One of the major issues with cable TV is the cable mesh. Wire bundles make space management difficult. Additionally, the space becomes dusty and difficult to clean. Further, solving technical issues also gets quite hard because of the wire mismanagement. Therefore, people now want to switch to wireless alternatives for better convenience. On these lines, there is a device called Roku. Here is everything about the device and how it works.
What is Roku?
Roku is a square-shaped device, which allows you to stream content via the internet. The device connects via your house wifi and lets you browse through several apps. The device connects through a high-speed HDMI cable to ensure buffer-free content.
Once you install the device and initialize its software, you will be able to download several applications through a dedicated online store. You can either choose to watch pre-recorded videos or stream content off Netflix, Amazon, or Hulu.
However, streaming applications are paid services, and you will have to buy a plan to access the contents. Additionally, you won’t have to worry about your regular cable content too, because Roku has a dedicated Roku TV app, which allows you to browse through channels.
Roku devices had a slow start in 2008 because the only streaming service available then was Netflix, but now things have changed, and people prefer OTT content over forced cable TV shows.
Available Roku Models
Roku has stepped up its streaming game because of the availability of high-speed internet. Further, connecting cables have a significantly high transfer speed that is cable of streaming high-resolution content.
Today, four Roku models are available on amazon to choose from. The Roku Ultra, Roku Premiere, Roku Express 4k+, and Roku streaming Stick+ can be your options. Among these, you can go for Roku Express 4k+ for the best value for money.
Priced at around 40$, this device offers 4k and HDR10 support with some other handy features too. Roku Express 4k+ and Roku Streaming Stick+ are priced equally. Stick+ is more of a portable option because it functions like a pen drive. You can plug in the Stick+ on any device you want and stream your desired content.
Stick+ is also capable of 4k streaming, but it has limited features as compared to Express 4k+. It all comes down to your device preferences at the end of the day.
How does Roku Work?
Roku is an HDMI streaming device. It connects via two cable ends. It takes input from the device box and generates an output on the screen. The device can connect through the internet via cable or wireless.
You can extend a LAN cable from your router and connect it with the Ethernet port provided on the device. LAN connection is more stable and provides better internet speed than Wifi. If you want to stream high-resolution videos at a high frame per second, go for a LAN connection.
Further, you can download videos and watch them on your television. However, remember that these videos aren’t saved on the device because they download and stream at the same time.
Most streaming services available on Roku are paid, but you can still get your hands on some freebies. The experience on Roku is different because here, the shows are not live-streamed like your cable tv.
Here, the service provider pre-records your favorite shows and delivers them to you. Roku is basically an upgraded version of on-demand services because you have wider options here.
Recommended for you:
What is Kodi? Everything you need to know
Conclusion
Roku is the way forward in the entertainment industry. For television and monitors that do not have their own OS, Roku is a blessing. You can find different plans and subscriptions to Roku apps on the internet and subscribe accordingly.
You can also connect a soundbar to the ARC port to set up your own home theatre with 4k resolution. Additionally, search for new features that the new Roku OS supports, and you will be baffled. The most intriguing one is the voice command support. You can control Alex through your television; how cool is that!