Channel Issues & Questions

[hujin9190]

Apple tv in apple devices have the option to choose Chinese subtitles. But in the Roku version, it doesn't give me that option. Will that be fixed by future software updates?

[RokuTannerD · Accepted solution]

Hi there, 

Thanks for reaching out! For any questions related to features, functionality or future updates for any channel, you'll want to contact the channel provider directly for more information. You can reach Apple support here for more information: https://support.apple.com/contact

Thanks,

Tanner

[babypanda]

Actually this is not Apple's problem but Roku, because Roku doesn't support Chinese and can't choose Chinese as the system language, the Chinese subtitle won't show out not mater in which app. 

Could you please consider to support Chinese in the future update?  

[DigitalHoodlum]

This is not an Apple problem. It’s a Roku OS problem. Please consider escalating this topic so we can get an answer if this can be addressed in future updates. 

[RokuTannerD]

Thanks for the note and feedback here. Roku doesn't currently offer Chinese as a language option for our system/UI. We're always looking to expand our offerings and appreciate you sharing the feedback here—we'll be sure to share it with the team.  

To clarify a bit more though, for closed captions within some channels that offer their own separate closed caption/subtitle settings, such as Apple TV, it's a choice that this type of channel can choose to implement, if they wish. An example of this would be within the Netflix channel, where they have made Chinese subtitles available on supported content. 

You will want to follow up with Apple TV support directly to share your interest in seeing Chinese available in the closed captions/subtitle options within their channel. This functionality is something they would be able to offer for their channel/content. 

Thanks,

Tanner

[quux]

Actually I found that my Roku TV doesn't have CJK unicode font support, some app (like amazon music) will show CJK content, ended up in squares.

[KenW]

I'm considering buying a Roku Express 4K+ 2021. Watching shows and movies on Apple TV would be one of the usages.

Has this issue been resolved? Any one can confirm that Traditional Chinese subtitle can be chosen and displayed properly on Apple TV on Roku streaming?

Thanks in advance.

[andyross]

It may depend on the program. Not all will have every language available. I did a quick check with "Ted Lasso" and I didn't see Chinese.

[KenW]

Thanks Andy for the help.

I had a look on my MacBook and iPhone for Ted Lasso on the Apple TV app.  Chinese (both Traditional and Simplified) subtitle and Cantonese subtitle are available.

So it seems that this subtitle feature is not that consistent or reliable on this product for the time being.

[account12]

I just bought 2 Roku devices. I already owned Apple TVs and Amazon Fire Sticks. Want to give Roku a try. I like Roku's clean interface but lacking the foreign language support. In this modern age, universal language should be supported from the ground up, not add-on. Feel like I am still using Windows 95. Disappointing with Roku.

I did some research and this topic was brought up in Roku forum since 2012 if not earlier. It appeared Roku is not interested in supporting that.

I am going to return both Roku devices tomorrow. And I am pretty sure they don't care.