Sunday, May 19, 2013

Roku Remote Options

Some of you may already know that the Roku remote can be a bit tempermental.  You may wish to consider setting your Roku remote aside and start using the Roku Remote Control App in its place.

You can get the Roku Remote Control App from here or just go to the App Store on your phone and search for "Roku Remote Control". They have both an Android version and an iPhone version.

IMHO, the Roku Remote Control App is a whole lot better than the Roku remote control.  I use the Roku Remote Control App about 98% of the time - it really is that much more convenient and reliable.

Go ahead and check it out.  Oh, yeah, it's free so the price isn't so bad either!



Wednesday, May 8, 2013

The Dreaded "Error Code 014": Solution #1


My first Roku setup went like a dream.  My second setup (for my in-laws) was not so easy.  I was setting up the wireless connection and I got an error message:

    Error Code 014

Ouch!  Not a very informative error message.  You should know that a number of issues can cause and Error Code 014.  Unfortunately, the Roku engineers used this error code as a 'catch all' for any network connection problems.

OK, here's what you should do if you get and Error Code 014:

If you're getting an Error Code 014 while trying to setup a wireless connection, are you able to plug the Roku into the network using an Ethernet cable?  I'm not sugesting you do this permanently,  rather, connecting the Roku to the Internet using an Ethernet cable can get you past an outdated firmware issue.

Try this:
  1. Connect your Roku to your cable modem or to your router using an Ethernet cable.
  2. Complete the setup for an Ethernet connection in the Roku settings.
  3. While Ethernet connection is active (i.e. still connected to your modem or router) go back to the Internet settings on the Roku and choose the wireless connection option.
  4. After choosing the wireless option, choose your network.
  5. Input your password (remember, case matters!).
  6. You should now be connected to your wireless network.
If the underlying reason for the Error Code 014 was outdated wireless firmware, connecting your Roku using an Ethernet cable allows the Roku to download the lastest and greatest firmware. 

If this didn't work for you, don't panic.  Take a look at Solution #2, below.

Tuesday, May 7, 2013

The Dreaded "Error Code 014": Solution #2


If Solution #1 didn't work for you and you still have an Error Code 014, do not despair.  Let's reset you Roku back to the factory settings and then re-enter your settings.

The quickest method to do a factory reset:  merely press and hold the Roku 'Reset' button on the back of the unit for 15 seconds.

Another way to do a factory reset:
  1. From the Roku Home screen, press the Up button on the remote to activate the Menu Bar.
  2. Select 'Settings'.
  3. Select 'Factory Reset'.
  4. Select 'Factory Reset' again.
  5. Select Yes.
Now let's set your Roku up again:
  1. After the restart, you will be prompted to select your time zone.  Change to your correct time zone then select “done.”
  2. The next screen will display a unique code to link your Roku player.  Open a browser session on your computer and go to www.roku.com/link.
  3. Enter the code displayed by your Roku player on your TV. (You may have done this on your first setup but if you see the code on the TV screen, enter the code.)
  4. Log into your Roku account and follow all steps, including selecting a payment method and selecting your initial channel lineup.  This will complete the linking process.
If this didn't work for you and you're still seeing an Error Code 014, don't panic. Take a look at Solution #3, below.

Monday, May 6, 2013

The Dreaded "Error Code 014": Solution #3


You must get the latest software - if my previous suggestions did not work, try these steps:

Force a Software Update:  On your Roku remote:
  • Press the Home button 5 times
  • Press the Fast Forward button 3 times
  • Press Rewind button 2 times
You will get an unusual screen known as the 'secret screen'.  There you have to check your IP address that it is not all 0's. Select the option to update software. The Roku player should now restart.

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.