Features, settings & updates

[JWS9518]

@ScrewThoseAdds 

What does selling the devices or giving them away do?  If they are used by others, the ads and subscription possibilities are the same.  Just like most streaming devices and/or smart devices from all brands most of Roku's revenue is from ads or subscriptions that they own or are managed by them with some revenue acquired by licensing their operating systems to third-party TV manufacturers.  While I do agree that there is a point where it is oversaturated and a bit too much, you also are not going to get away from advertisement on any smart device, unless you pay for some type of premium no-ad service which most people are not willing to pay the cost of that, which continues to increase.  Just ask HBO who continues to rebrand in an effort to survive in a crowded streaming space.  Or the many other services that have either merged or gone out of business due to lack of profitability, which is why ad revenue has become more prevalent with all devices and apps.

[EddieO1]

I have 6 Roku TVs. (well, 4 TVs, and 2 roku boxes connected to non-Roku TVs).  I swear to god I'll take them all to the dump and switch to a different smart tv platform if they don't get rid of the autoplay ads.

I'm not a big fan of having ads on the homescreen at all - but at least the ones that were already there were fairly unobtrusive.

1. The home screen on my TV should not make noise. It shouldn't play music or audible advertising ever.
2. If there's a feature that enables playing some kind of media content on the home screen, that should be my choice to enable or disable.
3. Absolutely nothing that the home screen does should make it harder for me to access the content I intended to access. It shouldn't take over control of the menu to make me watch an ad.

If you want to play video ads, play them where the still image ad is and leave the audio off. If I like what I'm seeing, I can navigate over to it and click to watch a trailer or whatever. But this is some of the worst UX I've had the misfortune of experiencing.

[Derz]

I have 4 3800x streaming sticks +, and do not have these issues. 

I can control, via system settings, most of the junk on the home screen (recommended for you, most menu options, ie sports- can be disabled)

After reading this post, it gives me good reasons not to upgrade!

[dolphin1988]

Lately when ever i turn on the box in the morning or when it turns on after screen savers time out, the roku device automaticly  tunes in to something that is trending but it is not what i want. how do i make that stop.

[phantoms]

I have a Roku Ultra. Sit down and turn on TV, hit the Home button on Roku Remote and I'm blasted by a very loud Disney Wicked Ad right away.  WTF Roku.

Been a Roku user just about as long as they've been around. Went through many different Roku devices. No more. Switching to AppleTV 4K box. Found it for $10 off at costco online and it'll be here in 3 or 4 days. Roku can suck eggs over this decision.

[andyross]

Just repeating for those who do not read through the entire thread:

Try this: go to Settings/Accessibility/Autoplay video. Change it to OFF.

[phantoms]

I just purchased an Apple TV 4K 128GB from Costco because of Roku's decision to put loud video ads on my Roku Home Screen. I've never had a Apple product in my life, but the Apple has no ads on their device (streaming channels still do) and take privacy much more seriously than Roku who sells every single bit of user's information and data.

I don't know who at Roku thinks it's a good idea to ruin the user experience over ad revenue, but hopefully it bites them in the ass and enough users jump ship.

The reality though is only a very insignificant amount of users will actually do anything about it other than moan and whine and take it. Sure, they'll say they're dumping their Roku, but with most it's just an empty threat and Roku knows this. The revenue from allowing and using the ads will outshine the few users who leave.

For those saying to turn off Settings/Accessibility/Autoplay Video that's only a temp solution that works for some and not all users. They will figure out how to bypass it for all or will simply remove that setting. Ad revenue is just too much for them to ignore and they want that money, no matter how users feel.

[AvsGunnar]

Recognizing this is another one of Roku's poorly implemented "test features" thrust upon its users, it should come as no surprise that is not being being well received by its users.

The author in this article, https://www.pcworld.com/article/2642871/rokus-home-screen-ad-experiment-crosses-the-line.html, made a very good point that Roku has lost its focus (or shifted its focus) on who their real customer really is.  Personally, I think many Roku users recognized this a few years ago with ad service acquisitions and projects undertaken by Roku, but is becoming more obvious to the average streamer.

However, Cord Cutter News intimated in a recent video, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V-xyJF2H4Mg, that Roku would institute a manner to "skip" the full screen ad with a button press. (perhaps the Home button).

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I haven't seen the full screen ads yet myself but Roku is looking for feedback/testing responses.  Obviously, no one is going to say "I love this new feature".  Instead, they are checking to learn how much their users will tolerate.  Continue to let them know.

[DanTheMan3]

How did an unskippable ad get to my Home Screen. This has just made me angry and I will not support what ever freaking ad that was for, or purchase another Roku product. This is called “**bleep**ification” of the product

[JamieLogical]

I have been using Roku devices for at least 15 years. Long before alternates like Fire Stick, Apple TV, and even Smart TVs were options. Now there are PLENTY of other options. Why drive away your loyal customers?!??. Also, the idea that I paid for this current device with the understanding there were no video ads on the home screen and then Roku devices was able to force this on us with no option for a refund is pretty upsetting. Now I am going to have to go spend MORE money to replace it.