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[eclairesndonuts]

I tried finding a way to contant the development team, but I’d like to make a case for the OS developers to create an adapted version of the Roku OS that could be downloaded onto any Smart TV with compatible (sufficient) hardware. TVs that are capable of running current versions of Android, Samsung, or LG OS should have plenty of processing and graphics power. A downloadable OS that could replace the base OS on other Smart TVs could provide for a lower customer acquisition cost (this wouldn’t require building a device for each user) and also speed up the growth of Roku OS adoption. Think of the case with computers -you can replace the operating system as you wish. Why should a TV be any different? If Roku doesn’t do it first, a big-pocketed competitor such as Google or Amazon will do it -if they aren’t working on it already. Please, if anyone knows how to contact the Roku developers, pass this message along.

Thank you!

Emma

[DBDukes]

@eclairesndonuts 

First, go get Microsoft and Apple to allow their OS to be downloaded for free to any compatible computer, then come let us know how that went.

[Streamer317]

@DBDukes   Well said. A free downloadable Roku OS. And exactly how would one install this onto another TV? Interesting. So a freeway to turn any smart TV into a Roku TV. This is the funniest thing I’ve heard all day

[eclairesndonuts]

Microsoft and Apple already offer free OS.. it isn’t an OS purchase (or streaming device purchase for Roku’s sake) that is supposed to be profitable. Apple and MS do sell devices for profit along with their OS, but Roku sells devices at a loss to boost account growth. The right call for increasing market share. User acquisition is a means to the end that is platform revenue for Roku devices, where real and recurring revenue is made. The only real trade offer could be if it harms Roku’s licensing relationship with OEM partners..

Any less snarky comments? This is a legitimate idea.

[DBDukes]

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@eclairesndonuts wrote:

Microsoft and Apple already offer free OS.. ...

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Link?

[Streamer317]

Really? Explain how Microsoft and Apple give our free version of there operating system to be installed on any computer. Free operating system updates yes. Such as if you have Windows 7 you got a free update to 10. But that was only installed on the same computer. But since you already paid for the computer and paid for the operating system you got a free upgrade. Please show me a link where you download a free version of windows 10 and install it on a USB stick then installing on a computer. I’ll be waiting. Explain to me how Roku is supposed to make any money if they’re giving out free portable versions of their operating system to anyone? I guess you never heard of copyright laws. OK suppose Roku releases a downloadable version of the operating system. Please explain to me how you one would be able to install it on another TV. You do realize it’s only a smart TV. How would the TV no to run the executable? How are the TV know what partition to put it on? 

[eclairesndonuts]

You’re right that the free versions are for devices that are already licensed. The difference is that Roku DOES NOT make money off of their hardware sales. This will continue in an effort to grow internationally. Player revenue operates at a loss to facilitate the higher margin and long tail revenue generator that is platform revenue. Technically, Roku is paying people to use their OS instead of offering a free version that could be run via existing device hardware with sufficient processing power. As for how to download it to existing TVs, that’s a bit of a logistical difficulty but it warrants exploring. I don’t know why you two are being so hostile, because this is a viable idea of it’s feasible from a technical standpoint. Offering their OS for free doesn’t mean they lose copyright. It just makes it more accessible.

[Streamer317]

No hostility is being shown. It’s just the ridiculousness of your request. Absolutely no company is going to offer a free version of the operating system for anyone to use on any device. So according to you I guess Apple should release free versions of iOS. Google should release free versions of android. Amazon should release free versions of their operating system for the fire devices. The list goes on and on. Like I said even if you could download Roku onto a USB stick. Exactly how would you install and onto a TV? How would anybody know if their TV is compatible without having a breakdown of the internal hardware. TV manufacturers do not give out the internal breakdown of their devices. You’re under the impression that if Roku does this then then just like magic any smart tv turns into a Roku TV. What about TCL, Hisense and Sharp? Don’t you realize those companies won’t allow it because they sell Roku TVs and I will hurt their profit?

[DBDukes]

@eclairesndonuts 

What you're overlooking is that Roku licenses the software to manufacturers. They don't just give it to TCL, Hisense, and others. That's a revenue stream.

Right now, Roku gives requirements to manufacturers regarding what hardware is required to run the software. They don't really have to have extensive checks in place. But if they put it out there, in addition to losing a revenue stream and diluting the branding for their licensees, they would have to have extensive checks in place. If they missed something, and the hardware caused it to run sluggish or unreliably, they now have a reputational hit to overcome. "That Roku doesn't work at all. I put it on my Dollar General TV and now nothing works."

Revenue stream loss, reputational hits, I don't see it happening. But suggest it on the Suggestion Page.

[eclairesndonuts]

I’m not an expert on the technical aspects of how it could be imported to an existing Smart TV, but Roku operates on simpler and cheaper components than most OS competitors, so they should all be fully capable of running the OS if there is a way to do this, even via an HDMI connection to a laptop. You’re not hearing me. Roku makes negative money to get their devices into the hands of users. Free OS is at least less capital intensive to growth user accounts than negative unit cost. Quarterly revenue per user is upward of $45. Why spend money for an acquired user when you can achieve the same revenue per user for free? I hear what you’re saying that it isn’t a straightforward task, but the financial aspect makes sense.