So glad I ditched Roku. My modified Onn box (with an open source, ad-free launcher) is so much better.
Almost downvoted instinctually as a reaction to the headline. Visceral reaction. I hate this beyond belief.
Won’t hurt my feelings to throw their shit tv right in the trash.
The only reason I still use my roku is because it has sound leveling capabilities that is much better than anything else I have. I use my PC for just about everything but recently Sling stopped working on the PC or at least the DVR is directing me to download some app? Also Paramount doesn’t handle 60fps content (sports) on the PC very well, it stutters a lot.
Windows has sound leveling but I haven’t had much luck with it when its really needed. My receiver is old and has only rudimentary sound leveling.
I have a vero-V but honestly the apps are lack luster. Its amazing if you have your own library of content. I saw my first homescreen add on roku yesterday. I am pissed.
What’s the best alternative? I have a fire cube, and I’m getting sick of it. Apple TV? Is there a FOSS solution that’s close to the same quality interface?
The best is unironically to pirate and use something like Kodi on a SBC that can run libreElec.
TL; DR - No. But actually maybe, depending on what you’re looking for and what you can put up with.
Are you looking to access streaming services? Or are you okay with self-hosting?
The FOSS solutions that support streaming services are pretty janky IMO because they don’t have support from the service, so you’re probably better off hooking up a laptop running Linux and access stuff in a browser. I had Netflix working through Kodi on a Raspberry Pi, for example, but like I said, it was super janky. Maybe it’s better now, idk, but check out OpenELEC and Kodi. You’ll need some hardware to run it on.
If you can self-host your videos, Jellyfin is pretty great, and I think there are a couple more options. You’ll need to get the content yourself though and connect it to the TV somehow (e.g. the Jellyfin app if you have a smart TV).
Roku had the best smart tv ui. I was seriously bummed when the ads started rolling in a few years ago.
I want an open source streaming client, but from what I hear DRM gets in the way of that.
Shit. I got a Roku TV. That’s one big fucking stick to toss.
Eh, I just started connecting cheap ($30 or so) used Apple TVs to mine. I saw the writing on the wall.
Step 1. Factory reset.
Step 2. Do not allow it to connect to the Internet.
Step 3. Connect a Linux based computer to it and run everything through the computer.
This method will not work on all Roku tvs, some Roku TV brands require you to phone home to activate the TV before you can use it for the first time. Which requires you to not only connect to the internet but also log into a Roku account on it. It’s stupid.
That would instantly result in the TV being returned to the store I purchased it from.
Instructions unclear. TV now controlled by Nicole the fediverse chick.
You been getting that noise too?
You can trust her. She’s from Toronto!
Shall I introduce you to the folks over at !selfhosted@lemmy.world?
We’re pretty neat I like to think
I’m just glad I’ve still got my MythTV running.
Whomp whomp. You get what you pay for.
Im literally willing to ditch the device and cancel all streaming services because of this. When I turn on my TV I don’t want to be forced to consume ads when I haven’t been provided with anything in return.
I just block all ads at the router level. When looking through the most blocked domains I see a lot from Roku.
Im not very computer savvy and currently only have a tablet and a mac mini from 2008.
If you’re not tech savy, how do you row row row your bot???
Gently down the byte stream
Get an Nvidia Shield Pro and disconnect your TV from the internet.
My tv is dumb. The roku is the device that connects to the internet.
When was the last time they even refreshed the hardware? Kinda hard to justify a $200 streaming box that runs Google services on 6 year old mobile hardware.
Not a surprise for Roku. The company has been getting progressively worse in the last few years and their enshittification is accelerating. Their recent forced download of an update that requires users to agree to arbitration to even use our TVs was intended to ultimately take control of those TVs completely away from the people who own them.
Right now it’s possible to block Roku’s static ads and presumably the autoplaying ones using a local DNS server like Adblock Home or Pihole, but it’s only a matter of time before Roku blocks everything unless we watch the ads they are trying force down our throats. I’m already in the process of obsoleting all 5 of our Roku devices.
It has taken Roku years to build up enough market share to allow this kind of behavior and it will take years for the market to abandon them. Their executives will claim ignorance as to why users are walking away when it finally hits their bottom line.
Guess it’s time to either flash my Roku with something that isn’t shit or just make a dedicated media box myself.
If you force Ads then I will replace your equipment. The only reason I use Roku is to avoid the Ads built into “smart TVs”
thank goodness pi hole can block the majority of roku ad sources
