Published On: September 28, 2020

Roku Updates Ultra Streamer, Adds Compact Soundbar

Published On: September 28, 2020
Last Updated on: November 1, 2020
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Roku Updates Ultra Streamer, Adds Compact Soundbar

Roku's Ultra will be faster and offer Dolby Vision; the new Streambar is a compact soundbar with built-in Roku streamer

Roku Updates Ultra Streamer, Adds Compact Soundbar

By Author: Home Theater Review
The staff at HomeTheaterReview.com is comprised of experts who are dedicated to helping you make better informed buying decisions.

Roku today announced its second soundbar and an update to its flagship Roku Ultra that makes it faster, more powerful, gives it up to 50 percent more wireless range and adds support for Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos. The lack of that support was one of the only drawbacks we found when we reviewed the previous Ultra in April. Some reviewers complained it didn't come with an HDMI cable, and Roku has added that, too, while keeping the device's price the same at $99.

The Streambar is the latest addition to Roku's growing lineup of audio devices. Like its 32-inch Smart Soundbar (reviewed here), it has a full-featured, 4K Roku player built right in -- no need for a separate player -- but is only 14 inches wide and 2.4 inches high. To produce more expansive sound from its small cabinet, the $130 Streambar has two forward-facing speakers and two that are angled outward. Algorithms built into its processor, combined with the sound level controls for individual speakers  incorporated in Roku's upcoming OS 9.4, will enable users to steer sound to best suit their rooms and their taste.

Additional resources:
• 
Roku's TV Wireless Speakers will work as satellites with the new Streambar. Check out our review.
 
Here's a review of Roku's other soundbar and optional Wireless Subwoofer
 
Take a look at our picks for the best media streamers for 2020

Here are more details about Roku's Streambar and Ultra:

Roku today unveiled its new streaming lineup for the U.S. to include an all-new and redesigned Roku Ultra (MSRP $99.99) and the addition of the Roku Streambar (MSRP $129.99). Roku Ultra offers the best performance of any Roku player for less than $100, and was specifically designed for avid streamers. For streamers looking to add powerful streaming and premium sound to any TV, the Roku Streambar is the easiest way for consumers to upgrade and de-clutter their home entertainment systems.

"We are focused on delivering a variety of innovative, top-performing products at an incredible value to our customers so they can get to the content they care about quickly," said Mark Ely, Vice President, Retail Product Strategy at Roku. "Our new streaming player lineup now includes reimagined streaming devices in the Roku Ultra and Roku Streambar - we continue to offer a great device no matter the use case our customers are looking for whether they are new to streaming or looking to add great sound and streaming to their home entertainment center."

Roku Ultra
Roku Ultra remains the ultimate streaming player offering powerful, smooth streaming with channels that launch in a snap and our best wireless, now with up to 50% more range and Bluetooth support. Stream in extraordinary Dolby Vision picture quality and experience immersive Dolby Atmos sound when you pair it with compatible devices. Inside the box is a Roku voice remote featuring TV power and volume controls, personal shortcut buttons, and headphones for private listening--it even has a lost remote finder--and now a High-Speed Premium HDMI cable. Control the Roku Ultra by speaking to Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant devices. Roku Ultra is perfect for cord cutters and people who love to stream. Features include:

    • Power & performance: Loaded with a quad-core processor and channels that launch in a snap.
    • Our best wireless: Enjoy smoother streaming in rooms further from the router now with up to 50% more range.
    • Dolby Vision: Enjoy favorite films or streaming series with spectacular color, contrast, brightness, and detail. Dolby Vision can deliver colors never-before seen on a screen paired with ultra-vivid picture quality which results in a refined, lifelike image.
    • Dolby Atmos: Immersive entertainment with sound that moves all around with breathtaking realism. Sound recorded in stereo is limited to left and right channels. Sound mixed in Dolby Atmos allows a deeper connection to shows and movies.
    • Private listening: Use the included headphones to pump up the volume on your shows without disturbing the house.
    • Personal shortcuts: Simply give a voice command, then press and hold a personal shortcut button for one-touch access anytime.

Roku Streambar
Roku Streambar is the ultimate 2-in-1 entertainment upgrade with powerful streaming and premium sound for any TV with HDMI. Hear every detail as you stream in vibrant 4K HDR picture quality on 4K HDR compatible TVs. Crisp, clean audio makes dialogue easier to hear and, with its compact design, it fills the room with sound. Quiet loud commercials automatically. Control the Roku Streambar by speaking to Amazon Alexa and/or Google Assistant devices. Later this year, Apple AirPlay 2 and HomeKit capabilities are expected to begin roll out on select 4K Roku devices. With Apple AirPlay 2, customers can stream videos, music and more to the big screen, and with HomeKit, they can easily and securely control their Roku device using the Home app and Siri. Setup is simple with everything in the box, including one voice remote that controls your TV, sound, and streaming. Additional features include:

    • America's No. 1 TV streaming platform by hours streamed: Enjoy an easy to use and snappy experience with access to endless entertainment.
    • Big sound: Four internal speakers fill the room with rich Dolby Audio.
    • Smarter than the average soundbar: Advanced audio engineering within the Roku OS helps Roku Streambar produce sound well beyond its size while increasing speech clarity and adding intricate depth to music.
    • Simple sound settings: Simple volume modes make it easy to adjust sound. Automatically lower loud commercials, boost the volume of voices, and optimize the sound for night listening.
    • Easily expandable: Add deep, rich bass with Roku Wireless Subwoofer and immersive surround sound with Roku Wireless Speakers.
    • Spotify Connect: Spotify is available on the Roku platform and with Spotify Connect, easily launch a favorite playlist from a smartphone and listen through the Roku Streambar's high performance speakers.
    • Bluetooth support: Easily stream music from mobile devices.

Adding Value Via Content Offers

    • Pandora Premium - Consumers who purchase a Roku device September 25 - November 6, 2020 and redeem by November 8 will be eligible for a 3-month trial of Pandora Premium. Pandora Premium gives users on-demand music, ad-free listening, and much more. Total value of $29.97.
    • Apple TV+ - Eligible customers who purchase and activate a Roku device from October 23 to January 31, 2021 will receive a promotional code to enjoy three months free of Apple TV+. This offer for Roku customers is available to new Apple TV+ subscribers only and must be redeemed by February 2, 2021. $4.99/month after free trial. One subscription per Family Sharing group. Plan automatically renews until cancelled. 
    • SHOWTIME, STARZ + EPIX - Redeem the 30-day free trial available via The Roku Channel, good from now until October 4, 2020 with the purchase and activation of an eligible Roku device. Total value $25.97.

More information on these offers and others can be found at Roku.com/Offers.

The Roku Ultra and Roku Streambar are available for pre-order at Roku.com starting today and are expected to ship in October. General availability at Roku.com and major retailers is expected in October. The Roku Streambar will also be available in Canada, Mexico and the U.K. Also available on shelf in the U.S. will be the Roku Express, the Roku Express+, the Roku Premiere, the Roku Streaming Stick+, the Roku Streaming Stick+ HE and the Roku Ultra LT.

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