If you’re on the lookout for a decent smart TV platform, Roku should be on your list. Roku is used as a platform by both big-name and affordable brands, giving you a number of TV options for your budget.
Given how many brands use Roku for their platform, is it safe to assume that Roku is dependable for the long term? Are Roku TVs reliable?
The Reliability of Roku TVs.
Roku is quite reliable, considering that it uses Linux as its backbone. Roku TVs generally perform well, but it depends on the TV manufacturer. You need to take the TV brand into account. When used with a good quality TV you will have a setup that will last for at least 5-8 years.
Do Roku TVs Last As Long As Other Brands?
The lifespan of Roku TVs is generally the same as other TVs on the market. But, considering that Roku is used by several brands, your mileage may vary due to the quality of components used.
Some of the notable brands known for using high-grade components for their Roku TVs include Philips, Hitachi, and JVC.
Roku devices may restart often, here’s why.
Are Roku TVs Worth Buying?
Roku TVs are worth buying, considering the apps available on the platform.
And they are easy to use; navigating through the interface is a breeze.
Another good thing about Roku TVs is that the platform is used by different brands and covers a wide price range, meaning you can find something that fits your budget and every size room.
Do People Generally Have Problems With Roku TVs?
Now and then, people encounter issues when using the Roku TV platform, but not enough to call it a factory or software bug.
These problems are easy to resolve, so there’s no need to worry about them.
What Are the Most Common Issues with Roku TVs?
Many of the common issues involving the Roku TV platform may be solved by either restarting, updating the firmware or doing a factory reset.
Here’s what you need to know.
Restarting the Roku TV
Restarting your TV is a great first option if something goes wrong.
To restart the Roku TV:
- Press the Home button on your Roku remote and scroll to the Settings.
- Under Settings, go to System and select System Restart.
- Highlight the Restart option and press Ok.
- Your Roku TV will then restart its system.
Should your Roku TV freeze and the remote becomes unresponsive, you can still do a restart.
- To restart, press the Home button five times.
- Then press the Up arrow once, then the Rewind button twice, and the Fast Forward button twice.
- Your Roku TV will then restart after a few seconds.
Updating the Roku Firmware
Should restarting the system not resolve the issue, you may need a firmware update. It’s always a good idea to check for firmware updates, which are designed to improve reliability and any app issues.
To check for updates:
- Press the Home button on the Roku remote and scroll to the Settings menu.
- Go to System and select System Update. Here you will find the firmware version and build, as well as the date and time it was last updated.
- Go to Check Now to see if there are any updates.
- Should there be any updates, the TV will then download and install it.
- The process will be completed after rebooting.
How to Factory Reset a Roku TV
Should restarting or updating the firmware not fix the issue on your TV, consider doing a factory reset.
Factory reset puts your Roku TV back to its original state, as if it were brand new. Be aware that your apps will be removed, but they will be in your profile, so you can download them again.
A factory reset should be the last resort to resolve any issue, given the trouble of restoring all your apps and settings.
To do a Factory reset:
- Press the Home button and go to Settings.
- Go to the System option and look for Advanced System Settings.
- Under this option, go to Factory Reset and select Factory Reset Everything.
- You will be given on-screen instructions to follow.
Note that this option is only for responsive TVs. Should the TV be unresponsive and you need to do a Factory Reset, Roku TVs have a Reset button that you may use. Consult the manual of your TV for the exact location.
Roku TV Remote Control Issues
You may encounter some connectivity issues with the remote control of your Roku TV.
There are two kinds of remote controls for Roku TVs: an Infrared remote and a Bluetooth remote control. Before proceeding to any remote control troubleshooting, you need to know which one are you using.
- You can check by opening the battery cover of your remote control. Here, you will find a small button meant for pairing.
- Should you have this button, your remote control is Bluetooth-enabled.
- If the button is not there, then the remote control is an Infrared remote.
You may also use the Roku Remote app, should you not have the remote available. The app may be found on Apple App Store or Google Play Store and will turn your smartphone or tablet into a remote control.
Infrared Remotes
For Infrared remote controls, unresponsiveness is usually attributed to the remote not being in the receiver’s line of sight.
- If something is blocking the receiver’s path, then it won’t be able to receive any commands.
- Roku TVs that use Infrared remotes work better when not stored in consoles or cabinets, which can block the remote’s signal.
- Another thing that can contribute to an unresponsive Infrared remote is weak batteries. Make sure there’s enough power and replace any weak batteries. Infrared remotes work very much like flashlights. The stronger the battery, the better the signal.
Bluetooth Remotes
For Bluetooth remote controls, obstructions are not an issue.
- The most basic troubleshooting here is to replace any dead batteries in the remote control.
- You may also restart the TV and remote control by unplugging the TV and removing the power cable and batteries of the TV and remote.
- Wait for a minute, then plug the TV and insert the battery.
- Check if it solves the problem. You may have to re-pair the remote with the TV.
To connect the Bluetooth remote:
- Restart both TV and remote as explained above, and wait for the TV to finish booting up. Note that you should not insert the battery yet.
- Once the TV boots up, insert the battery and press and hold the pairing button for three seconds, or until the pairing light flashes on the remote.
- Wait for 30 seconds as the TV reestablishes the connection with the remote control. A pairing dialog box will then appear on the TV. Follow the commands.
Roku Streaming Stick
For those using the Roku Streaming Stick, interference may happen when the device is too close to the TV.
- You can solve this by getting an HDMI extension cable.
- Roku also gives away these cables for free, which you can get through this page.
- Interference may also happen when the 2.4GHz bandwidth is congested in your home network. This frequency is used for the remote control to pair with the TV. You can resolve this by using a different wireless channel for your router or set your Roku TV to use the 5GHz network, if available.
Wi-Fi Issues with the Roku TV
Audio and video degradation issues, sluggish performance of the Roku system, or a “Not connected” pop-up on the upper right corner are attributed to Wi-Fi issues.
To check the status of your Wi-Fi:
- Go to Settings, then select Network.
- Here, you will see if the Wi-Fi signal is Excellent, Good, Fair, or Poor.
- If the signal is Fair or Poor, you need to resolve it for better performance. You may not be able to move the TV, but if your TV has an Ethernet port, you can try using it to check if Wi-Fi is the culprit for the sluggish performance.
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