Roku Users in Uproar Over Latest Software Update

A recent update to Roku OS has left viewers grappling with washed-out colors in HDR content across popular streaming apps like Disney+. Users began voicing their frustrations in Roku’s community forum just a week ago, with many declaring their favorite shows virtually unwatchable.

What's Going Wrong?

On May 1, a Roku representative acknowledged the issue, stating they were investigating the washed-out HDR problem on Disney+. However, it quickly became apparent that this was not an isolated incident. Other platforms, including Apple TV+ and Netflix, have also fallen victim to this color catastrophe. Roku is currently collecting user feedback to understand the extent of the issue.

User Experiences Are Pouring In!

One frustrated user, known as "Squinky," shared a photo comparison from their TCL TV, highlighting the disastrous visual effect. Reports show that the problem affects not only movies but also shows streamed in HDR across various Roku apps.

Affected Devices and Troubleshooting Failures

While Roku hasn't officially listed which devices are impacted, users have reported that multiple TCL TV models as well as at least one Hisense and Sharp TV are seeing these issues. Interestingly, Roku streaming sticks seem unaffected; one user found that using a Roku streaming stick directly circumvented the problem.

Community Frustration Is at an All-Time High

Forum complaints are piling up, with users expressing disbelief that more people aren't voicing their grievances. One user lamented about missing the much-anticipated series 'Andor' due to the technical failings across multiple apps, including Amazon Prime Video. "I hope the post about imminent app updates are correct because in the past, Roku has taken forever to correct issues," they added.

Troubleshooting Tips Fall Flat

Attempts to solve the issue through common troubleshooting methods—like restarting devices or factory resets—have proven ineffective. Frustrated user Dominick6404 noted that their TV's picture quality remains great when using different inputs with the same settings, indicating the problem lies solely within Roku's apps.

The Culprit: Roku OS 14.5 Update

The chaos appears to stem from the implementation of the Roku OS 14.5 update, released at the end of April. This update is compatible with all Roku TV models from 2014 onward, excluding certain models. While Roku claimed the update introduced performance tweaks and bug fixes, it seems to have inadvertently caused a significant visual blunder instead.

Forced Update Brings More Frustration

To make matters worse, the update was automatically forced onto users, leaving them no option to delay or skip it. As frustration mounts, many are eagerly awaiting a swift resolution from Roku. Stay tuned as we continue to follow this developing story.