remover454

Estimable
Apr 25, 2014
3
0
4,510
I would like to get a ROKU 3. I hear its best to have a 5MB modem download or better. Or during a movie or streaming video I may get packet loss? Now my ISP has me at 1.5MB download DSL.
The only thing holding me back from buying it is the issue above.
thanks for any help!
 
Solution
It's not a requirement of the Roku 3, it's a requirement based on the quality of the video that you'll be streaming.

"SD" (aka 480p) quality video/audio requires up to a 3Mbps connection; your DSL will probably provide that, but you may see the occasional spinning "buffer wheel" on some of the channels.

"HD" (or 720p) quality requires a faster connection (usually up to 5-6 Mbps). Your DSL does not provide that quality of a connection, so you will definitely see the buffer wheel quite often. Note that the majority of Netflix content is shown at this quality level.

"Full HD" (1080p) quality requires a connection faster than 6Mbps. Very few of the Roku's channels offer that quality, but pretty much don't expect to be able to...

spdragoo

Distinguished
Herald
Oct 17, 2011
186
0
18,910
It's not a requirement of the Roku 3, it's a requirement based on the quality of the video that you'll be streaming.

"SD" (aka 480p) quality video/audio requires up to a 3Mbps connection; your DSL will probably provide that, but you may see the occasional spinning "buffer wheel" on some of the channels.

"HD" (or 720p) quality requires a faster connection (usually up to 5-6 Mbps). Your DSL does not provide that quality of a connection, so you will definitely see the buffer wheel quite often. Note that the majority of Netflix content is shown at this quality level.

"Full HD" (1080p) quality requires a connection faster than 6Mbps. Very few of the Roku's channels offer that quality, but pretty much don't expect to be able to stream that quality over a DSL line.
 
Solution


If you want to have smooth streaming, upgrade your service if you can. With DSL, if you are far from the central station you may be limited to the speed you have now.