ERRATA: I incorrectly stated HDMI CEC is required for the remote to control a TV. That is not the case if using the remote's buttons but it is required for operating the TV with voice commands.
We recently bought one of these to use on an older secondary tv set that we have in the house as well as to take with us to watch content whenever we travel. Similar to what you expressed in you review, I was also very pleasantly surprised at how well thing thing performs considering the very low price we paid.
I like that Roku is finally allowing you to use an external ethernet adapter. What I would really like if they would integrate an external TV tuner either by direct USB connection or over the network like a HDHomerun and have it add the channels into the Live TV app like they do on the Roku TV's that has a guide with your local stations and all of the Roku channel programs integrated into one guide.
Small correction, Roku does not support Chromecasting, that is exclusive to Google powered products. RU-vid and Netflix have their own seperate casting standard called DIAL which they use, and it's supported on basically anything that runs their apps. Some other apps like Spotify also have their own casting standards which work with Roku as well.
@@LonSeidman I can understand wanting to make things simple for the normal consumer. The problem is that "Chromecasting" is a specific brand term which implies certain functionality(ie: compatibility with Chromecast supporting apps) which the Roku does not have. As someone who hangs out in the support forums and subreddits for Rokus, there's already enough people confused why they can only cast from apps like Netflix and RU-vid, and not others. I just don't want people to be given false expectations. You do briefly specify that only some apps work, but the way you explain it while explaining in depth about Chromecast functionality can be confusing to normal consumers as well. If you are dinning things down for normal consumers it's probably best to approach the Roku's casting abilities with something like, "Some phone apps, like RU-vid and Netflix, are able to send videos to the Roku. But not all phone apps support Roku." and just not use any special terms at all.
@@japzone It looks like you didn't watch my entire explanation where I said some apps work with it like netflix, and other apps do not like Prime Video. Additionally I stated that a real chromecast is better if that's the primary use case they're after. Appreciate the feedback here but I think I made it pretty clear that this is not a fully functional Chromecast.
@@LonSeidman As I said in my second post, I acknowledged that you mentioned that only some apps worked. I watched the segment repeatedly and still think that mentioning Chromecasting like you did would be visiting to normal consumers. But it's your channel, so I may be wrong. I'm glad you at least took the time to read my feedback.
Great video. I have 5 Roku devices with 3 connected to cheap computer monitors. Never knew about the ethernet usb adapter and have just purchased one on Amazon to try it on my Express 4K.
Lon, for what its worth, I tried the Roku 4K and found out that it has the following deficiency... the Roku will not fast forward or reverse both live TV or recorded cable content. Recording content and being able (in certain circumstances) to fast forward through commercials to me is priceless. The current cable box rental is $10/month (33 cents a day). Sounded like a good idea but... Thanks for the videos, keep up the good work.
That looks perfect for hotel use / travelers! I travel for business and I love how small it is, can stick it in my carry-on and use it at the hotel in the evenings when I'm bored!
I got the Ultra 4k Roku for $50 during one of their sales, which happen relatively frequently, so the price point for this one is high. Plus with the Ultra everything is already built in and I don't need a cumbersome dongle (no Apple fanboi here). Plus with a new device, I can't believe they are still using micro USB and not USB-C
@Scott Luther Same, I wire everything I can. 10/100 vs. gigabit really doesn't make a difference on a device like this, the processor can only handle so much throughput, streaming services don't stream more than 20-25Mbps and even locally played content (ie. Plex), is not streaming at gigabit bit rate, not yet anyway, so 10/100 is more than sufficient for many years to come.
A dock is the best way to go to upgrade a Roku. I have 2 Roku Express 4K devices. Both had the same dock that you show in your video. One of the docks developed power problems and I replaced it with an ORICO USB C Docking Station, 6 in 1 USB C Hub with 4K HDMI, 3 USB-A 3.0, Gigabit Ethernet, 100W PD. It is big upgrade from the one I replaced. It's not real cheap but it is affordable. It does add more features on par with the Ultra Roku model without the expense. Basically I'm saying Roku Express owners, get a dock. You won't regret it. Just make sure it is powered. The Roku has to get power from it.
It's a crime how few "non-smart" TVs you can buy any more. I recently wanted to replace a small TV with something larger, and I ended up with a TCL Roku TV because it was so much cheaper than the other decent alternatives.
Aside from the "planned obsolescence" angle, some TV manufactures were caught spying on customers through the built-in microphone and selling private user data to 3rd parties. TV manufacturers are certainly motivated one way or another to force you down the "smart" route. =P
I bought one of these. I have an Apple TV 4K and various Fire TVs but this is my first Roku in many years. I like to use headphones to watch TV so at first I was disappointed because it didn’t have Bluetooth connectivity like the other devices but then I remembered you mentioned you could use the app to connect headphones. That is a game changer! It is much better than connecting headphones to the device directly because I have a couple of headphones that are BT 4.1 and do not have very good range.
Thanks Lon...Google added a "Go To RU-vid TV" button to the bottom of the standard YT app, knowing that Roku wouldn't dare remove RU-vid from their service.
If you keep your phone in your pocket you can wander around the house and still hear the sound. The Roku connects to your phone via WIFI so as long as you stay in range of your WIFI your good. I sometimes turn on Lon in the living room and go in to the kitchen and make breakfast, I don't have to crank up the sound or miss anything.
@@LonSeidman No it's not a great tip at all. You should never keep a cell phone close to your body. They give off electromagnetic energy and can cause health issues. Put it to your head and you're frying your brain. In your pocket and you might end up losing your ability to pro create. People need to educate themselves about these things.
@@user-ci1kz1cc6t Non-ionizing electromagnetic energy is safe in the doses humans receive on a daily basis. I don't worry about it, and I feel comfortable recommending it to others.
@@TerryPullen I've seen quite a lot of videos saying that cell phones give off dangerous levels of electromagnetic energy. Guess what you believe depends on what you hear or read. I wouldn't take the chance. I just bought a cell phone and plan to use the speaker phone setting.
True. My Roku Ultra won't play my high bitrate 4k movies, but my Firestick 4k plays them flawlessly. My Ultra is a few yrs old so I bought the new version and I got the same results. I sent it back the same day. Very disappointing.
Thanks Lon - have had a TCL Roku TV forever and didn't know about the Roku app's feature to broadcast the sound to my phone. Very cool and very handy! Thanks!
can some one just give me the correct steps on how to attach the Ethernet Adapter to my roku express 4. i have the Ethernet Adapter/Micro USB to Rj45 Ethernet Adapter, USB to Rj45. also can i attach the usb to the tv for power instead of a wall outlet?
I've had Roku boxes since 2015. I've saved many times over what the mafiaxxxxx (I mean the cable company) was charging me to rent. But right now they are in that feud (either way, the customer loses), so no more new Roku for me. I have a couple of the Ultra and a cheaper one on my bedroom tv. You do the best reviews on this stuff, Lon. Thanks.
With this, a USB/Ethernet adapter hub, and the Voice Remote Pro, you can have nearly all the features of the Roku Ultra at a fraction of the cost. However, if the Roku Ultra is on sale, obviously go for that one instead.
The device is shaped in a way to suggest that the adhesive tape can be used to stick to the TV upside down. Could you review a "dumb" TV of 65-75" that would be of good quality. Always felt like a lot like me would love to buy one and then stick a nice Roku 4K on that
Got the Premier box and wish I had bought it earlier. I don't have a land-line Internet so I use my phones WiFi for the Internet connection and I can't fault it in any way. Best £30 ever spent... Up to now..
HDMI CEC is not required for power and volume controls. It may be if you want the input to change automatically. The Roku device control is not perfect, it didn't support projectors that I tried. Also it only lets you configure it for a TV, not a separate audio receiver. FireTV stick handles that use case though. Disappointing that Roku hasn't got that yet years later.
All web audiences would consider central channel entrepreneur's as well needed for access to the purpose of course which needs better finding of preference but we are all allowed by the TV and Ethernet cable that builds a Lego effect.
All the the same timeless features from computer track are as necessary broad board of featureless inclusion for of certain leasure's that would applause definition of video lab.
Allowed search by the TV and software could be helpful as well as better finding of preference but probably the same stuff as well lit for a camera up with overstock.
Can you be more specific about when you connect the Ethernet to the ROKU? Like what type of connector do you need regarding the power supply that is needed to supply power yo the ROKU?
Thanks. I learned a lot from this. I just ordered the Roku Express 4K+, after returning their streambar. I have a brand new Insignia TV to connect it to. I've been searching everywhere for the best way to hook it up to that TV and to a separate soundbar. I haven't bought a soundbar yet, I just know I didn't care for the Roku soundbar's sound. I'd like to stay under $200, and would just like to know how to connect the three things so I don't ruin anything, and maybe don't have to use all the remotes. TV has plenty of HDMIs. I really would appreciate some advice.
I could not figure out how to get sound from my Denon S750 receiver. Finally, I plugged the Roku 4K directly into the Media Player HDMI input on the Denon, then connected an HDMI cord from the MONITOR on the Denon to the HDMI in on the TV. Now the Roku shows up as a selection on my receiver and I can control the receiver, TV and Roku through the Roku remote. Finally!
Hi, everyone. Does it make any difference if I connect the Roku Express 4k+ directly to the TV or the home theater receiver? Can I still control the TV sound?
Can I connect this to a hotspot thru my phone. It says it's connected and that signal is good but it's not letting me get in any apps. I thought I saw on amazing that it did accept hot spot.
HI, late viewer of this Roku unit. I have a question. When on Ethernet and with a USB device, stick or hard disk connected, can you get access to the USB via the LAN to drop or remove files from the USB device? Thanks for the video, hope you can help.
I have a Roku express 3930 and I wanted to put an Ethernet adapter on it and it doesn't work, the remote control freezes and it only works with the remote control of the application on the cell phone and it doesn't connect the adapter device with Ethernet... why does it happen? The adapter is ugreen brand.
Just wanted to know about the "Roku Express" unit. and how to set it up, need a simplified version of support. No fancy TVs and never had cable TV. I rented Netflix DVDs up until now but like all good things they are going away, shame. Have a Basic TV older set Sharp 32" do not want those cinema size tvs. Do have Wi-Fi so don't need an ethernet cable I hope. I like New Tech stuff but can never get it set up So I try to keep it simple, what happened to "open box, plug in and turn on!
Tengo un Roku express 3930 y eh querido colocarle un adaptador Ethernet y no funciona se congela el control remoto y solo funciona con el control remoto de la app en el celular y no conecta con Ethernet el dispositivo adaptador..por que sucede ?? El adaptador es de marca ugreen..
I need advice I have Samsung tv. I hooked up roku. It works. But now I have to watch spectrum through the roku. How can I have roku separate on when I want an off when I want. I don’t want it controlling the tv all the time
This would be an upgrade from my present wired Roku 3. I have several concerns: 1. Over heating, Rokus had this problem in the past, from your experience does this Roku need mounting against a large metal surface? 2. Wireless reception, how well would wireless work when surrounded by metal objects (TV stand, Blu-ray player)? 3. If wireless does not work well, is there a simple adapter to provide wired Ethernet? The model you showed has problems. 4. Does this Roku have a wireless remote? Thanks, Trevor. P.S. Amazon offers free 30 day returns, Roku offers 30 day returns but no paid shipping.
I got the " smays" and the "roku 4k + " which power did you use for the "roku 4k + " the black wire with the 120V adapter or the white wire for with USB --thanks Gary
Hey Lon, quick question, can you tell me the Ethernet adapter you were featured in this video, please? I had a Roku last set up in the next room from my router, but it was very inconsistent over the WiFi, so I think I will buy a 50-foot ethernet cable and connect the Roku via this adapter you spoke about, Thank You!
I got the 4k+ but I didn't get a remote with Head phone jack. And yes it says Roku express 4k+ on it So how do I use headphones with out the jack for it
When watching RU-vid TV, do voice commands speak to RU-vid TV or Roku content? On my 4K Firestick, voice commands do NOT speak to RU-vid TV and only control Firestick selections. Wondering if I should switch over to Roku.
Thinking in getting one of these sticks for the parents. Mostly for there language programing. I know firestick has kodi for sure. I don't like setting it up and the apps tend to not stay very long, plus trying to explain to them how to use it. ill prob end up putting something there. I own a roku tv at the moment and noticed some apps they may like, it would be actually cheaper then the cable box international channels. There currently using a 720p tv. IDK if they plan on getting a 4k in the future. They keep saying they will. i doubt they notice much and i don't think those channels that they watch do the newer resolutions. Well not on the cable box, i think there are some on the app probably. Maybe i can get them both IDK. there not to expensive for what there using it for.
I brought one of this with a one of those box and when I got to play it which my tv was on it did not have a place to turn on the Roku or volume was all mess up I had to look for another romote.
I've been a Lon fan for a couple years then earlier this year I became a fan of his brother, (um... maple syrup) and today I became a fan of his daughter!
I have 3 Roku Express 4k+ connected to 3 tv's. If I use the Roku remote I need to press the power button twice in order to turn the tv on. Do you know why that would be? Thanks for your knowledgeable videos.
Hello there. Does this Roku play the HD Homerun app without any problems. Looking to replace my Roku 3. The audio doesn’t work for me with the HD Homerun app on the R3
@@LonSeidman I want to be able to watch movies on a usb stick! I found your Ethernet adapter online and I’m about to buy it to try your method (instead of returning the express for an ultra) . Would a wifi only Roku unit work (plugged in with the mini usb of course) or does it have to be plugged with the Ethernet? I’m afraid my modem/Ethernet cable is in another room.
Hi does it stream the apps in 4khdr because I was wondering for $50 bucks might upgrade roku stick express 4k even doe we have Samsung Qled & HD crystal tv
hd version is very cheap. 34 euros. our isp provide tv device for 5 euros per month fee. so if you keep it 7 months or more, it's cheaper than usual television provider fees.