Exploring the Streaming Universe: A Comprehensive Review of Roku Premiere
Roku, a well-known name in the streaming player market, offers a variety of products to cater to different needs and budgets. Among these, the Roku Premiere and Roku Premiere+ stand out as mid-range options that provide 4K HDR playback at a value price. These devices were released in 2018 and have since gained popularity due to their compact design, solid streaming quality, and competitive pricing Source 0.
Design and Form Factor
The Roku Premiere is a petite, crescent-shaped player with rounded edges. It measures a few inches wide, an inch-and-a-half tall, and an inch-and-a-half deep. Despite its small size, it’s capable of delivering 4K HDR support, a feature shared with the Roku Ultra. The Roku Premiere+ shares the same form factor and performance as the Roku Premiere, but it differs in one key aspect: it uses Bluetooth for remote control instead of the IR remote used by the Roku Premiere Source 0.
Connectivity and Remote Control
One of the notable features of the Roku Premiere is the use of an IR remote. However, this might be seen as a disadvantage by some users as it requires the remote to be pointed directly at the player for efficient operation. On the other hand, the Roku Premiere+ offers a more convenient experience with its built-in volume controls and a microphone, allowing for hands-free control Source 0.
Performance and Content Access
The Roku Premiere excels in providing 4K and basic HDR performance at a reasonable price. Its strong suit lies in delivering 4K and basic HDR performance at a cost-effective price point. It performs consistently, with measured speeds of 30Mbps in a typical home setup, ensuring smooth streaming of 4K content Source 0.
The Roku Premiere offers access to a wide array of content platforms, including popular streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video. For users who are not yet subscribed to these services, Roku provides a feature called Featured Free, offering dozens of shows and movies that can be streamed for free Source 0.
Drawbacks and Considerations
Despite its strengths, the Roku Premiere has a few drawbacks. It uses a short HDMI cable, which might not be sufficient for larger homes or setups where the player isn’t kept close to the TV. Additionally, the use of an IR remote is seen as a limitation by some users Source 0.
Another concern raised by users is the lack of an Ethernet port, which means the device relies solely on Wi-Fi for internet connectivity. This might be a disadvantage for users who prefer a wired connection Source 4.
Lastly, the Roku Premiere does not support Dolby Vision, a next-generation format supported by many other devices. This omission is seen as a significant drawback, especially given the emphasis on high-quality audio and visuals in 4K HDR content Source 0.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Roku Premiere and Premiere+ are excellent choices for those seeking a mid-range streaming player with 4K HDR capabilities. Their compact designs, solid streaming quality, and competitive pricing make them a great value proposition. However, potential buyers should consider the limitations of the IR remote and the lack of an Ethernet port, as well as the absence of Dolby Vision support.