Channels & viewing

[Christifur]

I will be also done with Roku. Time to move on. 

[Morningstar55]

Roku's decision to remove non-certified channels will DEFINITELY impact my future streaming device purchase decisions. Come March, If this happens, I will be looking to switch to Amazon Fire or Tivo. I think IDK really stands for "I Dont Know". I see it not helping consumers who wish to subscribe to un-certified channels, and aren't interested in developing content. Please Roku. Do the right thing and DO NOT remove un-certified channels.

[buntay20]

They (Roku) really need to rethink this decision. There are so many private channels that removing them all will cause a real hit to their platform. I cant imagine that a good percentage will try to completely revamp their channels to come into certification compliance and Roku will lose a lot of its base. If it aint broke dont fix it, innovation and keeping up with the times is great but remember, your not the only fish in the pond.

When compared to firestick, android player, apple TV, the private channel feature and ability is a very fine edge.  Tread lightly Roku, Tread lightly, cause I can get almost all of your "certified" channels on any one of those other platforms.

We'll have to see how this plays out, I hope they wise up.

[yeahrightnoway]

After a decade with Roku, I've already moved to replace all of my Roku boxes with Amazon Fire and Android TV devices. Roku was already limited in what it can do. And this move to ban sideloaded channels clinches it. Android devices can be rooted and rommed and run almost any Android app. The sideloaded channels are all Roku has going for it. Everything else can be done better on other devices. So long Roku. 

[wildsprite]

please consider adding an Adult section in the channel store that requires a pin to browse and all channels installed from within also require a pin to open.

this will satisfy a lot of people who are rather upset with your choice to remove private(non listed) channels. Please keep in mind that not allowing people to access adult content such as the already existing Pornhub channel in some way is going to drive people away from your platform

[ConundrumIV]

Hello, I have just been informed by more than one active subscribers that "Roku" "Will no longer be allowing Adult Channels to be viewed on Roku". 

1) Is this indeed correct? 

2) If so, who specificly made this decision? And what is their name and contact information within Roku and CO?, including but not limited to, its subsidiaries, and sister companies.

3) Exactly why was this decision made? and why does Roku feel it has the right to make such decisions to choose what and what their paid cust. may or may not watch?

4) I've paid for many yearly subscriptions for such services. I expect Roku will be offering full refunds for arbitrarily removed programing? 

5) I expect refunds for the 55" TCL Roku 4K TV , and other 3 Roku devices purchased in good faith in order to view such paid programing. 

6) This is a constitutional issue , and censorship at its worst. 

7) Will Roku be removing religious and other free speech channels also?? If not who has a right choosing what others watch?   

[atc98092]

To my knowledge, adult channels have never been officially offered on Roku. I'm referring to channels such as Pornhub and others along that line. They've always been offered as a private channel, and Roku has always stated that private channels can be removed at any time. 

However, I don't think that's the exact issue. I believe that Roku is doing away with all private channels, not just ones that might be labeled adult. It is difficult to enforce providers serving content legally if the channels are outside their distribution channel. In some ways, it's no different than the way Apple controls the content available on their devices. 

I looked back into my emails that I get from Roku, because I did sign up to be a channel developer at one time just to try my hand. This is one of the emails I received. I only copied a portion of the email, but it explains what's probably happening:

In October, Roku announced the sunsetting of non-certified channels, which will occur on February 23, 2022. We wanted to remind you that when the sunset occurs, all non-certified channels will be disabled across all Roku devices. This means that after February 23rd, 2022:

• Users will no longer be able to install or launch non-certified channels.
• Unpublished channels can no longer be installed via a vanity access code.
• All non-certified channels will be removed from the Developer Dashboard.

[Bdonavonbush]

Roku is really terminating adult channels. That really sucks. Now that roku wants to censor what im watching im gonna have to find something else than roku. Wow??? Roku let me down

[Falcon1949]

Yes I just got a message from Adult Empire who I have been accessing through Roku for years that Roku is discontinuing viewer access to all adult channels in mid February. Very disappointed I may have to change to a different service that offers Adult viewing. Is there a way to send complaints directly to Roku I have not been able to find a contact other than technical.

[atc98092]

Again, Roku is not dropping adult channels. They are closing access to all uncertified channels, regardless of the content. If the providers are unwilling/unable to comply with the standard Roku terms of service, they will not be offered in the Roku channel store, and private channels will not longer be supported.