What is Roku? How does Roku work?

You no longer have to depend on cable companies if you want a wide range of TV programming options. Thanks to streaming devices like Roku, eliminating the need for cable TV services has never been easier. And once you do, you will never regret your decision.

On September 28, 2017, Roku officially debuted. Anthony Wood, founder and CEO of Roku, told CNBC: 'The position of Roku in this ecosystem is the platform that connects customers, advertisers and users. We have been competing with big companies very successfully for a long time. We do that by winning positive customer reviews. An operating system has been built specifically for TVs. It's the best way to stream, and it's also Roku's way to win customers 'love.'

If you're curious about Roku, see if one of its many products suits your needs, or how Roku competes with other competitors, the following article is devoted to Roku. for you. Here is everything you need to know about Roku.

What is Roku?

Roku is a digital media player that allows you to stream videos, music and entertainment content. Think of Roku like a DVD player you never have to put a disc in. Roku comes in a variety of formats, from set-top boxes to TV sets with the service built into them. However, the common point of all Roku devices is its ability to give you access to a range of the largest content providers on the planet.

With Roku, you can stream Amazon Video, Netflix, HBO Go, Hulu Plus, Spotify, MLB, etc. while sitting comfortably on an indoor sofa without having to pay for cable service. Roku is the ideal media center for viewers who don't want to buy a video game console to watch digital content. Roku is affordable, versatile and easy to use.

How does Roku work?

Roku requires an Internet connection. When you connect the device to one of the TV's HDMI ports, Roku will show you how to set up an Internet connection and create a Roku profile. Each Roku device comes with a remote that you use to navigate through the menus.

When you first use Roku, you'll find it loaded with some of the most traditional services, including Netflix, Amazon Video, and Hulu. But there is so much to discover. Roku has more than 3,000 channels available that you can connect from the Roku Channel Store.

To find new channels, go to the main menu and select 'Streaming Channels'. From there you can search for channels by category, from 4K content to top free channels. Some channels, like Netflix and Hulu, require you to subscribe, but there are free options like Crackle that offer ad-supported programming.

Roku makes eliminating cable television service extremely easy. If you're looking to recreate your cable service without a technician to check in periodically and a long-term contract, Roku is the ideal choice to stream live TV channels via services including Sling TV, Hulu with Live TV, CBS All Access, DirecTV Now, FuboTV, Philo and PS Vue. For $ 4.99 (VND 1,115,000), you can also add Acorn TV, a streaming service specializing in British dramas and comedies, or Crackle, a free advertising support option for movies and TV show.

Each Roku model can use the hotel's WiFi connections, requiring you to log in before accessing the Internet, a handy feature for frequent travelers. Roku remote control is very simple, but that's part of the charm of this product. Your grandparents can grab the Roku remote and quickly find their favorite content. You can also easily use Kodi media player with Roku.

It is important to note that not all Roku devices are created equal. To serve different needs, Roku offers a wide variety of models, from simple, cheap dongles to more expensive set-top boxes, offering features like 4K Ultra HD videos.

Which Roku device is right for you?

Roku has updated its complete 'lineup', addressing many backlog issues in previous versions of the device. With onboard upgrades, Roku has laid the groundwork for its future with these new devices. This is what you need to know.

Roku Express and Express +

Roku Express is the most basic form of Roku, providing 1080p HD streaming in a cheap and simple package. Roku Express + allows users with old TVs to still use A / V cables to turn them into modern smart devices. Roku Express costs $ 29.99 (690,000 VND), and Express + is $ 39.99 (920,000 VND). The remote control on each model requires you to point the device to operate, but for less than $ 42 (VND 986,000), you can watch high-resolution programs.

The price is quite attractive and things have gotten better thanks to Roku's most recent product update.

Each Express model is now 5 times more powerful than before, fixing the annoying problem that many users encounter with new applications, in which navigation is quite slow. Using Express and Express + is a fast, compelling experience, whether you browse the web with a remote control or a service app. You are still limited to 1080p maximum output, but among budget streaming devices, Roku Express can't be beat.

Roku Streaming Stick

If you don't want to mess with a set-top box or need a portable device on the go, the Roku Streaming Stick is your choice. This $ 49.99 model is merely an HMDI stick that sticks to the back of any modern TV.

With a 'pointing from anywhere' remote, the Roku Streaming Stick is perfect for game rooms or dormitories, where you can't always stand directly in front of the TV. For an additional $ 10 (VND 230,000) to own a Roku Streaming Stick, you'll get screen projection from your Android or Windows device.

Roku's new Streaming Stick device has a 50% faster processor and an upgraded remote control. The remote control has been improved to add voice control functionality, along with the ability to control volume and power for the TV. Roku Streaming Stick can now turn off the TV for you. Even then this feature makes Roku easier for the whole family to use.

Roku Streaming Stick +

The latest addition to the Roku family is the Streaming Stick +, replacing the Roku Premiere and Premiere +. This $ 69.99 (1,610,000VND) product is the perfect streaming stick for the future, especially if you plan to upgrade your TV.

Streaming Stick + supports HD, 4K and HDR videos. It has the same 'pointing from anywhere' remote like the standard Stick, with voice commands, as well as the ability to control volume and power. Lastly, the device has an advanced wireless receiver, offering 4 times the range, making it perfect for game rooms away from routers or hotel rooms.

I tested Streaming Stick + for several weeks and came to the conclusion, this is the best Roku experience ever. Navigating menus is quick and easy, even when logging in with the remote control. Voice search can find your favorite shows in just a few words. Whether or not it's worth the extra $ 20 (VND 460,000) depends entirely on whether you plan to upgrade to 4K or not, but even on an HD TV, Streaming Stick + is an app that's incredibly appealing.

Roku Ultra

Roku Ultra is currently a "strange" product in the Roku family. At $ 99.99 (VND 2,300,000), it is one of the most expensive mid-range streaming devices on the market and most users will have to wonder whether its unique features are worth $ 30. (VND 690,000) or not. Roku Ultra handles HD, 4K and HDR content very easily. However, there have been some changes, including the removal of optical audio output.

Ultra still has its appeal, especially if you need a media center, thanks to the USB and microSD ports, which allows you to play your personal digital media library from a variety of video and audio formats. support.

If you are a remote controller, Roku Ultra may be the ideal choice for you. Roku Ultra's remote control, including a speaker, can be activated from the Ultra box itself. Just press the button and your remote will beep until it is in your hand.

Your remote control can now also control the volume and power of the TV. While every Roku device has a Private Listening feature via the Roku app, the Ultra remote also includes a headphone jack so you can view privately without using your phone. Lastly, Ultra has an Ethernet port, handy for streaming 4K movies if you don't have an exceptionally fast WiFi router.

TV Roku

Roku has been integrated into selected TV models. When it comes to Roku TVs, models and features are divided into two categories: HD and 4K. The HD model has the same basic features as the Roku Premiere +, except for the headphone jack in the remote. Roku's 4K models mostly come with all the same features as Roku Ultra, except for HDR support.

The only downside of the Roku TV is that no model has a great Night Listening mode. If you are going to buy a new TV, while there is no streaming option and a gaming system, then Roku TV is worth considering. But you can simply choose your favorite TV and use the Roku Streaming Stick.

How can Roku fight the competitors?

Apple TV and Roku

Apple TV and Roku both recently underwent hardware updates, but Roku clearly won. The base-level Apple TV costs up to $ 149 (VND 3,427,000) but eventually brings 4K to this device. The problem is that you can get a 4K Roku for $ 69.99 (VND 1,610,000) or $ 99.99 2,300,000 VND. If you choose Streaming Stick +, then the difference of $ 80 (VND 1,840,000) is only for 4K images, not to mention how many streaming channels that Roku offers.

Chromecast and Roku

In the battle between Roku and Google Chromecast, Roku was an unbeatable opponent. Chromecast starts at $ 35 (VND 805,000), while Roku Express, offering similar features, only costs $ 29.99 (VND 690,000). In fact, that is incorrect, because Chromecast does not come with a remote control. Chromecast's 4K option, Ultra, costs the same price as the Roku Streaming Stick + and again, it doesn't come with a remote control. At any price, Roku has many better options than Chromecast.

Amazon Fire TV Stick and Roku

If you just want a basic streaming device, Roku Express is the best option. Priced at $ 29.99 (VND 690,000), it handles HD content, comes with a great remote control and can be controlled using the Roku app. However, if you're intrigued by the idea of ​​voice control, Amazon is always the top option.

At $ 39.99 (VND 920,000), the Amazon Fire Stick is the biggest competitor Roku Stick has at the moment. Amazon's streaming stick works like a Roku, but comes with an Alexa voice remote control, allowing you to call out content without having to search for it.

However, when it comes to 4K, Amazon Fire TV and Roku Streaming Stick + are all priced the same. The problem is which product you like. However, Roku offers more streaming channels than Amazon, so this factor is worth considering if you're thinking about buying.

Wish you find yourself a suitable choice!