I’m not a big fan of plopping down $50 + bucks to see a movie in the theater. Not to mention I really love watching television in the comfort of my own home where I can pause it to get up to get a snack. Don’t get me wrong once in a while I do enjoy watching a really good action movie on the big screen. We have a nice setup at home that includes surround sound so it is hard not to want to stay in.
I was recently sent a Roku 3 which I had never tried before. I had originally thought it would be great to have in my bedroom since I have limited access to movies and internet however you have to have a television that has a HDMI outlet so my oldest son was the luckier reviewer of our Roku 3.
Roku 3
My son has an XBox 360 that he can stream movies on but I have a timer on it so he doesn’t always have time to watch movies. The Roku 3 was a great edition to his entertainment set up. The installation was super easy. We just plugged it in and connected it to the television and the onscreen prompts told us what to do. We had to set up an account online and when we did the Roku 3 connected and we were able to download the channels we wanted.
We currently use several different apps that Roku 3 had available like Amazon Instant Video, Hulu Plus, and Netflix. After we installed the Roku 3 we gave it a test run and my son purchased a movie. Note : Roku may be addictive thus costing parents more money then they anticipated. At least if you have a teenage son that enjoys watching movies. After one weekend my son has already watched several movies.
He loves having the Roku 3 in his room and how easy it is to use. The Roku 3 will need an internet connection. You can either use a wired network or a wireless. We have a wireless network in our house so we had no problems getting it connected and were able to keep it close to the television. One of the features I love about the Roku 3 is it’s size. Check out the size compared to my iPhone 5.
Roku 3 Streaming
- Movies and TV shows from Amazon Isntant Video, Blockbuster On Demand, Crackle, Hulu Plus, Netflix, PBS, PBS Kids, Redbox Instant by Verizon and Vudu.
- Authenticated channels including HBO GO, EPIX, FOX NOW, and TWC TV
- Live and on-demand sports from MLB, TV Premium, MLS and UFC NBA Game Time, NHL GameCenter Liv.
- Music from Pandora, Spotify, Slacker, Amazon Cloud Player, MOG, Rdio, Live 365 and TuneIn Radio
- Photos and videos from Facebook, Flickr, Picasa, Shutterfly, Plex, and Vimeo
- News and weather from WSJ Live, CNBC Real-time, FoxNews, NBC News, Sky News, Weater Underground, and The Onion
- Casual games like Angry Birds Space, Downhill Bowling, Jeopardy, Wheel of Fortune, and Suduko
- Kids, International, Lifestyle, Tech, Spirituality, as well as Fitness and Outdoors
I haven’t gotten a chance to try even half of the features. I love Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune and we could definitely make a fun family night of just playing games. Another great channel is the Redbox Instant by Verizon. We have those little red boxes in all our grocery stores and are often grabbing a movie on a Friday or Saturday night. I signed up for a free trial of Redbox Instant by Verizon and found that it includes 4 DVD rentals a month. So for $8 a month you get 4 movies you were going to buy anyway which brings your cost to only $4 a month. With that $4 you get instant streaming.
Redbox Instant by Verizon
- Become a subscriber and enjoy more tan 5,500+ active digital movies instantly and more than 680 discs available in the Redbox kiosks.
- Locate and reseve movies and video games on disc at more than 43,000 Redbox kiosks nationwide.
- Bookmark movies you discover for future viewing.
- Watch movie trailers and read user reviews to preview and research films before you stream, reserve, rent, or buy.
- Start, stop, and resume watching content across any device where Redbox Instant by Verizon is available (like the Roku 3)
- Parental controls to manage on-demand purchasing and content restrictions for young children, children, and teens.
If you don’t have a DVR or don’t think to record shows Roku 3 is the perfect device for you. Love these fun figures by Roku
- 90% of moms who watch TV with Roku report they have a “marathon” of favorite shoes (I so did this with Scandal, Once Upon a Time, and Game of Thrones)
- 65% of moms reported they are more comfortable with their kids streaming their favorite movies and shows than watching traditional TV.
- 78% of moms found the private listening feature on Roku 3 to be useful – its perfect for late-night movies after the kids have gone to bed.
- 82% of moms would never miss their child’s game in order to catch the season finale (But then they can just watch it on Roku later!)
We are definitely enjoying have the Roku in the Shibley household and can’t wait to try all of the fun features.
Do you prefer the theater or staying in? Do you utilize a DVR or rely on apps like Redbox Instant to watch your shows?
Sandy says
This looks like an answer to what we’ve been searching for! I’m wondering how you got set up to do a Roku review? Any tips would be appreciated!
Maria Iemma says
This is cool — I do not have a Roku3 but I am sure it would be great for family movie night.
Anne - Mommy Has to Work says
I do love to go to a movie once and awhile. But at home is much comfier!!
Theresa says
Nothing like enjoying a movie at home!
Tammy says
I love these little streaming boxes, we bought an Apple TV this summer for the same reason – I love how we can instantly watch just about anything on our time and not the TV schedule’s time!
HilLesha says
I really like the Roku! 🙂
Tiff @ Babes and Kids says
There’s so many options when it comes to streaming, that is REALLY nice!
Rhiannon Rowland says
Wow, its so small. I had heard of the Roku, may have to look into getting one. We had always wanted to get Netflix for our family room, but the boys’ have the playstation in their bedroom so we never had the chance to.
Rachel @ Following In My Shoes says
We do a combination of things — Redbox, Netflix … but not the theater, lol. With three lil’ kiddos, the theater isn’t an option anymore!
Tricia @ Night owl mama says
I’ve heard about these but I was never sure what they did. That’s pretty neat and we watch all a lot of Movies here too and soon it will be too cold to go out and pick them up. A roku would be ideal
Ty @ Mama of 3 Munchkins says
We haven’t been to a theater in over 10 years because it’s way too expensive. So, we do a combination of Netflix, Redbox and renting movies on demand.
Kim @ What's That Smell? says
We don’t have cable and rely on Roku and the streaming services for our entertainment. I like the Redbox idea because you can get the current DVDs from the box or stream older things.
I can’t wait to get a Roku 3!
Vanessa: thequeenofswag says
I had the first few roku’s. They are great!
Karen says
My family loves our Roku, but I have the 2, not the 3. We subscribe to Hulu Plus and Netflix and never have a problem finding programming to watch. I don’t allow our daughters to buy extra movies, because they have plenty of choice without spending extra. So, our TV/ movie entertainment budget is set at something that we feel is reasonable and that fits with our overall plan. One of my favorite stations that can be added for free is the PBS station. There are a lot of fun and educational programs available. I also love the Pandora app.
Betty says
I have the Roku XD and have about worn it out! I was looking around to get another and thought of the ROKU3. I’m an older lady and no games going on here. This seems a little fancy to me since all I want to do is stream movies n such. Netflix is my main thing, some of the free channeling gets my attention but I despise commercials!
ideas anyone?
btw, did I mention I LOVE MY ROKU?
Robin Gagnon {Mom Foodie} says
I have an XD, but want to pick another up so we can have ROKU upstairs too.
Donna K says
I have been wanting to try Roku and redbox instant.
Mello says
I use my laptop to watch Netflix, but a Roku looks awesome!
michelle s says
The Roku is a cute little player, and it has more privately-made (that sounds sketchy, but it’s not, I promise!) channels that are pretty cool if you get bored of Netflix. They have maintstream apps like netflix and redbox instant, but their channels are just as good.