I guess when the whole point of buying a smart TV is to lose these add-on boxes we shouldn't be surprised when the add-on box makers try and make themselves more relevant.

I have a few NowTV boxs, so will take a look.

DanceswithUnix
I guess when the whole point of buying a smart TV is to lose these add-on boxes we shouldn't be surprised when the add-on box makers try and make themselves more relevant.

I have a few NowTV boxs, so will take a look.

To be fair, my experience with ‘built in’ smart tv's has literally made me want TV's WITHOUT smart features so I can just replace the smart box when the smart features stop working or are no longer updated etc even though the rest of the TV works just fine.

I've got multiple smart tv's that I've had to buy a smart box for anyway because the software isn't updated/working anymore…

Whether the roku channel takes off is another thing because lets be honest, most people HATE ads…

Agreed. I had to buy a Roku to use amazon prime app when my Sony tv stopped supporting it :(

I'd much rather have a provider agnostic set top box that I can replace for under £50 than rely on my TVs smart features.

I've had several generations of Roku for a few good reasons:

1. They're genuinely provider agnostic so have all the streaming* platforms in one place.
2. They're very simple to navigate even for the kids.
3. Very good Emby app support for my home media server.
4. They phone home and show adds, but it's far simpler to block via pi hole than my smart TV ever was.

*Britbox being the sole exception. Tried to set it up for my mother in law but despite the US version of Britbox being offered on Roku for some reason they're not supporting the platform in the UK. Why I have no idea.

LSG501
To be fair, my experience with ‘built in’ smart tv's has literally made me want TV's WITHOUT smart features so I can just replace the smart box when the smart features stop working or are no longer updated etc even though the rest of the TV works just fine.

I've got multiple smart tv's that I've had to buy a smart box for anyway because the software isn't updated/working anymore…

Whether the roku channel takes off is another thing because lets be honest, most people HATE ads…

Exactly this. I've got a five year old Samsung smart TV, and few of the apps are now working because Samsung decided to end support. There's no way I'd ditch a perfectly good TV just because Samsung decide it's not worth keeping the software updated.

LSG501
Whether the roku channel takes off is another thing because lets be honest, most people HATE ads…

Indeed, I tried watching something on All4 the other week and all I can say is I managed about 20 minutes before the adverts made me uninstall the channel from my Roku. I'm fine with paid services that are advert free, that I can stream at my leisure, adverts are simply a no.

Iota
Indeed, I tried watching something on All4 the other week and all I can say is I managed about 20 minutes before the adverts made me uninstall the channel from my Roku. I'm fine with paid services that are advert free, that I can stream at my leisure, adverts are simply a no.

Oh the ‘main channels’ are even worse than just adverts imo, you need to login etc which means you then get ‘tracked’ and ‘personalised’ adverts etc…. which to me personally is annoying because I'm like, if you're giving me ads anyway, why do you need me to login.

I know the guy who runs the hardware programme, he set up the UK Roku office. It's been interesting chatting to him about how they've been managing in lockdown. Testing has been the big issue, since there's clearly a LOT of hardware involved. They've had some interesting solutions using webcams to remotely view TV hardware that has had to remain in the office. I hope it's a success for them, one of the short-term challenges will be selling advert space…