Roku Express is a small, affordable streaming box that turns your ordinary TV into a smart TV, enabling you to stream Netflix, Hulu, and hundreds of other streaming channels. The Express is an entry-level mini box with fewer features than other Roku devices, but, it still offers a high-def 1080p video resolution with 2.4GHz WiFi option. It is easy to setup with the included High Speed HDMI Cable and a remote.
Where to Buy Roku Express
Amazon US – See Offers | Jumia Nigeria – See Offers
Roku Express Key Features
- Compatible with HD TVs
- Up to 1080p (1920 x 1080) with up-scaling from 720p
- DTS Digital Surround pass through over HDMI
- Roku standard IR remote with channel shortcut buttons
- HDMI Support
- Roku mobile app
- Wi-Fi network
What Is Roku Express
The Roku Express is a compact and power-packed streaming box with performance similar to any other streaming device in the Roku family.
It offers HD streaming and access to apps and channels such as Netflix, Disney+, ITV, NOW TV, hayu and My5, at just £29.99. The smart TV stick is accompanied by the well-designed Roku mobile app that includes features such as ‘Private Listening’ mode and voice search.
Design
Roku Express sports a smaller size than the remote and comes with an adhesive strip to attach directly to the television frame. It has rounded edges and the Roku logo embossed on the top. Its size makes it easy to add it to any media setup in your home or offices.
It measures 0.7 x 3.4 x 1.4 inches (H x W x D) and weighs just 31g, hence, it can blend easily anywhere positioned, be it be tucked under the TV or attached to the top of the TV. The design is simple and shouldn’t stand out on any media unit or TV.
At the back of the Express you have two ports — one for the USB charger and one for HDMI and all the necessary cables are included in the box. In addition, it is powered via its microUSB port which can be plugged directly into your TV through the USB port on it, and a wall adapter if the first option doesn’t work.
Streaming Quality
Unlike other Roku streaming stick which offers up to 4K resolution capabilities, the Express only delivers a smooth HD streaming experience on your TV. It supports up to 1080p resolution streaming quality and capable of up-scaling from 720p.
Hence, if you want to stream your favorite Netflix or Amazon Prime series in Ultra HD or 4K, you’ll have to step up to the Roku Premiere or other sticks that offer the feature like the Amazon Fire TV Stick, Chromecast Ultra or Apple TV 4K .
Although, the streaming quality largely depends on your TV, but, the stick resolution capacity helps to optimize the picture quality of your TV so that there is always sharp resolution and rich colour.
Content
Roku express lets you stream free, live and premium TV over the internet right to your TV. It has over 500,000 movies and TV episodes across thousands of free and paid. It offers free channels, including NBC News, PBS, The CW, and Tubi. Plus, Roku has its own channel, which streams free TV shows and movies.
Roku also offer access to popular channels like Amazon, Apple TV, CBS All Access, Disney+, HBO, Hulu, and Netflix. As well as, access live TV services like fubo TV and Sling TV.
With the Roku Express you can now stream it all, live news, sports, and more; never miss award-winning shows, the latest blockbuster hits, and more.
Operating System
Roku Express runs the full version of Roku’s OS developed specifically for streaming TV and is the software that powers all Roku streaming devices to ensures a bias-free user experience. It also offers smooth setup, a simple home screen anyone can use, easy ways to find your favorite entertainment, and automatic updates with new features.
The Roku OS also offers a user-friendly interface that let you customize your home screen to easily access contents.
Roku Express Remote
Express comes packed with a sleek and simple remote with rubber buttons which is incredibly easy to use. The remote has a total of 12 buttons include arrows for navigating, channel shortcuts, a pause/play button and a home button.
This remote is quite effective, but, it requires direct line of sight to function, that is, you have to point the remote directly at the device to operate. In addition, this remote lacks any volume or on/off buttons. However, if you want more control, you can download Roku’s free mobile app for Android and iOS, which turns your phone into a full-featured remote.
Roku Express setup
The Express is quite easy to setup. Unlike the Roku Streaming Stick, which is a completely self-contained device shaped like a USB flash drive, the Express is a box that plugs into your TV via an HDMI cable. It comes with a 5-inch HDMI cable included in the box via which you can connect the box to the TV.
After connecting the media player to the TV, you will be required to create a Roku account and connect to Wi-Fi. The final step is to customize your interface. You can add your favourite app and channel to the interface.
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Other Specs and Features
This streaming stick also comes with ‘Private Listening’ mode that allows you to stream audio to your phone and listen via your headphones. This feature is incredibly useful for when you want to watch the TV without disturbing others in the house.
Roku Express also comes with an 802.11b/g/n single-band wireless antenna instead of upgrading to 802.11ac, the new wireless standard that improves both the distance in which signal can travel and transmission speed. The Wi-Fi can connect at only 2.4Ghz, which is slower than both the Ultra and the Stick+.
Roku Express Price and Availability
Roku Express streaming box price starts at around $29.99. It is available on Amazon, BestBuy, and other reputable online stores, leading retail chains, as well as Toshiba Electronics stores in your country. It is also available in Nigeria, Kenya, and Ghana.
Roku Express Specs
Here are a few specs of the Roku Express:
General Features
- TV Compatibility: HD TVs
- Resolution: Up to 1080p (1920 x 1080) with up-scaling from 720p
- Colours: BLACK
- Dimension: 0.75 in x 3.0 in x 1.5 in (HxWxD)
- Weight: 31.1 g
- Networking: 802.11bgn single-band wireless
Smart TV Features
- Platform: Roku OS
- APP: Roku Mobile APP
- Remote control: Roku standard IR remote with channel shortcut buttons + Streaming player includes IR receiver
- Voice Command: No
Inputs/Outputs & Connectivity
- HDMI Port: Yes, 1 HDMI 1.4b ports
- USB: Yes, Micro USB for power
- Built-in Wi-Fi: Yes
- Audio System: Digital stereo over HDMI + DTS Digital Surround™ pass through over HDMI+ Supports pass-through of Dolby-encoded audio over HDMI
Rated Power
- Power Input: 5V – 1A
- Power Consumption: < 2.2W (typical) when streaming
- Standby Power:
- Energy Efficiency Class: –
What’s in the Box
- Roku Express streaming player
- Remote with pre-set channel shortcut buttons
- Two AAA batteries
- High Speed HDMI® Cable
- Power adaptor & USB power cable
- Adhesive strip for mounting (optional)
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