New Roku for 2019: Quick thoughts on Ultra and Express

It's been just about two years since we got the Roku Ultra. It's long overdue for a refresh — and today we get that refresh. Plus we've got a new $29 Roku Express, and the Roku 9.2 OS update. And here are some quick thoughts on what's on the way!

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Modern Dad is shot live on location in Pensacola, Florida. Yes, it's the best damned city there is.

[stevefensler]

The 2019 Ultra seems to work as advertised except for speed. It buffers like crazy. Sound doesn't start for 2seconds and picture doesn't start for 6 seconds. All channels are this way including Tablo.

[danram]

Roku needed to add vents on their new devices...I just got the 2017 express and it's ok but the temperature heats up to 95°c I have to out a mini fan next to it so it can get to 80°c. The device is sealed so heat coming from inside can't be released...🤷‍♂️

[superboy]

Gunna need an update to your cable cutter series. Like to see your opinions.

[anthonydotb]

Hi Phil! Why not just use the power button on the roku remote to turn your TV off instead of setting it to sleep? Or why not just tell your Google home or Echo to turn off the TV? Don't think everyone watching doesn't own one or the other, I mean we're all geeks around these parts. ;) What I'm really hoping to get is Dolby Vision support. Anyway, keep up the great stuff.

[alextaylor]

I wonder if they will address the overheating problems... even moving my ultra away from everything it still heats up.. and I’m in Seattle- not exactly a hotspot.

[DMS-pq]

You didn't mention that they finally put in a mute button

[wiilover]

Why wouldn't the Roku Express not come with an HDMI cable? It literally says it streams in HD and it says HD on the box.

[txwolf]

Yes. Movie quotes. Perfect for those of us who are horrible with names. Will current crop of Roku express' get the 9.2 update? I'm actually not as familiar with Roku update paradigm as I should be

[juniorjr.]

Don't fall for it your old Roku works just as good... They only came out with a new one because fire stick has been beating them in sales for the last year

[bbqfisherman]

I cut the cable cord recently after moving to a new place. I went with the roku express 2019 version. What would you recommend for 2nd tv as far as stick goes? Thanks.

[michaelhorgan]

Roku OS 9.2 will not be available on Roku 2 ( first gen models Roku 2 HD, XD, XS (3000X, 3050X, 3100X)), first gen Roku stick (3400X, 3420X (first gen MHL model)), LT (2400X, 2450X) and HD (2500X).

[cobrabtc]

For a speed increase, do you think it's worth upgrading my existing Ultra to the new Ultra? Just curious if it's worth the extra $99. Prob not. Thanks

[KarelJack]

So the new Ultra still doesn't have Dolby Vision or true bitstream for audio? I'll pass. Nothing here justifies me replacing my current Ultra.

[JYRAD]

Dumb question when can I buy this? I am afraid to go buy and get the old

[brandonminiman]

Would you get the Amazon fire TV or the Roku Ultra?

[robertdseals]

I'm trying to become a cord cutter. My issue is I live out in the middle of nowhere so I have hughesnet for my internet. Slow speed and very low data caps. I try to download stuff when I'm at work, then "cast" them from my phone when I get home. I don't think I'm doing a very good job at this cord cutting thing. Any suggestions?

[burnzy]

how popular is roku in america? it's on sale here in the UK but i dont know anyone that owns one

[sthcalguy]

How stupid and lazy does someone have to be to not just turn off the tv when they go to bed? This whole concept that "newer" is better is wack. My old, old Roku is just fine.

[marcdavis]

Amazon 4K firestick does the same thing realy and I think its better anyhow 😁

[stephenthomas]

Ethernet port on new ultra is still only 10/100!, no gb