Roku requires minimal setup and connects to the internet like your PC does. Roku media streaming devices incorporate an operating system (OS) that allows users to access and manage internet streaming content.
Roku Device Types
There are three types of Roku devices available:
Roku Box: This option is a standalone box (such as the Roku Premiere) that connects to the internet via your broadband router using either Ethernet or Wi-Fi. A Roku Box can connect directly to your TV or a home theater receiver via HDMI (like a DVD or Blu-ray player). Roku Streaming Stick: This option is a compact device that is slightly larger than a USB flash drive, but instead of plugging into a USB port, you plug it into an available HDMI input on your TV or home theater receiver. The streaming stick has built-in Wi-Fi for connection to a broadband router. Roku TV: A Roku TV is an all-in-one solution that does not require the connection of an external box or stick to access internet streaming content, as the Roku operating system is already built into the TV. The TV connects to your broadband router either via Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection. TV brands that offer Roku TVs in their product lines include Hisense, Hitachi, Insignia, Sharp, and TCL. Roku TVs come in several screen sizes, and 720p, 1080p, and 4K Ultra HD versions are available.
Roku Channels and Apps
However, although there are many free internet streaming channels, many also require an additional subscription or pay-per-view fee to access the content. To be clear, if you buy the Roku device, you might have to pay for things to watch. In addition to internet streaming channels, Roku also provides apps that allow users to access video, music, and still image content stored on PCs or media servers that may also be connected to your home network. Check out the Roku What’s On Page for a complete channel and app listing. Beyond streaming, on most Roku TVs and select Roku boxes, the ability to play back video, music, and still image files stored on USB flash drives may be provided.
Setting Up A Roku Device
The process for setting up a Roku device is fairly straight-forward: At the end of the setup process, the Roku Home Menu will appear and enable you to access the device operation and channels/apps selection.
Convenience Features
Once you get a Roku device up and running, here are some great convenience features you can take advantage of.
Voice Search: Roku’s on-screen menu is easy to navigate using the buttons on the remote control, but if you have a Roku device that includes a voice-enabled remote control or you use the Roku Mobile App, you can use voice search to find content by actor, directors, movie or program title, or launch streaming channels in natural language. TV Everywhere Single Sign-On: For those who use a Roku Device in combination with cable or satellite service, this feature reduces the constant need to log into TV Everywhere channels. TV Everywhere Single-On (TVE) allows users to store up to 30 channel sign-ons. The Roku Channel: Although Roku serves as a gateway to thousands of internet streaming services and channels, it also offers free movies and TV shows, live news, and sports on its own Roku Channel without having to log in. Free content does contain limited commercials. The Roku Channel also includes access to paid content from HBO, Starz, and other select services. 4K Spotlight Channel: For users of either a Roku 4K-enabled streaming stick, box, or TV, an on-screen menu option is provided that makes it easy to find 4K content via categories, such as genre. The 4K spotlight channel only appears when a 4K-enabled streaming stick or box detects that it is connected to a compatible 4K Ultra HD TV. The 4K spotlight channel is built into 4K-enabled Roku TVs.
Additional Features For Roku TV Owners With Antennas
You can use Roku TV to access TV programs using a connected antenna and streaming content. Also, Roku provides some added conveniences specifically for Roku TVs.
Smart Guide: This feature combines over-the-air TV and streaming channel app listings for a more seamless navigation experience. You can also list your favorites. You can play from the beginning or resume playback from a specific point when streaming content. You can also display broadcast TV listings up to 14 days in advance. Roku Search For Over-The-Air Content: Not only does search work with streaming content (up to 500 channel apps), but you can also search through over-the-air content in combination. Voice Control For Roku TVs: In addition to Roku functions, such as searching and launching apps, Roku TV voice control can switch TV inputs and tune to a local broadcast channel. Also, for those that do not have a voice control remote, you can use a compatible mobile phone to perform these voice control tasks. Fast TV Start: Voice control allows the user to turn on the TV, go to a specific over-the-air TV channel or launch a streaming channel app. In other words, with the TV off, you can give a command such as “launch Netflix” or “Tune to CBS,” and the TV will turn on and go directly to that channel or app. Private Listening For Roku TVs: On select Roku TVs, users can listen to antenna-received or streaming programming via earphones connected to a headphone jack-equipped Roku remote control or earphones plugged into a compatible smartphone. Optional Roku TV Wireless Speakers: To get better sound on your Roku, you can connect your TV to a soundbar or home theater audio system. Roku also has a wireless speaker system for Roku TVs.
Which Roku Option Is Best For You?
Roku provides several options for adding comprehensive internet streaming to your TV viewing and music listening experience, but which option is right for you? Here are some possibilities:
If you have a TV with an HDMI connection, but no smart features — consider adding a Roku streaming stick or Roku box. If you have an older TV with no HDMI input, Roku makes a limited number of models, such as the Roku Express+, that will connect to a TV using analog video/audio connections. If you have a smart TV that doesn’t offer the streaming channels you want, you can add a standard Roku Streaming Stick or Roku Express to expand your selection. If you have a 4K Ultra HD TV and it is not a smart TV or a smart TV that does not offer enough streaming channels, consider the Streaming Stick+ or Roku Ultra that supports 4K streaming available from selected apps. If you are in the market for a new 1080p or 4K Ultra HD, Smart TV — a Roku TV might be an option to consider.
The Roku Mobile App
Roku also provides a mobile app for iOS and Android devices, allowing even more flexibility. The mobile app offers Voice Search and duplicates several menu categories that are part of the main Roku TV onscreen menu system, allowing you to control Roku devices directly from your phone. For Roku TVs, the mobile app also controls internet streaming and TV functions, such as input selection, OTA channel scanning, and picture and audio settings. You can also use a smartphone or tablet to send videos and photos from the phone to a Roku box or streaming stick and see them on your TV or directly from the phone to a Roku TV. Another bonus is that you can use your smartphone’s earphones for private listening of the content you are accessing on your Roku device.
How to Take Your Roku Streaming Stick or Box With You
You can take your Roku Box or Streaming Stick when traveling. When staying in a hotel, someone else’s house, or even a dorm room, you’ll need to plug the Roku device into the TV’s HDMI port. You’ll also need access to Wi-Fi. After logging in to your account, follow the additional instructions, and you’ll be set. For Roku boxes, don’t forget to pack an HDMI or Ethernet cable just in case you need one!
