Ars Technica reported in March that ‘users on Roku’s support forums reported suddenly seeing a message when turning on their Roku TV or streaming device reading: “We’ve made an important update: We’ve updated our Dispute Resolution Terms. Select ‘Agree’ to agree to these updated Terms and to continue enjoying our products and services. Press * to view these updated Terms.” A large button reading “Agree” follows. The pop-up doesn’t offer a way to disagree, and users are unable to use their device unless they hit agree.’
One angry user pointed out:
So, you buy a product, and you use it. And they want to change the terms limiting your rights, and they basically brick the device … if you don’t accept their new terms. … I hope they get their comeuppance here, as this is disgraceful.
This person wrote
The opt out option is an ever greater headache, as users had to write and a send a very specifically worded letter that states they wish to opt out. If users did not do this then the TV or streaming device becomes inoperable until the owner accepts the agreement.
More recently Roku introduced another update that forces their TV’s resolution to be stuck in motion smoothing or interlacing as it is sometimes called, and it appears it cannot be turned off. Ars Tehcnica pointed out again:
“Action smoothing” is Roku’s name for video interpolation, or motion smoothing. The heart of motion smoothing is Motion Estimation Motion Compensation (MEMC). Fast-moving video, such as live sports or intense action scenes, can have a “juddery” feeling when shown on TVs at a lower frame rate. Motion smoothing uses MEMC hardware and algorithms to artificially boost the frame rate of a video signal by creating its best guess of what a frame between two existing frames would look like and then inserting it to boost the frame rate.
When it works, a signal looks more fluid and, as the name implies, smooth. When it is left on and a more traditional signal at 24 or 30 frames per second is processed, it works somewhat too well. Shows and films look awkwardly realistic, essentially lacking the motion blur and softer movement to which we’re accustomed. Everything looks like a soap opera or like you’re watching a behind-the-scenes smartphone video of your show. It’s so persistent an issue, and often buried in a TV’s settings, that Tom Cruise did a whole PSA about it back in 2018.
AUTHOR COMMENTARY
I mention this because it once again highlights the “You’ll own nothing and be happy” mantra we continue to increasingly see get shoved down our throats at every turn, where products and services you *thought* you owned is then quickly stolen away from you and then hidden behind paywalls, and opting out is like performing a three-ring circus.
Devices and products that force mandatory internet and cloud service are devices people need to avoid in general, because this is how these companies continue to enforce these shenanigans. SEE: Adobe Forces Customers To Accept User Agreement To ‘Access Your Content Through Both Automated And Manual Methods’
Proverbs 22:22 Rob not the poor, because he is poor: neither oppress the afflicted in the gate: [23] For the LORD will plead their cause, and spoil the soul of those that spoiled them.
[7] Who goeth a warfare any time at his own charges? who planteth a vineyard, and eateth not of the fruit thereof? or who feedeth a flock, and eateth not of the milk of the flock? [8] Say I these things as a man? or saith not the law the same also? [9] For it is written in the law of Moses, Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn. Doth God take care for oxen? [10] Or saith he it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written: that he that ploweth should plow in hope; and that he that thresheth in hope should be partaker of his hope. (1 Corinthians 9:7-10).
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Yes I dont own a TV and is happy, matter of fact I dont own much and is happy.
You could say I dont own anything.
Wait a minute…
Don’t know a thing about Roku.
It’s the addiction to devices (beware of satan’s ‘devices’!) that cause people to think they can’t live without them. They can. Very well, in fact.
You have friends and family. Acquaintances. Get to know the acquaintances better to the point they become your friends. We are here for each other, NOT devices – which are basically distractions keeping you from living and enjoying life and those in your inner circle (so to speak). These devices isolate you, depress you. Make you think your life stinks and theirs does not. Get off FaceBook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.
Pay attention! It’s these ‘devices’ that are the reason society is where it is today (in large part). The adversary wraps enticing packages, but death is inside!
It won’t kill you to trash t.v. (nothing worthwhile anyway), put down your phone and use it ONLY if you need to make a call. Stop living ‘through’ your phone. Enjoy the moment.
Life is not dress rehearsal! It’s the real thing and you only get one opportunity. Don’t buy into what society defines as success. There’s only one success – and that is . . . to get gloriously Born Again – just like Jesus Christ said!
There is nothing convenient about modern day conveniences. I know – I was around before they were and life was better. Much better.
One major problem is that most modern TV’s these days are Roku TV’s or similar to Roku TV’s. You can hardly get a regular TV without buying used or a cheep portable tv off Amazon around where I live at least.
Not that much on tv was ever any good to begin with and the few things that could be good are far too compromised to be on anything of worth. I guess the two good things a TV could be used for is watching DVD/VHS recordings of good sermons produced by King James Bible preachers (assuming you could reliably find them) or using one as a computer monitor in the case of flat screen tv’s. I actually did that for a while from about 2010-2018, a 22 inch basic flat-screen TV, 720p nothing fancy. I think it cost me about $128 at the time.