How to Solve Problems with a Roku Digital Video Player

Many people experience problems when they first buy and install their Roku digital video player. It's common to assume that the Roku player is to blame for these problems. In fact, there are many other factors that can cause your Roku player to malfunction. Your router model, your high speed Internet connection type and speed and your Roku's setup configuration can all cause problems with its proper functioning. Here are some basic troubleshooting methods that can solve common problems with the Roku digital video player.

Read the Online Manual

The manual which comes with the Roku digital video player is very sketchy. The online Roku manual contains much more information to help you set up your Roku HD player. It contains very specific instructions on connecting your Roku player to the Internet, setting up the player, using the player and adjusting its settings. It also has instructions on manually entering the name of your wireless network, using the reset button and solving problems with player performance.

Check Your Router

If your Roku digital video player is experiencing problems, it may be due to incompatibility issues with your router. Check the Roku website for a list of compatible wireless routers that have been tested to work with the Roku player. There is also a link on this page to a Roku forum thread in which users have reported their experience with various wireless routers and access points.

If the problem continues, cycle your modem and router. Turn off or unplug your DSL or cable modem and then turn off or unplug your wireless router. Wait at least 30 seconds, then plug in or turn on your modem first. Wait two minutes, then plug in or turn on your wireless router. If necessary, enter your router's administrative settings, then re-enter your username and password on the router. It may also help to upgrade the firmware of your wireless router.

If your Roku still won't work with your wireless router, try setting up a wired connection. Most wireless routers have Ethernet ports on the back so that you can set up a wired connection. Connect an Ethernet cable to the back of the Roku digital video player, then run it along the floor or through the wall and ceiling to the router.

Replacing your router with one from the compatibility list is an option if you can't get your current router to work with your Roku. Buying the highest end wireless router you can afford can help you to avoid replacing your router in just a couple of years. If possible, get a fast router with a minimum of 56 Mbps and Wireless N technology. If you only have one or two devices connected to your router, you can probably make do with a cheap single-band router. However, if you have multiple computers and other wireless devices connect to your wireless router, or if you do a lot of heavy duty file sharing, media streaming and gaming, a dual band router is your best bet. Make sure that the router is compatible with your other devices before you make your purchase. If possible, use the 5 GHz band to set up your Roku player with the wireless router.

Check Your Internet Speed

Broadband Internet service doesn't always operate at the speeds promised by your Internet service provider. Visit a website such as Speedtest.net or Speakeasy.net to perform a speed test. For best results, do multiple speed tests over the course of several days. This will help you to determine whether the problem is occurring at a particular time of the day or the week. You can also use the data obtained to get an average download speed. Simply add the results together, then divide them by the number of times you've run the test.

Shut Off Other Devices

If you have multiple devices competing for the same resources provided by your wireless router, you may experience network slowdowns. Shut down or turn off all other devices, including your computers, wireless game consoles, set top boxes and Internet connected TVs and Blu-ray players, that access your wireless network.

Restart Your Roku Player

If you've activated your Roku digital video player, you've probably noticed that it's on all the time. There is no power button on the Roku HD player or on the remote. So if you want to restart it, press the reset button on the bottom or back of the player. If this doesn't solve your problem, you must unplug the adapter from the power. After you've done this, leave it unplugged for 30 seconds to a minute, then plug it back in. If necessary, reactivate your Netflix, Amazon Video On Demand, Hulu Plus, Pandora Radio and other accounts on the Roku player.

Reset Your Roku to Factory Settings

Resetting your Roku player to factory settings can solve many problems with Internet connectivity and playback. Use this option only if all other troubleshooting methods have failed to get your Roku player working again. Press the "Home" button on your Roku remote. Then select "Roku Player Settings." Select "Factory Reset." Select "Factory Reset" again to confirm your choice. Select "Yes" to complete the Factory Reset. Your Roku player will automatically restart when the reset is complete. You will need to set up your Roku again afterwards. Re-install and re-activate all of your Roku channels to restore its previous configuration.

Use the Reset Button

You can use the reset button on the Roku player to reset the Roku to its factory settings if you can't reset it from the menu. Press and hold the button for 15 seconds to complete the factory reset.

Contact Roku Support

Roku has a detailed online support system as well as a support team you can contact with questions. There is a good chance that the solution to your problem is on their website. So when you first access the support site, type a description of your problem in the "Ask a Question" field or browse the help files.

For more information on this topic, read Best Private Channels for the Roku Digital Video Player.

Sources:

Samara Lynn, "How to Buy a Wireless Router." PCMag.com