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Roku
Brand of streaming media players

Roku is a brand of consumer electronics that includes streaming players, smart TVs (and their operating systems), as well as a free TV streaming service. The brand is owned by Roku, Inc., an American company.

As of 2024, Roku is the U.S. market leader in streaming video distribution, reaching nearly 145 million people.

History

Roku was founded by Anthony Wood in 2002; he had previously founded ReplayTV, a DVR company that competed with TiVo.4 After ReplayTV's failure, Wood worked for a while at Netflix. In 2007, Wood's company began working with Netflix on Project:Griffin, a set-top box to allow Netflix users to stream Netflix content to their TVs.5 Only a few weeks before the project's launch, Netflix's founder Reed Hastings decided it would hamper license arrangements with third parties, potentially keeping Netflix off other similar platforms, and killed the project.6 Fast Company magazine cited the decision to kill the project as "one of Netflix's riskiest moves".7

Netflix then decided instead to spin off the company, and Roku released their first set-top box in 2008.8 In 2010 they began offering models with various capabilities, which eventually became their standard business model.9 In 2014, Roku partnered with smart TV manufacturers to produce TVs with built-in Roku functionality.10 In 2015, Roku won the inaugural Emmy for Television Enhancement Devices.

In January 2018, CNET reported that Roku was debuting a new licensing program for smart audio devices such as smart speakers, sound bars and whole-home audio, while noting the "ease of use" and "superb streaming options" offered by Roku TVs.11

According to CNBC in 2021, Roku was the U.S. market leader in streaming video distribution.12 Later in 2023, Variety called Roku "the top connected TV platform" in the U.S.13 In December 2023, a Popular Mechanics review cited Roku TVs to be affordable and easy to use, while also noting that the Roku-integrated TVs lacked "the premium brand badging of big players like Sony or Samsung".14

According to The Verge in July 2024, a Roku OS update in June 2024 had "ruined" the Roku TV experience. This update added "motion smoothing", and was reportedly irreversible. This followed another identical issue reported in 2020 for Roku TVs made by TCL.15

In August 2024, a Wired review noted that ease of use was one of the main reasons to buy any Roku product.16

In February 2025, Roku said it reached more than 90 million streaming households. The Roku Channel reportedly reached households with nearly 145 million people.17

Roku streaming players

First generation

The first Roku model, the Roku DVP N1000, was unveiled on May 20, 2008. It was developed in partnership with Netflix to serve as a standalone set-top box for its recently introduced "Watch Instantly" service. The goal was to produce a device with a small footprint that could be sold at low cost compared to larger digital video recorders and video game consoles. It features an NXP PNX8935 video decoder supporting both standard and high definition formats up to 720p; HDMI output; and automatic software updates, including the addition of new channels for other video services.181920

Roku launched two new models in October 2009: the Roku SD (a simplified version of the DVP, with only analog AV outputs); and the Roku HD-XR, an updated version with 802.11n Wi-Fi and a USB port for future functionality. The Roku DVP was retroactively renamed the Roku HD. By then, Roku had added support for other services. The next month, they introduced the Channel Store, where users could download third-party apps for other content services (including the possibility of private services for specific uses).2122

Netflix support was initially dependent on a PC, requiring users to add content to their "Instant Queue" from the service's web interface before it could be accessed via Roku. In May 2010, the channel was updated to allow users to search the Netflix library directly from the device.23

In August 2010, Roku announced plans to add 1080p video support to the HD-XR.24 The next month, they released an updated lineup with thinner form factors: a new HD; the XD, with 1080p support; and the XDS, with optical audio, dual-band Wi-Fi, and a USB port. The XD and XDS also included an updated remote.25

Support for the first-generation Roku models ended in September 2015.26

Second generation

In July 2011, Roku unveiled its second generation of players, branded as Roku 2 HD, XD, and XS. All three models include 802.11n, and also add microSD slots and Bluetooth. The XD and XS support 1080p, and only the XS model includes an Ethernet connector and USB port. They also support the "Roku Game Remote"—a Bluetooth remote with motion controller support for games, which was bundled with the XS and sold separately for other models.27 The Roku LT was unveiled in October, as an entry-level model with no Bluetooth or microSD support.28

In January 2012, Roku unveiled the Streaming Stick - a new model condensed into a dongle form factor using Mobile High-Definition Link (MHL).2930 Later in October, Roku introduced a new search feature to the second-generation models, aggregating content from services usable on the device.31

Third generation

Roku unveiled its third-generation models in March 2013, the Roku 3 and Roku 2. The Roku 3 contains an upgraded CPU over the 2 XS, and a Wi-Fi Direct remote with an integrated headphone jack. The Roku 2 features only the faster CPU.3233 A software update in October 2014 added support for peer-to-peer Miracast wireless.34

Fourth generation

In October 2015, Roku introduced the Roku 4; the device contains upgraded hardware with support for 4K resolution video, as well as 802.11ac wireless.35

Fifth generation

In September 2016, Roku revamped their entire streaming player line-up with five new models (low end Roku Express, Roku Express+, high end Roku Premiere, Roku Premiere+, and top-of-the-line Roku Ultra), while the Streaming Stick (3600) was held over from the previous generation (having been released the previous April) as a sixth option.36 The Roku Premiere+ and Roku Ultra support HDR video using HDR10.37

Sixth generation

In October 2017, Roku introduced its sixth generation of products. The Premiere and Premiere+ models were discontinued, the Streaming Stick+ (with an enhanced Wi-Fi antenna device) was introduced, as well as new processors for the Roku Streaming Stick, Roku Express, and Roku Express+.38

Seventh generation

In September 2018, Roku introduced the seventh generation of products. Carrying over from the 2017 sixth-generation without any changes were the Express (3900), Express+ (3910), Streaming Stick (3800), and Streaming Stick+ (3810). The Ultra is the same hardware device from 2017, but it comes with JBL premium headphones and is repackaged with the new model number 4661. Roku has resurrected the Premiere and Premiere+ names, but these two new models bear little resemblance to the 2016 fifth-generation Premiere (4620) and Premiere+ (4630) models. The new Premiere (3920) and Premiere+ (3921) are essentially based on the Express (3900) model with 4K support added, it also includes Roku Streaming Stick+ Headphone Edition (3811) for improving Wifi signal strength and private listening.39

Eighth generation

In September 2019, Roku introduced the eighth generation of products.40

The same year, Netflix announced that it would stop supporting older generations of Roku, including the Roku HD, HD-XR, SD, XD, and XDS, as well as the NetGear-branded XD and XDS beginning on December 1, 2019. Roku had warned in 2015 that it would stop updating players made in May 2011 or earlier, and these vintage boxes were among them.41

Ninth generation

On September 28, 2020, Roku introduced the ninth generation of products.42 An updated Roku Ultra was released along with the addition of the Roku Streambar, a 2-in-1 Roku and Soundbar device. The microSD slot was removed from the new Ultra 4800, making it the first top-tier Roku device since the first generation to lack this feature. On April 14, 2021, Roku announced the Roku Express 4K+, replacing the 8th generation Roku Express devices, the Voice Remote Pro as an optional upgrade for existing Roku players, and Roku OS 10 for all modern Roku devices.43

Tenth generation

On September 20, 2021, Roku introduced the tenth generation of products.44 The Roku Streaming Stick 4K45 was announced along with the Roku Streaming Stick 4K+ which includes an upgraded rechargeable Roku Voice Remote Pro with lost remote finder.46 Roku announced an updated Roku Ultra LT with a faster processor, stronger Wi-Fi and Dolby Vision as well as Bluetooth audio streaming and built-in Ethernet support.47 Roku also announced Roku OS 10.5 with several new and improved features.48

On November 15, 2021, Roku announced a budget model Roku LE (3930S3) to be sold at Walmart, while supplies last.49 It lacks 4K and HDR10 support, making its features similar to those of the 2019 Roku Express (3930). It has the same form factor as the 2019 Roku Express, except the plastic shell is white rather than black.

Feature comparison

First generation
ModelIntroducedVideo outputsVideo resolutionsAudio outputNetworkUSBRemoteProcessorMemoryChannel storage 50micro SD slotNetflix with Profiles
Composite,S-VideoComponent,HDMI480i,480p720p,1080p (HD)2160p(4K)AnalogOptical,HDMIEthernet802.11wireless
Roku DVP (N1000)May 2008BothBothBoth720pNoYesBothYesb/gNoIRPNX8935 400 MHz 5152[45]256 MB64 MB53NoNo
Roku SD (N1050)Oct 2009CompositeNeither480iNeitherNoYesNeitherYesb/gNoIRPNX8935 400 MHz5455256 MB64 MB56NoNo
Roku HD (N1100)Nov 2009BothBothBoth720pNoYesBothYesb/gNoIRPNX8935 400 MHz5758256 MB64 MB59NoNo
Roku HD-XR (N1101)Oct 2009BothBothBothBoth60NoYesBothYesa/b/g/n dual-bandYesIRPNX8935 400 MHz6162256 MB256 MB63NoNo
Roku HD (2000)Sep 2010CompositeHDMIBoth720pNoYesHDMIYesb/gNoIRPNX8935 400 MHz64256 MB64 MB65NoNo
Roku XD (2050)Sep 2010CompositeHDMIBothBoth66NoYesHDMIYesb/g/nNoIRPNX8935 400 MHz6768256 MB64 MB69NoNo
Roku XDS (2100)Sep 2010CompositeBoth70BothBoth71NoYesBothYesa/b/g/n dual-bandYesIRPNX8935 400 MHz[45]72256 MB256 MB73NoNo
Second generation
ModelIntroducedVideo outputsVideo resolutionsAudio outputNetworkUSBRemoteProcessorMemoryChannel storage 74micro SD slotNetflix with Profiles
Composite,S-VideoComponent,HDMI480i,480p720p,1080p (HD)2160p(4K)AnalogOptical,HDMIEthernet802.11wireless
Roku LT (2400)Nov 2011CompositeHDMIBoth720pNoYesHDMINob/g/nNoIRBCM2835 600 MHz7576256 MB256 MB77NoNo
Roku LT (2450)Apr 2012CompositeHDMIBoth720pNoYesHDMINob/g/nNoIRBCM7208 405 MHz78256 MB256 MB79NoNo
Roku HD (2500)Apr 2012CompositeHDMIBoth720pNoYesHDMINob/g/nNoIRBCM7208 405 MHz80256 MB81256 MB82NoNo
Roku 2 HD (3000)Jul 2011CompositeHDMIBoth720pNoYesHDMINob/g/nNoIR83BCM2835 600 MHz8485256 MB256 MB86YesNo
Roku 2 XD (3050)Jul 2011CompositeHDMIBothBoth87NoYesHDMINob/g/nNoIR88BCM2835 600 MHz8990256 MB256 MB91YesNo
Roku 2 XS (3100)Jul 2011CompositeHDMIBothBoth92NoYesHDMIYesb/g/nYesIR, BluetoothBCM2835 600 MHz 9394256 MB256 MB95YesNo
Roku Streaming Stick, MHL (3400, 3420)Oct 2012NeitherMHL only480pBoth96NoNoHDMINob/g/n dual-band97NoWi-Fi DirectBCM2835 600 MHz98256 MB99512 MBNoNo
Roku Streaming Stick, HDMI (3500)Mar 2014100NeitherHDMINeither720pNoNoHDMINoa/b/g/n dual-bandNoWi-Fi DirectBCM2835 600 MHz512 MB256 MBNoYes
Third generation
ModelIntroducedVideo outputsVideo resolutionsAudio outputNetworkUSBRemoteProcessorMemoryChannel storage 101micro SD slotNetflix with Profiles102
Composite,S-VideoComponent,HDMI480i,480p720p,1080p (HD)2160p(4K)AnalogOptical,HDMIEthernet802.11wireless
Roku LT (2700)Sep 2013CompositeHDMIBoth720pNoYesHDMINob/g/nNoIRBCM7218 600 MHz512 MB256 MBNoNo
Roku 1, SE (2710)Sep 2013CompositeHDMIBothBothNoYesHDMINob/g/nNoIRBCM7218 600 MHz512 MB256 MBNoNo
Roku 2 (2720)Sep 2013CompositeHDMIBothBothNoYes & RemoteHDMINoa/b/g/n dual-bandNoIR, Wi-Fi DirectBCM7218 600 MHz512 MB256 MBNoNo
Roku 3 (4200)Mar 2013NeitherHDMINeitherBothNoRemote103HDMIYesa/b/g/n dual-bandYesIR, Wi-Fi DirectBCM11130 900 MHz512 MB256 MBYesYes
Roku 2 (4210)Apr 2015NeitherHDMINeitherBothNoNoHDMIYesa/b/g/n dual-bandYesIR104BCM11130 900 MHz512 MB256 MBYesYes
Roku 3 (4230)Apr 2015NeitherHDMINeitherBothNoRemote105HDMIYesa/b/g/n dual-bandYesIR, Wi-Fi Direct, Voice SearchBCM11130 900 MHz512 MB256 MBYesYes
Fourth generation
ModelIntroducedVideo outputsVideo resolutionsAudio outputNetworkUSBRemoteProcessorMemoryChannel storage 106micro SD slotNetflix with Profiles107
Composite,S-VideoComponent,HDMI480i,480p720p,1080p (HD)2160p(4K)AnalogOptical,HDMIEthernet802.11wireless
Roku Streaming Stick (3600) 108Apr 2016NeitherHDMINeitherBothNoStream to smartphoneHDMINoa/b/g/n dual-bandNoWi-Fi DirectBCM2836 900 MHz109110512 MB256 MBNoYes
Roku 4 (4400) 111Oct 2015NeitherHDMINeitherBothYesRemote112Optical & HDMIYes, 10/100 Mbpsa/b/g/n/ac dual-bandYesIR, Wi-Fi Direct, Voice SearchSTV7723A01 1131.5 GB512 MBYesYes
Fifth generation
ModelIntroducedVideo outputsVideo resolutionsAudio outputNetworkUSBRemoteProcessor114MemoryChannel storage 115micro SD slotNetflix with Profiles116
Composite,S-VideoComponent,HDMI480i,480p720p60,1080p60 (HD)2160p60(4K)AnalogOptical,HDMIEthernet802.11wireless
Roku Express (3700)Oct 2016NeitherHDMINeitherBothNoStream to smartphoneHDMINob/g/nNoIRMStar MSA3Z177Z1117 900 MHz (MIPS 900 MHz)512 MB256 MBNoYes
Roku Express+ (3710)Oct 2016CompositeHDMI480iBothNoYes & Stream to smartphoneHDMINob/g/nNoIRMSA3Z177Z1 900 MHz (MIPS 900 MHz)512 MB256 MBNoYes
Roku Premiere (4620)Oct 2016NeitherHDMINeitherBothYesStream to smartphoneHDMINoa/b/g/n/ac dual-bandNoIRMStar MSO9380 1.2 GHz (ARM Cortex A53)1 GB512 MBNoYes
Roku Premiere+ (4630)Oct 2016NeitherHDMINeitherBothYesRemote118 & Stream to smartphoneHDMIYes, 10/100 Mbpsa/b/g/n/ac dual-bandNoIR, Wi-Fi DirectMStar MSO9380 1.2 GHz (ARM Cortex A53)1 GB512 MBYesYes
Roku Ultra (4640)Oct 2016NeitherHDMINeitherBothYesRemote119 & Stream to smartphoneOptical & HDMIYes, 10/100 Mbpsa/b/g/n/ac dual-bandYesIR, Wi-Fi Direct, Voice SearchMStar MSO9380 1.2 GHz (ARM Cortex A53)1 GB1 GBYesYes
Sixth generation
ModelIntroducedVideo outputsVideo resolutionsHDR formatAudio outputNetworkUSBRemoteProcessor 120MemoryChannel storage 121micro SD slotNetflix with Profiles122
Composite,S-VideoComponent,HDMI480i,480p720p60,1080p60 (HD)2160p60(4K)HDR10/Dolby VisionAnalogOptical,HDMIEthernet802.11wireless
Roku Express (3900)123Oct 2017NeitherHDMINeitherBothNoNoStream to smartphoneHDMINob/g/nNoIRARM Cortex A53512MB256MBNoYes
Roku Express+ (3910)124Oct 2017CompositeHDMI480iBothNoNoYes & Stream to smartphoneHDMINob/g/nNoIRARM Cortex A53512MB256MBNoYes
Roku Streaming Stick (3800)125Oct 2017NeitherHDMINeitherBothNoNoStream to smartphoneHDMINoa/b/g/n/ac dual-bandNoWi-Fi Direct, Voice SearchARM Cortex A53512MB256MBNoYes
Roku Streaming Stick+ (3810)126Oct 2017NeitherHDMINeitherBothYesHDR10Stream to smartphoneHDMINoa/b/g/n/ac dual-bandNoWi-Fi Direct, Voice SearchARM Cortex A531GB512MBNoYes
Roku Ultra (4660)127Oct 2017NeitherHDMINeitherBothYesHDR10Remote128 & Stream to smartphoneHDMIYes, 10/100 Mbpsa/b/g/n/ac dual-bandYesIR, Wi-Fi Direct, Voice SearchARM Cortex A531GB512MBYesYes
Seventh generation
ModelIntroducedPortsVideo outputAudio outputWireless802.11RemoteProcessorMemoryStorage 129
Optical, HDMIEthernetUSBmicroSDHD4KHDR10,Dolby VisionAnalogDTSDolby Atmos
Roku Premiere (3920)Sep 2018HDMINoNoNoYesYesHDR10Stream to smartphoneYesYesb/g/nIRARM Cortex A531GB130512MB
Roku Premiere+ (3921)Sep 2018HDMINoNoNoYesYesHDR10Stream to smartphoneYesYesb/g/nIR, Wi-Fi Direct, Voice SearchARM Cortex A531GB131512MB132
Roku Ultra (4661)Sep 2018HDMI10/100 MbpsYesYesYesYesHDR10Remote133 & stream to smartphoneYesYesa/b/g/n/acdual-bandIR, Wi-Fi Direct, Voice SearchARM Cortex A531GB512MB
Eighth generation
ModelIntroducedPortsVideo outputAudio outputWireless802.11RemoteProcessorMemoryStorage 134
Optical, HDMIEthernetUSBmicroSDHD4KHDR10,Dolby VisionAnalogDTSDolby Atmos
Roku Streaming Stick+ (3810)Sep 2019HDMI 2.0aNoYes*, for long-range wireless receiverNoYesYesHDR10Stream to smartphoneYesYesa/b/g/n/acdual-bandIR, Wi-Fi Direct, Voice SearchARM Cortex A531GB512MB
Roku Express, SE, LE (3930)Sep 2019HDMI 1.4bNoYes*, for powerNoYesNoNoStream to smartphoneYesYesb/g/nIRARM Cortex A53512MB256MB
Roku Express+ (3931)Sep 2019HDMI 1.4bNoYes*, for powerNoYesNoNoStream to smartphoneYesYesb/g/nIR, Wi-Fi Direct, Voice SearchARM Cortex A53512MB256MB
Roku Premiere (3920)Sep 2019HDMI 2.0aNoYes*, for powerNoYesYesHDR10Stream to smartphoneYesYesb/g/nIRARM Cortex A531GB512MB135
Roku Ultra LT (4662)Sep 2019HDMI 2.0aYesNoYesYesYesHDR10Remote & Stream to smartphoneYesYesa/b/g/n/acdual-bandIR, Wi-Fi Direct, Voice SearchARM Cortex A531GB512MB
Roku Ultra (4670)Sep 2019HDMI 2.0aYesYesYesYesYesHDR10Remote & Stream to smartphoneYesYesa/b/g/n/acdual-bandIR, Wi-Fi Direct, Voice SearchARM Cortex A532GB512MB
Ninth generation
ModelIntroducedPortsVideo outputAudio outputWireless802.11RemoteProcessorMemoryStorage 136
Optical, HDMIEthernetUSBmicroSDHD4KHDR10/HDR10+Dolby Vision/HLGAnalogDTSDolby Atmos
Roku Express 4K (3940)May 2021HDMI 2.0bRequires compatible USB Ethernet adapterMicro USB (external USB drive access frustrated by splitter non-support)137138NoYesYesHDR10, HDR10+, HLGStream to smartphoneYesYesa/b/g/n/acdual-bandIRRealtek 13151GB4GB
Roku Express 4K+ (3941)May 2021HDMI 2.0bRequires compatible USB Ethernet adapterMicro USB (external USB drive access frustrated by splitter non-support)NoYesYesHDR10, HDR10+, HLGRemote & Stream to smartphoneYesYesa/b/g/n/acdual-bandVoiceRealtek 13151GB4GB
Roku Ultra (4800)Oct 2020HDMI 2.0b10/100 Mbps3.0NoYesYesAllRemote & Stream to smartphoneYesDecoder, AC4, MAT 2.0a/b/g/n/acdual-bandMIMOVoice, Headphone Jack, Lost RemoteRealtek 13192GB4GB
Roku Streambar (9102)Oct 2020Optical, HDMI 2.0a (ARC)Requires compatible USB Ethernet adapter2.0NoYesYesHDR10, HLGRemote & Stream to smartphoneYesYesa/b/g/n/acdual-bandMIMOVoiceMStar C21GB512MB
Tenth generation
ModelIntroducedPortsVideo outputAudio outputWireless802.11RemoteProcessorMemoryStorage 139
Optical, HDMIEthernetUSBmicroSDHD4KHDR10/HDR10+Dolby Vision/HLGAnalogDTSDolby Atmos
Roku Streaming Stick 4K (3820)Sep 2021HDMI 2.0bRequires compatible USB Ethernet adapter - no LRWR requires app remoteMicro USB, for long-range wireless receiver, compatible USB Ethernet adapterNoYesYesAllStream to smartphoneYesYesa/b/g/n/acdual-bandMIMOVoiceRealtek 13151GB4GB
Roku Streaming Stick 4K+ (3821)Sep 2021HDMI 2.0bRequires compatible USB Ethernet adapter - no LRWR requires app remoteMicro USB, for long-range wireless receiver, compatible USB Ethernet adapterNoYesYesAllStream to smartphoneYesYesa/b/g/n/acdual-bandMIMOVoice, Headphone Jack, Lost Remote, RechargeableRealtek 13151GB4GB
Roku Ultra LT (4801)Sep 2021HDMI 2.0b10/100 MbpsNoNoYesYesAllRemote & Stream to smartphoneYesYesa/b/g/n/acdual-bandMIMOVoice, Headphone JackRealtek 13192GB4GB
Roku Ultra (4802)Sep 2021HDMI 2.0b10/100 Mbps3.0NoYesYesAllRemote & Stream to smartphoneYesDecoder, AC4, MAT 2.0a/b/g/n/acdual-bandMIMOVoice, Headphone Jack, Lost Remote, RechargeableRealtek 13192GB4GB
Roku Express (3960)Sep 2022HDMI 2.0bRequires compatible USB Ethernet adapterMicro USB (external USB drive access frustrated by splitter non-support)140141NoYesNoNoStream to smartphoneYesYesa/b/g/ndual-bandIRRealtek 1312c512MB512MB
Roku Streambar Pro (9101)May 2021Optical, HDMI 2.0a (ARC)Requires compatible USB Ethernet adapter2.0NoYesYesHDR10, HLGRemote & Stream to smartphoneYesYesa/b/g/n/acdual-bandMIMOVoice, Headphone JackMStar C21GB512MB
Eleventh generation
ModelIntroducedPortsVideo outputAudio outputWireless802.11RemoteProcessorMemoryStorage 142
Optical, HDMIEthernetUSBmicroSDHD4KHDR10/HDR10+Dolby Vision/HLGQMSAnalogDTSDolby Atmos
Roku Ultra (4850)Sep 2024HDMI 2.1b10/100 Mbps3.0NoYesYesAllYesStream to smartphoneYesDecoder, AC4, MAT 2.0a/b/g/n/ac/axdual-bandMIMOVoice, Lost Remote, RechargeableRealtek 1619B2GB4GB

Roku TV

Roku announced its first branded smart TV and it was released in late 2014. These TVs are manufactured by companies like TCL, LG, Westinghouse and Hisense, and use the Roku user interface as the "brain" of the TV. Roku TVs are updated just like the streaming devices.143 More recent models also integrate a set of features for use with over-the-air TV signals, including a program guide that provides information for shows and movies available on local antenna broadcast TV, as well as where that content is available to stream, and the ability to pause live TV (although the feature requires a USB hard drive with at least 16GB storage).

On November 14, 2019, Walmart and Roku announced that they would be selling Roku TVs under the Onn brand exclusively at Walmart stores, starting November 29.144

In January 2020, Roku created a badge to certify devices as working with a Roku TV model. The first certified brands were TCL North America, Sound United, Polk Audio, Marantz, Definitive Technology, and Classé.145

In January 2021, a Roku executive said one out of three smart TVs sold in the United States and Canada came with Roku's operating system built-in.146

In May 2022, Roku and Element Electronics announced the first ever outdoor Roku TV, sold in 55 inch size. The television offers minimal reflection, an anti-glare display, 4K streaming, and can be used in bright outdoor environments.147

In March 2023, Roku announced a partnership with Best Buy in which the retailer will exclusively sell the Roku Select and Plus Series TVs manufactured by Roku.148

Roku OS

Main article: Roku OS

Content and programming

Roku provides video services from a number of Internet-based video on demand providers.

Roku channels

Content on Roku devices is provided by Roku partners and is identified using the term channel. Users can add or remove different channels using the Roku Channel Store or the search feature. Roku's website does not specify which channels are free to its users.

Service creation for Roku Player

The Roku is an open-platform device with a freely available software development kit that enables anyone to create new channels.149 The channels are written in a Roku-specific language called BrightScript, a scripting language the company describes as 'unique', but "similar to Visual Basic" and "similar to JavaScript".150

Developers who wish to test their channels before a general release, or who wish to limit viewership, can create "private" channels that require a code be entered by the user in the account page of the Roku website. These private channels, which are not part of the official Roku Channel Store, are not reviewed or certified by Roku.151152

There is an NDK (Native Developer Kit) available, though it has added restrictions.153

The Roku Channel

Main article: The Roku Channel

Roku launched its own streaming channel on its devices in October 2017. It is ad-supported, but free. Its licensed content includes movies and TV shows from studios such as Lionsgate, MGM, Paramount, Sony Pictures Entertainment, Warner Bros., Disney, and Universal as well as Roku channel content publishers American Classics, FilmRise, Nosey, OVGuide, Popcornflix, Vidmark, and YuYu. It is implementing an ad revenue sharing model with content providers. On August 8, 2018, the Roku Channel became available on the web as well.154 Roku also added the "Featured Free" section as the top section of its main menu from which users can get access to direct streaming of shows and movies from its partners.155

In January 2019, premium subscription options from select content providers were added to the Roku Channel. Originally only available in the U.S.,156 it launched in the UK on April 7, 2020, with a different selection of movies and TV shows, and without premium subscription add-ons.157

On January 8, 2021, Roku announced that it had acquired the original content library of the defunct mobile video service Quibi for an undisclosed amount, reported to be around $100 million.158159 The content is being rebranded as Roku Originals.160

Controversies

Non-certified channels

The Daily Beast alleged that non-certified channels on Roku eased access to materials promoting conspiracy theories and terrorism content.161

In June 2017, a Mexico City court banned the sale of Roku products in Mexico, following claims by Televisa (via its Izzi cable subsidiary) that the devices were being used for subscription-based streaming services that illegally stream television content without permission from copyright holders. The devices used Roku's private channels feature to install the services, which were all against the terms of service Roku applies for official channels available in its store. Roku defended itself against the allegations as such, stating that these channels were not officially certified and that the company takes active measures to stop illegal streaming services.162 The 11th Collegiate Court in Mexico City overturned the decision in October 2018, with Roku returning to the Mexican market soon after; Televisa's streaming service Blim TV (now Vix) would also launch on the platform.163

In August 2017 Roku began to display a prominent disclaimer when non-certified channels are added, warning that channels enabling piracy may be removed "without prior notice".164165166 In mid-May 2018, a software glitch caused some users to see copyright takedown notices on legitimate services such as Netflix and YouTube. Roku acknowledged and patched the glitch.167168

In March 2022, the private channel system was deprecated due to abuse and replaced with a more limited and strict beta channels platform which only allows twenty users to test a channel for up to four months.169

Carriage disputes

Pay television-styled carriage disputes emerged on the Roku platform in 2020, as the company requires providers to agree to revenue sharing for subscription services that are billed through the platform, and to hold 30% of advertising inventory.170 On September 18 of that same year, Roku announced that NBCUniversal TV Everywhere services would be removed from its devices "as early as this weekend", due to its refusal to carry the company's streaming service Peacock (which had been unavailable on Roku since its launch in July 2020) under terms it deemed "unreasonable".171 It reached an agreement with NBCUniversal later that day, which allowed Peacock to become available on Roku.172 HBO Max, which launched in May 2020, was unavailable on Roku until December 2020 due to similar disputes over revenue sharing, particularly in regards to an upcoming ad-supported tier.173174 On December 17, 2020, HBO Max began streaming on Roku, after WarnerMedia and Roku reached a deal the previous day (and also after media speculation that WarnerMedia moving Wonder Woman 1984 and Warner Bros' 2021 theatrical slate to a hybrid theatrical/HBO Max release model were an attempt to get Roku to agree to their terms).175

Another dispute, starting mid-December 2020, caused Spectrum customers to be unable to download the Spectrum TV streaming app to their Roku devices; existing customers could retain the app, but would lose it upon deletion, even to fix software bugs. This dispute was resolved on August 17, 2021.176177

On April 30, 2021, Roku removed the over-the-top television service YouTube TV from its Channels Store, preventing it from being downloaded. The company accused operator Google LLC of making demands regarding its YouTube app that it considered "predatory, anti-competitive and discriminatory", including enhanced access to customer data, giving YouTube greater prominence in Roku's search interface, and requiring that Roku implement specific hardware standards that could increase the cost of its devices. Roku accused Google of "leveraging its YouTube monopoly to force an independent company into an agreement that is both bad for consumers and bad for fair competition."178179

Google claimed that Roku had "terminated our deal in bad faith amidst our negotiation", stating that it wanted to renew the "existing reasonable terms" under which Roku offered YouTube TV. Google denied Roku's claims regarding customer data and prominence of the YouTube app, and stated that its carriage of a YouTube app was under a separate agreement, and unnecessarily brought into negotiations.180 As a partial workaround, YouTube began to deploy an update to its main app on Roku and other platforms, which integrates the YouTube TV service.181182 On December 8, 2021 (a day before the agreement for the main YouTube app expired), Roku and Google announced that they had settled their dispute and reached a multi-year agreement to keep the YouTube app on Roku and to restore the YouTube TV app on Roku.183

See also

Notes

References

  1. Aquilina, Tyler (January 6, 2023). "The Flawed Reasoning Behind Roku's Smart TV Play". Variety. Retrieved July 26, 2024. https://variety.com/vip/the-flawed-reasoning-behind-rokus-smart-tv-play-1235480381/

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  60. 1080p at p24 or p30 only.

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  66. 1080p at p24 or p30 only.

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  70. The component video connector on the Roku XDS (2100X) is a nonstandard 3.5mm connector and a proprietary adapter cable, which is sold separately, is effectively required to use this.[49]

  71. 1080p at p24 or p30 only.

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  74. In the first generation players, the size of flash memory limited the number of channels that could be installed. Later models (>2100) removed that limit.

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  82. "New Roku HD player hits the FCC with composite out, new remote, does away with microSD storage". Wireless Goodness. March 15, 2012. Archived from the original on May 28, 2013. Retrieved July 26, 2013. https://web.archive.org/web/20130528142449/http://www.wirelessgoodness.com/2012/03/15/new-roku-hd-player-hits-the-fcc-with-composite-out-new-remote-does-away-with-microsd-storage/

  83. Bluetooth remote optional.

  84. "Developer Guide". roku.com. Archived from the original on June 15, 2012. Retrieved February 11, 2015. http://sdkdocs.roku.com/display/RokuSDKv43/Developer+Guide

  85. O'Brien, Terrence (June 29, 2011). "Roku 2 line passes through the FCC with modest hardware updates and a reset button". Engadget. Archived from the original on January 31, 2018. Retrieved November 11, 2011. Inside that tiny case is a new Broadcom 2835 SOC https://www.engadget.com/2011/06/29/roku-2-line-passes-through-the-fcc-with-modest-hardware-updates/

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  87. 1080p at p60 only.

  88. Bluetooth remote optional.

  89. "Developer Guide". roku.com. Archived from the original on June 15, 2012. Retrieved February 11, 2015. http://sdkdocs.roku.com/display/RokuSDKv43/Developer+Guide

  90. O'Brien, Terrence (June 29, 2011). "Roku 2 line passes through the FCC with modest hardware updates and a reset button". Engadget. Archived from the original on January 31, 2018. Retrieved November 11, 2011. Inside that tiny case is a new Broadcom 2835 SOC https://www.engadget.com/2011/06/29/roku-2-line-passes-through-the-fcc-with-modest-hardware-updates/

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  92. 1080p at p60 only.

  93. O'Brien, Terrence (June 29, 2011). "Roku 2 line passes through the FCC with modest hardware updates and a reset button". Engadget. Archived from the original on January 31, 2018. Retrieved November 11, 2011. Inside that tiny case is a new Broadcom 2835 SOC https://www.engadget.com/2011/06/29/roku-2-line-passes-through-the-fcc-with-modest-hardware-updates/

  94. "Roku 2 XS 3100R Streaming Media Adapter". Hearst Electronic Products and iSuppli. October 26, 2011. Archived from the original on April 3, 2012. Retrieved November 11, 2011. The new design twist on the 3100R is the use of a Broadcom (BCM2835) A/V Processor. ... BCM2835MIPPG, TE1119 P31, 136664 B3 W (Die Marking: Logo, BCM2708, 2010) http://www2.electronicproducts.com/Roku_2_XS_3100R_Streaming_Media_Adapter-whatsinside_text-120.aspx

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  96. 1080p at p24.

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  99. "TempConfidential_(3400, 3420)Internal photos_20120921 - Internal Photos FCC ID: TC2-R1005 Document ID 1799488". fccid.net. Archived from the original on October 17, 2014. Retrieved October 17, 2014. http://fccid.net/document.php?id=1799488

  100. "Roku unveils new video-streaming stick in response to popularity of Google's Chromecast". Fox News. March 24, 2015. Archived from the original on March 6, 2014. Retrieved March 6, 2014. https://www.foxnews.com/tech/roku-unveils-new-video-streaming-stick-in-response-to-popularity-of-googles-chromecast/

  101. In the first generation players, the size of flash memory limited the number of channels that could be installed. Later models (>2100) removed that limit.

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  103. Analog audio output is available only through the headphone jack on the remote.

  104. WiFi Direct Remote optional.

  105. Analog audio output is available only through the headphone jack on the remote.

  106. In the first generation players, the size of flash memory limited the number of channels that could be installed. Later models (>2100) removed that limit.

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  115. In the first generation players, the size of flash memory limited the number of channels that could be installed. Later models (>2100) removed that limit.

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  117. FCC. "FCCID". Archived from the original on January 31, 2019. Retrieved January 31, 2019. https://fccid.io/TC2-R1012/Internal-Photos/TempConfidential-1672011R-Internal-Photograph-3138707

  118. Analog audio output is available only through the headphone jack on the remote.

  119. Analog audio output is available only through the headphone jack on the remote.

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