As a long time Roku user (we have three Rokus of various vintages in our home) I tried the 3400M in my new LG 32LN530B with MHL port to get the Roku functionality we like in a small package. In short, it works, but we have to put up with some annoyances vs. our other Rokus to get the small form factor. The biggest issue: unlike other Rokus which are ready to go in an instant, this one reboots each time the TV is turned on. This reboot forces a wait of 1.5 min before it's ready to use. There are a couple other annoyances I'll detail below.
Currently Roku's web site does not list any LG brand TVs as "Roku Ready", so I wasn't sure about compatability. But I found a review online that showed the Streaming Stick working with an MHL-equipped Samsung TV (no Samsungs are currently listed as "Roku Ready" either). The reviewer said the "Roku Ready" certification isn't really required, just an MHL port, so I gave it a shot. I found that my 3400M works fully on my LG. It streams Netflix, Amazon and Aereo perfectly just like my other Rokus.
The small form factor is nice. The TV I connected this to is mounted flush on a wall. The 3400M is hidden neatly behind the screen. And since the 3400M uses the TV's remote there is one less of those lying around. Overall it's a neat appearance.
However, being a seasoned Roku user, I naturally compare this to my other Rokus. And unfortunately it just isn't the same, so I only give it four stars. Here are the issues I found:
- As I mentioned above, the Streaming Stick reboots each time I turn on my LG TV. So with this one I turn on the TV and wait, and wait. Interestingly my TV doesn't power down the Streaming Stick when it's off (it stays warm all the time). Perhaps other TVs don't reboot the Streaming Stick - that would be nice.
- Due to the reboot issue above, unlike my other Rokus which will remain on the screen where I last left them, with this one I start at the main Roku menu and navigate back to where I was every time I turn the TV on.
- Navigating using the Roku remotes on my other Rokus is very quick. For some reason this one is much less responsive. There's a delay of about 1 second to move from one selection to the next. It becomes painfully slow when entering text.
Bottom line: instead of the Roku instant gratification I'm used to, with this one we have to plan on a minimum of 2 min to start streaming, including many added button presses. It's not a deal breaker, but it gets old.
Finally, I'd like to give my $0.02 to Roku: Why all the mystery around the "Roku Ready" business and the silence around the two largest TV brands (Samsung and LG)? Or Sony, Panasonic, Sharp, Vizio or Toshiba? (I could go on...) This Streaming Stick is a nice idea but its execution falls short compared to your other models. Perhaps my issues are unique to my TV, but there's no way for a prospective buyer to know without a complete plain English explanation.
| Brand Name | Roku |
|---|---|
| Item Weight | 0.353 ounces |
| Product Dimensions | 4 x 2 x 1 inches |
| Item model number | 3400M |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Color Name | Purple |
