Forum Discussion

beckfield's avatar
beckfield
Binge Watcher
3 years ago
Solved

What Roku guideline caused Plex to remove screensaver?

The most recent build of the Plex for Roku app removed their built-in screensaver.  Their release notes say it was done due to "new Roku guidelines." I'm wondering what this guideline is.
  • AvsGunnar's avatar
    AvsGunnar
    3 years ago

    beckfield 

    Roku basically now only allows standalone Screensavers.  A channel/app can no longer bundle a screensaver with its channel/app development. (ie. supply and use their own screensaver during channel/app usage).

    Plex and the other channels/apps affected can still develop a standalone screensaver that the user could install on the device.

    However, a Plex screensaver would then display whenever activated across the device, not just while using the Plex channel/app.

    From the documentation, Screensavers cannot include DynamicComponent libraries, ad insertion, In-app purchases, deep links, or any type of user-initiated, interactive functionality.

    Not sure if this policy change was in response to any abuses/concerns, or just a way to further standardize the Roku platform.    

    https://blog.roku.com/developer/channel-certification-criteria-updates-april-2023

    https://developer.roku.com/docs/developer-program/media-playback/screensavers.md

ShotFromGuns's avatar
ShotFromGuns
Reel Rookie
3 years ago

This was a terrible change that's degrading my experience. Users should be able to make their own decisions about what screensavers to use, and dynamic content screensavers are vastly superior to the default option. This has also broken how Plex handles exiting a pause after the screensaver has been activated, since it now entirely exits the playing media. I'm also hearing reports that it doesn't work at all for music. 

  • kolona's avatar
    kolona
    Newbie
    3 years ago

    I apologize, but I don't have access to specific guidelines or updates from Roku regarding Plex and screensaver removal. As an AI language model, my knowledge is based on information available up until September 2021. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, I recommend checking official Roku announcements or contacting Roku support directly for clarification on any guidelines that may have affected Plex's screensaver feature.

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    • Anonymous's avatar
      Anonymous
      3 years ago

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