Roku setup

[Msjdpm]

my new Roku ultra box has a small strip of black tape on the front of box next to led light.  What is this?   Should it be removed?

[JWS9518]

Usually, tape like that is used to protect the plastic covering the IR receiver on electronics from getting scratched up during shipping.  You can remove it unless there is something on it that says do not remove.

[AvsGunnar]

@Msjdpm 

If it looks more like electrical tape, there is a possibility someone returned this unit.   They may have had some issues with IR interference and just taped over the IR sensor on the unit.

If it is more of a dark film, then likely provided by manufacturer to protect the face as indicated by @JWS9518.

Either way, remove it and see how the device performs. 

[Msjdpm]

It’s not electrical tape but looks more a shiny black sticker over the led smaller than a postal stamp.  Not opaque because led is still visible when lit.  It looks like it isn’t meant to be removed

[AvsGunnar]

@Msjdpm 

Are you able to post a screenshot? (use the little camera icon in the options above to upload a picture here).

A closeup up the device (Ultra 4850) looks like there is a black "something" surrounding the LED light.

That does look like part of the device and likely not removable.

click on image to enlarge.

[Msjdpm]

That’s what it looks like except there are slight wrinkles in it which makes it look more like tape

[AvsGunnar · Accepted solution]

@Msjdpm 

Just looks like shrink-wrap film for protection.  You should be able to remove it.

I have many devices (including Rokus) that operate just fine with it on so I have left it on.  Keeps the actual unit from getting scratched and embedded with dust and grime especially with some of the more rubbery plastic units.

As long as the IR functions of the remote (the power and volume controls for TV control) work through the film, then completely up to you whether to remove or leave on.

[Msjdpm · Accepted solution]

I guess I’ll leave it on for now.  Thanks for your help!

[Strega2]

Just wanted to mention that on some occasions I have left the protective film on, then years later, noticed the film was getting bad-looking so I went to take it off and - wow - temporary adhesive sometimes can become pretty permanent after years.

[AvsGunnar]

@Msjdpm 

I just realized that I typed that the IR commands for the TV controls went through the Roku Ultra.  I actually meant that as long as an IR remote works though the film (as in an IR Roku remote, or a universal streaming remote) you should be fine to leave plastic on. (Sorry, was typing faster than my brain was thinking this morning).

The Roku Ultra 4850 comes with a Pro Remote v2 so that is RF based (wifi) so little need for the IR feature unless you replace remote later.  The IR features of the remote will interact with your TV directly (use the TV's IR receiver, so the Ultra IR window/receiver does not come into play with the film with TV controls).  Only comes into play if using an IR remote to control the Roku device.

Hope I didn't unnecessarily confuse you.