Features, settings & updates

[EmpireZ]

Just came across an auto-play ad for first time when I went to use the Roku Ultra. If this becomes the norm in any way, I'll have to look for alternative streaming options as this is the opposite of why I started using Roku many years ago; ease of use and functionality. 

[Biokabe]

My wife just turned on our TCL Roku TV and got the auto-play ad before being allowed to the homescreen.

Let me be very clear. We see an autoplay ad again, we will immediately find another TV and NEVER use another Roku service again. When we originally bought the TV, we paid full price for it and there were NO ads whatsoever. The homescreen ran perfectly, apps loaded quickly and it was a pleasant product to use.

Over time, our Roku experience has become bloated with ads, and said ads even began to interfere with our ability to use the TV (getting to the unnecessarily 'secret' menu to turn off HDR, for example, would frequently trigger a homescreen ad). Apps no longer launched well, with the service stuttering so that it could load up an ad. We put up with it, though - I understand that Roku has to pay its operating expenses.

This is a line in the sand. Having to sit through an ad to use a TV that I paid for (without an ad-supported discount) is just offensive. I did not purchase my TV under the expectation that I would be forced to watch an ad just to use basic TV functions. I'll be annoyed to toss a TV that's still perfectly functional, but I refuse to tacitly support this level of garbage.

[ROC1]

It looks like ROKU has decided to incorporate even more ads into their system when you first go into the program. You would think they have already incorporated enough intrusive ads into the programs you watch. Anyone out there who is interested in ROKU or wants to buy a ROKU TV should think about what they're doing. It is only another step to more and more advertising interruptions. Do you want to view an ad every time you turn on your ROKU TV or change a channel. Those are likely to be the next steps unless something is done to stop it.

[ShotFromGuns]

Chalk me up as another user absolutely disgusted by this "test," which showed up on at least one of our Roku devices so far. I'm somebody who has previously recommended Roku to family and friends (and even bought one as a gift for a parent), despite the constant ad creep. That is OVER, PERMANENTLY, unless Roku not only walks this back but makes a binding legal promise to NEVER actually implement it.

Roku has now lost ALL trustworthiness. At this point, the only guarantee is a slide into worse and worse degradation of user experience.

[JeffLawlor]

100% absolute bull**bleep**! If this garbage isn't off my player within a month, the garbage is exactly where my Roku will be. 

I have an nVidia Shield on one of my TVs. It does just fine and it is way more customizable. I can even reprogram the Netflix button!

I paid for my Roku. Stop making me pay more for it over and over again with my privacy and time. SHOW SOME RESPECT FOR YOUR CUSTOMERS IF YOU STILL WANT TO HAVE ANY!

[JeffLawlor]

They seem to think this is a move that will make shareholders happy. I predict it will have the opposite effect when everyone abandons Roku.

I've been with Roku for about 15 years. I used to be a fan. Now I am disgusted. Absolutely disgusted with Roku.

[JeffLawlor]

Well put! What more needs to be said? Other than goodbye Roku.

[JeffLawlor]

I just tried that setting. I hope it gets rid of the ads and doesn't just give me a static ad that I can't skip.

[JeffLawlor]

Check out the nVidia Shield. It's more expensive but way more customizable.

[JeffLawlor]

It's not clear to me that this will work. However, this is a great time for everyone to do just what you did. Make their advertising less profitable to them across the board. 

I should not have to see any advertisements. This Auto Play one is way, way over the line, though.