Roku Streaming Sticks Are Evolving - Get to Know Them

2023-01-05 | Kaya

Tip: Everything you need to know about the features and setting up of Roku Streaming Stick. How to get it on discount

Summary

Roku is popular for its simple and functional products. Until today, their set-up boxes and the streaming sticks did not have the features to control the TV volume, so there was a need to use two remotes. Ultimately, a new remote that could control TV power & volume using an in-build infrared emitter was introduced calledRoku Streaming stickandRoku Streaming stick plus.Both even have a voice recognizer microphone. TheRoku Streaming stick+even supports the 4K HDR video.

Other popular versions areRoku streaming stick 3500r,Roku streaming stick 3600,Roku streaming stick 3800r, andRoku Streaming stick 4K.

What is the Roku Streaming Stick?

A streaming stick is a compact and small video streaming device.Roku streaming stickis the size of the standard flash drive. Instead of connecting it to your PC, the stick is plugged into Your TVs HDMI input. It transforms your regular TV into Smart television.

The streaming stick allows adding myriads of streaming channels like popular ones Hulu, Amazon Prime, YouTube, HBO Max, Netflix, and more. You may even be familiar with some of these channels including Adult swim, Crackle, and Vevo. Roku library has hundreds of channels in its library, which you may not have heard of. Many channels are free but there are some like HBO or Netflix or Amazon Prime that will need a subscription. Certain TV channels will need cable providers’ verification that you are approved to watch that channel.

Comparison between Roku streaming stickandRoku streaming stick+

Similarities

The setup of both devices is the same and it is easy to use. Just plug them into the power outlet and TVs HDMI ports, equip the remote with batteries, and follow on-screen instructions.
Roku Streaming stick&Roku Streaming stick plushave voice and power control.
Both use dual-band 802.11ac instead of the 802.11n standard used in its previous model. This allows for fast speed and long-range over 5GHz frequency bands supported by a compatible router.

Dissimilarities

Roku streaming stickremotesize is 0.5”x 3.3”x0.8”, while the dimension ofRoku streaming stick+is 3.7”x8”x0.47”.
The price of aRoku Streaming stickis $49.99, while that of aRoku Streaming Stick+is $59.99.
Roku streaming sticksupports only HD video quality but theRoku® Streaming Stick®+supports HD, 4K UltraHD, and 4K Ultra HD HDR.

What do you need to know about the Roku Streaming Stick Plus?

TheRoku® Streaming Stick®+was made available in 2017. As CNET’s, it was a favored streaming device to stream HDR and 4K videos from Amazon, Apple TV, Netflix, Vudu, and Disney Plus. It has features like voice and TV power control, which makes it appealing.

The good points

It delivers HDR and 4K video quality in a compact bundle for affordable rates.
The interface is simple and puts each streaming service on a leveled playing field.
It allows controlling the TV power and volume.
The response is quick and the video quality is great.

The bad points

Its rate is $10 more than the newRoku Express4K+ with the same features,
It lags in voice support like Fire TV.
It does not support Dolby Vision streaming.

According toRoku Streaming Stick Plus Review, the stick-like structure is worth considering. Even if Fire TV stick and Chromecast support Dolby Vision HDR and voice support, their menu system looks modern but is more cluttered thanRoku streaming stick+. Roku supports Apple’s Airplay system, which Google and Amazon lack. This allows Apple devices and iPhones to connect wirelessly with your TV as well as connect to show photos, mirror screens, control apps, etc. Airplay empowers Roku to offer people who are fans of Apple to enjoy without investing in an Apple TV 4K.

The Roku stick plus hides well behind the TV and even plugging directly within the TV's HDMI port is simple. If space is tight use Port saver or male to female HDMI cable. Roku offers this for free. Plus needs a Receiver cable and even if it does not support Dolby Vision HDR, it supports Dolby Atmos [best audio format].

Roku Streaming Stick Features, Services, Apps, Remote, Chromecast

Roku products offer a great streaming solution. Even without a subscription to Netflix, Hulu, FuboTV, etc. you can download and watch instantly.

Different models

Roku Express - Compatibility with HD, standard remote with channel shortcut buttons, and IR receiver.
Roku Express 4K + - Compatibility with HD, standard remote with channel shortcut buttons, and IR receiver.
Roku Premiere - Compatibility with HD, 4K UltraHD, and 4K UHD HDR, a standard remote with channel shortcut buttons and IR receiver.
Roku Premier+ - Compatibility with HD, 4K UltraHD, and 4K UHD HDR, controls the TV's voice and power.
Roku streaming stick - Compatibility with HD and controls the TV's voice and volume.
Roku streaming stick+ - Compatibility with HD, 4K UHD, 4K UHD HDR, and controls the TV's voice and volume.
Roku Ultra - Compatibility with HD, 4K UHD, 4K UHD HDR, controls the TV's voice and volume, voice search, gaming buttons, private listening, and lost remote finder.

EachRoku streaming stick remotemodel differs in designs and features. For example, Roku Ultra provides better Wi-Fi connectivity and allows you to connect your system with external soundbars and speakers.

The Roku Express+ offers an A/V composite port for the old TV models without HDMI. To take advantage of the sound system then choose Roku Ultra but if you don’t desire to spend more than buy a Roku streaming stick with TV power and volume control.

The company has come up with some newer models and is currently offering good discounts on Roku Streaming sticks. You can check Roku player out.

What Streaming services does Roku Streaming Stick support?

Roku and Netflix- The majority of Roku devices allow streaming Netflix in HD, UHD, and HDR on fast Wi-Fi. However, you will need a Roku account to connect Netflix from your home screen or your streaming stick remote control.

You can watch Netflix offline with Top 16 Netflix Video Downloaders Review [2022 Updated].

As Christmas is coming soon, so here you can find 27 Must Watch Best Christmas Movies On Netflix to Get in The Holiday Spirit.

Roku and Amazon Prime- From the Roku channel store, you will need to download the Amazon Prime Video software. It is free but to watch Amazon Prime you will need to become a paid subscriber. Remember, old models Roku 1 & 2 don’t support the Prime updates.

Roku and Airplay- Roku supports Apple Airplay from devices like Mac, iPhone, and iPad. Airplay content on your Roku, directly from within websites and apps like HBO Max and Hulu. You can even listen to Spotify music on your TV using Roku AirPlay.

Roku and Hulu- Hulu has a huge streaming library allowing you to stream every TV from a single place. Hulu experience is accessible on Roku 3, Roku streaming stick 3600 or higher, Roku Express/plus, Roku Premier/plus, Roku 4K, and Roku Ultra.

Don’t know what to watch? Here are 15 Most Scariest Horror Movies on Hulu Right Now - For Your Creepiest and Chilling Pleasure

Roku and Chromecast- Chromecast is popular because of Google. If you prefer Roku then you can use it as a Chromecast. Mirror your mobile phone’s whole screen on PC or Smart TV.

Go to Roku’s Settings -> System -> Screen Monitoring -> Enable Screen Mirroring. Roku uses Miracast standards, so screen mirroring is compatible with new devices.

How to use Roku without a remote?

Roku devices have a remote control that uses Wi-Fi to connect with the players. If you lose the remote or its batteries drain out then you won’t be able to watch your favorite TV show. Fortunately, Roku allows controlling the players with your mobile phones.

You will need to download and install the Roku app on your tablet or smartphone. Connect the player and app using the same internet connection. Open the app -> Devices -> Roku device -> Remote. Your Smartphone is transformed into a mobile and you can control the Roku player.

How to Set up Roku Streaming Stick?

Here are the specific steps to set up Roku streaming sticks.

Step 1 - Connect Roku streaming stick or player to the TV

Using HDMI- Connect Roku device directly with HDMI cable to the HDMI supporting HDCP 2.2. If it does not connect directly because of space limitation then you need an HDMI extender cable [Roku offers it for free - just request].
Using Composite- If there is no HDMI port then connect using composite cables

Step 2 - Connect to the wired network

If your network is wired the connect Ethernet cable’s one end to the Ethernet port in the player, while the other end is on the router’s Ethernet port.

Step 3 - Connect Roku device to power

From wall outlet using a power adapter.
From the TV's USB port connect to the Roku device using a USB power cable.

Step 4 - Power the TV and choose the correct input.

Step 5 - Insert batteries in the Roku remote.

Step 6 - For onscreen setup & activation

Choose a language, connect the Roku device to the Wi-Fi, set the display type, remote’s voice/power control, create a Roku account, and link it to your Roku device.

Now, yourRoku Streaming stickis all set to function.

Where to buy Roku Streaming Stick with a discount?

Roku Streaming Stick can be bought on Walmart, Amazon, and even its official website for a discount. For the bestRoku Streaming Stick Walmartdeal give a visit. For example, theRoku Streaming Stick PlusWalmart is offered at $47.50 and Roku Ultra is for $61.99. On Roku’s official website you can grab discounts ranging from $10 to $30 with expiry dates, so rush!

Review - Which is the best Roku streaming stick to buy?

The newRoku Streaming Stick 4ksupports Dolby Vision, so with a TV that is compatible with Dolby Vision, you can leverage this stick. This streamer has a voice remote that supports every Roku service along with long-range Wi-Fi. Unlike the Express model, 4K stays hidden as there is no need for visibility to control.

Roku Express4K

Roku Express4K plus has extra support for high 4K resolution along with HDR 10+ content, so it is a more viable option to Roku Premiere. The difference between4oku Express vs Roku Streaming Stickplus is that even if the former is not compact, it is capable.

Roku Express is the smallest and performs like other Roku players. It supports full HD as well as offers vast streaming service selection and decent performance.

Roku Premiere

Roku Premiere is better thanRoku Expressas it supports 4K and HDR. There is no Dolby Vision support but you attain awesome HDR10 performance. Just likeRoku Express, Premiere depends on Micro USB power. An HDMI cable connects it to the TV and the Premiere stick is attached with a sticky tape to the TV's bottom or edge.

Roku Streaming Stick Plus

The design of Roku Streaming Stick Plusis different than Roku Premiere. The stick is plugged directly inside the TV's HDMI port. If there is a space issue then an HDMI extender will be required. Power is drawn from the cable equipped with a potent Wi-Fi booster for great performance and the best streaming service quality. TheRoku streaming stick+is created to be out of mind and sight.

Roku Ultra 2020

Roku Ultra 2020 replaces the previous models. You will find the older modelsRoku Streaming stick 3500randRoku Streaming stick 3800ron sale at discounted prices. The new elements are Ultra supports Dolby Vision & Dolby Atmos as well as extra Bluetooth support for streaming music from the smartphone.

To use Dolby support there will be a need for a sound and TV system that can handle it. Wi-Fi boost means better connectivity and there is an Ethernet port for wired connection. It supports every other feature that every Roku device offers.

Roku has evolved a lot since its launch. There are many credible rivals like Amazon’s Fire TV stick and Google’s Chromecast but Roku is most preferred because it is simple to use. Amazon and Google have plenty of content to push. On the other hand, Roku allows diving into streaming services directly.

Besides, affordability is another feature that separates Roku. There is a huge price difference between Apple TV andRoku Streaming Stick. Roku works with new technologies like Google Assistant and Alexa. It has integrated new technology Apple Airplay in its latest models. Roku offers an array of streamers, so you can select the one that suits your needs. It means you are not wasting cash on functions that your TV is not compatible with.

Final Word

TheRoku Streaming Stick Plusis best for many people because it has a great WI-FI connection and plugs directly into the TV's HDMI port.How to set up Roku Streaming Stickis simple. People are still investing in the olderRoku streaming stick 3600or the 3500r or the 3800r versions. The latest Roku Ultra offers more beneficial features that come with a price!

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