernet cable to my room (from the living room where the router is set up) .. could be done if all else fails.. I'll try it. Thanks!

 

2banon

(7,321 posts)
7. if the extension cable doesn't do it, I might go with Google Chromecast. But I'm on a really tight
Fri Jan 2, 2015, 05:27 PM
Jan 2015

budget and can't afford additional output. I'm forgetting how much the Google Chromecast goes for.

 

NYC_SKP

(68,644 posts)
9. I hope the cable works. If not, Chromecasts are now under $25. I paid $49 for mine.
Fri Jan 2, 2015, 05:32 PM
Jan 2015

They're $35 at Best Buy and less on the Internet.

Good luck!

 

2banon

(7,321 posts)
10. Oh Wow! Can Do! How is your experience with chromecast compared to Roku?
Fri Jan 2, 2015, 06:02 PM
Jan 2015

my essential subscriptions are Netflix and Pandora. I'm not super thrilled with what's available there as opposed to my computer (but I've learned to adapt to it) Like not having my actual queue at the ready. Curious, does chromecast mirror the set up on line or is it pretty much like Roku?

 

NYC_SKP

(68,644 posts)
11. I prefer Chromecast to my old Roku because I want to see subtitles sometimes.
Fri Jan 2, 2015, 06:09 PM
Jan 2015

And with my 3 or 4 year old Roku, there is no option for that. I'm not sure about your Roku.

Anyway, with Chromecast you use a computer to mirror whatever is on your browser (must use Google Chrome).

Thus, I can use all the settings that are available on the browser version, so am happier that way when watching Netflix.

AFAIK, all the same content is available, just comes though differently. I think Google's benefit is that they get to track what you like to watch, data mining, but I don't mind.

 

2banon

(7,321 posts)
15. BTW, I was able to watch a French Film and set up english subtitles on my Netflix stream /Roku
Sat Jan 3, 2015, 01:02 AM
Jan 2015

Violette was the name of the film Excellent film btw.

eShirl

(18,491 posts)
3. some people on the Roku forum have found this helps
Fri Jan 2, 2015, 03:48 PM
Jan 2015
Space may be an issue between HDMI ports on your TV or audio/video receiver. The optional HDMI extension cable will help ensure the Roku Streaming Stick fits securely into an available HDMI port. Additionally, the HDMI extension cable may also help to improve WiFi reception from your wireless router.
If you own a Roku Streaming Stick (HDMI Version) and would like to receive a complimentary HDMI Extension Cable, please complete the short form below.
continued: https://www.roku.com/support-hdmi

apparently it's free


(found that in the roku forum here http://forums.roku.com/viewforum.php?f=28 )
 

2banon

(7,321 posts)
5. I'm confused. Is there a distinction between an HDMI cable versus an HDMI extension cable?
Fri Jan 2, 2015, 04:41 PM
Jan 2015

I use an HDMI cable to connect to my dvd player to tv, which only has one HDMI port, so when I want to use my Roku device, I have to unplug the cable, in order to plug the Roku Stick.

Additionally, the location of that one port requires using an HDMI "adapter" which has a 90 degree swivel for connecting.

This does result in an odd, sort of dangley effect though, and sometimes i'm wonder if that might be the source of my problem. I do often fiddle with it to make sure it's as connected as I can manage it. And the streaming light is in steady mode.

Maybe I don't have the right cable extension, and maybe they should have included it in the packaging when I purchased it at Radio Shack! I'll check it out. So thanks!

 

2banon

(7,321 posts)
6. I just submitted my form at this link
Fri Jan 2, 2015, 05:25 PM
Jan 2015

Not sure if I have the right "model" for their offer, but going on the assumption that there's only one stick.?

eShirl

(18,491 posts)
8. I don't know the answers, but that forum is a good place to ask
Fri Jan 2, 2015, 05:31 PM
Jan 2015
http://forums.roku.com/viewforum.php?f=28

Actual, helpful Roku-employed people post there; it's not just some "customer service" bs (usually).

bananas

(27,509 posts)
13. Try turning off network pings.
Fri Jan 2, 2015, 09:41 PM
Jan 2015

Last edited Fri Jan 2, 2015, 10:33 PM - Edit history (1)

I had to do this on a wired connection (Roku 3).
It would work fine for a while, then tell me it wasn't connected.
This fixed it.

"New Roku LT erroneously reports no connection-SOLVED!"
http://forums.roku.com/viewtopic.php?f=28&t=63318

http://rokuhowto.blogspot.com/2013/05/the-dreaded-error-code-014-solution-3.html

<snip>

Disable Pingback: Once the Roku completes the setup, enter the following on your Roku remote:

Press the Home button 5 times
Press the Fast Forward button 1 time
Press the Play button 1 time
Press the Rewind button 1 time
Press the Play button 1 time
Press the Fast Forward button 1 time

This will take you to the another secret screen. Select the option to disable network ping.

Now you must start your Roku setup from the beginning. Hopefully this will solve your problem and will get you connected.


edit to add:
http://mediabrowser.tv/community/index.php?/topic/5930-connectivity-issues/

<snip>

I figured out the problem.... apparently I am an idiot

I kept reading about disabling network pings and when I went into the hidden menu it said ...

disable network pings so I for some reason thought that meant they were already disabled (stupid me) so I changed that one setting and everything is perfect for the first time since I bought my ROKU 6 months ago.


edit to another - apparently some routers consider roku's network ping a firewall attack:
http://phil-are-go.blogspot.com/2013/09/supplementary-sidebar-cord-cutting.html

<snip>

The problem is this: at least once per day, the Roku would simply drop internet connectivity. The show I was watching would try to buffer, and eventually throw an error message telling me my router had apparently exploded itself into a smoking crater. Funny thing is, the router, being an inch away from the Roku, was clearly in a non-exploded state. My phone and a few other devices connected to the router via Wi-Fi and hard line all attested to the router's happy non-explodedness. The problem obviously was with the Roku. Repeatedly cycling power on your TV puck is not how most people like to spend their evenings, begging the damn thing to re-find the internet, which, I hasten to point out, was being jammed into the Roku via every available orifice. Yes, The Roku was connected to my router via Wi-Fi and a bright yellow Cat 5 cable. Still, one to three times per day, the Roku would suddenly and randomly become as unaware of the internet as a standard issue 80-year-old senator.

So, yeah, after a mere six months of this, I ran out of patience, screwed up my courage, and braved the dark reaches of the Roku Customer Discouragement Telephone Labyrinth.

<snip>

SUPER DOUBLE SECRET SCREEN #2

HOME 5x
FAST FORWARD 1x
PLAY 1x
REWIND 1x
PLAY 1x
FAST FORWARD 1x

This should call up the other extra-super-turbo-secret screen. I think this was the important one, because it's where you can disable network pings. See, with pings enabled, the Roku will constantly check with your router to be reassured the internet is still there. The router may interpret this as a threat, and block the Roku from connectivity. It's like an insecure girlfriend who demands constant assurance that she is the very prettiest girl in all the land, who eventually irritates her boyfriend who then becomes someone else's boyfriend. Why is this constant pinging set to "on" by default, when, apparently, a very popular model of Netgear router will get irritated and block the Roku? Why is this menu, which enables you to turn this off a extra-super-double-fingers-crossed-turbo-secret setting concealed in a hidden screen? WHYYYYYYYYYY?????

<snip>

jtomalley

(1 post)
16. Roku secret access code not working
Thu Mar 15, 2018, 05:51 PM
Mar 2018

Apparently this is no longer valid. I can no longer access the secret Wifi menu with Hx5-FF-PP-RW-PP-FF. Nothing happens. I can only access about 3 of the "secret" menus now. I have an older Roku XD.

Do we have any other key combos that might access the wifi menu for I can disable pingback?

I have tried Hx5-U-D-U-D-U and it did nothing as well.

Eliot Rosewater

(31,109 posts)
17. REset the ROKU to factory settings, if that doesnt do it get a new one
Thu Mar 15, 2018, 06:11 PM
Mar 2018

if that doesnt do it the problem is not the ROKU.

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