Derek Malcolm / Digital Trends
pop cyclosis serviceslike Netflix , Max , Disney+ , and Amazon Prime Video are useable on most bright boob tube andstreaming devices . But one of the most popular brands in the game , without a doubt , is Roku . Part software maker and part hardware maker , Roku ’s boob tube OS can be find built in to many bright television receiver from such caller as Hisense and TCL , but the company alsomakes its own TVsand Roku streaming gimmick , such as the Roku Ultra and the Roku Streaming Stick 4K.
Roku ’s TV O offers a gateway to stacks of motion picture and telecasting show cognitive content , plus a whole bunch of liberal channels through its own complimentary advert - supported cyclosis service , The Roku Channel . Its devices bid screen mirroring capabilities and muckle of other Roku exclusives as well . And while Roku may not produce the flashiest hardware or software , the caller has a farsighted track record book of reliable , drug user - friendly technical school .
Derek Malcolm / Digital Trends
desire to ascertain more about Roku twist , features , and what ’s new with the streaming platform ? Here ’s a deep dive on all thing Roku .
What is Roku?
Roku is a company that make a family of media - streaming equipment running Roku software . The name means “ six ” in Japanese because Roku is the sixth company launch by its founder , Anthony Wood . The companionship launch its first product — the Roku DVP — in 2008 and has been let go of new versions of its hardware and software regularly ever since .
Unlike place theater PCs , game consoles , or other net - tie devices , Roku streaming media player have always focused on put up a dead - simple way of life to get at streaming video and audio capacity on any TV . Whether it’sNetflix , YouTube , Amazon Prime Video , or hundreds of other overhaul , a Roku gimmick lease you watch them all — plus a huge variety of specialized “ epithelial duct ” that stream everything else from the spiritual to the strange .
Today , Roku offer an regalia of products , include multiple versions of the classic streaming program , wise TVs with build - in Roku cyclosis software system , soundbars , speakers , home security product , and the Roku Channel for live television receiver viewing .
Is it a device, or is it software?
It ’s both ! Roku sells its own hardware — the Roku players — that run from $ 30 on the low - end ( Roku Express ) to $ 100 for the in vogue flagship streamer(Roku Ultra ( 2024 ) ) , with several model in between , including stick - dash players that secure directly into your TV . These players can be used on any idiot box with an HDMI connection , but they ’re specially ready to hand for folks who do n’t own asmart TVwith its own net connection . Each player comes witha Roku remote control , the latest variant bid voice control and Bluetooth connectivity . They ’re easy - to - use devices that let you navigate the Roku on - screenland carte and control the playback of streaming media . The Roku Mobile app for your smartphone ( useable foriOSandAndroid devices ) can also be used to assure the system with some added lineament and easier search with the on - screen keyboard ( more on the remote later ) .
Roku has also built the Roku type O into budget - friendlysoundbars , which can be expanded intofull wireless surround systemswhen you pair it with Roku ’s wireless speakers and subwoofers .
Roku also licenses its Roku oxygen ( which it uses on its player ) to third parties , including TV producer like TCL , Hisense , RCA , Onn , and Toshiba . These Roku - powered goggle box are eff asRoku TVs , and depending on the model , they backpack the entire Roku experience , plus control over the television ’s consecrated functions , like volume , groove , and inputs , into Roku ’s bare interface . For many folks , that ’s a big reason to buy a Roku tv set . Most late , the troupe launched its Roku - brand TVs , which are trade exclusively through Best Buy .
Another intellect to buy a dedicated Roku TV ? Many of these models supportDolby Vision , a high dynamic range ( HDR ) television formatting that looks good than received HDR10 . That ’s important because , so far , Roku only has a few standalone devices that offer Dolby Vision : Roku Streaming Stick 4 K , Roku Streaming Stick 4K+ , and Roku Ultra .
Do I have to pay a subscription?
No subscription fee is require to use any of Roku ’s features , whether you purchase a Roku actor , Roku telly , or soundbar . However , Roku lets you access plenty of streaming services that do demand a subscription . Netflix , Hulu , Disney+ , Max , andHuluare all popular examples of subscription - based content . You ’ll also find it ’s potential to get at moving picture rental or leverage services , which also require some form of payment .
Alongside the paid - content options are rafts of completely devoid sources of content , including access to 350 alive TV channels that you’re able to find through The Roku Channel ’s LiveTV Channel Guide . Plus , most Roku gimmick let you get at your collection of motion picture , TV shows , photos , and music . Some Roku players , like the Ultra , bring home the bacon a dedicated USB port so you may plug in an outside hard drive and flirt files directly .
How does it work?
Whether you buy a Roku player , Roku TV , or a Roku - enable soundbar , the experience will be very standardized . All Roku devices need an internet connection . Some equipment countenance you to expend an Ethernet cable length for a hard - wired connexion to your modem / router , but all of them will work with Wi - Fi , too . Once you get your gadget rig up , including make a barren Roku score , you could start using it immediately .
Home screen menu
The first thing you ’ll see after your initial apparatus is the Roku home screen . This include a main bill of fare on the left field and a serial of orotund graphic logotype on the right laid out in an easygoing - to - read power grid design . These rectangles , which will include items like Netflix , YouTube , The Roku Channel , and others , are known as “ distribution channel . ” channel comport just like apps on your smartphone — in fact , theyareapps , but because Roku is so TV - centric , it call them channel because you watch them .
To watch a channel , practice the included remote , navigate to the one you desire , and pressOK . The distribution channel will launch , and if it ’s a line thatrequires a subscription ( like Netflix ) , you ’ll be asked to signalize in or create a new explanation . This process unremarkably requires a 2d equipment like a smartphone , tablet , or PC with a browser app , but you only necessitate to do it once .
When you want to view another epithelial duct or return to the family screen at any time , press theHomebutton on the remote control . Selecting and launching channels is the essence of Roku , but there ’s way of life more you could do on a Roku machine .
Adding channels
The ability to add new channel to your Roku home screen door is one of the heavy reasons for the platform ’s popularity . Roku ’s duct memory board has thousands , pasture from daily necessity likeCBS NewsandSpotifyto TV shows from across the pond ( Acorn television ) to the deeply obscureLight Saber internet . You ’ll also find ready to hand utilities likePlex , which lets you stream from your personal media depository library , games , and channels that rent you keep an center on yoursecurity cameras .
add line can be done using your Roku remote by channel-surf through the Streaming Channels menu item , or you could do iton the webusing a browser app . Roku ’s wandering app ( more on this below ) is another path to retrieve and add transmission channel . you could search for channels by name or verbal description or use the many helpful family like Games , Movies , Comedy , Cable Alternatives , Recommended , New and Updated , etc .
Searching for something to watch
memory access to thousands of communication channel is a vast benefit to using Roku , but the sheer amount of content can become overwhelming . Thankfully , Roku has an effective cosmopolitan search feature film that let you look for message based on the title , doer , or film director . you may even search by notable lines of dialog like , “ I can do this all sidereal day ” or “ hamburger ! The cornerstone of any nutritious breakfast . ”
It pulls effect from over 500 of the top cyclosis channels — while some of the more esoteric message may not show up , you ’ll still get the most pop contentedness . If you own a Roku TV connected to anover - the - air feeler , you ’ll see subject matches from available TV stations , too .
match are sorted by cost , and icons beside the titles indicate whether it ’s a channel , film , or TV show . Clicking on these hunting results gives you more data about the point , like a outline and cast and crew details , and which communication channel let you watch it . The best part is being capable to see when a given film or show is included in one of your subscriptions .
Use your voice
Some Roku devices and Roku TVs amount with a microphone built into the remote control . you could use it to dosearches with your voice or issue commandslike “ play , ” “ pause , ” or “ fast forward three minutes . ” Roku TVs have their own voice command that let you control channels , stimulation , and volume . With the Roku OS 11 update , an summate feature article called Roku Voice permit you to apply your phonation to enter passwords ( yes ! ) , e-mail addresses , PINs , and login selective information .
If your Roku gadget did n’t come with a voice - equal to remote or it is n’t compatible with Roku ’s part remotes , you could still use your voice via the free Roku app for Io and Android . We ’ve aim more on the Roku app and its capableness below .
Finding free content
If you do n’t have a streaming media subscription with one of the big serve or want to see what else is uncommitted to you outside of your subscriptions , theFeatured Free sectionis a dandy place to pop out . It offers a hand - curated selection of show and picture show from sources like The Roku Channel , ABC , NBC , The CW , Pluto TV , Crackle , and more . They ’re all free to view , though most contain advertising .
If you select a show or movie from a channel that is n’t currently put in on your Roku machine , you ’ll be remind to add it . Once contribute , your depicted object should start streaming right away .
The Roku Channel
speak of free content , one of the best berth to receive it on Roku is The Roku Channel . Almost an entire streaming experience unto itself , The Roku Channel afree ad - supported streaming divine service ( FAST)that offer a aggregation of free - to - watch , advertising - hold appearance and motion picture , which you may raise by tote up optional paid subscription services . Starz , Epix , and Showtime are among the biggest of these premium subscription selection , but many more , like the Smithsonian Channel and Stingray Music , are available too .
But wait , there ’s more : The Roku Channel is also home tomore than 350 free lively television streaming channels , which admit providers such as ABC News Live , NowThis , Reuters , and USA Today . You ’ll find summercater networks , too , including Fubo Sports connection , international goggle box , and Adventure Sports connection .
To help you navigate the live TV portion of the Roku Channel , there ’s a guide sieve that looks just like the kind you ’d find on transmission line or satellite boxes .
All of these choices can be a bit puzzling . After all , you could already add the Epix communication channel to Roku if you ’re an Epix reader via cable or the Epix Now channel if you want to sign up directly , so why would you want one of these subscription inside The Roku Channel ?
The answer is portability . While consecrate channels added from the Channel Store only work on Roku devices , The Roku Channel is available to watch within the Roku app for iOS and Android and on the web . It ’s a ingenious means to extend a destiny of the Roku experience onto other machine , letting you watch anywhere you go .
The Roku app
The free Roku app forAndroidandiOSdevices importantly enhances what you’re able to do with Roku at house and when you ’re on the route . With the launching of o 12 in March 2023 , the app got a long - overdue revamp that included a habitation screen layout redesign and improve account direction tools . Here are some of its best feature :
Hotel and dorm room connect
Setting up a rain buckets equipment in a hotel or a college dorm is n’t always easy . That ’s because the Wi - Fi in these position often ask a petty sign - in pace know as a “ captive portal ” that use a web browser screen instead of the common Wi - Fi password prompt . With Roku ’s hotel and dorm way connect feature , you’re able to practice your smartphone , tablet , or laptop to sign in to the captive portal page and get your Roku gadget connected . Here ’s ourfull set of instructionsfor this subprogram .
Guest mode
Like hotel and dormitory rooms , many people are begin to admit access to a Roku twist when hire out their homes via services like Airbnb . But you do n’t really require these guests using your pullulate bill or add their favorite streaming groove to your gimmick . There are privacy considerations , plus it could mess up your individualized testimonial .
in the beginning called Auto Sign Out Mode , Guest Modelets you cater your invitee with a completely fresh Roku experience that they can use as - is or make their own by sign into their personal Roku write up . Once your guests leave , you could exit Guest Mode and return to your own Roku experience , though you will have to sign back into your streaming video recording subscription business relationship on that gadget .
Another canny attention deficit hyperactivity disorder - on for Guest Mode is the ability to leave a individualized content for your guests and remotely cease guest school term on all of your Roku machine via the entanglement .
Casting, screen mirroring, and AirPlay 2
As mention above , the Roku app can be used to cast photos and video from your sound or tablet to a Roku gimmick or idiot box . But there ’s more you’re able to do with a Roku , depend on the kind of gadget you own and the apps you ’re using .
Casting
Casting is the act of evidence an app or a web web browser that you want to view the message that ’s currently play on your TV instead . Your ability to do this diverge from app to app . For instance , the Netflix and YouTube apps will countenance you beg a casting icon and opt your Roku gadget or television receiver as the stead you ’d wish to view content .
Not all apps support this feature film . To see if an app has it , check for the throw off ikon ( it looks like a screen with a wireless signal ) somewhere on its main screenland .
Screen mirroring
If you have an iOS , MacOS , Android , or Windows gadget , you’re able to mirror your filmdom to a Roku gimmick or idiot box . Unlike casting , which just shows a video or photo using the whole tv set , cover mirroring shows precisely what you ’re image on the originating equipment — including any open program , taskbars , and notifications . It ’s like having an inconspicuous HDMI cable and can be handy for show a larger grouping of people how to employ fresh software system or for running a PowerPoint slideshow on a big filmdom . Here’sRoku ’s guide to screen mirroring .
AirPlay 2
Yes , all 4K - subject Roku histrion Roku areAirPlay 2 technologycompatible . AirPlay 2 allows Roku devices and TVs to be AirPlay “ targets ” for macOS , iPadOS , and iOS devices , open up up an inflate world of casting and screen mirroring . Roku alsoadded Apple ’s HomeKitin Roku OS 9.4 , which makes select Roku devices compatible with Apple ’s abode mechanization political platform .
What’s the latest with Roku?
The new and improved version of the Roku Ultra ( 2024 ) landed in September 2024 , bringing with it a few noteworthy raise .
Roku claims this is the undecomposed streaming gadget the company has made to date , with features include a profligate quad - meat central processor , Dolby Vision , HDR10 + , andDolby Atmos support , along with a new backlit version of the Roku Voice Remote Pro that includes backlit buttons , a lost distant single-valued function , and USB - degree centigrade recharging .
Roku is also in the midst of an oculus sinister 14 rollout on many of its stream devices and bright TVs . The latest version of Roku ’s try and straight software sees proper attention paid to the popular Kids & Family user interface . Not only can the family - friendly dashboard be append as a home screen crosscut but now you ’ll have access to over 50,000 moving-picture show and shows that are sartor - made for kids and family .
OS 14 also sees the addition of like and dislike button that appear on a picture or show ’s championship page . Roku claims that the more users interact with this new feature , the better Roku will be at recommending content to viewers .
Other noteworthy improvements include additional Roku Voice controls for configure TV setting and a few new layers to the Roku Mobile app . consort to Roku , you ’ll now get content recommendations through the app , as well as genre and category filter , app shortcuts , and more .
you’re able to read a more elaborated story of every new feature and modification made to Roku OS 14 onRoku ’s package release notes Thomas Nelson Page .
