Introduction

In the modern era of digital technology and advanced streaming services, finding a media player that fits your requirement is not a tough row to hoe. A few leading names in streaming services include Google's Chromecast and Apple TV. However, due to the continuous flow of invention in technology, the leading names are replaced by other names. Similar is the case over here, Roku express streaming player is a new media player that has the potential to lead the industry of streaming media players. The Roku media player has become pretty popular in the past few years due to its user-friendly interface and amazingly useful and unique features.

Several other streaming media players offer incredible services. PlayerFab Ultra HD Player and Elmedia player, for instance, are amazing and popular media players that are immensely loaded with various features, format support, and compatibility modes.

However, this article mainly focuses on the significance of Roku media players. Let's move ahead and explore the Roku media player.

How to Set Up Roku Media Player

Setting up a Roku media player is not that difficult. All you have to do is register your Roku account. After registration, connect your device with the account. Click 'Activate a device.' You will be asked to enter a link code. Once you enter it, the code will be displayed on your TV. Now select the option 'Agree and Continue.'

This way, you can easily install the Roku media player on different devices such as PC or mobile phones. Select 'Add Channel' to install the Roku media player after clicking on the link.

If your Roku device features a USB port, you can browse and play your flash drive and media servers for media content. Roku works with various Digital Living Network Alliance(DLNA), including Twonky, Serviio, Ready DLNA, Windows Media Player, and Plex.

Do you know what DLNA is and what purpose does it serve?

DLNA is an advanced technology designed to share content on multiple devices through a local network. It would help if you had DLNA server software on your device and a network connection to Roku. You can also find an integrated DLNA server in many network-attached storage devices and routers.

Now, it might be clear how you will set up a Roku media player on your device. Let's move on and find out which options and files are supported by the Roku player.

What is Supported by the Roku Media Player?

The Roku player supports various options, files, and formats. Let us have a look at the major ones:

• Audio Support:

Mostly, Audio support is dependent upon the model of the Roku player you are using. It is recommended to check the device's specifications to figure out its capabilities related to audio Support. However, most Roku players are compatible only with Dolby Audio like AC3 or E-AC3.

• File Format Support:

The Roku player supports MOV, MP4, AVC/H 264, MKV video format files, and JPG, GIF, and PNG image formats. The audio files it supports include FLAC, DTS, WMA, PCM, ALAC, Vorbis, and EAC3. Furthermore, the Roku player can also reproduce M3U8, PLS, and M3U playlist files.

• Subtitle Support:

Nothing is better than already integrated subtitles appearing as soon as you play your video. Ensure that your video folder contains a VTT or SRT subtitle file to let this happen. Another important thing to take care of is that the subtitle file should know the name of the video you are playing.

Playing Multimedia files on Roku Media Player

Now the question arises how does a multimedia file play on a Roku player? An array of steps guide you to play the multimedia field on the Roku media player. Let's discuss those steps briefly:

Step1

• Open Media Type Selection window
• Select the type of media your want to play

Step 2

• Choose the device in which the media files are contained. For example, the device can be your smartphone or personal computer.

Step 3

• Now you have to locate the files on the device.
• The device should support the file format to make the files appear.

Step 4

• Select the file you want to be played.
• Click the "play" or "Ok" button.

Step 5

• Use forward scan, reverse scan, and pause options to play, rewind and pause the media file.

Step 6

• Select the 'Tap' button to stop playing the file.

So, these are the easy steps that allow you to play multimedia files on the Roku media player.

Top 5 Roku Streaming Media Players of 2022

Roku has become one of the most popular choices for users. However, there are a variety of Roku players available around the market. According to a survey involving approximately 15,000 consumers, we present you with a list of the top 5 Roku streaming players. Let's find out which 5 Roku players are best among them all.

1. Roku Express Streaming Player

Roku Express Streaming player is easy to set up and use. Everything you need is already included in the box at the time of purchase. The box also includes HDMI cables required to connect the Roku player to the internet device and TV screen. You can stream a huge selection of living, premium quality, and free TV, including live channels and Roku originals. Roku express streaming player is associated with renowned voice assistants like Hey Google, Alexa, or Siri.

Roku Express streaming player has got a free Roku mobile app through which you can easily control your Roku device. So, this app allows you to use your mobile phone as a remote control for the media player. Roku expresses streaming player is equipped with advanced features, automatic software updates, and the latest channels, making this media player stand out among other streaming media players.

Pros:

• Easy setup
• Includes HDMI cables
• Advance features and automatic software updates

Cons:

• No voice control on remote

2. Roku Ultra Streaming Player

Who doesn't wish for a media player with an ultra-fast interface and the latest channels like Netflix, Prime Video, and Hulu? Here it is, Roku Ultra Streaming player allows you to watch and upgrade your streaming with a wide variety of options, including Live, free, and premium tv. Moreover, it is integrated with voice control options, which means no remote hassles. All you have to do is Power up your device and adjust the sound and volume, and finally, you can control your device using the Roku voice remote.

Roku Ultra streaming player allows you to share photos, videos, music, and many more from your Apple device to your television.

Furthermore, you can listen to your songs and videos privately through headphones. You can also connect a set of wireless headphones using the Roku mobile phone app. It would be best to plug the headphones into the headphone jack in the Roku remote.

Pros:

• Superfast interface
• Associated with popular voice assistants like Siri and hey Google.

Cons:

• Not an easy to use interface

3. Roku Premiere HD Streaming Media player

Roku Premiere HD Streaming Media player allows you to enjoy an incredible video watching experience whether streaming in 4K, HDR, or HD. The video quality is optimized for your TV with vivid colors and sharp resolution. You can update your streaming with a huge selection of premium, live, and free TV, including free TV, live channels, and Roku originals. Roku Premiere HD Streaming Media Player is associated with voice assistants for easy voice control. Moreover, you can download the Roku app and use your mobile phone as another remote to control your Roku player.

You can share music, videos, and pictures effortlessly from your apple device to your tv. Roku Premiere HD Streaming Media Player is equipped with the latest features, latest channels, etc.

Pros:

• Associated with voice control assistants
• Has shortcuts buttons to many popular streaming channels.

Cons:

• HDMI cable is short
• Volume adjuster not present on remote

4. Roku SE Streaming Media Player

Roku SE Streaming Media Player is a powerful and faster Roku dvd player with up to 1080p video quality range. For increased speed, it contains dual-band wireless performance. The remote control contains the headphone jack so that you can also listen to your music and videos privately. Furthermore, the remote control grants quick access to Amazon, Netflix, Hulu, and other streaming platforms through quick access buttons.

You can easily look for your desired shows and movies in a single place. Roku SE Streaming Media Player has an android and iOS device app, which can also be used to control the device, just like a second remote.

Pros:

• Amazing video quality
• Quick access buttons

Cons:

• Payment information is required for setup

5. Roku Ultra LT Streaming Media Player

Roku Ultra LT Streaming Media player allows for a smooth streaming experience. It has a quad-core processor for an incredible picture and overall performance. Whether you perform wired or wireless streaming, the Roku Ultra LT player is great. You can easily perform heavy streaming in HDR, 4K, and HD. So you can enjoy the Power and fun-packed experience in the comfort of your home.

Furthermore, you don't have to worry about remote controls. Just power up the television and adjust the volume; control your player easily. You can enjoy your private movie time by connecting the device to headphones.

Pros:

• Amazing picture quality
• Voice search enabled

Cons:

• Not free

What are the Best Alternatives to Roku Media Player

Don't worry when the Roku player doesnt seem to be the one you want, don't worry. You have a got a wide range of media players available out there. Look for one which supports a huge variety of audio, image, and video formats, plus doesnt compromise on the quality of image and sound. Additionally, a good media player has various features and is an all-in-one player. Let's look at the Best 3 alternatives to the Roku Media player.

1. PlayerFab Ultra HD Player

If you are hunting for a powerful media player compatible with all OS, PLayerFab Ultra HD Player should be your first choice. This player can not only perform streaming but also plays DVDs and Blu Rays. Furthermore, it can play iSO images, almost every video, audio format, and 2D and 3D movies.

It has many amazing features, but one of its best features is collecting metadata information related to any show or movie from the internet and displaying it to you.

Pros:

• User-friendly interface
• Supports all formats

Cons:

• Not free to use

2. Emby

If you like collecting your media in a single platform, Emby is your software. One of its unique features includes multi-device access, which means, through a single place, you can control other connected devices as well. This software also allows you to share content with your friends and family.

Pros:

• Supports Linux, Windows, and Mac OS
• Contains multi-device access

Cons:

• Less personilaztion

3. Plex

Looking for a player that is more than a media player? Try Plex! This software has parental controls, file sharing, and many unique features. This software can easily organize your media library and manage movies, live video streaming, tv shows, and photos. Furthermore, if you like streaming a video between devices, this software is for you.

Pros:

• Organized software
• Easy to use

Cons:

• A paid version is required to use all features

Conclusion

Roku DVD players or Roku streaming media players have all the features and options required to enjoy a perfect movie time experience with your friends and family in the comfort of your home. However, sometimes you might not feel like Roku players are the ones that fulfill your needs. In such a case, try PlayerFab Ultra HD Player. With its amazing features and advanced options, there is no chance that this incredibly designed software will disappoint you.