Roku no longer supporting VidAngel

Luked3 

Roku revamped the non-certified app process, and is no longer allowing them long-term. There can be short-term (120 days) non-certified apps for beta testing (limited number of users). The purpose of the of the non-certified repository was for app developers to make apps available to the public (essentially beta testing) until code was finalized and submitted for certification. However, many app developers abused the process and simply left their apps in the non-certified repository.

To have an app in the Channel Store, VidAngel needs to code one to standards, to include allowing subscriptions via Roku Pay. Roku doesn't require subscriptions be through Roku Pay, but they require the app developer to allow subscriptions be that way. And for ad-supported apps, the ads must work with Roku's ad system.

Additionally, the app must not violate laws, such as copyright violations. VidAngel was guilty of that with their service (on Roku via a non-certified app), losing a $62-million judgement to Disney and Warner Bros. over copyright violation.

So, how would VidAngel get an app in the Channel Store for the first time?

VidAngel would have to code their app to standards, to include allowing Roku Pay integration (same as Netflix, Hulu, and every other app), and Roku Ad integration, if applicable. And they would have to prove to Roku that they are no longer breaking the law.

Just use a Firestick, Apple TV, or any other streaming device that supports VidAngel with your Roku TV.  Just plug into an HDMI port on the TV and it will work fine.  Set up the Roku TV to start up with the input you used for the other device.  I am doing this with an older TCL Roku TV that is very slow and it works great.  I just use the remote for the other device to turn on the TV, control volume etc.  I left the TCL Roku TV connected to the internet so it can get updates but I unlinked the TV from my Roku account.  You don't need a new TV, just a streaming device.  I would not hold my breath waiting for VidAngel to appear on Roku again anytime soon. 

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nhsy736 wrote:

Roku's choice to kill VidAngel is shortsighted and alienates a massive, and growing, population that appreciates the capacity to tailor their viewing revel in to their circle of relatives.

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You've read none of this, have you? It was all explained that Roku hasn't targeted VidAngel. If someone told you that Roku targeted VidAngel, they told you wrong. Be very wary of anything they tell you, because they will tell you things that are wrong. Don't listen to people that tell you wrong things.

I honestly never have heard of VidAngel and I’ve been a cord cutter for 10 years. Constantly I see people in this community posting about generic channels they use. And now they go unsupported. But yet if you stick to legit channels such as Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max and others you have no issues. You people honestly need a filter system for your kids to watch TV? Interesting 

simplyme 

I don't know if VidAngel ever submitted their app for certification. They said they did, but I've seen other statements they made that were false, so I don't put any faith in any statement they make. But even if they actually did, I can see why Roku would have rejected it. I don't know why, but I have suspicions, if it happened, that is.

Recall that VidAngel lost a $62-million judgement for violating copyright. That's what bankrupted the company. They restructured, and negotiated it down to just under $10-million they owe for, well, breaking the law. They infringed on content owners rights in violation of copyright law. And a violation of the law makes them lawbreakers. That's all established fact. Look it up.

Again, I don't know why Roku rejected them (if they did; VidAngel has made dishonest statements, so I am hesitant to believe them), but I suspect it's to avoid financial risk. All apps must allow for using Roku Pay to subscribe. They don't require a user to only use Roku Pay, but it has to be an option. And, with a history of copyright violations, Roku taking money from illegal subscriptions would have put Roku at risk.

Some have said that VidAngel did no wrong. The courts say otherwise. Some say that VidAngel has changed their business model to one that's now legal. I don't know if they have or haven't. Again, their dishonest statements make me skeptical. But if they have, they still have to code the app to standards. And, with a history of copyright violations, they would, I think (I don't know, but it seems reasonable to me) have to prove to Roku that they are legal now. And, I suspect, that would involve Roku doing an extensive study of them, and get Roku legal involved. I don't see a rubber stamp process.

Now, VidAngel may indeed now be running a legit business. And if so, great. And if they are, and if their app passes muster, I expect Roku to certify an app.

After all, Roku had issues with PlayOn some years ago. You probably don't know about that, but I remember it well. PlayOn was used primarily to circumvent copyright law and content owners rights -- commonly called video piracy -- and Roku kept pulling PlayOn apps from the Private/Non-certified app library. PlayOn would upload, and Roku would take it down. It got to the point where Roku banned mention of PlayOn from these forums.

Well, PlayOn changed their business model. They now have two apps in the Roku Channel Store.

So, there is hope of redemption for VidAngel after their illegal activities. If they have gone legal and legit -- and the fact they are in the Amazon app store indicates (but doesn't prove) they have -- then if their app functions and code meets Roku standards, I expect Roku will certify the app.

On the other hand, many pirate TV apps are available in the Amazon app store without cracking the Fire OS, so it may be that VidAngel is still operating illegally. I don't know. Roku has more stringent requirements with the recent revamp of Private/Non-certified apps to the new Beta app process. Whether or not Roku will certify depends entirely on VidAngel. Roku won't pay any attention to pleas to certify an app and ignore their processes. If you want to make a plea to someone to resolve this, plea to VidAngel to not break the law and write a good app.

JHYoung 

Check with Amazon. Fire TV apps can be found during a search on Amazon, best if filtered by apps.

There are restrictions in the Google Play store as well. The difference is you can side-load apps on the Android platform, which you can't do on Roku or Apple TV devices. 

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geoff65 wrote:

We don't use the VidAngel app directly on Roku.  I pull up what I want to see on the VidAngel app on my phone and then cast to Roku....at least I used to.  But now when I select "Send to TV", Roku no longer shows up as an option.  Any chance that this option can be returned even if the VidAngel app is not available on Roku?  In other words, just using Roku as the cast receiver.

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When there's an issue casting between a phone and a Roku, it's usually something in the network settings. If your router is controlled by your ISP (they usually do if you rent the box from them), they might have changed something on you. Most WiFi radios in the router have a security setting that blocks connected devices from seeing other devices on your network. That would "hide" your Roku from the phone. You should be able to see those settings when you log into your router's configuration with a browser. Also, the phone and the Roku have to be on the same network IP address range, and that address range must be what is considered a private address. It's highly unlikely that was changed in your router without your knowledge, but anything's possible. If you have a "guest" WiFi access set up, that is going to have the security setting I mentioned enabled, and you don't want to turn it off. The phone and the Roku cannot be on the guest access.

When you select screen mirroring on the phone, do you see any destination device, or is the Roku the only one not shown? Of course, this is assuming you have other potential destination devices. On my network, I see 11 different devices, with seven of them being Rokus. The others are "smart" TVs.