Channels & viewing

[Greg_masters]

I want to hear from Roku why it is restricting the viewing of a channel like Vidangel that allows us to filter garbage out of our TV. Is this a matter of money?

[Anonymous]

Hi @Greg_masters
Thank you for the inquiry!

Thanks for bringing this to our attention! Roku announced that last February 23, 2022, it will sunset all channels not available through its official store. This includes the current VidAngel channel. On that date, VidAngel and all other non-certified channels will be disabled across all Roku devices. Nevertheless, we appreciate for sharing the feedback, we'll also send your feedback to our team!


Warm Regards,
Lianna

[iamspartacus23]

could you dumb that down a bit with the answer.

[atc98092]

The answer is - they aren't going to say. The previous channel was what was known as a Private channel. These were unsupported by Roku, and provided the entire spectrum of content, from religious content, to porn, and video streams of dubious legality. But Roku announced well over a year ago they were going to cut off all private channels. There's potential legal liability that was one reason, and I'm certain there are others. 

For whatever reason, Roku has not certified a version of the Vidangel channel. They will never provide that explanation to the public. Vidangel claims that Roku won't tell them either why they won't certify their channel. I'm not going to discuss who is or isn't telling the truth. We here have no way of ever knowing.

Bottom line: only channels certified by Roku are permitted in the channel store. They have some valid reasons for this, and it's the same thing Apple does with the iTunes store. I make no claim on if Roku has valid reasons for denying Vidangel certification, and I have no "dog in the fight", as I never used the channel previously and likely wouldn't bother with it anyway. But I support the desire of the users that would like to have it, for I completely understand the potential need for it. 

[DER1]

For what my vote is worth, I'd like Roku to work with VidAngel to make them a channel in the Roku store. 

[AvsGunnar]

@DER1 

I would highly suspect that due to certain partnerships and agreements, this will be unlikely for awhile.

As with anything with streaming, if a preferred method is unavailable to you, you either need to use an alternate platform that offers the method, or find a workaround.

The VidAngel mobile app reportedly works/is able to cast to your Roku devices, so perhaps try that method.  Another way of course is to watch on your laptop via HDMI cable directly to your TV. (bypass the Roku altogether).

Vidangel is also offering a $30 service coupon if you purchase a compatible streaming device from their list on the website (AppleTV, AndroidTV, FireTV devices).  If you go to their Support Chat and ask they will email you the offer.  You basically buy the device, send them a pic, and I believe they credit the $30 off the Vidangel service).

https://www.vidangel.com/

----

Sure it would be easier if Vidangel could just get a channel back into the Roku Channel Store.  But welcome to streaming.  Usually have to custom build and tailor your streaming setup to get access to the content you want rather than wait around for companies to address the wants of customers.

Although I only use Roku devices, there are many ways to supplement any feature lacking in them with the use of a laptop or mobile app.  For other users, it may be easier to supplement with another streaming device that provides them with features lacking in Roku.  Nothing wrong with using a multi-device streaming strategy and setup.

[Greg_masters]

I guess we will get no real answer from Roku. Too bad. I have been a big fan and user of Roku since it came out with its first box.

Just open the manual loading process again. Not in your business plans? Just remember that things like this are the reason that Android TV, Firestick and others are becoming more popular.

Here is what Vidangel says:

So why isn't Vidangle in Roku's official store?

We’ve submitted the VidAngel channel for review multiple times over the years, including as recently as the fall of 2021. Each time, Roku declined to approve our channel and provided little insight regarding that decision. That’s why, in the past, users had to manually install our app onto their Roku device rather than downloading it from the official store. 

We remain optimistic that they will reconsider in the future. In the meantime, we have refocused our efforts on expanding the number of devices and systems where you can watch VidAngel.

[atc98092]

To add to what @AvsGunnar said. In the streaming world, there is no one single device that "does it all". Roku devices cover the vast majority of services, but there are gaps. Android TV based devices (Fire TV, Shield, Chromecast, etc.) often cover those gaps, but they had their own set of gaps that Roku has covered. I use both (Roku and Shield), as it's the best way to insure all gaps are covered. 

[Mr_Geek]

I bought my first Roku about 10 years ago.  Later when I found out about VidAngel, I was able to install it, not through the Roku store but with instructions on the VidAngel site.

Unfortunately I had lost my job over a year ago and to cut costs I cancelled all of my streaming services except for Amazon Prime and Netflix.  I deleted the paid streaming services from my Roku.  I wasn't unemployed for very long and once I started working again I resubscribed to the streaming channels I once had and to my surprise VidAngel could no longer be installed on the Roku.

I have no idea what Roku's problem is and it appears they aren't telling anyone what their problem is either.  I love VidAngel because for some reason the paid streaming channels think that the key to success is to filter out all English words with the exception of profanity.  I don't know anyone who uses that much profanity.  And even more ridiculous is historical dramas where people are using profanity that didn't even exist in those times.

VidAngel is great because I can watch an otherwise decent movie without being cussed at in every sentence uttered.

So I had to buy a FireTV device just to get VidAngel.  And even on FireTV you have to jump through hoops to install it and the app has a few problems on FireTV.

It is like every attempt anyone has come up with to allow the consumer to prevent profanity, sex and violence from entering their home, the movie industry fights them tooth and nail.  The movie industry does not adhere to the adage that the customer is always right.  They believe in force.

I also understand that my opinion is in the minority because for whatever reason, the majority is either indifferent or actually likes all of the profanity.

I would really appreciate it, and apparently so would a few others, if Roku would just certify VidAngel.  Neither my wife or myself like how FireTV works.  We like Roku much better and would like to stay with it.  But if Roku doesn't change whatever is blocking them, then we will never buy another Roku in the future.

[blessed59]

I totally agree with you. We are so tired of listening to profanity in these movies (past and present) I don’t know why Roku cannot come up with their own profanity filter.