Six tips to get the most from your Roku player or Roku TV

The entertainment options are truly endless on your Roku player and Roku TV. Here are six tips to keep you streaming like you’ve never streamed before!

What is your best Roku tip? Share it in the comments.

#1 Explore the endless possibilities in the Channel Store

It’s impossible to be bored with a Roku device with our extensive entertainment channel options. Go ahead – expand your horizons!

Jam out to The Black Keys on Pandora or a classic Queen concert on Qello Concerts. Impress your family with the new recipes you learned on Chow, catch up on your news and sports or watch the latest NASA mission live. Squeeze in a quick workout on Daily Burn or brush up on your Spanish language skills…see, we told you – endless possibilities.
Also, did you know we add about a dozen new channels every week? Head to the New section in the Roku Channel Store to explore the latest.

#2 Add the Roku Media Player

The Roku Media Player channel enables you to play back personal video, music and photo files from a DLNA server on your local network or through a USB drive (Roku players with a USB port include Roku HD-XR, Roku XDS, Roku 2 XS, Roku 3).

You can find out which media files The Roku Media Player supports here.

#3 Cast from YouTube

With the YouTube app, cast videos from your smartphone or tablet straight to your TV. No need to squint on your tiny mobile phone screen anymore. Send the latest Jimmy Kimmel Live video to your TV and include everyone in the living room in on the fun! And if you haven’t already, be sure to add the YouTube channel to your Roku player or Roku TV.

Casting is also available through the Netflix mobile app.

*Note: be sure your smartphone or tablet is connected to the same WiFi network as your Roku player.

#4 Send your personal photos to the big screen

Have you downloaded our free Android, iOS or Windows Phone mobile app? It’s not only a great remote control, but the Play On Roku feature on our mobile app enables you to stream music, photos and videos straight from your mobile phone to your Roku device. Go ahead, show off those holiday photos on the big screen!

*Play On Roku video for Windows Phone will be added in a later release.

#5 Utilize the headphone jack for private listening

Guess what? You can sneak your favorite shows late night without disturbing the household!

Here are some valuable tips from our Twitter followers on how they utilize the feature:

“My wife and I also use a headphone splitter so we both can watch quietly so as not to wake the baby up!”

“Perfect for on the treadmill. Blaring TV doesn’t wake the kids, and it’s easier to hear anyways!”

“So I don’t disturb my wife when she is asleep.”

Roku 3 and Roku 2 (model 2720) support private listening.

#6 Take your Roku player with you on the road

Have you met your new travel buddy? The Roku Streaming Stick (HDMI™ Version) makes it easier than ever to stay entertained on a trip. No excuses – it takes up less space than a pair of socks! Our other Roku players are easy to travel with too – they’re the size of a hockey puck. Read more tips for traveling with your Roku.