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 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.

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.

Additional connectivity for streaming content 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.

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.

Roku Streambar

Roku already had both connected speakers and a large-ish soundbar with built-in Roku, but

this new Rokus Streambar model is interesting in that it is smaller and shorter than many soundbars – intentionally so. At a price of $129.99, this is an interesting value proposition, particularly for “second-room” TVs, where “big sound” is desired.

Of course, the Streambar has Roku capability built-in, allowing the user to access and stream 4K content with HDR to the TV and have the leading streaming platform available at the same time. Audio is two-channel, with both side- and front-facing speakers for each channel. Thanks to creative DSP implementation, this is said to deliver both room-filling sounds as well as volume and clarity.

For those who want a total surround setup, the Streambar may be paired with either Roku Wireless Speakers, the Roku Subwoofer, or both. This will still be a two-channel setup, but my personal experience the Roku Speakers tells me that the sound will be quite good.

Along with a voice remote, the Streambar also comes with an HDMI cable. The included optical cable may be used for connecting to the TV’s audio output, but ARC is also available for single-cable connection.

For all of this, the most interesting part of the Streambar is its size. Only 2.4 inches high and 14 inches wide, it may well be one of the smallest soundbars around. Depending on the size of the TV base, Streambar may fit underneath where other bars may not. Again, this an interesting option for smaller TVs in kitchens or offices, as well as in the main rooms.

What You Get from Roku OS 9.4

The user interface is another area where Roku has stepped up its game to remain competitive with Amazon and Apple. Roku OS 9.4 is available first with the Streambar and new Ultra, and then rolling out to most of the rest of the Roku product lines, including existing external streamers and Roku TV. The key adder here will be the addition of Airplay 2 and Homekit/Siri control. This furthers Roku’s reputation as the “Swiss Army Knife of Streamers,” since as an unaffiliated company they will have the only streamers with all three major voice control/ command ecosystems. Along with that major improvement is an updated Live TV Channel Guide with new background theme packs.

Finally, there is also a new, updated version of the Roku Mobile App for iOS and Android, and an expansion of the number of free and premium content partners, including Spotify for audio and new live and linear content providers for the Roku Channel. To meet the needs of consumers looking to free, ad-supported content during the pandemic, the Roku Channel will also be available through the new app, even for those who do not own Roku devices. x

Roku’s new Streambar packs a 2-channel soundbar and a Roku streamer into a compact size that may fit where other soundbars can not. Roku’s new OS 9.4 will include listings for live, linear TV.