ROKU 3 - Smart TV ? Youtube ? AVI files?

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dewyodor

10 posts

Wannabe Geek

Topic # 130697 24-Sep-2013 15:41

Hi, I just bought a ROKU 3 box from AMAZON, and used various Geekzone posts to successfully guide me through the minefield of setting up Netflix on ROKU with a credit card and Unblock-us.

I bought this box to "smarten up" my non-smart TV as it seemed like the best way to avoid paying big bucks for a smart TV.

My Question is - I have found there is no simple Youtube channel, nor any way of playing AVI files, no Facebook access, no Skype etc which smart TV's like LG have built in. How can I add all the missing smart TV stuff to my ROKU box ?

All suggestions welcome ...

Dew Y

Klipspringer

2385 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 286
Inactive user

Reply # 901968 24-Sep-2013 15:48

This has been my only problem with Roku. I gave up on this a while ago.

It does however seem that youtube is now possible with VideoBuzz

Let me know if you get it to work. Keen to hear.
Otherwise get yourself a Google Chromecast and play it via your android phone

dewyodor

10 posts

Wannabe Geek

Reply # 901979 24-Sep-2013 15:58

Thanks, Klipspringer, I will try and install that Youtube site you mentioned.

I must say, for everything else, I absolutely love the ROKU, it plays Netflix and Crackle and 700 other channels really well, probably more stuff than I could watch in a lifetime.

chevrolux

3120 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 942

Subscriber

Reply # 902005 24-Sep-2013 17:29

I have a Plex server for ordering everything up. Then the Roku can play anything it wants via the Plex channel.

In terms of not having facebook & skype etc I understand your frustration but I don't think you are seeing it from the right perspective. The Roku hasn't been designed to 'smarten up' a TV it is simply a way to get all your online media in one place. As you mention there are hundreds of channels to choose from so I can forgive them for not having Youtube.
As for facebook on the TV, I really don't see the point. Skype is the only thing I can seeing having a proper place.

But yea.... Plex works great. Does mean you have to run a Plex server though.

dwl

362 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 42

Reply # 902032 24-Sep-2013 19:10

chevrolux: As for facebook on the TV, I really don't see the point. Skype is the only thing I can seeing having a proper place.

There seem to be more and more sets of photos being posted on Facebook, not just friends and their holiday snaps but also from functions. I can see that displaying these on the TV for a group to view may be quite a common requirement. Whether this trend will continue into the future is questionable.

gabesmith

30 posts

Geek
+1 received by user: 1

Trusted

Reply # 963002 8-Jan-2014 09:12

Just an update to this topic is that the Roku 3 now has the YouTube channel available http://blog.roku.com/blog/2013/12/17/introducing-youtube-on-roku-3/ . The YouTube channel includes the ability to cast video from your paired mobile YouTube app to your Roku 3 which works very well.

Nice to see this particular gap in the Roku content closed now.