How to set up a Roku device and connect it to your TV

While you may be familiar with the popular and time-tested Roku streaming platform built into many TV brands, most of you are familiar with Roku in its original form: a wide range of dongles and set-top boxes that you can buy separately and connect to any TV. . They come with extra features you might really like, including voice remote control and the ability to switch the Roku between TVs based on where you want to watch.

If you’ve never set up a Roku device or similar streaming device before, you might not be sure where to start; it’s a bit more complicated than just “Turn it on”. But don’t worry, we’ve got the steps you need to quickly set up a Roku device and all the factors to consider.

Connect the Roku to the TV’s HDMI port

Step 1: Unbox your Roku device. You can connect all Rokus directly to an HDMI port on a compatible TV. All current Roku devices, including the Roku Ultra set-top box, come with an HDMI cable.

Sony XBR-X930C 4K TV connectors.
Bill Roberson/Digital Trends

Step 2 – Find an open HDMI port on your TV to connect your Roku to. All modern Rokus need an HDMI port to work. Older Rokus may have a composite connection that you can use with older TVs, but that’s not common these days. If you’re really short on HDMI ports, you can use something like an HDMI splitter, but that can affect streaming quality. The good news is that Roku offers free shipping on one of these extension cords if you’re willing to fill out their form.

Plug your Roku into power

Step 1 – Plug your Roku device into a nearby electrical outlet. Rokus come with power adapters designed for this purpose. If your Roku device uses a USB power cable, you can also plug it into a USB port on your TV instead of an electrical outlet, but just make sure the port provides enough power to power the Roku.

A diagram showing how to connect a Roku to an electrical outlet.
Roku

Step 2 – Some Roku devices, like the Roku Streaming Stick 4K and Streaming Stick 4K+, come with a slightly different USB power cable that includes a long-range Wi-Fi receiver. You can also connect it to an open USB port on the TV or to a wall outlet. Fortunately, today’s TVs usually come with multiple USB ports, so chances are you have open ports.

Roku home screen logo.

Turn on the tv

Your Roku is now ready to go. Turn on the TV and select the HDMI input that you connected your Roku device to. Your Roku should detect this active input and turn on. You’ll know it’s working when you see the Roku logo on your TV.

Roku Remote Battery Guide.

Set up a Roku remote

Your Roku comes with a remote control. There are several different types of Roku remotes. If you have a device that uses batteries, open the battery cover and insert new batteries. If you have a rechargeable remote, it should come with a full charge.

Step 1 – If you have a simple remote, you can point it at the TV and start using it. If you have a voice remote (they’re distinguished by their voice search buttons), you’ll need to pair it with the Roku via Bluetooth by holding down the pairing button on the back of the remote. We have a guide here that discusses this in more detail.

Step 2 – If you are using a voice remote, Roku will now prompt you to set up a voice remote to work with your TV. Follow the instructions on the screen. As long as your voice remote successfully pairs with your Roku’s Bluetooth, this step should be easy.

Roku Voice Remote Pro setup screen.
Phil Nickinson/Digital Trends

Connect your Roku to the Internet

Now it’s time to pick some settings! You’ll start by selecting your preferred language before it’s time to connect your Roku to the Internet. Most users will prefer to connect the Roku wirelessly to their Wi-Fi network. If you want a wired connection for a more reliable streaming experience, some Roku models (like the Ultra) allow you to connect an Ethernet cable from the device to an open Ethernet port on your router.

When you’re ready, choose cabling either wireless. Roku will search for wireless networks if you select Wi-Fi. Select your network name from the list (you may see it twice if you are using a dual-band router, once for each band option). Enter your Wi-Fi password using the onscreen keyboard that appears and select Connect.

Roku Menu Check it out now.
Derek Malcolm / Digital Trends

Update your Roku software

Once your Roku has successfully connected to your network, it will prompt you for an update. Even a new Roku will probably need a firmware update before it’s ready to go, so you’ll probably have to wait for your Roku to download and reboot, which can take a few minutes. If for some reason it doesn’t update automatically, here’s our guide on how to manually update your Roku software.

Confirm display type

Your Roku will suggest the optimal display type based on the HDMI connection you’re using. Confirm this.

Roku custom home screen.

Create or link a Roku account

You will now be prompted to create or link a Roku account. If you already have a Roku account, please have your login information handy. If you don’t have a Roku account, you’ll need to create one now, so remember your username and password. There is no fee associated with creating a Roku account, but you do need one to activate your Roku.

These days, Rokus use two-factor authentication, so you’ll have to use another device like a smartphone to follow the connection and authenticate the device. Once you’ve done that, you’re all set! The Roku should go to the home screen and you can start browsing.

What you need to know about setting up a Roku device

  • Some Roku players and devices offer 4K resolution, HDR optimization, or both. To use these features successfully, you will need a 4K and/or HDR compatible TV, as well as content that supports them. The HDMI cable that came with your Roku device should also be able to handle these features, but you may want to confirm that your TV’s HDMI ports support at least HDCP 2.2.

  • Roku recommends using a power outlet when setting up because it’s more reliable to have a separate power source other than the TV. Good surge protection can help solve the problem of the availability of outlets in your home theater system.

  • If you have a dual-band router, you may not be sure which band to choose for your Roku. In general, the 2.4 GHz band will have a longer range, but this may come at the cost of slower internet speeds. The 5 GHz band typically has a shorter range, but offers even faster speeds. Since Rokus and home theaters tend to be fairly close to Wi-Fi routers, it’s usually no problem to choose the 5GHz band and keep the 2.4GHz band a bit lighter.

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Categories: GAMING
Source: newstars.edu.vn

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