What is Reddit's opinion of
Roku?
From 3.5 billion Reddit comments
➔ Roku website
By popularity on Reddit, this Service is:
100 reviews of this app found across Reddit:
Roku is looking for great C++ developers with experience in embedded devices, video, and Linux. We've got senior positions open in Saratoga, CA, Austin, TX, and Cambridge, UK. See https://www.roku.com/about/jobs for details. I've been on the firmware team working on our Roku TV devices for the last year and a half here in the Austin office, and it's been really interesting. We've been upgrading our codebase from C++ '03/Boost to C++ '14, so I've been able to work with a lot of the new features.
Its not too difficult. Essentially you need a non-protected video source (i.e. not hdmi), an rf modulator, and a coxial to antenna transformer for really old TVs:
You should have known it was an open box if someone returned it. You would have gotten a discount and it would be labeled as open box. Unless someone at Walmart wasn't following policy, but not sure why they wouldn't. They would be going out of their way to break policy.
Maybe it's an x months free thing?
You should be able to see the login for the account in the interface and see if it's your login. Edit: nm. I see you said it's a different name
They have some sort of trial going right now. https://www.roku.com/en-gb/offers/starzplay
Roku Stick (on sale for $39), Roku Premiere or Premiere+. The Roku Express like the Fire Stick is underpowered. The Roku stick has a quad core. Right now, Roku is offering two free months of HBO Now. Make sure check the details on deal for both purchase date and activation date for HBO Now as this deal is about to expire.
Edit: I don't prefer the Fire Stick as I think Amazon pushes its purchases for episodes too much and makes it harder to get to other services.
In either case for both Roku and Fire, set up a pin to prevent accidental purchases.
Get a Roku device(Cheapest is $30) and subscribe to Philo's $16/mo package to get BBC America.
Download the PBS app to get access to some on-demand PBS content, but unfortunately there is no way to get a live stream of your local PBS due to rights issues they are still working out.
Netflix and Amazon Prime apps are also available on Roku.
Hells yes, Roku root is needed. With the recent integration of ads and the Nelson rating agreement about viewing patterns and ad serving happened a couple months ago, its already getting lame.
This could lead to a Roku-version of the "premium SMS" scam where you restart someone's Roku, then install your channel on their Roku, then start billling them.
(It seems like you can create private channels, and monetize them with your choice of pay-per-view, monthly subscription, etc.)
https://www.roku.com/developer
EDIT: Also signing up people for random paid channels to take advantage of the Roku affiliate program https://www.roku.com/about/affiliate
As I recall it, it's a closed spec, so don't expect much.
You'd have better luck with Roku or the upcoming MatchStick. Alternatively, you could pay someone to implement UPNP-AV/DLNA streaming via Firefox.
One of the great things about Roku is how well it works right out of the box. It's SO simple and straightforward. There's really not a ton of setup stuff you have to worry about.
You could go ahead and create an account on Roku's site and start browsing the channels available, though.
I would get the Roku Streaming Stick Plus. The streaming stick is portable, fast, supports private listening, and can stream up to 4K. This is a good choice because it will work with your current TV and any other TV you might upgrade to.
For $99, it should have an Ethernet port. This is not some $30 Chromecast. If the $99 Roku 3 can come with an Ethernet port and a far better remote....basic competition, man, lol, he's not raging.
I doubt you can sign up for a cable service that does not operate in your area. But why would you want to? The $20 Time Warner Cable package is composed of mostly channels that you should be able to pick up over the air with an antenna.
Here is a list of those channels: ABC CBS CSPAN CSPAN 2 CSPAN 3 CW Fox Galavision HSN NBC PBS QVC SHOP NBC TBN TBS Telemundo Univision.
With the exception of the CSPAN channels, a simple antenna should be enough to pull those stations in, and more! TVFool is a website where you can see what channels are available to you in your area, and what type of antenna should be sufficient to pull those stations in. No need to pay TWC for those, plus all of their rental fees for equipment. Oh, and TWC will force you to lock into a 2 year agreement. Not so great for just the summer.
If you are looking for content for your son, Netflix has more kids content than he could ever watch over the course of a summer, and it costs $7.99/month. Cancel anytime. You could also sign up for Sling TV. The basic package includes the Disney channel, Cartoon Network, and ABC Family for $20/month, which is the same base price that TWC charges for their lowest package before they add a bunch of rental fees and nonsense fees to it. Even though you didn't like how much on demand content it had, it's biggest benefit is the fact that you can cancel anytime.
On top of that, Roku has many free channels available. PBS Kids is a Roku channel that has free content. I'm sure there are more, but I don't have kids so I'm not familiar with it.
Basically, what I'm saying is DON'T SIGN UP FOR CABLE! You already have a Roku, and there is a world of content you can access with it right at your fingertips. Take advantage of it.
I gotta tell you brother (or sister), if streaming services are a big part of your life and you're still using the 360 apps, you need to ascend to the Roku Master Race. You'll be very, very glad. You'll also prolong the life of that fragile 360 if you only power it up for actual gaming.
https://www.roku.com/ca/how-it-works
$100 for the box.
$5/month for regional content.
$8/month for Netflix.
$8/month for Hulu+.
Hundreds of channels, many of them free like PBS, Smithsonian, History,
SlingTV offers it, but it's subscription based.
There's no web browsing on the Roku. There is an equivalent to casting to the Roku, but I know nothing of it.
Roku Media Channel: https://www.roku.com/channels#!details/2213/roku-media-player
Lets you play compatible video,music and photo files via USB stick or stream from PC or phone or server running DLNA (built into most computers). Simpler than Plex if all you want to do is send common format video files to Roku.
Media files support reference: http://support.roku.com/entries/423946-What-media-file-types-does-the-Roku-Media-Player-channel-support-
Roku sub tends to hype Plex like crazy - and it's a great media server service - but it's also overkill for many situations.
The Roku Voice Remote Pro has two programmable buttons. You program them with voice commands. Once programmed, simply pushing the button will repeat the command.
As for what command to use, maybe "play ABC News on The Roku Channel"?
https://www.roku.com/products/accessories/roku-voice-remote-pro
Yeah, for the most part, the performance of the apps on a TV are not going to be the best.
I would suggest installing a client hardware device that is popular, such as the Roku Ultra:
> The only 2 Roku devices that handle 4K are the Roku Streaming Stick+ and the Roku Ultra. The only one I'd recommend of the two would be the Roku Ultra, as it's vastly more powerful and the stick can stutter with high-bitrate 4K.
The Premiere supports 4K, and the Premiere+ supports 4K and HDR.
To make a crt work you will need a digital to analog converter - https://www.lifewire.com/best-digital-converter-boxes-3276142 - and an antenna, which can be very simple (rabbit ears) in suburban areas with clear space or more involved in more remote areas. With your internet wifi you can add this - https://www.roku.com/products/roku-express-plus - and get a whole lot of stuff, both free & subscribtion. I do exactly this in a bedroom with the old 27" tube and it is acceptable, but I am looking forward to updating that light use tv for the improved picture quality.
Roku
Easier to use. Super reliable. Audio Guide.
Just buy one with voice search.
https://support.roku.com/article/208756908-how-to-find-movies-and-tv-shows-using-voice-search
Here is a handy comparison: https://www.roku.com/products/compare As noted, the old stick version is no longer worth it (and not in this comparison) The main things to consider are:
- need for an Ethernet port to hard line your internet (Roku 2,3,4)
- USB for direct file access (Roku 2,3,4)
- need for A/V ports for older tvs, but no usb (Roku 1)
- need for 4K, ac wireless, optical audio out (Roku 4)
Edit: Roku 1 is only wireless, previously I said it had "no wireless"
Roku 1. Its basically designed for tvs like yours. It has RCA output and you'll be able to take advantage of streaming services (i.e. netflix) and you could set up Plex for your local hard drive stuff. And its only $50.
From what I could understand (LINK), the Roku stick isn't wireless AC compatible? Anyone with a Roku stick care to chime in?
First world problems but my neighborhood is saturated. Have better luck with 802.11ac. My chromecast is a stuttering mess. Going to give it to my brother.
EDIT: Read that Fire stick has 802.11ac
You can download the Roku app and use it with a Roku stick. Had this came out before I got my Chromecast, I would be using it instead.
Chromecast Doesn't have a remote, but streams from your smartphone.
Roku Little more pricey, and unofficially supported. Private channel link
I don't know how uncommon it is, but I'm still gonna contribute, kay?
So, after Hurricane Sandy my father ragequit cable TV and internet and took us so far off the grid it's not even funny. And the only reason my mother and siblings haven't revolted is because of our army of Roku's. They're kinda like internet cable boxes — you can link them to Netflix, Amazon Prime, HBOGo, USTV Now, and a bunch of other services. Like, right now I'm watching live CNN International because there's an app for it. My sisters, mother, and I are happy because we get to watch our shows. My dad's happy because he saves money. No one dies. Life is good.
[https://www.roku.com/roku-channel-store]
It doesn't allow you to sort for just free channels, but most are free.
Be warned, this link doesn't seem to work on mobile - it redirects me to the "Now Playing" section of their website.
The remote at https://www.roku.com/products/accessories/roku-voice-remote-pro can pair with all current Roku devices (set-top boxes, TVs, and soundbars) and includes a headphone jack.
All of these people are insane to suggest expensive products. Buy a Roku Express for $35 CAD (https://www.roku.com/en-ca/products/roku-express).
It will do everything you want and more for a fraction of the cost. I have 4 in my house and rarely have any issues with them. They're cheap, the UI is so easy to learn that literally my 100 year old Grandma can work one, and they rarely get discontinued software support so you can use it basically until you want to upgrade to a faster machine.
If I'm wrong, you're out 35 loonies. The Apple TV 4K low end model is $229.99 CAD and the Invidia Shield is $200 CAD.
If I'm right, I saved you the equivalent of like, 8 cases of Molson.
Give the Roku Express a chance for the price and I promise you won't be disappointed.
Some of the current generation like the Ultra definitely do have Bluetooth radios. But it's not apparent if you can pair headphones or speakers; the product page talks only about sending audio to the Roku device, to be played through the TV's speakers.
A Roku is a hardware device that makes it easier to stream videos from services like Netflix and YouTube. More here. There are unofficial reports that it can be used in Australia, though Roku does not officially support it.
Roku does sell one remote control now that has customizable buttons -- it's the Roku Touch tabletop remote as seen at https://www.roku.com/products/accessories/audio. This has two custom buttons that can be programmed with anything you can launch over a voice request. It will work with any Roku TV, but I don't know if it will pair and work with the set-top boxes.
You can grab a "Roku Enhanced Remote with Voice Search" that would include voice search, volume toggle, and private listening on the remote. It uses "Point Anywhere" RF capability and doesn't need line of sight: https://www.roku.com/accessories/remotes
The free Roku mobile app also allows for the same, minus volume control.
What kind of Roku do you have? Roku 3 has screen mirroring. It's still in beta, but it's a little less flaky than it used to be.
There are some third-party apps that say they screen mirror, but most of my digging hasn't turned up too much that's any better than their mirroring feature. Others have said they bought a fire stick or chrome cast just for mirroring.
And seriously you guys, this topic comes up ALL THE TIME. Not directed specifically at you, OP, but everybody wanting better mirroring should really write Roku a little note saying you'd like it. It might not amount to much, but it also certainly won't hurt to let them know it's so wanted.
90% of the time a sound bar is just fine but every once in a while surround sound and a sub that shakes you in your seat is great for a movie.
To each their own really.
Roku does have a soundbar with built in roku streaming you could hook to a monitor. https://www.roku.com/products/audio/roku-streambar-pro
A Roku Express set-top box is available for $29 new and will work with the TV as long as it has an HDMI port. See https://www.roku.com/products/roku-express.
The Express, Express+, and Premiere models are IR only. The Stick, Stick+, Premiere+, and Ultra models are WiFi Direct remotes.
You can look this up yourself and compare features here: https://www.roku.com/products/compare
I got the ultra and the steaming stick+. They both have headphone jacks, but I’ve only tested the ultra remote so far.
What else are you looking for? Picture quality? Features? More apps than just video streaming?
I was recommended (on this sub) to get the ultra for my main tv and streaming stick+ for lesser used TVs. I also have my router under my main tv, so I can plug the Ethernet cord directly into the ultra, so it doesn’t affect my WiFi speeds elsewhere in the house.
I recommend the ultra if you have a tv and are not moving around too much, but if you are in high school/ college and want to bring it to friends’ houses and to your college dorm, I would recommend the stick+.
This link allows you to compare all models. The stick+ does not mention private listening, but like I said, my remote for it has a headphone jack.
It will likely want you to format it. And you don't need a large one. Anything over 2 GB is overkill, although it's hard to find some that small. High capacity cards are sometimes problematic. Get the smallest one you can find. Roku sells some, which is where I got mine.
https://www.roku.com/accessories/miscellaneous
Again, you don't need one, as Roku will manage the apps on the device, but they do help apps load a little faster.
Hi! The Enhanced Remote isn't compatible with Roku TVs. Sorry for the bad news. If you're not able to reposition the TV or sound bar, check out the Roku mobile app: https://www.roku.com/mobile-app
The first model to support that was the 2016 Roku Streaming Stick. Any model after that should support that use case. If you go to https://www.roku.com/products/compare, every model you can pick from the 2017 lineup has that support.
Roku has a “compare” page so you can see for yourself. Both claim to have quad core processors but there might be other specs that could cause differences in performance for some users. Here’s a link. https://www.roku.com/products/compare
I bought Vizio TVs specifically because they had a Plex app. I had Rokus for other stuff, but figured I could get by just using the native apps. I very shortly thereafter bought Roku Sticks for them because the Vizio app was slow as all hell, and nearly everything had to be transcoded for it.
The Vizio apps still work in a pinch, but for everyday use, the Roku is far superior. The new Roku Stick is very quick and cheap -- it costs $50, assuming you don't find sales/promotions for it. I bought mine at Target for $25. The Roku Express is even cheaper. My in-laws have one and are very happy with it, but I don't have enough experience with that model to recommend it yet.
Save yourself the headache dealing with the Vizio stuff. As an added benefit, it makes converting to a new TV extraordinarily simple.
Agree with trying a different cable. But if HDMI won't work and your TV has A/V composite connections you could try an Express+ which works with both types: https://www.roku.com/en-ca/products/roku-express-plus
I have done a moderate amount of research and experimentation regarding HBO Now and 5.1 support. HBO GO has much better support, which makes no sense to me because they should be running the same software but with a different subscription base.
I had a brief glimmer of hope when there was an android update for my Shield TV that specifically updated the audio support, but that still didn't change anything.
The reality I've discovered is that the only devices that correctly handle surround sound are apple TV and some Roku products. I eventually had to give in and buy a roku streaming stick just for HBO Now surround sound. This model seemed to be the least expensive solution that worked.
Although I do have access to amazon prime, I haven't looked to see if/what surround sound options are available with that.
Flip over the Roku and check the model number. You may be able to upgrade to this voice remote:
> Roku Enhanced Remote with Voice Search > The Roku Enhanced Remote brings effortless convenience to streaming entertainment. It's simple to use and loaded with features, including voice search, headphone jack for private listening, point anywhere ease of use, and motion control for gaming. It works with current generation Roku 2 (model 4210) and Roku 3 (models 4320 & 4200) streaming players. Channel shortcut buttons may vary based on availability. $29.99
It comes with a short usb cable just for that.
There's even a photo of that on the Roku site, here.
And the fact that Roku has a FOX Networks executive (Ravi Ahuja) on their board. Their cap table isn't public (AFAIK) but based on their actions and investments from MVPDs and content companies, these companies may have a controlling stake in Roku.
Roku 3 had a headphone jack on the remote, plus voice search. Comparison.
I picked up the 3 last month. I do use the headphone feature, since I'm using a monitor as a screen and the audio on it is pretty awful. But if you don't need it, might be better to just get the 2.
You can also purchase it directly from Roku if you wish via https://www.roku.com/refurbished-deals
It cost $5 more, but includes free shipping where as Woot adds $5 for shipping so they become the same price.
Sorry for people down-voting you, it's hard being a student. I got a refurbished Roku 3 for $69, $10 less than the coupon code gives you. It comes with the same warranty as the new ones. I've never had any problems with mine at all. So maybe that's an option you might consider.
You can check out a Roku or a Chrome Cast
Now that all sorts of channels provide some sort of online service like TSN Go, NFL Game Pass, NHL Game Center
Roku's Amazon channel handles it. Regular Amazon customers can rent-stream videos. Prime customers can click into a Prime section for browsing free videos similar to how Netflix works.
I was saying I basically don't care if Amazon isn't available through Chrome because I use Amazon via my small Roku box sitting next to my TV.
Well, HBO Now will most likely be on all streaming boxes within 3 months, so there's nothing that would require an Apple TV unless he wanted it in the launch window.
I'm not too familiar with westerns and what specifically he would be looking for. I'd do a search on Netflix and Hulu to see what they have and if it would be enough. Just to throw Roku into the mix, a Roku channel search has come up with a bunch of Western-related channels, but the quality of the programming, I have no idea.
With major American news networks, you're not going to find any of them subscription free. CNN is available on Sling TV and I could see Fox and Al Jazeera being part of a Sling TV News Package eventualy. (MSNBC being owned by Comcast, I don't think they'd be interested in helping a competitor destroy their core business model.) Over on Roku, there are two English language news channels available for free streaming - Sky News (UK) and RT (Russia). There is also CBSN, which isn't a news channel as much as a streaming CBS Up-to-the-minute news service and on-demand replays of CBS News programming (Evening News, Sunday Morning, etc...).
Check and see if you can get it through Roku:
I dropped cable last spring - lots available on there. You do have to pay for some services - Netflix (which carries a lot of HBO/Showtime content), Amazon, Hulu, and some others, but I seem to remember reading somewhere that you could get HBO through it. They just launched a free atheist channel last week, btw:
http://www.atheists.org/AtheistTV
Limited programming, but it is just starting up. I'd much rather lay out a few bucks for broadcasting I want and watch. I got the Roku streamer on Amazon - I want to say I paid around $65 for it? A one-time outlay. I pay less than $20 a month for the "channels" that aren't free. I get very basic cable since I like to watch the news - too many trees around for a digital antenna to pull anything in, but that worked fine before I moved. I think I pay around $20 for the cable service; it's combined with phone and internet, so I might be off on the price there.
A streaming box with apps like netflix, hulu, and stuff.
Also yeah, I'd like to see a roku app. I have a Vizio TV with a youtube app that I currently use for my best friends on a TV needs. It's not the best, but it's alright.
I tried using the youtube app once on my roku and my youtube account didn't sync after my first try, so I just shelved it since I didn't really need it. So my first impression was also this isn't great.
Write your own channel, it's pretty easy (use some of the examples as a starting point, you can have something up and running in a couple of evenings).
It is not surprising that groups of peoples who are already well organized (and sharing a common message, with a built in sympathetic audience and used to handle the logistic of spreading their ideas) - like churches - are the ones who take advantages of such platforms.
I don't think Dan Carlin is on there (at least I haven't found him yet), but they do have stuff from Revision 3, TWiT, and a few other providers.
Edit: Here's a list of the sports channels. You can also search around in other categories.
Off the top of my head, I do not believe they do. I know they have Amazon Instant video so if you have Prime you could stream via that. ESPN as well. Since you are a comcast costumer, you should be able to get the ESPN streams. Here's a list of channels that Roku provides https://www.roku.com/channels#!browse/movies-and-tv/by-popular
If you want to do a trial run on what I've been talking about PIVOS/XBMC, you can install it on your windows, mac, droid, linux os and do a trial run. http://xbmc.org/download/ and then use addons tutorial for installing the add-ons. It's a little complex but if you follow the tutorials you should get it working right.
Ultimately, PIVOS is just like a Roku/Apple Tv that;s modded to run XBMC and hooks up to your tv instead of your computer/ipad/etc.
all seasons of Eureka are available as torrents to download here.
I like using a ROKU for streaming.
I think the show you mentioned is Russian Doll which you can torrent download.
Between YouTube, the Roku, torrent downloads there isn't really much I can't find.
IMDB is a good source for finding the names of old shows and their spinoffs.
>Apparently Bill Burr had a project on it that bombed.
I don't believe that is true, as it was only released <em>two days ago</em>. Quibi never ended up releasing it before they folded, and Roku just released it for The Roku Channel, which you can watch via their website, app, or one of their devices.
Personally, I've only seen the first episode + a trailer and I think it looks great. Other reviews on his sub are all positive, but perhaps that's expected from fans.
We struggled with the same problem as you for years. Between toddlers and couches that excelled as black holes that would swallow anything you placed on them, we lost our remotes on a daily basis. Then earlier this year, Roku released the Voice Remote Pro, and I bought it immediately. It's definitely helped alleviate the issue a lot. It has an always listening mic (just like a Google Home or Echo) that you can issue voice commands through, including "find my remote", the remote has a speaker on it that will repeat a loud noise until you find it and press a button on it. You can also go through the Roku app and trigger the lost remote finder, if the remote can't hear your voice commands (like if it's buried under a cushion)
It's not a perfect solution, as the remote needs to be in range of your Roku in order for the lost remote finder to work. And it has a rechargeable battery that I'm finding myself needing to plug in every month and a half or so. And for some reason, they released a product in 2021 that uses Micro USB for recharging instead of USB-C. But those complaints aside, I'm still glad we bought it. It's been well worth it.
Tweet Mirror:@StockMKTNewz
>$ROKU today warned that YouTube TV $GOOG $GOOGL may come off the Roku platform if the two can't come to a deal resolving search concerns https://www.roku.com/blog/en-gb/update-on-youtube-tv
This is from the 10.5 Release announcement. Not exactly the same as antenna but is a free Live TV option:
Live TV Channel Guide for Roku streaming players: The Roku Channel’s Live TV Channel Guide has over 200+ free live TV channels and you can now add the Live TV channel directly onto your home screen for instant access if you have a Roku streaming player. Simply search for “Live TV on The Roku Channel” to install the channel onto the Roku home screen and instantly browse a wide variety of content
There is a Roku website (see below) that is free to use for anyone, you do not need a Roku devise. But if you want to watch it on your television, instead of a computer screen, Roku is one of the few media streamers with the Roku channel.
You may also be able to get a new Roku Remote instead -- the new like of voice remotes (not the "simple remote") comes with buttons that specifically control power and volume on the TV, and does so without using CEC
>Roku TV connection test registers 91 over wire, and 31 over air.
>Tech specs
>Networking
>>802.11ac dual-band MIMO Wi-Fi®
>>10/100 Base-T Ethernet
It's not a GB Ethernet adapter.
https://www.roku.com/products/roku-ultra
AppleTV has a gigabit adapter:
https://www.apple.com/apple-tv-4k/specs/
>802.11ax Wi‑Fi 6 with MIMO; simultaneous dual band (2.4GHz and 5GHz) >Gigabit Ethernet
>Why is RokuTV terrible at getting internet?
As others have said, this is enough for streaming even 4K+ quality now.
There are high end products that can take HDMI to SD and maintain the correct aspect ratio, but they are very expensive (I.e. near $1000 US).
The best solution I have found is the 2018 Roku Express+ that has composite outputs and maintains the correct aspect ratio. If you can find one of those used that will work for any 4:3 show that doesn't have pillar bars as part of its video image. There aren't many...that is why I use Plex for watching old TV shows. I can rip them from the DVD and they will be in the correct aspect ratio and a true 4:3 image.
For the ones that I record off of a 16:9 TV station (with the black bars), I simply run them through Handbrake to crop the bars off and then can play them back in Plex with the correct aspect ratio.
> Shows just freeze mid-stream (roughly every 10-20 minutes), then the app crashes and I land back on the Roku home screen
That sucks.
I have a stand alone Roku that works really well.
Or, consider AppleTV?
I have this one, regularly goes on sale for about $70
That looks like a RCA Roku TV remote and both Voice Remote options on the accessories page are compatible with all Roku TV units. Note that you can get the base voice remote at most Wallmart stores if you need one ASAP.
If the TV is 4:3 the best device I have found is the Roku Express+ (3910 or 3910RW aka 2018 Roku Express+). I tried the "converter boxes" (HDMI --> Composite) and it works okay for 16:9 material, but if they watch any older shows or 4:3 shows the image was just stretched horizontally so you had black bars on the top and bottom and short / fat people on the screen.
The Roku mentioned above is the only solution I found that handled the aspect ratio of programs correctly. I have most of the modern free apps on my and it works fine on my 1991 Sony Trinitron...granted I mostly use it with Plex to watch pre-2000's sitcoms like I did back in the day.
If you turn it on in one app using Roku captioning, it is turned on for all such apps. Is anybody else using your device?
This is a reason I appreciate being able to use voice commands - I just hold down the "Mic" button and say, "Turn off captions, " and it just does it. No need to go to Home > Settings > Accessibity > Captions mode, just to turn the durn captions off.
Voice commands are available with the Roku 3 (4230), Roku 4 (4400), Roku Streaming Stick (3800), Roku Streaming Stick+ (3810), Roku Premiere+ (3921), Roku Express+ (3921), Roku Ultra Lite (4662), and Roku Ultra (all models).
A Voice Remote ($19.99) is available that is compatible with many Roku Players and TVs: https://www.roku.com/products/accessories/player
I use Roku Premiere ($35) and it can play 4K (not sure about what all audio format it supports). I would recommend that or any higher model (Roku Streaming Stick or Roku Ultra) if your budget allows.
Do you really need to spend $100-120 less than a Series S on a mere streaming device, of which there are several manufacturers these days at far more affordable prices, with a bad remote?
Just get a $28 Roku and download the Apple TV app, or if you decide you do want gaming, get any Xbox since 2013 and download the Apple TV app on there, Xbox Media Remote optional.
The Roku Ultra is their only device with a wired Ethernet port, and that port can only do 100 Mbps max, so given some overhead you're probably doing fine. My guess is if you plugged in a device with a gigabit port you'd see faster speeds
I have one of the cheapest Roku's you can buy. The Roku Express. And it's worked fine for like five years now. I'd recommend getting the streaming stick though. It'll only run you $15 more. Just an overall better device.
I picked up Roku players for most of the TV's in my house. They are cheap and give you good access to a range of channels/services with very little hassle. You won't get everything, but with access to the likes of Now TV and other services it's a good option.
I've been watching it on my TV since it first launched in the US. They have a Roku app. Yes, buying a Roku is another expense, but they are available for $30 USD (23 GBP). This page from Roku lists places to buy it in the UK.
The link in my post takes me to a page selling 3 different remotes
​
Yes, get a trio of the Roku TV voice remotes (https://www.roku.com/products/accessories/roku-tv) These pair to the TV over RF (with IR as a fallback). Pair them all, then cover the IR windows on the TV, and you should have a usable setup. You can also use the Roku mobile app to control each TV separately.
>Smart features are all going to be obsolete long before the screen gives out.
While I agree with your statement, that's not the thrust of my question. Rather, I'm wondering whether Roku TVs receive security updates, not feature updates.
>you shouldn't even connect a smart TV to your network at all. Let a third party device handle the apps and networking.
I agree that's a viable approach. And indeed, at some point, I may disconnect my Android TV from the network, and rely on a streaming box that receives timely security updates, whether an NVIDIA Shield, or Roku Ultra, or whatever is hot at the moment. But if I could find a TV that reliably received security updates for at least a few years, that would be a good thing.
I never had a problem removing channels via my media player, Roku, but was disappointed to find no way of removing a channel via my www.roku.com account.
It appears you can add channels via the website, but not remove channels.
I would contact Roku Support to have them remove the offending channel from their end.
The Premiere line does NOT support 5Ghz. The Stick has it but not 4K. Stick+ is 4K with 5Ghz. But if Livestream is especially what you seek, the Ultra has 4K, 5Ghz and an Ethernet port. The Ethernet connection is least likely to get interrupted but/because it is wired.
In this comparison chart you are looking for "dual-band" under "Wireless + connectivity".
If you watch and wait for sales, $15 off is about the best I've seen.
The major streaming device providers - Roku, Amazon, Apple, [Your favourite here] - all have devices which will stream UHD (a.k.a "4K"). If connecting one with a cable, be sure it's a "Certified Premium" HDMI cable like this one with the label with the QI code. It will probably mention 4K, 60Hz, HDR, 18Gbps, and/or YUV 4:4:4.
Any UHD player connected with the right HDMI cable will play UHD content on your TV. The tricky part isn't HDR or even audio [Don't play audio through a TV], but the availability of content in a market in which same vendors are involved in both the content and the hardware. As a consumer, there is not much you can do about this and the market is in frequent flux, but if you really must have some specific content in UHD+HDR+Dolby Atmos, then you may need a specific player.
​
Your TV appears to support HDR10+, which is one of several competing HDR standards. You don't mention why you doubt this. Ideally your player will also support HDR10+, but given the low cost of players compared to TVs you can pick up a new Roku Premiere (model 3920) for $40 which supports HDR10 and will probably never notice any difference.
Don't be too concerned about HDR. Proper configuration and calibration of the TV and the viewing space will make by far the most difference to the experienced picture quality.
​
Not sure why things aren't working right. All the channels listed here should work.
What region is your Roku account registered in? That could be screwing with things.
Grab a new remote at https://www.roku.com/accessories/remotes, or use the free Roku mobile app! Some newer players offer a Remote Finder button, which we particularly enjoy for battling hungry couches. Happy Streaming!
I don't know about the Stick remotes... but the first one at https://www.roku.com/accessories (Roku® Voice Remote with TV Power and Volume Buttons plus Gaming Buttons) should work, as long as the TV is updated to Roku OS 8.0.
Roku stick+, Roku Express and Roku TVs are now on sale today, Thursday. The Roku deals tend to sell out quickly each year. The Roku blog includes deals at BestBuy etc as well. If you want to order directly, here is the Roku site: https://www.roku.com/index
- Roku Stick+ $49.99
Roku Express $22.00 (Wal-Mart only)
40% of select Roku tv models
Jeg vil anbefale dig at købe en Ruko ( https://www.roku.com/en-gb/index ) det er et firma der er startet inde i Netflix, men de er blevet formet ud som deres eget firma, der følger endda en fjernbetjening med så du slipper for at skulle bruge telefonen (som med Chromecast).
While they don't have the new model remotes in thier accessory store yet, I'd bet you can still get one from them if you contact support.
If you go to https://www.roku.com/en-ca/whats-on and scroll down, there's a search box where you can type the name of a channel to see if it's available in Canada. For some reason, Roku doesn't have a full "Channel Store" for Canada, but you can peruse a partial listing of the channels in Canada in a few sections further down on that same page and clicking "See more."
One of my recommendations above was to run a speedtest; I still recommend that. On your laptop, go to speedtest.net and run the test. Run it again at a time when you're having difficulty getting good picture quality. For now, the important thing is your upload speed; report back on what it says. You need a minimum of 5-7Mbps, but you'll likely have issues if it's 10 or less.
Having said that, since it works okay on the laptop and you only have issues when using the Chromecast, it may be easiest to remove the Chromecast from the equation. But you don't need a new TV.
Look at a Roku Streaming Stick. The "new" one retails for $70 when not on sale, but you could get the "older" 3600 model from 2016 for about $40 and it'll be just as good for you.
"New" Roku stick: https://www.roku.com/products/streaming-stick-plus
"Older" Roku 3600: https://www.roku.com/products/streaming-stick
The Roku will remove the need for the Chromecast and may give you better results.
What about a Roku stick for $49.99 or a Roku Express for $29.99? They have new models out which for the Express are faster. A Chromecast is fairly cheap but that needs to be tied to a phone. Roku has a YouTube app along with many other apps.
If your tv supports casting and you have an old phone that will cast to that tv, YouTube does have casting option from what I recall. The downside is your phone's battery life will probably take a beating and hopefully nobody loses the phone.
Oh yea, it has Roku which is the best smart TV operating system by far. It has every streaming app under the sun. No other smart TV works as good as Roku.
This set is a cord cutters dream it has Playstation Vue, Hulu, DirectTV now, Sling tv etc. plus every cable TV streaming app if you want to get rid of a cable box.