Everything You Need to Know About Roku
What is Roku? What you need to know about the popular streaming devices
A recent CBS News poll plant that only 45% of Americans still watch Television receiver using cablevision or satellite. If yous're looking to cut the pay TV cord too, consider a Roku streaming media player.
Here's what you need to know before you purchase.
What does Roku do?
Performance similar to the Amazon Fire Telly and Apple TV 4K, Roku devices are small streaming boxes or streaming sticks that connect to your telly. They put streaming content from Netflix, Spotify, Hulu, Disney+ and more (subscriptions required) in ane easy-to-search identify on a Television screen. They offer access to enough of free content as well, including more than than 190 streaming channels available for free on the Roku Channel and more than than 250 channels available free through Pluto TV.
(Note: CBS Essentials and Pluto TV are both subsidiaries of ViacomCBS.)
How does Roku work?
Roku delivers streaming content via your domicile internet connection, so you'll demand broadband speeds of at least ane.5 Mbps for standard definition and 3.0 Mbps for HD content at a minimum.
Roku boxes and streaming sticks are controlled with the included, piece of cake-to-use Roku remote. Some Roku remotes back up for voice commands and characteristic a headphone jack. And if the Roku remote gets misplaced, there are no worries -- Roku devices tin can exist controlled via the Roku app on your telephone or tablet, too.
Who should get a Roku?
Roku is a popular cost-saving option among those looking to cut the pay TV cable cord -- there's no monthly cost to use the device (bated from whatever premium streaming subscription you pay for anyhow, such as Netflix).
Roku boxes and streaming sticks are pop for people looking to brand a high-tech upgrade to older TVs, as well as with those merely looking for an easier interface. Some smart TVs come with the Roku tech already congenital in.
What Roku is all-time for me?
Choosing the best Roku device for you lot depends on what kind of Telly you're looking to upgrade. Older TVs won't require advanced features such as 4K support -- a basic Roku device will do. For newer televisions, yous'll want to await for features such as 4K support, wired ethernet (for optimum streaming performance) and Dolby Vision/Dolby Atmos. More than expensive Roku devices typically feature a more avant-garde Roku remote, as well.
Roku makes a number of dissimilar models, so choosing the correct one isn't always easy. But that's where CBS Essentials comes in. If you're looking to give Roku a endeavor, here are the most popular Roku models available right at present.
Roku Express 4K+
Enjoy 4K moving picture quality and vocalism control via a Siri, Alexa or Google Assistant that lets you search beyond channels, turn on captions and more with the affordable Express 4K+ streaming box. It features dual-band wireless for a smooth streaming experience, and a premium HDMI cable is included to connect the Roku to the Telly. The Roku Limited 4K+ does not require a smart TV to work, but it does require a Television with an HDMI input. While some Roku devices back up older TVs with an A/Five input, this one does not.
"I can finally have the apps I want and not worry about storage running out on my Television," reviewer Lotte says. "Information technology's very easy to set up and use. The remote is very simple and easy to acquire."
Roku Ultra
With a new quad-core processor, the Roku Ultra is the fastest and most powerful media histrion the visitor makes. Information technology has all of the features of the Limited 4K+, plus support for Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos. It works both wirelessly and with an ethernet port, and it and comes with headphones for private listening. If yous lose your remote, you can press a button on the streaming device, and your remote will play a audio. You lot can play music, podcasts and more on your Tv set with a connected Bluetooth streaming device.
"I have found that Dolby Vision (offered on many Netflix originals) is superior to standard HDR," reviewer Gary says. "If you're non as fussy as I am about getting maximum picture quality, getting Dolby Vision might not matter to you."
Roku Streambar
The Streambar is a Roku streaming device and audio bar all in one. The sound uses Dolby Audio tech, which automatically lowers the book of loud commercials and boosts the volume of serenity conversations. It also has a long-range wireless receiver. Roku makes an addition wireless subwoofer and wireless speakers that pair with the Streambar for an upgraded surround sound feel.
"I purchased [the Roku Streambar] considering of its compact design and the audio mix coming from my LG Boob tube made watching movies impossible," an Amazon customer says. "The Streambar solved my audio trouble. I can at present picket movies without turning the volume upwards for dialogue and downwards for activeness sequences. I besides like the upgradeability of this device with wireless speakers and a subwoofer, which I'thou sure I'll take advantage of over time."
Roku Streaming Stick+
The Roku Streaming Stick+ has a long-range wireless receiver and allows Bluetooth streaming, plus includes all the features of the Roku Express 4K+ in a smaller, easier-to-conceal device. Instead of connecting to a television via wires, it connects directly to an HDMI port. Note that the Roku Streaming Stick+ still needs to be connected to a power source -- either via a TV USB input or a wall outlet.
"It doesn't have the same bells and whistles that my Roku Ultras take...but then over again, I likewise paid almost twice as much for those," reviewer Yard. Krueger says. "This Stick+ is much cheaper and provides basically the aforementioned user interface and playback functioning."
Roku Express
The Roku Express is an affordable selection for people with older TVs. It keeps things simple with HD movie quality; a standard remote and HDMI cablevision; and standard wireless and connectivity. It still works with Alexa, Google Banana and the Apple AirPlay and HomeKit.
"I finally decided to purchase ane to help proceed my TV relevant," reviewer Mike T says. "Most of the apps from my 2011 model Boob tube don't work anymore and it was limited in functionality. I wish I bought 1 of these years ago."
TCL 50-inch Class 4-Series 4K UHD Smart Roku LED Boob tube
Some TVs have Roku already built in. Pick from 45-inch, fifty-inch, 55-inch, 65-inch, 75-inch and 85-inch sizes in this 4K smart Roku Television, for example, which comes with a super-unproblematic remote. The 85-inch model can be purchased in combination with TCL sound bars for an upgraded sound experience.
"I take no complaints considering the price," reviewer Ross K. says. "The sound, picture quality, ease-of-setup, digital antenna and all other advertised features are above my expectations."
TCL Roku TVs are currently on disbelieve at Amazon.
fifty-inch TCL Roku Television set
55-inch TCL Roku TV
75-inch TCL Roku Telly
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Source: https://www.cbsnews.com/essentials/what-is-roku-streaming-media-device-stick-box/
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