Forum Discussion

46goat's avatar
46goat
Reel Rookie
3 years ago
Solved

Where to plug in the Roku Express 4K+

The setup instructions say that "for the best streaming experience", the power source should be a wall outlet, but that alternatively, it can be plugged into one of your TV's USB ports.

Does this mean that it makes any difference as to your TV being able to show streaming video in 4K (or UHD?) resolution? I have a Samsung Q80BD which is capable of that so far as I know.

Thanks

TV & Player Setup
  • RokuDanny-R's avatar
    RokuDanny-R
    3 years ago

    Greetings 46goat 

    Welcome to the Roku Community and thanks for posting regarding your inquiry of how to power your Roku device.

    Please be aware that we alway recommend powering the Roku device to a wall outlet as powering a device through the TV USB port may not provide sufficient power to run the device optimally.

    We hope this clarifies your inquiry. Should you have another inquiry or issue, please don't hesitate posting in the Roku Community again.


    Happy Streaming,
    Danny

  • RokuMary-F's avatar
    RokuMary-F
    3 years ago

    Hi 46goat,

    We appreciate you for following up regarding your inquiry on setting up your Roku device.

    In addition to what RokuDanny-R provided, connecting to a power outlet in the wall has the additional advantage that your streaming player will not need to power up every time you turn on your TV. This means your streaming player will be up and running faster than it would be connected to the USB port on your TV.

    • Note: Most Roku streaming players connected to the USB port on your TV will lose power when the TV goes into standby. This means that your streaming player will “boot up” every time the TV is turned on. Although this is generally fast, it can be avoided by connecting the streaming player to a wall power outlet. Also, much like “apps” on your smartphone, Roku channels are cached the first time they are launched so they load faster; however, the cache is emptied when the streaming player powers down.

    Thank you for providing us with an opportunity to assist you and thank you for choosing Roku.


    Best regards,
    Mary

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  • RokuDanny-R's avatar
    RokuDanny-R
    Retired Moderator
    3 years ago

    Greetings 46goat 

    Welcome to the Roku Community and thanks for posting regarding your inquiry of how to power your Roku device.

    Please be aware that we alway recommend powering the Roku device to a wall outlet as powering a device through the TV USB port may not provide sufficient power to run the device optimally.

    We hope this clarifies your inquiry. Should you have another inquiry or issue, please don't hesitate posting in the Roku Community again.


    Happy Streaming,
    Danny

    • 46goat's avatar
      46goat
      Reel Rookie
      3 years ago

      Thanks so much for the reply, Danny. I still have a question about this though. If we assume that the USB port DOES supply sufficient power for the Roku Express 4K+ to operate the device optimally, will it provide the exact same quality of picture as plugging the device into a wall outlet?

      Thanks!

      • RokuMary-F's avatar
        RokuMary-F
        Community Moderator
        3 years ago

        Hi 46goat,

        We appreciate you for following up regarding your inquiry on setting up your Roku device.

        In addition to what RokuDanny-R provided, connecting to a power outlet in the wall has the additional advantage that your streaming player will not need to power up every time you turn on your TV. This means your streaming player will be up and running faster than it would be connected to the USB port on your TV.

        • Note: Most Roku streaming players connected to the USB port on your TV will lose power when the TV goes into standby. This means that your streaming player will “boot up” every time the TV is turned on. Although this is generally fast, it can be avoided by connecting the streaming player to a wall power outlet. Also, much like “apps” on your smartphone, Roku channels are cached the first time they are launched so they load faster; however, the cache is emptied when the streaming player powers down.

        Thank you for providing us with an opportunity to assist you and thank you for choosing Roku.


        Best regards,
        Mary