Forum Discussion
I have been using Roku devices for at least 15 years. Long before alternates like Fire Stick, Apple TV, and even Smart TVs were options. Now there are PLENTY of other options. Why drive away your loyal customers?!??. Also, the idea that I paid for this current device with the understanding there were no video ads on the home screen and then Roku devices was able to force this on us with no option for a refund is pretty upsetting. Now I am going to have to go spend MORE money to replace it.
You paid for a device that has a terms of service that says they can change those terms when they want. Your only option is to complain and take it, or to actually go get/use something else. That's your only choices. Most will do the first and very few will actually do the second.
Roku knows this. They've done the numbers and will continue on. They may scale back for a second, but they've already put in place all the things to continue on with this and worse. Just look at how many people said they were dropping Netflix when they started their one-household policy, and how many people actually did. Netflix carried right on with it.
Roku has worked hard to grow their presence including themselves on TV operating systems so that they get big enough that they can do this and a little user backlash can't stop them.
So again, you're either stuck with this and more in the future (complaining along the way) or you become one of the few who actually jump ship. Neither is going to stop Roku from proceeding.
- JamieLogical7 months agoChannel Surfer
Well I fall into the later category. Already placed my order for an ONN Android TV, which should arrive tomorrow and then the Roku goes in the trash where it belongs.
- Razathorn7 months agoChannel Surfer
Welp, there's my 3rd auto play ad when turning my device on. Hit the home button and my sound system blaster the heck outta me with no warning for a paramount ad. Literally jumped. That's it. No more Roku. Name the next try Shichi I guess. Time to switch to one of the many android devices on the market.
- rawlsrules7 months agoRoku Guru
You have mentioned what I think is one of the worst things about roku imposing its advertising revenue on us: whether just visual, or horribly, both visual and audio, it is invasive and disruptive to the experience. I stopped by regular subscription to Netflix a number of years ago when they started having audio-visual ads for whatever show the cursor happened to be on.
What I don't get is why ANYONE would be okay with further noisy busy-ness that doesn't contribute anything one needs or wants.
- phantoms7 months agoBinge Watcher
My Apple TV 4K showed up yesterday. Tonight, I set it up after work.It works great, much faster and snappier than the Roku Ultra and most importantly, NO ADS.
Roku has lost a long time customer who's had different Rokus just about as long as they've been around. They really messed up and I will never come back to them. No more Roku for me.
- MikesBored7 months agoReel Rookie
This is really a terrible move. Yes they get a bit of extra ad money. The problem is that a Roku isn't something you buy frequently so every time they lose a customer no matter what change they make to fix the problem after you get a Roku alternative you won't get a chance to get that customer back for years until they need a new device. Basically if I just bought a Roku I'd be stuck dealing with this stuff. I am in the new hardware soon window so if they don't correct this I will go elsewhere and even if they totally fix this once I invest in a new device I'm not in the position to change back until I need a new streaming device. So enjoy the slight profit boost for now but it's a total to long term finances. The only possible scenario a company should be ok with a short term profit boost while harming your long term finances is if Roku plans to sell itself and wants to look more profitable while letting the new owners to deal with a long term problem.
- JimDKC7 months agoChannel Surfer
Are people still getting these ads? Mine appear to have stopped.