Roku setup

[RodAtHome]

My family went on a short vacation last week. In preparation for this I purchased a Roku Streaming Stick 4K. I configured it at home using my TCL Roku TV, got it associated with my Roku account, etc. I really thought I was all set.

We got the AirBnB and after doing other activities I pulled out my new Roku Streaming Stick 4K and plugged the HDMI into an open port of the Panasonic Roku TV. I plugged the USB power cable into a wall outlet nearby. I thought I was all set to go. I used the remote to the Panasonic and the remote for my new Roku Streaming Stick 4K. However, to my dismay it was impossible for me to find a way to configure my Roku Streaming Stick 4K to the HDMI port I plugged it into.

So, this leaves me with questions. Is it possible that Panasonic Roku TVs won't allow you to configure any of the HDMI ports? Or is it possible that the AirBnB owner can disable the ability to configure HDMI ports? At this point I don't see any benefit at all having purchased the Roku Streaming Stick 4K, because I couldn't use it. I want to know if it is something that I might be able to use, with some TVs, or something that is not possible to use at all with any smart TV?

[makaiguy]

You don't configure the Roku to a particular HDMI port - it just sends it output to its HDMI port.   You use the TV set's remote to turn it to the HDMI port to which you've connected the Roku.  In some cases, the TV may be on a cable system whose remote you need to use.

Once you have the Roku displaying on the TV, you will still need to configure the Roku to connect to the WiFi system for the BnB via Settings > Network > Set up connection.   You'll need to know the name of the BnB network to use for your BnB unit and its password.

[Strega2]

I suppose the OP might have set it to a fixed high resolution on the Home TV and the vacation TV couldn’t display that?  If so, set it to Auto or perhaps 720P before traveling?  (Settings -> Display Type.)

[AvsGunnar · Accepted solution]

@RodAtHome 

Since you mentioned it was a Panasonic RokuTV that you were trying to use your Roku Stick on, it is possible that the HDMI port was just not "enabled".

Similar to your TCL RokuTV, you may need to go into Settings/TV Inputs and look for "Unused Inputs".  Then select the appropriate HDMI Input and "Enable" it.  Unless you see the HDMI Input on the Home Screen of the RokuTV, usually indicates it is disabled.

On some TVs, HDMI ports are always active when powered on. (and will usually auto-detect when a device is plugged in).  On others, like smart TVs and RokuTVs, the HDMI Inputs have to be configured or enabled before being available for use.

[RodAtHome]

This makes sense. We're away from that home rental, so I cannot try it. But it does make sense to me, so I'll mark your answer as the solution.

[RodAtHome]

Hi @AvsGunnar I've got one follow up question. I like your answer that the Panasonic Roku TV may not have allowed me to connect my new Streaming Stick 4K to the available HDMI port. But I still want to know whether I can use the Streaming Stick 4K. What other TVs or SmartTVs do I try connecting it to, so I can test it?

[AvsGunnar]

@RodAtHome 

Yes, you can use the Streaming Stick 4k with your RokuTV. (and the Panasonic RokuTV, or any TV with a HDMI input.)

Many users attach a Roku device via HDMI to older RokuTVs in order to improve their performance. (ie. perhaps an older RokuTV has slowed down in performance, having hardware issues, etc.)  Just remember to use the Roku device's Roku remote instead of the RokuTV remote after selecting the appropriate HDMI.

Additionally, you can use your Roku Streaming Stick on any TV that has a HDMI port in order to test it.

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I normally bring one on my Roku Premiere+ (3921) devices when I travel and plug them into the hotel's TVs.  (a couple have been RokuTVs, but usually are some other type of smart TV).  I used the hotel's RokuTV remote (if a RokuTV) to set up/enable the appropriate HDMI input (ie. HDMI 1), under Settings/TV Inputs [Unused Inputs] and then plugged in my Premiere+.  Once I see the Premiere's Roku Home Screen, I go to the Network Connection screen using my Roku Premiere+ remote (Settings/Network/Setup Connection) in order to join the hotel's guest network, and then start streaming from the Premiere+ as usual.