Roku Users Report Faded HDR Content and Unskippable Advertisements Following v14.5 Update
Roku, a leading streaming service in the U.S., is currently experiencing a surge of grievances from users after its latest v14.5 software update. Intended to enhance performance and fix bugs, the update seems to have unintentionally created new problems that are disrupting the viewing experience for numerous users.
Faded Colors in HDR/4K Streaming
Shortly after the release of the v14.5 update, Roku users inundated the company’s official forums with reports of reduced video quality. The predominant complaint? Faded or excessively bright colors when streaming HDR and 4K content, especially on platforms like Disney Plus, YouTube, and Amazon Prime Video.
Users describe the visuals as looking “dull,” “overly bright,” or “washed out,” with some likening the effect to watching content through a gray tint. The issue seems particularly prominent with HDR content, which is designed to enhance color and contrast. Instead, the update seems to have muted the experience.
One user with a TCL 65S405 Roku TV noted that their 4K HDR content appeared significantly worse after the update, with colors looking unnaturally vibrant. Others shared similar experiences, mentioning that adjusting HDR settings provided only slight improvements.
Notably, this issue doesn’t seem confined to a specific brand of TV. While most reports are from TCL models, certain users with Hisense Roku TVs have also reported comparable concerns. The common factor? All affected devices had recently applied the v14.5 update.
Roku has recognized the problem and is actively looking into it. A Roku moderator has initiated a dedicated thread on the company’s forums to gather user feedback and technical information, indicating that the company is taking the situation seriously.
Streaming Quality Declines with HDR, Improves in HD
Another observed trend is that the problem seems to vanish when users stream content in standard HD instead of 4K HDR. This implies that the issue may be linked to how Roku’s software is handling HDR metadata or color profiles, rather than a more extensive issue with the streaming applications themselves.
Some users have attempted various workarounds, such as turning off HDR or modifying picture settings, but these measures have yielded limited success. For the time being, many are simply opting to lower their streaming resolution to avoid the issue entirely.
Unskippable Autoplay Advertisements Cause Concern
Compounding these problems, Roku has been testing a new feature that implements autoplay ads during startup. These advertisements, which appear before users can access the home screen, have been labeled “unskippable” by several users.
Typically promoting movie trailers or other content, these ads have incited backlash from users who feel their viewing experience is being compromised. While Roku asserts there is a method to close the ads, some users claim that the option to skip or exit is not consistently available.
This approach seems to be part of Roku’s wider strategy to monetize its platform more assertively, but it may sacrifice user satisfaction in the process. Discussions on Reddit and forum posts highlight widespread annoyance, with many users describing the ads as intrusive and unwarranted.
What’s Next for Roku?
The v14.5 update was meant to be a standard software enhancement, concentrating on bug fixes and performance improvements. However, the unintended repercussions—ranging from diminished HDR quality to contentious ad placements—have left a significant number of users feeling discontented.
Roku has yet to provide a fix or rollback for the HDR issue, but its public acknowledgment and efforts to collect data imply that a patch may be forthcoming. In the meantime, affected users are encouraged to share their experiences on Roku’s official forums to aid the company in diagnosing the issue.
As for the autoplay ads, it remains uncertain whether Roku will persist with the rollout or reconsider the feature based on user feedback.
Conclusion
Roku’s recent software update has inadvertently disrupted the streaming experience for many users. With faded HDR visuals and unskippable ads eliciting criticism, the company is under increasing pressure to address these challenges promptly. While Roku is actively investigating, users are left wishing for swift solutions that restore the seamless streaming experience they have come to expect.
If you’re facing similar issues, visit Roku’s official forums to share your feedback and remain informed about possible fixes.
