Roku is today launching the 2024 Roku Ultra media player to rival the Google TV Streamer. It features a faster processor, HDMI 2.1 QMS, Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos.
On the same day that the Google TV Streamer has arrived, Roku is launching an upgraded version of most powerful media player. The quad-core processor is more than 30% faster than other Roku players, the company said.
- "It's also smarter. Roku Ultra uses advanced machine learning to anticipate which app you are going to open next and tees it up for our snappiest app loading to date," said Roku.
Supports HDMI 2.1 QMS
The 2024 Roku Ultra supports 4K resolution up to 60fps and all four HDR video formats: HDR10, HDR10+, HLG, and Dolby Vision. It is specified as HDMI 2.1b but be aware that it is still limited to HDMI 2.0 bandwidth.
It is also only the second media player – after Apple TV 4K (2022) – to support HDMI 2.1 QMS for seamless refresh rate switching.
- "Plus, as an HDMI 2.1 streaming player, Roku Ultra offers Quick Media Switching (QMS), delivering seamless, judder-free transitions between different refresh rates or content sources on premium TVs," announced Roku.
Also read: Guide: What is HDMI 2.1 QMS and which TV models support it?
WiFi 6 and backlit remote
Like other new media players, it supports WiFi 6 for faster wireless performance with a WiFi 6 router. There is still an Ethernet port.
Another notable addition is the Roku Voice Remote Pro (2nd edition), which has backlit buttons and a lost remote feature that can be activated by pressing the button on Roku Ultra or by saying "Hey Roku, where’s the remote?". The remote is rechargeable via USB-C and has a new Quick Launch button.
- "With Quick Launch, you can see your personalized shortcuts – your go-to apps, your favorite voice command, switching the captions on and off – right on your TV screen," explained Roku.
The backlit remote control. Photo: Roku
It appears that Google and Roku have also ended their fight over the AV1 video codec, as the 2024 Roku Ultra supports AV1.
Roku Ultra is available for $100 in the US and Canada starting today at Roku.com, and from major retailers in the coming weeks.
2024 Roku Ultra – specifications
| TV Compatibility
HD TVs
Up to 1080p (1920 x 1080) with up-scaling from 720p
4K TVs
Up to 2160p at 60fps (3840 x 2160) with upscaling from 720p and 1080p
4K HDR TVs
Supports Dolby Vision® at 60fps, HDR10/10+ and HLG
(Requires TV with HDMI input. For 4K streaming an HDMI® input that supports HDCP 2.2 is required.)
Networking
802.11ax dual-band MIMO Wi-Fi® 6 (2.4 GHz / 5 GHz)
10/100 Base-T Ethernet
Ports
Guide to the back of the Roku Ultra
USB 3.0
HDMI 2.1b
Ethernet 10/100
Power
Audio features
Digital stereo over HDMI®
DTS Digital Surround™ pass through over HDMI
Dolby Atmos® decode via HDMI*
(*Requires Dolby Atmos compatible speakers.)
Local playback via
USB port
Remote control
Roku Voice Remote Pro (2nd edition)
Power consumption
Approx 4.5W when streaming 4K video
Power input
12V – 1.5A
USB media formats
Video
H.264/AVC (.MKV, .MP4, .MOV); H.265/HEVC (.MKV, .MP4, .MOV); VP9.2 (.MKV); AV1 (.MP4, .MKV)
Audio
AAC (.MKV, .MP4, .MOV); MP3 (.MP3, .MKV); WMA (.ASF, .WMA, .MKV); FLAC (.FLAC, .MKV); PCM (.WAV, .MKV, .MP4, .MOV); AC3/EAC3 (.MKV, .MP4, .MOV, .AC3); DTS (.MKV, .MP4, .MOV); ALAC (.MKV, .MP4, .MOV, .M4A); HEAAC (.MKV, .MP4, .MOV, .AAC); AC-4 with Atmos (.MKV, .MP4, .MOV, .AC4 ); DD+ (EAC3) with Atmos (.MKV, .MP4, .MOV)
Image
JPG, PNG, GIF (non-animated)
Size
4.9 x 5.0 x 1.0 inches
(124.4 x 127.0 x 25.4 mm)
Weight
5.9 ounces
(167.2 g)
Compatibility
Bluetooth® streaming
Works with Apple AirPlay and HomeKit
Works with Google Home
Works with Alexa
Model
4850R |
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