TVs & players

[easytodobetter]

@Verta 

"Completely agree, but waiting it out means sitting through ads just to USE the streaming box and that is not an option."

Not an option FOR YOU. It's not the end of the world, if someone couldn't afford a new streaming device right now, they're not doing to die. I was very clear about that.

"They don't care if we post here, if we 'kudo' the posts or least of all what we say here unless it's profanity, in which case they remove it. They don't run reports of how unhappy we are, they see reports of how much money they made pushing ads to boxes. The almighty dollar is the only thing they care about. "

It's not about them, it's about other users, spreading the word and getting more people on board. Then when more people hear about it through angry reviews and posts, etc, it DOES affect their bottom line, because many people ARE stopping using the device and replacing it.

What's ridiculous, is you all act like kudos cost money, what are you, redditors? Is it painful for you to show agreement with something online? It helps the cause, it helps show people that you're upset too, they're not alone, and something needs to be done. It does zero harm, and only helps.

And yes, upper management might use data from feedback here and elsewhere to make their decision about "customer patience" with the new ads. That might include the number of kudos these topics receive and the number of responses. That DOES happen. While I agree that they're mostly ignoring us, they still use data like that. It's common practice in the industry.

I'm going to go out on a limb here, but 10 bucks says you're a redditor.

[AvsGunnar]

Some streamers like to implement different streaming devices into their setup to avoid things just like this.  If one of the platforms is having an issue (ie. with a channel/app) then allows you to watch elsewhere on another device.  Or, if the platform starts implementing/removing features detracting from the user experience, then the alternative is quickly at hand via a HDMI input change.

I personally use laptops at my different TVs as my alternate method, but I realize many would rather have a device with a remote instead of a keyboard.

If you want an inexpensive alternative/option to Roku, I think based on reviews and user-input, you can't go wrong with the Onn devices. (especially for the price).

If you want more of an ad-free experience, then AppleTV is the likely route.

For what its worth, I think the publicized disappointment with Roku's current ad testing feature will make this a no-go in its current form.  However, Roku can be a bit stubborn at times so reversing what their developers think is an ingenious step takes some time to reconsider.  Once Roku increased their willingness to tinker in the backend of individual user devices a couple of years back with targeted test features, it became pretty evident that the end-user would be subjected to more user experience interference.

Other than the ability to use small tiles (row of 4 apps) on the Home Screen, I really can't recall any other test feature being received positively by the affected users.  This is why Roku does not just include a change in a regular OS update.  They play around on select user devices to gauge the reaction.  It is disappointing and frustrating to see Roku continue down this path.

While I am certainly team Roku, does not hurt to remind them when they step out of line.  Placing ads on a device before the ability to use both the software and hardware is more akin to a mobile app designer trying to cover costs of development/maintenance of a free app rather than a successful streaming company with the user experience as a priority in mind.

[CaptJon]

I think my biggest problem is that it is no longer the device I purchased. If I knew at the time of purchase that I would have to wait for an ad to play through before I could select a streaming channel, I wouldn’t have bought it. This all came into play a year later, and without my consent. It is no longer the device I bought. 

[easytodobetter]

@CaptJonYep, that's exactly what I said in my Amazon reviews that I went back and left on all my Ultra's and sticks, a total of FIVE.

[Verta]

Sorry sir/ma'am as I intended no offense, perhaps we can agree to disagree whether posting here or anywhere will make any difference. Time will tell.

Lots of my friends use a laptop browser with a long HDMI cable to watch stuff, I do this sometimes myself. Plenty of options out there.

I didn't spend much on the Roku stick so my sunk cost fallacy issue should not be too hard to get over.  I'm as frustrated with this company as I ever have been and will be buying a new Apple TV as soon as I have saved up enough.

[Glarus]

WTF Roku. I tossed out Firesticks because of the BS ads, Roku will be next if this doesn’t stop. 

[Scoop245]

If this is the new thing then the next new tv will NOT be Roku 

[Pathfinder1]

I bought an Apple TV 4K Pretty noice and really fast compared to my Roku Ultras. Plus the benefit of No Ads. One down several to go.

[Jpb108]

Well done!

[easytodobetter]

Lots of posts about getting Apple TV and that's great if you're already in the Apple ecosystem and plan to use their special features, but if you're not, you lose out on a bunch of functionality and you have a locked-down system for no reason.

If you're NOT an Apple user and you want powerful, it doesn't seem that anyone mentions Nvidia Shield.

Nvidia Shield is the most powerful, most functional, and best overall streaming device if you compare functionality like supporting USB and microSD, sideloaded apps, 4K, HDR, etc.

For example, Apple doesn't allow private/unofficial/custom/sideloaded applications and channels. Resourceful users who like free content probably know these private channels:

XTV
Nowhere TV
Nowhere DVR
Nowhere Bullet
Nowhere Tweet
Nowhere Vine
Unofficial YouTube
UAV Weather
Weather Underground
M3U Playlist Player
TV Streams
Plex Beta
FilmOn.TV

Say goodbye to free content like that with Apple.

If you're like me and you don't intend to use Apple TV's integration with AirPlay, iCloud, Apple Music, HomeKit, etc, then the only good thing about their ecosystem is no ads in the UI and that's not special.

But if you'd prefer:

Full Android TV with Google Play access (open ecosystem)
Easily sideload any APK (full app freedom)
Native support for emulators, Kodi, Plex Server
Superior upscaling (AI-enhanced 4K upscaler)
Built-in Chromecast 4K
Supports external storage (USB, NAS, microSD)
Excellent for cloud gaming (GeForce NOW, Steam Link)
Regular security and feature updates despite age
Ethernet port on all models
More powerful for advanced users and customization

...Then keeping your ecosystem open instead of locking it down with Apple will make you happier, and you should check out nvidia shield, including refurbished/renewed on Amazon which are a great deal.