Term of the Moment
BIZMAC
Redirected from: Soundbridge
Definition: Roku
A family of very popular digital media hubs from Roku, Inc. that streams audio and video from the Internet to the TV. Roku boxes connect to the TV via HDMI and provide access to Netflix, Hulu, YouTube and a variety of free and paid movie, TV, music, sports and technology "channels." Via Plex software, the personal media libraries on the user's computers can also be streamed to the TV (see Plex).
Roku Streaming and Home Theater
Roku's Streambar places the media hub into a soundbar, providing two components people often purchase to augment their TVs. For surround sound, Roku offers wireless speakers and subwoofers, and users can build their own 3.1 or 5.1 channel home theater. See digital media hub, 5.1 channel and home theater.
Roku Models
Streaming Stick
The SoundBridge - A Unique Music Hub
Roku Streaming and Home Theater
Roku's Streambar places the media hub into a soundbar, providing two components people often purchase to augment their TVs. For surround sound, Roku offers wireless speakers and subwoofers, and users can build their own 3.1 or 5.1 channel home theater. See digital media hub, 5.1 channel and home theater.
The smaller Roku Express (top) comes in HD and 4K models and connects to the home router via Wi-Fi. The top-end Ultra (bottom) connects via Wi-Fi or Ethernet, and the remote includes voice control and headphone jack. (Images courtesy of Roku, Inc.)
The Roku Streaming Stick plugs into and draws power from the TV's HDMI port and provides the same functions as the bigger boxes. See MHL. (Image courtesy of Roku, Inc.)
Roku started out with audio hubs in 2002. One of the few non-Apple products that could stream from iTunes playlists, this M2000 SoundBridge had the only music hub readout that could be seen from a distance. Roku later changed focus to video streaming. See iTunes.