Solving playback issues

[rk9]

Turned on tv and Roku 4 does not show on screen per usual. Checked hdmi connections, unplugged (and replugged) - nothing. Try different hdmi port, different hdmi cord, different tv. Roku is not detected anywhere with any cord. Solid blue/purple light always - never blinks when I plug it back in. Tried hard reset - pressed for over 30 seconds (keeping power to device), nothing changes. Solid light always. I have never used an SD card with it (I see that has been a problem/solution in other posts).

[atc98092]

From your description, it's very likely your Roku has suffered a hardware failure. Since it's almost 6 years old, it's certainly possible. The Roku 4 was an oddball player in that it supports 4K but not HDR. I still have one that my granddaughter uses, but isn't used often. The Roku 4 also had a heating issue, and is the only model that ever had an internal fan.

The one nice thing about the 4 is the Ethernet jack for a wired network connection. If you desire a new player with that support, you can either get an Ultra (which still has the jack), or the new Express 4K/4K+, which supports an optional external USB-Ethernet adapter. 

[rk9]

Thanks for info.  Going away from Roku, since it only lasted 6 years.  I have other streaming devices still going strong.  Just wanted to see if there was an easy fix.

[atc98092]

Six years is a lifetime for consumer electronic devices, and in particular streaming players have advanced so much in that time I see little value of continuing to use an old player. Certainly, there are still use cases that they're still just fine, and I'm not saying anyone needs to replace a player that old. But if you're leaving Roku simply because of that, well that's certainly your option. I have a Roku that's close to 10 years old, and it still works. But it's useless because it can't keep up with the latest channels, and even channels that you would expect to be fine (such as YouTube) are completely unusable. 

[rk9]

I have 2 other devices going on 8 years still good with YouTubeTV, Disney+, Hulu, ESPN+, HBOMax, Netflix.  I dont use other services so perhaps those devices don't support other more sophisticated channels that are Ultra HD.  I was hoping Roku Rep would respond knowing there product didnt outlive the competition.  Its one thing to become obsolete due to technology changes but an entire different game when it dies during its useful life.