Review: Roku Streambar – Impressive performance in compact size, enhances audio experience

Explore the powerful, versatile Roku Stream Bar’s features and its potential to enhance your TV viewing experience... Read more

Specifications

Brand	Roku
Connectivity Technology	Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB, HDMI
Connector Type	Bluetooth
Resolution	720p, 4k
Supported Internet Services	AirPlay, Netflix, Apple TV plus, Pandora, Disney plus, ABC, epix, Amazon Prime Video, ESPN, Spotify, Showtime, The Roku Channel
Controller Type	Remote Control, Voice Control
Color	Black
Model Name	voice remote
Item Weight	2.4 Pounds
Product Dimensions	16.25″L x 7.5″W x 4.25″H

Introduction

Unboxing the Roku Stream Bar: First Impressions

Upon unboxing, the Roku Stream Bar leaves a favourable first impression. It’s compact, impressively sleek and surprisingly lightweight, effortlessly blending into any room aesthetics. It’s a notably smaller entry in Roku’s sound bar lineup, a notable upgrade for those whose living space might be a bit limited.

The Compact Alternative: Comparing Roku Stream Bar to Its Larger Counterparts

The immediacy of the Roku Stream Bar’s shrunken size becomes evident when compared to Roku’s larger, bulkier sound bars from their previous releases. While those larger models demand more room under your TV, this small-sized device asks for only a little space and is therefore a more practical option for certain users. But does it compromise much on performance for this size reduction? That’s a question we’ll delve into throughout this review.

Beyond size comparisons, the inclusion of Roku’s commendable media player within the Stream Bar is a smart move, providing a two-in-one offering that will surely appeal to those looking for convenience and quality on a budget.

But first impressions aren’t everything. So, let’s dive deeper into this product’s offerings, discussing where it excels and where it falls a tad short, all from an unbiased perspective. This review is based on personal experiences with the product, aiming to provide a critical and comprehensive examination of what the Roku Stream Bar is all about.

My Roku Experience: Performance Analysis

• Roku Stream Bar offers improved, immersive audio quality
• Setup and connectivity simple and intuitive
• Limited control over bass, requires specific port compatibilities

Unwrapping and delving into the Roku Stream Bar, I was met with an immediate sense of anticipation. The compact hardware appealed to the minimalist eye, and I was curious to see if it could pack a punch where it mattered – the performance.

Setup and Connectivity

I found the setup to be pretty straightforward with intuitive instructions. It connected to my television via HDMI, which I appreciated, given most TVs manufactured in the last decade or so come equipped with HDMI ports. If you’re dealing with a TV model that’s older, the lack of HDMI could prove problematic, and quite frankly, limit the Roku Stream bar’s utility for you.

The Roku Stream Bar boasts of ARC (Audio Return Channel) support – another feather in its cap. This allowed me to have all the audio from my television flow through the speaker, creating a more immersive, high-quality audio experience. However, the key here is that the television set needs to have an ARC port; without it, the audio wouldn’t funnel back through the Stream bar.

The Listening Experience

The audio quality was undeniably better than what I was accustomed to with the standard television speakers. The sound was clear, sharp, and owing to its compact design, more focused. The spatial audio gave the feeling of being enveloped in the show’s world.

However, I must mention the stereo separation wasn’t very pronounced. Given the compact nature of the Roku Stream Bar, the speakers aren’t much far apart. While this didn’t hamper the overall audio experience, it’s something to consider if you’re an audiophile in search of deep and distinct stereo separation.

Navigating Through Settings

I appreciate having control over the audio delivery, and the Roku definitely allowed some tweaking. The “speech clarity” control was a standout feature, enhancing dialogue and making it pop from the mix without compromising other sonic elements. It’s quite subjective, of course, so you’ll have to tinker around to find the setting that suits your preferences.

On that note, I wasn’t too impressed with the “bass off” and “bass boost” modes. The alterations were minimal and left me hoping for stronger levels of bass control.

Final Verdict

All things considered, the performance of the Roku Stream Bar was impressive. The compact design didn’t compromise the audio delivery and offered an improved, immersive listening experience. However, the limited control over bass and the necessity for certain port compatibilities can be potential deal-breakers for some users. In essence, I would recommend prospective buyers to take into account their specific needs and television ports available before making a purchase.

Price & Value Discussion

• Roku Stream Bar priced at $129.99
• Works as sound bar and media player
• Value depends on individual preference and needs

As we delve deeper into the world of the Roku Stream Bar, it’s crucial that we sit down and discuss the elephant in the room – the price tag . Priced at $129.99 , it’s certainly not the most expensive streaming device on the market, but it’s not exactly budget-friendly either.

Defining Value: Is the Price Point of $129.99 Justified?

When trying to assess if this price is justified, it’s important to take into account what this device is offering as opposed to just focusing on the digits on its price tag. The Roku Stream Bar works as both a sound bar and a media player, essentially acting as a two-in-one device. This in itself could justify its price to some extent, considering you get to upgrade two aspects of your entertainment system in one go.

Moreover, the auditory enhancements it offers could be invaluable to some, especially those with hearing constraints. The space-saving compact design, its compatibility with 4K or 1080p televisions, the number of speakers, among other features, all add to the overall worth of the device. But whether that amounts to $129.99 is subjective and depends on one’s individual preference, needs, and the value they attach to these features.

Comparing the Roku Stream Bar to Other Sound Bars: Value and Performance

When compared to other sound bars in this price range, the unique proposition of the Roku Stream Bar stands out – its integrated media player capability. Many other sound bars, though offering excellent audio performance, lack this feature. Therefore, if you’re after an improvement in your auditory experience and a boost in your television’s intelligence, the value proposition of the Stream Bar rises substantially.

Thinking critically, the decision on value lies in how much use you’ll get out of the two different functionalities – the improved audio and the intelligent streaming – and how much space you have. This might make it more beneficial for you than a mono-function device that may offer more advanced features in one aspect but lack the other completely.

In conclusion, the Roku Stream Bar’s price seems to hold a value for certain individuals, particularly for those looking to enhance both their audio experience and their access to streaming services in a compact package. As always, potential buyers should align their specific needs and circumstance with what the Stream Bar can deliver, to make an informed decision.

Assessing the Features

• Roku Stream Bar is compact and easy to place
• Sound quality best in smaller rooms
• Additional subwoofer and speakers available for upgrade

When eyeing a new sound bar like the Roku Stream Bar, the array of features is often the most considerable aspect. Let’s dive into what this compact gadget brings to the table.

The Size and Speaker Configuration

The Roku Stream Bar, unlike many traditional sound bars I’ve encountered, is rather compact. Convenience and easy placement are the key highlights here. With its size, it seamlessly fits under most TVs without making your arrangement feel cluttered.

Another interesting detail is the speaker configuration. With four 1.9 inch full-range drivers – two centrally located and one on each side, the sound bar ensures a more immersing sound experience. To my pleasant surprise, despite its more compact design, the sound experience didn’t take a noticeable hit.

Sound Quality in Different Environments

Increasingly critical is how well a pure sound bar can adapt to varying room sizes and acoustic dynamics. I set up the Roku Stream Bar in two different spaces, a large living room and a more cosy bedroom, to give this a test.

In a smaller room, the audio experience was significantly richer, probably due to the sound waves effectively bouncing off nearby walls. However, in larger rooms, the resonance was just not as pronounced as I’ve experienced with larger sound bars. My advice? This sound bar is a good fit if you’re dealing with a smaller room or if you aren’t overly fussy about booming sound in a larger space.

Extra Features

Considering its price, the Roku Stream Bar offers decent sound on its own. Interestingly, Roku offers a wireless subwoofer and rear surround sound speakers that you can connect for enhanced sound quality, although these are available for an additional price. It’s a smart move from Roku, giving users the flexibility to upgrade their sound system in stages instead of buying a costly set outright. But keep in mind, as a standalone device, don’t expect the deep bass or full surround effect.

Conclusion

After thoroughly assessing the Roku Stream Bar’s features, I’ve come to the conclusion that it is an excellent package for its price, especially if you’re interested in boosting your TV’s audio in a smaller room. However, for larger spaces or individuals seeking hard-hitting bass, investing in the additional subwoofer or bigger sound bars might be the preferable route.

Understanding Compatibility & Connections

• Roku Stream Bar connects easily via HDMI cable
• Works with older HD televisions and 4K TVs
• Doesn’t support Dolby Vision or HDCP 2.2 copy protection

Deciphering the ins-and-outs of any new device can be intimidating to say the least. From cable intricacies to visual and sound compatibility, various factors come into play. That’s why we’ll delve into the compatibility and connection process of the Roku Stream Bar in this section.

Ease of Connection: Hooking Up the Roku Stream Bar to Your TV

For starters, I found connecting the Roku Stream bar to my TV to be relatively straightforward. The device connects to your television via an HDMI cable, which I’m sure a majority of us have had experience with. One thing to remember is that it can work with older televisions as well, provided they are HD compatible.

ARC and Digital Audio Outs: Making the Most of Your TV

When hooking up the device to your TV, a key bit of advice on my end would be to connect the HDMI connector to a port labeled ARC on your TV. ARC stands for Audio Return Channel, and this will allow any audio from the television set to come back out through the speaker. This even rings true when you aren’t in Roku mode, enhancing the device’s versatility.

If by chance your TV doesn’t have an ARC HDMI port, don’t worry. The Roku stream bar also supports optical audio out, and even includes the optical cable. This is a valuable inclusion for those of us with slightly outdated models of TVs.

Compatibility with 4K Televisions: Small Print Details to Remember

Now, driving into the specifics of compatibility. The Roku Stream Bar works well with 4K televisions, a relief to those of us with an eye for high resolution visuals. However, be prepared for a small caveat. This device does not support Dolby Vision, one of the leading formats in 4K UHD technology.

Another detail to keep in mind is that to achieve a 4K output, the Roku Stream Bar requires the television to support HDCP 2.2 copy protection. If your TV doesn’t support this, you may be limited to 1080p mode. Not a deal-breaker, but certainly something worth knowing when considering the Roku Stream Bar for a 4K TV.

To sum up, the connection and compatibility of the Roku Stream Bar present a pleasingly trouble-free experience, making the process less daunting, even for the tech-challenged amongst us.

High-Resolution Streaming and Wi-Fi Performance

• Impressive Wi-Fi performance on Roku Stream Bar
• Exceptional high-resolution streaming, no buffering issues
• Centered placement enhances strong Wi-Fi connection

In my experience with the Roku Stream Bar, I was pleasantly surprised by its excellent streaming capabilities. I put it to the test with some high-resolution 4K movies from Disney Plus and it performed admirably.

Going Wireless: The Wi-Fi Support on Roku Stream Bar

The Roku Stream Bar is equipped with some solid Wi-Fi support. The strength of its connection was surprising. Initially, I expected Wi-Fi issues given that many devices I’ve previously tested struggled with maintaining a consistent wireless signal when positioned behind the television. However, the Roku Stream Bar dispelled my concerns. It consistently held a strong signal, likely due to its centered placement location on my setup.

My Wi-Fi Experience: Streaming 4K Movies from Disney Plus

To truly test its capacity, I streamed a couple of 4K movies from Disney Plus. Not once did I encounter buffering issues or drops in quality. It was an uninterrupted, smooth experience. Despite my initial skepticism, the Roku Stream Bar passed the test with flying colors.

Note: Although I experienced positive Wi-Fi performance, it’s important to remember that individual results may vary depending on your Wi-Fi signal strength and placement of the device. But typically, if you have a decent Wi-Fi signal close to your TV, I found the Roku Stream Bar’s Wi-Fi performance to be more than satisfactory.

• Overall, the Wi-Fi performance: Quite impressive.
• High-resolution streaming: Handled exceptionally well. No buffering issues or quality drops, even when streaming 4K content.
• Placement: Centering the device did seem to help with maintaining a strong Wi-Fi connection.

However, just remember that to squeeze excellent performance out of this device, your existing Wi-Fi setup plays a significant role in determining the streaming quality.

Hardware Overview

• Roku Stream Bar offers robust hardware
• Provides array of connectivity ports
• Features compact design and energy-saving features

When it comes to hardware, the Roku Stream Bar is packed with essential features that enhance your streaming experience. Let’s delve into the hardware components that make this sound bar stand out.

The Back of the Roku Stream Bar

The rear part of the Roku Stream Bar houses several essential components. Starting with ports, you’ll find an HDMI connector, a vital element for hooking the stream bar to your television. Its compatibility with most TVs over the past decade or so adds a layer of convenience.

Adjacent to the HDMI connector, you’ll find a USB port. Whether it’s loading media from your hard drive or flash drive or connecting an Ethernet adapter, this port proves to be quite beneficial. However, be ready to check with Roku for compatibility if you’re planning on using an Ethernet adapter, as not all of them worked during my testing phase.

In addition, there’s an optical cable plug, which is extremely handy if your TV doesn’t feature an HDMI ARC connector. Conveniently, Roku includes the optical cable in the box, making setup a breeze.

Apart from these, you’ll notice two mounting holes on the back for easy attachment to a wall. While the package doesn’t provide mounting hardware, you can easily fit screws to position your Stream Bar accordingly.

Explore Placement Options

Due to its compact size, the Roku Stream Bar provides flexibility when it comes to placement. Whether you want to place it under your TV, mount it on the wall or position it on a furniture piece, the Stream Bar fits nicely without occupying too much space, which is a plus for smaller rooms.

Own the Power

Powering the Roku Stream Bar is as straightforward as it can get. The long power cable ensures a hassle-free setup experience no matter how distant your power outlet may be. Bear in mind that the device switches to standby mode when turned off, conserving energy in the process.

Wrapping Up

In conclusion, the Roku Stream Bar excels in offering robust hardware in a compact design. From an array of connectivity ports and flexible placement options to energy-saving features, the hardware is well thought out to deliver a flawless streaming experience.

Diving into the Interface

• Roku Stream Bar supports major streaming services
• Remote control includes voice command function
• Interface promotes user convenience and intuitive navigation

Now, if we focus on the interface of Roku Stream Bar, we see an abundance of services it supports. What makes it stand out among other media players is its overall user-friendly appeal and seamless navigability. Let’s take a thorough look at this.

Simplifying Streaming: Experience the Roku Interface

Upon accessing the Roku home screen, I was truly impressed by the interface. Here, you can navigate effortlessly through copious streaming options. Unique to Roku Stream Bar is its extensive support for virtually every major streaming service, which is a massive plus if you want access to a wide variety of content. Some notable ones include Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video, and even Apple TV, a rarity in many devices. Indeed, such diversification gives it an edge over other media players. However, at the time of my review, the HBO Max service was noticeably absent.

Using Voice Commands: An Overview of the Roku Remote

The included remote control takes usability to the next level. What intrigued me the most is its voice control function. By holding down the microphone button, you can command it to perform searches, which can save you a lot of scrolling time. It boasts volume controls on the side, enabling easy manipulation of sounds. This feature makes interacting with your Stream Bar impressively intuitive.

Note: The remote also includes shortcut buttons to certain popular services. While I find this feature convenient for quick access, those who do not subscribe to these services may find them somewhat redundant.

In conclusion, the Roku Stream Bar presents an interface that’s designed with a focus on user convenience and intuitive navigation. Having said this, the customization options are somewhat constrained, and there is room for Roku to improve integration with some streaming services. Overall, I’d say Roku Stream Bar delivers a solid performance in terms of user interface and remote control functionality.

Unique Roku Feature Exploration

• Roku Stream Bar provides abundant free content
• Offers hidden features for enhanced user experience
• Adjustable audio settings for personalized viewing

In this section, I am going to share more about some of the distinctive features I found in the Roku Stream Bar. From free content access to an array of audio-related settings, this compact sound bar offers a lot more than meets the eye. Let’s dig deeper and explore these features.

The Magic of Roku: Focus on Free

One of the aspects that genuinely stood out during my Roku Stream Bar experience was its unyielding commitment to providing free content. By going to the ‘featued free’ section, I was pleasantly surprised by the abundance of accessible content. This ranged across popular channels like NBC and TLC Go, all the way to Roku’s channel. The impressive variety of both recorded and live content meant hours of free (usually ad-supported) viewing for Roku users.

Discovering Depth: Unveiling Hidden Features of Roku

Aside from the wealth of free content, I discovered that there’s a lot more depth to the Roku platform. One can find a range of hidden features that may not be as publicized but contribute significantly to the overall user experience. From playing your media archives using the USB port to compatible Ethernet adaptors for a stabilized internet connection, Roku’s features extend beyond mere streaming.

Unpacking Audio-Related Settings: Enhancing Your Experience

Finding the right sound setting for your viewing situation made a noticeable difference in my experience. Notably, adjusting the ‘speech clarity’ settings seemed to significantly enhance dialogue clarity, especially for dialog-intensive films. Although the sound adjustment options may not be extensive, they are effective and can make a significant difference in enhancing user enjoyment. However, a bit more audio control could have been added to the mix to cater more closely to various user preferences.

Note: These unique features and the depth of control might vary depending on individual user preferences and circumstances. So, it’s important for each user to explore and find the optimal setup for their needs.

Conclusion

• Roku Stream Bar compact and multifunctional
• Offers enhanced audio but lacks deep bass
• Limited audio settings, doesn’t support Dolby Vision

In true spirit of an unbiased review, it’s important to underscore that there are no perfect products, and that includes the Roku Stream Bar. Of course, its perks and quirks somewhat make it a “Jekyll & Hyde” situation.

Pros

• Compact design: The Roku Stream Bar is incredibly space-friendly. It’s a great solution for a smaller living room or bedroom setup.
• Multifunctionality: It’s not just a sound bar; it’s also a media streaming device. This feature sets it apart from many other sound bars in the market.
• Enhanced audio: The features designed to improve speech clarity and level audio volumes can be incredibly useful for those struggling with average TV speakers.

Cons

• Lack of deep bass: The absence of a deep bass was quite noticeable during testing. Sounds enthusiasts who like their audio robust will likely find this subpar.
• Limited audio settings: The minimal amount of control it gives you over the audio settings is somewhat disappointing. You’re largely stuck with the out-of-the-box settings.
• Dolby Vision incompatibility: The inability to support Dolby Vision can also be a letdown for certain users, particularly those that appreciate the richer colour contrasts that Dolby Vision offers.

Overall, the Roku Stream Bar stands its ground as a nifty two-in-one device. It is an integral part of an amazing streaming journey with a bonus of enhanced audio performance. For those with hearing problems, it’s incredibly helpful, but for audio diehards, they might find it lacking. For folks trying to turn their ‘dumb’ TV into a ‘smart’ TV, this is a pocket-friendly and space-friendly option.

To sum it up, Roku Stream Bar offers a great bang for your buck, but knowing your specific needs can help you decide whether it really fits the bill or not.

Outro: Thank-Yous and Acknowledgments

And that concludes my comprehensive exploration of the Roku Stream Bar. Through this review, my objective has been to provide you with an unbiased and detailed view of the product from a user’s perspective, examining its various dimensions, strengths, weaknesses, and overall value proposition.

At this point, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to everyone who’s been instrumental in making this review possible. Although individual names can’t be mentioned due to anonymity guidelines, kindly know that your contribution, in whatever capacity, has not gone unnoticed.

Acknowledging Roku

Firstly, lukewarm appreciation goes to Roku, not just for the creation of an impressive product like the Stream Bar, but also for providing this unit for review. Your transparency in allowing me to freely communicate my true impressions of the product is highly commendable and essential in fostering trust with consumers.

The Supporters

Then there’s the endless stream of unnamed supporters who have been essential to this review. From the people behind the scenes who assist with organization and technicalities, to those managing communications and product sourcing. You all are the lifeblood that keeps these types of reviews possible.

Final Words

In conclusion, scrutinizing the Roku Stream Bar has been an insightful journey. The product, while compact and lower-priced than some alternatives, still brings a lot to the table in terms of its performance, unique features, and user-friendly interface. Significant attention to detail is clear in its design, and the range of supported streaming services is impressive. However, some elements like its bass levels and lack of extensive audio tweaks leave room for improvement.

Remember, reviews like these are for you, the consumer, to make informed choices when shopping for your next tech gadget. So, continue to engage, ask questions, and make the most of these resources to get the best value for your money.

Should you buy the Roku Streambar?

Buy it if…

You have trouble hearing your TV’s audio

The Roku Stream Bar significantly enhances audio and dialogue, making it an excellent choice if you often struggle to hear your TV.

You need a compact solution

The Roku Stream Bar’s compact size makes it ideal for you if you are space constrained. It is much smaller than other sound bars and fits comfortably under your TV.

You seek an affordable yet full-featured sound bar

At $129.99, the Roku Stream Bar is comparatively less expensive than larger sound bars, yet it does not compromise on the features, providing an in-built media player and customizable sound settings.

Don’t buy it if…

You seek a sound bar for larger rooms

The sound generated by the Roku Stream Bar may not fill up a large room and provide a rich audio experience due to its compact size and stereo design.

You want deep bass sound

Although it enhances regular TV audio, without an additional subwoofer, the device cannot provide a deep bass sound.

You want Dolby Vision support

The Roku Stream Bar supports HDR color but lacks Dolby Vision support, which might be essential if you are looking for the highest video standard.

FAQ

What is the price of the Roku Stream Bar?

The price of the Roku Stream Bar is $129.99.

Does the Roku Stream Bar support 4K?

Yes, the Roku Stream Bar supports 4K televisions with HDR color. However, it does not support Dolby Vision.

How does the Roku Stream Bar connect to the TV?

The Roku Stream Bar connects to the TV via an HDMI cable. It also supports ARC and digital audio outs.

Does the Roku Stream Bar have a good Wi-Fi reception?

Yes, the Roku Stream Bar has a good Wi-Fi reception. It can stream 4K movies from Disney Plus without problems.

Does the Roku Stream Bar enhance the audio?

Yes, the Roku Stream Bar significantly enhances the audio.It is especially helpful for those who have difficulty hearing TV dialogue from their existing television speakers.

Can the Roku Stream Bar be voice-controlled?

Yes, the Roku Stream Bar comes with a voice remote, allowing you to do voice searches and control device using voice commands.

Can the Roku Stream Bar be mounted to the wall?

Yes, at the back of the Roku Stream Bar are mounting holes that allow it to be attached on a wall or piece of furniture.

What’s the size of the speakers on the Roku Stream Bar?

The Roku Stream Bar has four 1.9-inch full range drivers.

What are some free services supported by Roku?

Roku supports a host of free providers including Pluto, NBC, and many others.

Which sound bars can the Roku Stream Bar be compared to?

The Roku Stream Bar can be compared to last year’s larger sound bar from Roku, but it is more compact and costs less.