I currently have cable service so I didn't actually need a ROKU but thought I'd try it because I heard so much about it. I am thrilled to have made the purchase. The ROKU is capable of replacing the box from my cable provider so I can save the monthly rental. In addition, it can access so much more free channels than my cable provider and adds a new dimension to free TV allowing me to access programs and services simply not accessible via ordinary cable service. (Do note that the channels currently provided on your ROKU will not replace your cable providers channel lineup. For example, you don't automatically get access to CNN, or MSNBC which are available to most cable subscribers. However, if you want to and if it makes economical sense, you can subscribe to paid services [like Youtube TV or others] that can provide a number of channels you might currently be getting from your cable provider.)
SETUP: The ROKU Ultra is capable of working with either a wireless home network, or can be connected using a wired connection to your home router. There's an advantage with using a wired connection because you don't have to be concerned with potential reception or dead areas and bandwidth/speed issues as you might with a wireless connection. Of course, with a wired connection you do need to have an accessible Ethernet port on your router, or an available port on an Ethernet Hub that is connected to your router.
Following the instruction provided were straightforward and simple. Just one point: You do need to have access to a computer because you'll need to access a website (link provided in the instructions) to activate your ROKU and create a ROKU account (if you don't already have one). After activating your device and logging in to your account if your device displays a message saying it can't access the Channels Store dont' panic, go to the System menu and select Restart to reboot you device. After that you should be OK.
Since I have cable service I was able to select the cable provider's App from the Home screen to install onto my ROKU. After installing the app I was able to access my cable service as if I was using the cable providers box - which I was not. So not only is the ROKU great for expanding your selections of completely free movies and shows, it can replace the cable providers box if your cable provider offers an App for the ROKU.
REMOTE CONTROL: The Roku ULTRA comes with a voice operated remote. I tested this with a number of channels and services and it works rather well, though it's not 100% perfect.
The remote is capable of controlling the volume on the TV used with the ROKU (the TV is detected during setup of the ROKU). The complaints I have with the remote are 1) There's no MUTE button - to kill the volume you have to use the volume adjust, 2) there are only two auxiliary buttons, labeled A and B, that you can use to pre-program to select two of your favorite channels, and 3) there's no number pad as there is on most TV remotes to allow you to directly dial-in a particular channel (other than using the two A and B buttons). In order to change a channel with the ROKU remote, you press the left-arrow and it will display a channel guide, for example, if you're connected to a cable service, or take you "back" to a previous screen. There's also a Home button that takes you all the way back to the main screen which is faster then continually pressing the back arrow. These are admittedly a minor issue, but the remote would be even better if they were addressed. What I do find a more major omission and annoyance is the lack of a MUTE button because I am constantly muting my TV with the endless barrage of commercials, so I wind up reaching for my TV's remote to press the MUTE button.
QUALITY OF STREAMING IMAGE: My main TV is a 4K LG 70" model and I could not see any difference between a direct connection using my cable providers box (even though cable uses a compressed signal) and getting the same channels via the ROKU. HD content looked excellent. Though the ROKU Ultra can stream 4K content I haven't tried that so I can't comment on the quality.
PROS: Great video quality, easy to set up and operate, expands your program selections, many of which are totally free. If your cable provider offers an app for the ROKU it could be a cable box replacement. Makes a dumb TV a scholar. Excellent for cord-cutters.
CONS: Remote has no MUTE button, has only two buttons for direct programming, has no number keypad.
OVERALL: I would most definitely recommend the ROKU Ultra to anyone, even if they have cable service, and especially if they have Spectrum Cable service which provides an app for the ROKU and which can save you some bucks on monthly rental of the cable box. And if you don't have a "Smart" TV, run out and get the ROKU because it will turn your Dumb TV into a Yale graduate.
I like the ROKU Ultra so much I am considering purchasing them for my other TVs. It's really that good.
And If you're looking to cut-the-cord, the ROKU is definitely an option that will make the task easier.
| Brand Name | Roku |
|---|---|
| Item Weight | 1 pounds |
| Product Dimensions | 4.9 x 4.9 x 1 inches |
| Item model number | Roku Ultra 4660R |
| Batteries | 2 AAA batteries required. (included) |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Color Name | black |
| Number of Component Outputs | hdmi, usb, ethernet |
| Special Features | Wireless |
| Speaker Type | Single Speaker |
