STREAMING
The Swiss Army Knife of Streamers Roku Adds Dolby Vision and Atmos, New Soundbar, User Interface By Michael Heiss
In the competitive world of video-on-demand (VOD) streaming devices, some of the most notable news this past fall came from Roku, which not only updated its user interface but added a new soundbar to their audio line up and compatibility with Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos. In addition to catching up with the competition by including Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos with its external streamers for the first time, the newest Roku Ultra device ($99.99) boasts a processor that significantly speeds up program loads – a necessity in today’s marketplace. While the Ultra retains its wired
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Residential Tech Today | Winter 2021
Ethernet connectivity, the reality is that most users will probably connect via Wi-Fi. The new Ultra claims a 50% increase in wireless range, allowing the product to be placed further away from the router/access point.
from phones and tablets is possible via Bluetooth. There also is a “Superspeed” USB port, and this will be one of the first streamers that can play content in the new AV1 compression codec.
Added icing on Ultra’s cake is a new industrial design look and the inclusion of both a highspeed HDMI cable and earbuds in the package. The remote has voice control access, TV power, and volume controls, personal shortcut buttons, and, if you lose the remote, a “lost remote finder” function. Voice control is possible via either Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.
I’m typically cautious about recommending new models of a product when you are generally satisfied with what you have. However, if you are a Roku fan, then anyone with a 4K TV that has Dolby Vision will definitely want to consider this upgrade.
Additional connectivity for streaming content
Roku Streambar Roku already had both connected speakers and a large-ish soundbar with built-in Roku, but
