Solving playback issues

[chzuck]

Recently when I try to start Roku with the remote, the TV screen goes black.  To get Roku started I need to unplug the power supply at the Roku unit and plug back it.  Does not do this all of the time.  At first I just tried removing it from the HDMI socket, but that did not work.  I had to remove the power plug.  Any idea what is going on?

[RokuDanny-R]

@chzuck

Thanks for the post.

Can you please specify the issue you are experiencing? What Roku model device are you using? How are you powering the Roku device? Have you tried connecting the device to another HDMI port on your TV as well as using another HDMI cable to connect the Roku device?

With more detailed information, we will be able to assist you further.

Thanks,
Danny

[makaiguy]

When the screen goes black when viewing the input to which you have your Roku attached, try just pushing the Home key on your Roku remote to bring the Roku back to life.

Starting with Roku operating system version 10.5 a new "Power" item was added in the "Settings > System" menu for some of the newer Roku device models. At this writing they are Streaming Stick 4K/4K+ (3820/3821), Express 4K/4K+ (3940/3941), Roku 4 (4400), and Ultra/Ultra LT (4800/4801). You can check your model and model number via Roku menu path Settings/System/About.

If you have one of these models running Roku 10.5 or later, the recently added  "Auto power savings" item there will put your Roku device into a low power standby condition after a 20 minute period of inactivity (i.e. when nothing has been streaming and no user interaction has been received). In this state neither its connection to your home network nor its HDMI signal to your TV are active.

Pressing a Roku control key (like the Home button) on your Roku remote (not Power, Volume, or Mute buttons, if your remote has them, as they act on the TV, not the Roku) should bring the Roku out of standby and back to full operation. A you've found, pulling the power for a few seconds to restart the Roku will restore full operation as well.

If you disable "Settings > System > Power > Auto power savings > After 20 minutes of no interaction" it should prevent your Roku from going into standby in the first place. The power savings are very small and for the hassle it causes most users, I don't think it's worth having this feature activated.

For further details, see this Roku information page: https://support.roku.com/article/6306527767575