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Roku 4

spacemnspiff

spacemnspiff

macrumors 6502a
Original poster
Feb 11, 2009
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MD
Just in time before the new Apple TV is released, Roku is going to release the Roku 4.

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I currently have Roku 3, I am going to buy the Apple TV. I don't have a 4K TV, so I don't need the 4K capability.
 
spacemnspiff said:
Wont Apple support ATV3 if they are still selling it?
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By support I mean update the UI to match the UI of ATV 4 and support the New Streaming Apps. Maybe not the full App Store. I think they could support a limited version of tvOS on ATV 3. If they simply leave it as is then it is pretty much a dead product. In their comparison of the ATV3 and ATV4 you will see the ATV3 with NONE of the new ATV 4 features. Now they could surprise after the ATV4 is release and then change the comparison chart.
 
d21mike said:
By support I mean update the UI to match the UI of ATV 4 and support the New Streaming Apps. Maybe not the full App Store. I think they could support a limited version of tvOS on ATV 3. If they simply leave it as is then it is pretty much a dead product. In their comparison of the ATV3 and ATV4 you will see the ATV3 with NONE of the new ATV 4 features. Now they could surprise after the ATV4 is release and then change the comparison chart.
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Oh ok, has Apple indicated that they won't bring the new OS to the ATV3. I am not sure if there is a point to sell ATV3 with a different OS alongside the ATV4 with tvOS.
 
spacemnspiff said:
Oh ok, has Apple indicated that they won't bring the new OS to the ATV3. I am not sure if there is a point to sell ATV3 with a different OS alongside the ATV4 with tvOS.
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Here is the comparison link. I did not see the tvOS mentioned there. But does on main page.

http://www.apple.com/tv/compare/

With the new Apple TV and its powerful new tvOS, developers are creating experiences that will change what you expect from your big screen, making your TV feel as personal as your iPhone or iPad.
 
Roku has both 4K and optical audio for sending a signal to your receiver. It's what the Apple TV should have been and it costs $20 to $70 less. And the remote finder is a plus too. I wanted to like the Apple TV, but I have a sneaky suspicion that next year we'll get a new Apple TV with the stuff that Roku put on this year's model
 
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The Roku 4 UI is pretty much the same as the Roku 3 UI so its not very hard to bring it to older devices
 
class77 said:
Roku has both 4K and optical audio for sending a signal to your receiver. It's what the Apple TV should have been and it costs $20 to $70 less. And the remote finder is a plus too. I wanted to like the Apple TV, but I have a sneaky suspicion that next year we'll get a new Apple TV with the stuff that Roku put on this year's model
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I agree on the ATV shortcomings, but what really is going to differentiate is the support each device receives from content providers. I have a feeling that ATV will receive far more support than the Roku.
 
I always find it interesting that some folks put quantity over quality. From what I can see of specs and offerings,

The Roku 4 covers most of the streaming services people want. In terms of specs, the Nvidia Shield TV is first, and Roku along with Amazon Fire TV and ATV (newest) are tied for 2nd. They each have some good and bad. Though I tend to prefer the Nvidia, I would for now recommend others (people I know who ask) to wait a month or so and see how the Roku 4 works in real world scenarios. Unless someone is attached to iTunes, the Roku remains the most versatile of the bunch. I am hoping that the Nvidia catches up with Amazon Prime and Vudu. As for 4k, I'm not there yet nor are most people I know but both the Roku and the Nvidia are the only serious contenders for a 4k oriented audience. Sadly Amazon is not giving its own offering the love it deserves and could do far better if they stopped emulating the ATV by pushing its own services above all.
 
I want to like the Roku, as the features are great, but the user interface is just fugly and has ads on it. Maybe I'm just a snob, but it makes it feel so cheap...
 
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nifta said:
I want to like the Roku, as the features are great, but the user interface is just fugly and has ads on it. Maybe I'm just a snob, but it makes it feel so cheap...
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I have to agree, maybe I'm a snob too :D but it's the one thing I always complained about with every Roku device I tested for them.

I've just never been a fan, it feels outdated and almost childish to me. But clearly I've been in the minority as they've stuck with it.

Don't get me wrong. It works and it's functional, I just find it kind of, well, meh.

By comparison I'm absolutely loving the new Apple TV interface, very slick and stylish, to me anyway.
 
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spacemnspiff said:
I agree on the ATV shortcomings, but what really is going to differentiate is the support each device receives from content providers. I have a feeling that ATV will receive far more support than the Roku.
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Roku is one of the most heavily supported set top boxes. Lots and lots of people have Rokus.
 
Supermallet said:
Roku is one of the most heavily supported set top boxes. Lots and lots of people have Rokus.
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There's no denying the excellent support Roku has from many content providers. But it's always had a big advantage that the Apple TV has lacked until now. A proper AppStore. Now that the Apple TV has an AppStore I think it's going to get a lot of support.
 
TrueBlou said:
There's no denying the excellent support Roku has from many content providers. But it's always had a big advantage that the Apple TV has lacked until now. A proper AppStore. Now that the Apple TV has an AppStore I think it's going to get a lot of support.
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Oh, I think Apple will have plenty of support. I'm just saying that Roku has exceptional support from content providers, and I doubt the new Apple TV will make that support dry up.
 
Everyone still happy with their Roku 4? Is the company still supporting/updating these devices? Apps devs still interested?

The fan issue is all over the Amazon reviews and Q&A. Anyone here experienced loud fans, customer service, or reliability issues?

Thanks.
 
willmtaylor said:
Everyone still happy with their Roku 4? Is the company still supporting/updating these devices? Apps devs still interested?

The fan issue is all over the Amazon reviews and Q&A. Anyone here experienced loud fans, customer service, or reliability issues?

Thanks.
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I'm happy with my 4 so far. I had an issue of it overheating the first night I had it and causing it to freeze up. When I went to unplug it to reset it, I found that the unit was very hot. So I had a few tall rubber feet on hand and put those under it to allow air to flow all around it. Then I found a setting that says 'run cooler' and I turned that on which is supposed to run the internal fan more often. But I haven't actually heard the fan run yet. Since I've done those two things I haven't had a problem with it getting hot anymore.

Plus, as extra protection, I put this 80mm self-supporting USB fan behind it to bring more active cooling to the unit. I plugged the fan into the Mac mini for power.
 
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I got my Roku 4 right after it came out and I'm still happy with it although I have had to reboot it a handful of times since then. I don't keep up with app development because I only care about the usual Netflix/Hulu/Prime/Plex apps and I haven't had any problems with those.

I haven't had any problems with the fan either. The only way I can hear it is if I put my ear right next to the device. I think folks complaining about a loud fan have a defective unit.

We've also since gotten a Roku Stick for our spare bedroom. While it does work fine, the UI is very slow but it's only used a couple weeks out of the year when we have family in town.
 
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I am going on 3 months and just luv it. No fan issues but will try the rubber feet also. Getting a kick from all the movie channels and Sling. Apple needs to get a move on. Anyway, only had one problem and that was turning on with the remote. Just unplugged the power and plugged back in and it's been behaving since. Between the ATV4 and the Roku, I can now cut the cord!!!!!!
 
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Im still cool with my roku 3. Im still debating on copping a 4 or apple tv but probably will got with the apple tv just to switch it up
 
I'm happy with my roku 3's as they are stable and have tons of apps. But on my main theater i'm using an Nvidia shield android tv.
 
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