The Roku 4 streaming media player is a solid media box with a new smart search, a faster interface, and a large selection of apps. It displays a variety of 4K video that is available today, including content from Netflix, YouTube, Amazon, Vudu, and M-Go. Compared to what most 4K TVs cost, the $119.99 price of the Roku 4 is a low entry point.
At 164.9 x 164.7 x 20.0 mm, it’s capable of producing 1080p resolution and comes equipped with 512-MB NAND EEPROM and 1.5-GB DDR3 SDRAM. Its sensors include 6-Axis MEMS Gyroscope and Accelerometer (remote). The Roku 4 supports H.264, H.265, HEVC, MKV, MPEG-4 video standards; AAC, Apple Lossless, MP3, WMA audio standards; and JPEG and PNG photo standards. Connectivity options include Dual-Band Wi-Fi 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 4.0, Ethernet, USB 2.0, HDMI, Optical Digital Audio, and IR Receiver.
What’s most noteworthy about the device is its software: the Roku OS 7. It brings more advanced search capabilities, as well as a feed and accompanying notifications to the home screen. A new feature also allows users to connect to Wi-Fi networks that require additional login information, such as hotels and dorm rooms, right through your computer, smartphone, or tablet.
Setting up the Roku 4 is quite simple. Many of your existing apps will carry over once you log into your Roku account. Voice search is beneficial, allowing users to hit the search button on the remote and command a title or actor’s name, with Roku delivering results.
The device is what we would expect the company to deliver: a solid set-top box capable of playing multiple video services. But it’s really only worth the upgrade if you’re fully devoted to 4K.
The full teardown report can be found here.
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