The Roku Streaming Player, or simply Roku ( ROH-koo), is a series of digital media player set-top boxes manufactured by Roku, Inc. Roku partners provide over-the-top content in the form of channels. The name comes from the Japanese word ? (roku) meaning "six" and was named so because it was the sixth company that Anthony Wood (CEO 2002-) started. A Roku streaming device gets data (the video stream) via a wired or Wi-Fi connection to an Internet router. The data is output via an audio cable, video cable, or HDMI cable. The device can be connected to any television set (or other video display device) with appropriate input connections.
Programming and content is available from a wide variety of global providers.
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Roku Streaming Players
First generation
Roku announced the first Netflix Internet video streaming receiver box--the Roku DVP--on May 20, 2008. The device runs Linux. Before Autumn 2010, three versions of the Roku DVP were available: the Roku SD, HD, and HD-XR. The Roku SD only streams standard definition (SD) content. The Roku HD streams both SD and HD (720p) content. The Roku SD and HD both have an Ethernet connection and built in 802.11g Wi-Fi compatible with wireless b, g, and n routers. The Roku HD-XR, which streams both SD and HD (720p and 1080p) content, has built in dual-band 802.11n WiFi support and a USB port on the back.
Roku revamped its lineup of devices in September 2010. The revised HD became the basic model of the line, offering 720p resolution, 802.11g WiFi reception, and an HDMI output. The middle of the line model, the XD, added 1080p resolution (if channel programmers provide it), an enhanced remote with replay capabilities, and single-band wireless-n WiFi. The top-level XD|S offered component video and optical audio outputs, dual-band wireless N, and a USB port for playing videos, photos, and music.
Second generation
On July 20, 2011, Roku updated its product lineup with three new boxes. However, the Ethernet connection and remote with motion control for games are available only on the XS model. The Roku Game Remote uses Hillcrest Labs' Freespace motion control technology, so users can control games with natural gestures. The Netflix application was revamped for the Roku 2 HD, Roku 2 XD and Roku 2 XS; the current models now provide the option of subtitles, when the program provides them.
On October 11, 2011, the Roku LT was introduced as a lower cost, stripped down version of the Roku 2 XS. I/O consists of two AV ports, one HDMI, and one 3.5" mini plug composite SD analog. The same content capability is available, except it cannot play games, and its highest video resolution is 720p. There is no Ethernet port nor microSD card slot.
The feature "Roku Search" was added on October 29, 2012. This feature allows users to search movie and TV show titles, actors, and directors for multiple services on Roku such as Amazon Video, HBO Go, and Netflix. The feature is only available on Roku 2, Roku Streaming Stick, Roku LT, and Roku HD, due to technical constraints on earlier models. This feature appears to only work in the USA.
On May 14, 2013, an updated software interface was released for second generation Roku units. This is the same interface that was introduced with the release of their third generation player.
On July 26, 2013, BSkyB launched a Now TV-branded Roku LT, allowing users to stream Now TV content to their television, as well as access content from BBC iPlayer, Demand 5, Spotify, and Sky News.
Third generation
On March 5, 2013, Roku announced the release of their updated media player, Roku 3, with a faster CPU than the Roku 2 XS, and a Wi-Fi Direct remote instead of Bluetooth. The Roku 3 remote includes a headphone jack (with headphones provided) for a private listening mode.
Roku announced two new versions of its streaming set-top boxes, for 2015: Roku 3 (2015) has a new remote control, with a microphone for voice search, and the Roku 2 (2015) has a much faster processor than the old Roku 2, but its remote control no longer has a headphone jack built in. The Roku 3 2015 model number is 4230R; the 2014 model number is 4200R. The Roku 2 2015 model number is 4210R the previous model number was 2720R. The naming scheme has caused some confusion among consumers.
Fourth generation
On October 6, 2015, Roku officially announced the release of the Roku 4. The new device has 4K video streaming capability, a remote control finder, and updated software (Roku OS 7) and hardware that includes support for Wi-Fi 802.11ac. The Roku 4 began shipping in October 2015.
Fifth generation
On September 26, 2016, Roku revamped their entire streaming player line-up with 5 new models (low end Roku Express, Roku Express+; high end Roku Premiere, Roku Premiere+ and Roku Ultra), while retaining the released in April new Streaming Stick #3600 as a sixth option. The Roku Premiere+ and Roku Ultra will support HDR video using HDR10.
Feature comparison
- Composite Video is an analog electrical signal through one RCA connector (yellow).
- Analog Audio is a line level analog electrical signal through two RCA connector (red and white).
- Optical Audio is an optical S/PDIF digital audio-stream through a TOSLINK fiber optical connector.
How To Connect Roku Video
Roku TV
First generation
Roku announced its first branded Smart TV in early 2014 and it was released it in late 2014. These TVs are manufactured by companies like TCL and Hisense and use the Roku user interface as the "brain" of the TV. Roku TVs are updated just like the streaming devices.
Software
The Roku box runs a heavily modified version of Linux called Roku OS. The first-generation Roku players first came with Roku OS 1.0. After that, Roku has continued to update the software with bug fixes, security updates, feature additions, and many new interface revisions. In November, 2016 the Roku software version 7.5.0 was released.
Content and programming
Many providers can be streamed on Roku such as: Amazon Cloud Player, Amazon Video, Ameba TV, BBC iPlayer, CBS All Access, Crunchyroll, DirecTV Now, EuroRoku, Google Play Movies & TV, Hasbro Studios, HBO Go, Hulu, LinkTV, MLB.TV, NatGeo TV, NBA TV, Netflix, Now TV (UK only), Pandora Radio, PBS, PlayStation Vue, Pluto.tv, RT, SiriusXM, Showtime, Sling TV, Tubi TV, TuneIn Radio, TheBlaze, Time Warner Cable, VMedia, Xfinity, Vudu, WWE Network, YouTube, Tablo (DVR), and the ITV Hub.
Online Roku channels
Content on the Roku DVP is provided by Roku partners, and is identified using the "channel" vernacular. Users can add or remove different channels from the Roku Channel Store. In May 2011, Roku stated the DVP had over one million viewers and had delivered 15 million channel downloads.
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. 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".
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 neither reviewed nor approved by Roku.
There is an NDK (Native Developer Kit) available, though it has added restrictions."
Services listing
A partial list of services is currently available through the Roku Channel Store. There is no subscription fee for the basic service, but individual channels and content may require a fee. Technical support is provided for free.
Legal issues
In June 2017, a Mexico City court banned the sale of Roku products in Mexico, following complaints by Televisa that the devices were being used for subscription-based streaming services that illegally stream television content without permission from copyright holders. The devices were hacked to install the services, which were not offered on the official Roku Channels Store. Roku defended the allegations, stating that these apps were not officially certified, and that the company has actively taken measures to prevent its platform from being used for illegal streaming services.
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