Hi, As a grandparent, I am not really offended by some of your remarks, since you do explain some things in a simple manner. In my research, I wanted to know about this “new” technology, and I now have a better idea of what Roku does. I will now read your articles on how to get TV channels for free, or at least find out if is really possible to get free access to TV without having to pay the cable company for a bunch of useless channels I never use. Thank you! Reply
Do NOT confuse statements saying ‘live TV’ with OTA live broadcasts, as it is different and is intentionally misleading. Reply
Not that helpful. It’s very important how much buffering memory is available. Most people reading reviews know tge basics. Wading thru the primer is annoying when all you need to know is how the $69 Roku Ultra 2020 buffering memory compares to the $99 Roku Ultra 2022. Usually there are new features and upgrades to extol when a manufacturer issues a new midel at a higger price. You have completely missed the boat. A thoroughly MEH review! Reply
Just got a streaming stick on cyber Monday and I love it. I want to get a roku for my main tv as I’m getting rid of cable. I don’t have a 4K tv, but probably will upgrade in the next year or two. Only difference I notice btw the ultra and streaming stick + is the Ethernet connection. Anything else I’m missing? I leaning towards the stick + to save a little money Reply
The Roku Ultra has a headphone jack (headphones included) for private listening. It also has SD and USB ports for external storage (not really necessary for most users). Wired internet connections are always faster than their Wi-Fi counterparts, so the Ethernet jack is definitely nice to have, but the Streaming Stick+ has a great Wi-Fi antenna and is a great value. It’s hard to go wrong with either, if you ask me! Reply
Yep, that should work just fine! A Roku Ultra can plug into any TV with an HDMI input (and all TVs have those, unless they’re pretty ancient). And the Roku Ultra is 4K-capable, so a 4K TV like that Vizio you mentioned would be a good choice. Reply
Yes, you can! Check out some options here: https://cordcutting.com/how-to-watch/live-tv-on-roku/ Reply
I believe the Dolby Vision is lacking HDR on the 4800. Bluetooth is also input only so so audio to a headset. Reply
I have a Roku ultra will not operate more than an hour without overheating issue it is almost useless Reply
I have the same issue with over heating that is why I only buy the cheap ones. ( I’ve had an expensive ruku 2019 model) why can’t you make a good product? Any way I only use ruku on my bedroom tv. My family tv is a fire 4I tv! Reply
Why don’t they post the year of the device on the box? I see several Roku ultras on amazon at wide ranging prices. which one is the newest? Why should I have to guess? Reply
Hi Stephen, this is good review. Thank you for your time. Can you please comment on the addition of Airplay 2 to select 4K streaming device, which was announced on September 28? Does this mean I can screen mirror my iPhone onto my non-smart TV thru Roku Ultra?Even some HDCP and DRM video (e.g. those on Amazon Prime Video) should be able to play on Roku Ultra, right? Many thanks again. Reply
That’s how it would work with any device with Airplay 2, but I don’t think Roku has yet confirmed which “select 4K devices” are getting AirPlay 2. I know that some of Roku’s smart TVs are getting it, but it’s not clear to me whether or not it’s coming to the Roku Ultra (and which model years will be supported if it does). Hopefully, we’ll learn more soon! If Roku does confirm Airplay 2 on the Roku Ultra, then I believe it should work just as you’re describing. Reply
Hi Stephen, can I download Hallmark Channel through the Streaming Channels menu on the 2021 ROKU ultra? Harry Reply
Hi Harry, thanks for reading! The short answer is yes, you can. The Hallmark app is actually called “Hallmark Movies Now,” and it lets you watch Hallmark Channel movies on demand for $5 a month. If you want to watch the live Hallmark Channel feed that you’d get with cable, you can do that on Roku by using a pay TV service that includes Hallmark Channel — check out the full list here https://cordcutting.com/how-to-watch/hallmark-channel/ Reply
This generation supports Dolby Vision for the first time ever in a Roku streaming device. If you are going to review a product you should at least put in some effort. No mention of it supporting Dolby Atmos, which just like the previous version it does support. Reply
I just purchased this, and was extremely disappointed. The picture was always unstable, and the screen constantly blinked in and out. It was impossible to watch. I had to restart the device every time I turned on the TV to just make it watchable. No matter what I tried, I couldn’t fix it. I returned it for a full refund. Reply
I have been trying to find if the 2020 ultra model still has the ability for the remote control to be used without line of sight, but there is no information anywhere about that. Your reviews states, “Roku’s universal remote is a step in the right direction, even if lacks a feature or two.” However, you don’t mention the feature of two that is lacking making me wonder if the feature I’m looking for is present. I ready your review, along with a couple of others, twice in case I missed that tidbit. I mount my roku behind the media center cabinet, so this feature is a must for me. Also, stating the streaming stick+ is better when the new ultra is the only roku to support the new Dolby Vision is rather odd to me. Good review otherwise. Reply
Hi Jeff, thanks for reading! We haven’t gotten our hands on the 2020 model just yet, but from what I can tell it appears to come with the regular line of sight remote. Roku has an “enhanced” remote that uses radio frequency signals and doesn’t have to have line-of-sight — it’s sold separately and works with the Roku Ultra and Roku Ultra LT. Reply
I’m new @ streaming and just not sure which Roku do I need for a Vizio V series tv and FUBO . I currently have to cast it from my phone. The Amazon Fire tv gets Fubo fine The Vizio is barely a year old and was htI wouldn’t have to replace the tv but FUBO has tons of channels that I love Reply
I purchased a new Roku ultra HD 4K HDR in January of this year. I’m not sure if it’s a 2020 or a 2021. I love everything about it except and this is a big EXCEPt it won’t fast forward or rewind on the channels I’ve recorded shows within the AT&T application. I have read some reviews that this is a problem with the Newest ROKU Ultra. I have tried different things to correct it but to no avail. I also heard that AT&T needs to do an update. Please advise Reply
Thanks for reading, Sharon! I’m afraid I don’t know too much about that — sounds like it’s a problem that’s specific to the AT&T app. Is this the AT&T TV app? I believe they updated that one recently. Channel and system updates should be happening automatically, but you can double-check on your Roku by going to Settings > System > System Update > Check Now. It might just be a matter of getting the latest and greatest version of the operating system and app. Hope that helps! Reply
Thank you for a good review. I just purchased a Roku Ultra as I had an Rbox that I can no longer get updated as the chap who had them here in FL. went under…. I use OTA antenna while here as a Snowbird for several months, when there is nothing on OTA, we watch a movie, I hope Roku will fill this need?? Reply