Roku Ultra | The Ultimate Streaming Device 4K/HDR/Dolby Vision/Atmos

10 reviews for Roku Ultra | The Ultimate Streaming Device 4K/HDR/Dolby Vision/Atmos

1. Rated 4 out of 5

   Kindle Customer – December 23, 2023

   
   I’ve checked the support site and also Googled Roku HDCP error 020, and there’s thousands of responses, so I’m not the only one with the problem. I’ve had 3 Rokus since 2019. The first one was okay for a while then started flashing and blacking out, then showing the error 020 message. Roku has an “answer” presented on the screen, that talks about powering off and on, plugging and unplugging power and HDMI cables, which has never had any effect on the problem for me. After a few months of back-and-forth dialogue on the Roku website, they sent me a message saying that they decided that my device was defective, so they sent me a replacement. That unit worked for a little more than a year, then apparently digested itself, as it stopped working entirely.I bought an other Roku because my wife is attached to use of the headphones. Within a week of setting up the new device, I started receiving the errors again, however they were very infrequent, appearing weekly or less. Then, subsequent to an update on October 19, 2023, I started receiving tons of error messages, in fact, several per hour. Rebooting the device would cause the error messages to cease for a couple of hours.I informed Roku support, notifying them that the October update seem to have created the problem. Their response was to suggest that I do all the plugging and unplugging of wires, reboot, etc. I wrote back, explaining that their answer was absurd. I also explained that I, along with in all likelihood a majority of Roku users have the devices plugged into an AV receiver, located inside a cabinet or shelving unit that makes accessing the cables not terribly convenient, therefore, their suggestion that customers should keep plugging and unplugging cables whenever the error message appears, is ridiculous.Recently, I purchased my fourth Roku device (the one that was returned defective and replaced considered to be the first one), and it worked fine for about a week, then started generating the error message again. Roku indicates that if an AV receiver is being used, the device should be plugged into the display, then the output from the display plugged into the AV receiver. The problem with that is that the sound signal from the display doesn’t pass through the HDMI cable into the AV receiver. That’s why the instructions on the AV receiver indicate that the “stream box” should be plugged into the stream box input on the receiver.My LG TV is virtually new, as is my Onkyo receiver. Both are HDCP 2.2 compliant. Therefore, the Roku device should be able to, as instructed, be plugged into the AV receiver and the receiver plugged into the TV. However, with that configuration, HDCP 020 errors persist. I have an RV Fire Cube, with the same content protection features and connected the same way, and it works consistently and perfectly. I would give up on Roku, but as I mentioned, my wife loves using the headphones.Currently, I have the Roku connected directly to the LG TV, and have connected the sound by means of RCA cables to the AV receiver’s input. That works okay for the most part, except for the volume status bar generated by Roku is not present. Interestingly, a few times every evening, I hear a click, followed by a second or two of silence, then the “Dolby” flag on the upper right corner of the screen appears, then it starts working normally again. I strongly suspect that when that click is heard, it relates to Roku’s “glitch,” as it stumbles over the issue of HDCP 020 protection.Quite possibly, this entire issue doesn’t exist for anyone who doesn’t own and Onkyo receiver, although I’m not entirely sure about that, as I have also received that same error message from a streaming stick, also suggesting that I should unplug and replug HDMI cables, and of course, streaming sticks don’t use HDMI cables.

2. Rated 5 out of 5

   thebuzzard – May 27, 2024

   
   We’ve used Roku, Apple TV, and Firestick but this is the best. The interface is clean and easy to understand. The picture quality is outstanding and the advanced sound quality is great.The new Roku units have obviously advanced in the voice command. Works better than ever.

3. Rated 5 out of 5

   Ms.T – November 6, 2023

   
   With all the “short cycle” expectations of the electronics industry, the software outgrows the chips on higher end electronics before the expected end of life of the electronics. In our case, the TV still works beautifully, and can display the 4k material that is available – as planned – but the built in streaming chips can no longer be updated with the new streaming software sooo, glitches, cutouts, failure to load…. To extend the life of our current entertainment electronics we needed a new streaming chip. This fits the bill perfectly! The price is right, it connected easily to our existing system and provides a new chip to do the streaming function. The software for the install worked easily, and we were up and running again. It has the voice recognition stuff included, but we find that more trouble than functional – voice recognition is not quite there yet, it misunderstands too often, so we have disabled it for now – since we didn’t use it before, we don’t consider that an issue, but if that is important to you, you will need to test it out. We also have 1 minor criticism – the remote is all smooth and curves, which is a very pretty design, but it slips and slides in the hand resulting in unintentional button pressing while trying to pick it up – often interrupting the program or muting the sound when we just wanted to adjust the sound up or down – this is in part due to the sound buttons being on the sides of the remote. Cute, but not functional. Also, with the programming for this remote, it has each subscription defined to use different buttons for the simple functions so you have to stop and think which subscription (am I in Netflix, RV, or Roku….) you are using before you can navigate the screen. Not a deal breaker, but this could have been done better. Very happy with this system, and pleasantly surprised at the additional material offered by Roku! We will buy an updated version of this when THIS chip is exceeded by the software.Ok, back for an additional comment. We have been using this 6 months, and only 1 issue. the Roku overheated the day the air conditioning was on the fritz. This is not uncommon with many very small models of an electronic form. If it gets too hot, it malfunctions in a weird ways. If it isn’t working for no apparent reason and feels warm, try disconnecting and letting it cool down for 20-30 minutes before panicking. We now keep ours on a small baking rack to allow air circulation – end of problem. Others on the tech network have suggested a small air circulating fan, especially if located near other heat generating electronics. This is not a major issue for us, but it is good to know when planning location (no completely enclosed spaces that have no air circulation) and for troubleshooting – before you go buy new cables, pitch it, or other drastic measures.

4. Rated 5 out of 5

   William – June 9, 2024

   
   I have fairly slow internet and needed a new Roku with ethernet connection to stabilize and deliver my streaming signal direct from my modem. This product delivers high quality transmission and has enough adaptable features from Roku to make my viewing an improved pleasure. The only criticism that I have is the occasional tendency of the on screen interruption stating that HDCP Error Code that appears and then disappears as though there is an HDMI issue between the Roku, my pass-through Denon 7.1 surround receiver and the LG OLED monitor. My HDMI cable is the most current 2.1 version. This temporary interruption is tolerable, but unnecessary. It advises that I disconnect and reconnect the Ultra or reboot it. Before I get out of my chair the notice has vanished and now I just try to ignore it. It may be a streaming speed fluctuation issue. Other than that, a great purchase for the extra money and true UHD and 4k video and audio quality. Watched Saving Private Ryan on Paramount + instead of putting in my blu-ray copy. Same quality even with the Sony upgrade from the player.

5. Rated 5 out of 5

   Tom Servo – June 29, 2022

   
   I’ve had a handful of Roku devices over the years, going back to the old generation that had ethernet ports and RCA video output jacks on them, when they were only 720p capable little boxes for Netflix and not much else. Over the years, Roku has steadily improved their devices with each iteration. However, they have also expanded downward, to appeal to the most cost-conscious consumers, too. Those lower end models tend to be a bit more frustrating. While they’re all easy to setup and navigate the ever-increasing world of streaming apps, they were marred by buggy, slow interfaces and cheap hardware that didn’t last more than a few years of daily use.Before picking up this Ultra model, I’d tried to dip my toes into the world of 4k HDR with the Streaming Stick+. Unfortunately, it was so underpowered and poorly shielded that it would overheat when playing any 4k HDR videos for more than a few minutes. A free extension HDMI cable didn’t help, either. The interface, despite being a fairly recent generation device, was always soooo slow, especially on some newer streaming apps that were graphics-heavy.The Roku Ultra solves all those problems, and throws in some extras that make it worth the added cost over lower end models. As the “latest and greatest” it is pretty smooth with all streaming apps that I’ve tried. It doesn’t overheat, and it doesn’t struggle with high-bitrate content thanks to a good quality wi-fi modem. (It even has an Ethernet port like the old models, for even more solid connectivity!)The remote returns the headphone jack for private listening — a real innovative and welcome feature. It also is rechargeable, so no more keeping batteries on hand. I’ve two weeks into daily use and it’s still over 80%, which hopefully means it’ll be months between charges. That remote also features always-on voice features that can be disabled with an actual, physical switch. Wonderful!That’s not to say all is perfect, however. A few long-lived Roku issues persist. For example, the default video settings that have the Roku adjust on the fly to changing video resolutions can cause some TVs like mine to go black for a second or two, which is annoying. It also is an always-on device. I do really wish I could turn it OFF-off without unplugging it. (The Roku sticks can be powered by the TV’s USB port, so they go off when the TV does.) And since it’s always on, it also automatically checks for app updates daily whether you want it to or not. I much prefer doing that manually, usually late at night when the internet speeds are fastest. Those are minor issues, obviously, and have yet to stop me from buying new Rokus every so many years as the technology improves.

6. Rated 4 out of 5

   Craig A. Wassel – September 17, 2022

   
   I’ve had the Roku Ultra 2022 just a few days but so far I am very pleased. Previously I was streaming apps via a name brand SmartTV running Android. I purchased the Roku to hopefully resolve an incredibly annoying sound problem and where I was confident my SmartTV was to blame. The Roku absolutely solved it and proved I was right, and I’ll give the details on that further below in case it might help any of the many who have had similar problems.First, though, how the Roku is also better:The system and app response is faster. The app/channel options are greater and seemingly endless. The app and system menus are necessarily extensive but still intuitive. The video quality is better. The sound quality is better and solved my problem of sound cutting in and out.Before detailing the sound issue the Roku resolved, though, here are just a couple of things I would have liked to see with the Ultra 2022:Put glowing buttons on the remote 🙂 I would have gladly paid $20.00 more for this, and would buy an upgraded remote if one is ever offered !! Of lesser importance, this Roku Ultra 2022 has a 10/100mb network card instead of a gigabit card. To be fair, I have tested it via wireless and did not experience any lesser performance or problems versus running it via a Cat5e network cable. I am sure this was a build cost decision by Roku and maybe they also believe most owners will use WiFi rather than run a network cable. It always amazes me when I count how many devices I already have on WiFi, so I elected to stay with network cable.Now for the details of the sound problem I and many others have had in a home theatre setup. I have a separate pre-amp/processor and power amplifier, and all sound whether from Blu-Ray, CD, VHS, cable box, or streaming is sent to those and out to monitor and surround speakers. In order to get sound from streaming apps on a SmartTV to the speaker system, you need an “ARC” (Audio Return Channel) HDMI port on the SmartTV and on the pre-amp/processor, and a capable HDMI cable connecting both. I had this setup working for more than three years. About three months ago I did a firmware update on my name brand SmartTV to solve one moderate remote/menu response problem. The new firmware did solve it, but introduced a new, intolerable and seemingly unsolvable problem. When streaming movies – especially in scenes with music (Purple Rain, for example) – sound would cut in and out every 5 to 15 seconds. It ruined the viewing experience. I have quite a bit of experience with audio systems and cables, and spent hours trying the many recommendations found online from the many people who have suffered the same problem. None worked. Thank you, “name brand” TV manufacturer.I won’t go through all the things I tried, but I will simply say I was thrilled that the Roku not only solved the problem and returned viewing enjoyment, but greatly improved it with better sound and better video. If it had not worked I would have been left considering a new SmartTV or/and pre-amp/processor, which is more involved and much more expensive proposition.Even without problems, I now believe a dedicated streaming device is the best way to go. I did a lot of research and I’m very happy with this Roku.

7. Rated 5 out of 5

   Natalie R. – April 19, 2023

   
   I’ll have had this unit for a year this summer. I use it HEAVILY; I stream almost daily across many different platforms. I used to use the PlayStation 4 for most of my viewing, but it gave up last year. Since the PlayStation 5 was difficult to find at the time, I decided to give Roku a try. This was my very first purchase from the brand, and my first streaming only device (our household had cable until recently cutting the cord). I was skeptical about many things, but this device exceeded my expectations and then some. So far, I have been very happy with it for my viewing needs!Setup was a piece of cake and it included everything necessary; the only thing I changed was using a BlueRigger HDMI cable since I find them to be sturdy and reliable (also it was already connected to my TV). The little unit fit easily on my media cart, which I have my TV mounted to in the corner of my bedroom. I’ve never had any issues with it in terms of the cable coming loose, power being disconnected, remote not registering, etc.. I have a charging box near my viewing area, so I also bought a longer Micro USB cord to recharge the remote while viewing (the remote does function fully while charging); not necessary but made my setup more convenient.Once installed, I searched out the services I use to stream (predominantly Netflix, Disney+, and HBO Max). I also downloaded other services I use occasionally and found some useful free ones I hadn’t even heard of before. There were no issues logging in (I used my phone for services that allow it, which I think is most). I created a Roku account to keep track of my subscriptions and it’s easy to pay all the services through that one main hub. Having a Roku account also simplifies using new services without having to go through a phone or computer first. I like being able to see all my subscriptions at a glimpse so I can be sure I’m not being billed for a service I’m not currently using. Renewing and canceling is easy; I use my phone or laptop for that, so you don’t need to even have access to the device if you need to cut a subscription.By now, I have both a PS5 and a new 4K TV. Honestly, I am still mostly streaming through the Roku player! It turns on and shuts off with my TV to conserve power, so you don’t have to boot up a console. The picture quality is top notch. Even with the sometimes shaky connection in my bedroom, the picture and sound only drop out when the WiFi is dead—totally dead. The few times this has happened, it will cut out of course, but without the stuttering and pixelation beforehand where you don’t know if the connection is dead or the device is just being finicky. The device itself has not failed, ever. It plays better than our old cable box through Xfinity did! That one was always dropping quality, and it didn’t even rely on WiFi. We did try a streaming box from Xfinity and I highly recommend buying this Roku instead, because the Xfinity device’s quality was frankly garbage. As for the PS5, I use it for gaming, naturally, and as a Blu-Ray player. If you’re not a gamer, all you really need is this Roku device and a Blu-Ray player if you like owning physical media like I do.It might seem minor, but on a final note, the remote is *amazing*. I rarely like using voice commands with electronics, but the remote never misunderstands me even when there is heavy background noise, and it makes finding a movie or show you want to see super easy. As someone who practically lives in headphones for the best sound quality and not to disturb others, I love the headphone jack and mute button features. I plug in my noise-canceling Bose QC 25s (my tried and true cans), and I can stream for hours on end uninterrupted. Seriously, I have streamed tons of shows this way since last year. Total binge-viewer here!Bottom line: I would highly recommend this unit. The only thing yet to be tested is lifespan. As I said, it’s been almost a year without issue. I’ll update this review in future if any problems arise. So far, I couldn’t be happier with my first Roku.

8. Rated 5 out of 5

   DC – April 2, 2024

   
   I cancelled my Cable company so I had an older Roku from way back like 2012 pulled it out of storage and hooked it up in minutes with no instructions. I needed one for my beautiful old school samsung curve in the den this time..so I went to RV and ordered this style Roku..I set it up in less then 1/2 hour easy instructions to follow and was streaming while signing into all my apps for viewing..Roku is a very amazing alternative to high cost cable and direct TV too. Just make sure you keep your wifi as I did and if it is fast enough it will not buffer. A Great and easy interface, also along with while on pause and Aquarium (see photo)Instant streaming! Roku’s system is so easy to control once you start streaming. The remote is chargeable and you can speak into it allows Roku to go right to the show. watched the New Survivor last night and it worked like a dream. I am 70 and female..if I can do it ya all can Bye Bye expensive cable Hello Rokuthank you RV and Roku for making my life easier and less expensive !

   
9. Rated 5 out of 5

   VJ – September 4, 2022

   
   We have a high end Denon receiver and a surround sound set of Klipsch speakers. We get our entertainment streamed through Starlink, viewed on a very large Sony 4K Bravia which runs on Google Chromecast. We get no OTA broadcast signal here so depend on our Internet connection for that. These are all connected through ethernet cables or HDMI cables (we do not use the wireless for the entertainment center). So why did we get the Roku Ultra? Read on..Our setup worked pretty well except for two things. The major one was that when streaming RV Prime Video it took a long time to connect. If we paused the feed more then a few seconds it would basically lose the connection and we would have to go through it again. Error messages would come up and we would just wait for them to clear to get to the next error message, and after a minute or three it would finally connect. The streaming quality was good but we could visually see that would occasionally drop down in resolution quality.Some research found others having the same or similar problems so we decided to try the Roku Ultra 2022. The instructions are simple and the initial setup was painless. The voice remote even allows you to ‘say’ the letters when doing a search and is very accurate and WAY FASTER than ‘typing’ on a screen keyboard. We even created a new Roku ID and password in no time by ‘spelling into the remote.’ The Roku website has detailed help files when it comes to setup and use, the included instructions gloss over the the use of the HDMI output of the box, but it is always recommended to connect devices by cable and not through a wifi if possible. We did just that.The remote is rechargeable by USB and the Ultra unit has a USB port on the back and they include the USB cable. Although we needed and purchased a longer high-speed HDMI cable, the Roku Ultra 2022 does come with one.Not only did the Roku Ultra 2022 end the waiting game with RV Prime Streaming it also supplied a superior image and steadily so. On a cooking series we had been watching my wife even commented, “I did not know the cute red-head girl had freckles!” That first night we watched for about three hours and I never saw the screen image drop to a lower resolution.Some complain about the basic remote, but that is not a factor in my opinion- just have two remotes by the side of the couch if need be. Have we become so spoiled that having to use two remotes is such a chore?If you have the sorts of issues I mentioned (slow response, low resolution, etc.) try the Roku Ultra 2022. if you don’t like it RV’s return policy makes it easy to say, ‘No thanks.’

10. Rated 5 out of 5

    Captain Chaos – February 10, 2023

    
    So far I have owned, a Roku Ultra Lt, Google Chromecast 4K, Firestick 4K Max, Apple TV 4K, and a Fire cube 3rd gen.In my opinion. For streaming movies and tv shows. The Roku Ultra is hard to beat for its price. You get 4K, Dolby Atmos + on many streaming apps, It loads quick, even with 35-45ish apps downloaded on it. It zips right through its menu. Loads video’s fast.Make ranking by box for quickness between apps and movie/tv loading times.1. Fire Cube 3rd gen. It’s the fastest, with 16gb memory some of fastest processors going. Only the Uber expensive Nvidia Shield tv pro comes close in some benchmark test. It also has one of the cleanest menus and way of finding apps. And looks like it fast ly becoming the only affordable box that still allows for side loaded apps. Roku, Apple, Google, are banning apps and side loading. Oh and the cloud gaming power of the Cube is awesome.2. Roku Ultra. Fast, easy to navigate around and search for apps. Easy to set up little things like screen saver, wall paper. Seems to have plenty of memory. I have 35-40 apps on my at any one time and it goes between apps and loads movies very well. I reall like my Roku Ultra. And would have put it in first place. But you can not game on it like the Fire Cube 3rd gen. You won’t go wrong buying a Roku Ultra.3. Goes to my Firestick 4K Max. Even with only 8gb of memory. It still worked great and loaded very well with its limited factory memory amount. 4K picture was always very good.4. Kind of a tie between the Apple and the Chromecast. Both have many adds, and no way to clean things up like Roku’s or RV Fire devices. The Apple does not produce as good a picture as the others. The Chromecast was easier to adjust its picture settings, but the Apple even with its much higher price. makes you jump through hoops. I did like that I could link my Apple TV device to my iPad. Until all the extra adds started and down load request. So it was fast becoming not worth its 125-ish price. The Chromecast 4K falls short in its adds, picture quality, and it losses apps every day now.For 50-ish price is a good deal if you have no other streaming device. Just be warned. It’s fast becoming an apple like product. Which you need to pay for everything right now. And Google is banning a lot of side loaded apps and have shut down many of them.Or just spend a little less and get a Roku or Firestick 4K of some sorts and enjoy.I have not tried a Nvidia shield pro but I do know the the 3rd gen Fire cube beats it in many benchmark test.And I also know, the Shield has the most space, is the best for cloud gaming, but the Apple Cube beats it a movie streaming.In my opinion, if you have the money and want an everything box, buy the Fire Cube 3rd gen. If you like, movies, gaming, utility apps. If it’s just movies and tv with an awesome picture. Get a Roku Ultra.