FistPumpr1d ago
Aram Sinnreich
If you have a Roku smart TV, today is a great day to do a factory reset, disable WiFi, and plug in an Apple TV or Google TV via HDMI instead.
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/fox-corporation-to-acquire-roku-inc-302800220.html
FOX CORPORATION TO ACQUIRE ROKU, INC.

/PRNewswire/ -- June 15, 2026 – Fox Corporation (Nasdaq: FOXA, FOX) ("FOX" or the "Company") and Roku, Inc. (Nasdaq: ROKU) ("Roku") today announced they have...

Jun 15 at 3:30pmWeb
Show threadMycotropic1d ago

@aram

Wow, 15 or so years of trusting that company out the window.

Look, all I want to do is watch my Plex server movies, what are the options?
I don't use any smart features on my TV, I just want to feed HDMI signal from my NAS to my TV, that is all.
Any ideas?

Show threadSylvie 1d ago
@mycotropic @aram If you have spare hardware lying around you could try using KDE Neon or pmOS nightly to use the Plasma Bigscreen desktop environment with the Flathub packaged Plex client. I don’t use Plex so I don’t know how well the Plex client will work.
Show threadMycotropic1d ago

@sylvie @aram

Thanks, I saved your post and I'll try a parallel install!

Show threadRachel Rawlings1d ago

@aram Oh, sonofabitch! I bought a new Roku a couple years ago because I didn't want to pay Google for a new Chromecast.

Roku *was* the least fascist, seemingly-Trump-neutral major streaming device.

Show threadDarkAthena 🐝1d ago
@aram @mycotropic Basement Roku is getting thrown out.
Show threadPomegranate_Stew1d ago
@aram
Gods damn it.
Show threadjunkman1d ago
@aram replacing roku with google tv is like asking to be mugged with a gun instead of a knife.
Show threadAram Sinnreich1d ago
@junkman Agreed, I was just trying to be equitable. I currently use Apple TV, though of course they're not immune from privacy violations and data misuse.
Show threadLarge Format Projectionist1d ago

@junkman @aram

Are you sure it isn't "...being mugged with a <some kind of handgun> instead of <another kind of handgun>."?

I don't want to corrupt your fabulous concept with tawdry gun specifics.

Show threadScale Theory1d ago

@aram

2 very bad alternative suggestions, apple or google? Seriously?
Both are highly anti-democratic funding MAGA while committing it's treasonous bidding stealing your privacy.
Grow some values and American dignity everyone!

Show threadStu1d ago
@SCALETHEORY @aram Are there alternative streaming devices? Other than FireTV, who I don't want to return to, I'm drawing a blank.
Show threadBill1d ago
@tehstu @SCALETHEORY @aram Fortunately, it is fairly trivial and well-documented how to set up a media server on either Windows or Linux. I had my set up that way for years before I moved to Roku. Now I guess I'll be moving back.
Show threadStu1d ago
@Sempf @SCALETHEORY @aram When you say media server, do you mean playing my own movie files or continuing to stream with Netflix and so on?
Show threadBill1d ago
@tehstu Both!
Show threadBill1d ago
@tehstu What I'm talking about here wasn't and presumably still isn't a one click operation. It was a tinkering project that worked well.
Show threadStu1d ago
@Sempf I'm up for tinkering but I need to replace 3 devices, with something which always works and has a remote (and isn't subject to the whims of "welp, Netflix prevented this non official workaround from working again"). I do have Jellyfin running for our home collection, though.
Show threadBill1d ago
@tehstu It's the "always works" thing that drove me back to Roku. It was fine for me but if I left the house the family would be utterly stopped if something broke. I have Plex running locally, and my son's girlfriend has Jellyfin, so that's fun.
Show threadEF1d ago
@aram wow. Apple and Google are appauling for a myriad of reasons. Awful advice.
Show threadJess👾1d ago
@aram JFC, and Roku was the least garbage of the streaming box corps...
Show threadBill1d ago
@JessTheUnstill @aram Hey, there's always that box they're selling to all the boomers that trade every piece of digital information about you for "free" streaming services. Don't forget about that one.
Show threadJess👾1d ago
@Sempf @aram You'd have to narrow that down quite a bit more.
Show threadBill1d ago
@JessTheUnstill Truth.
Show threadJess👾1d ago
@Sempf @aram I just want an appliance to watch TV with. I don't want to have to build and maintain another computer just to watch Netflix and Crunchyroll
Show threadBill1d ago
@JessTheUnstill @aram That's what sent me back to Roku.
Show threadJess👾1d ago
@Sempf @aram sigh I'll probably end up with another Android device or something. Google is undoubtedly evil, but I don't have Apple devices and I hate Amazon slightly more than I hate Google.
Show threadBill1d ago
@JessTheUnstill I'm probably going to stick with Roku. I'm behind NextDNS so the egregious ads aren't showing anyway, and I am not in a position to make every decision on completely moral grounds. Sadly.
Show threadNazo1d ago

@Sempf @JessTheUnstill I'm in the same sort of situation. I have a rather critical lack of money as well, so I can't really afford to buy a different thing (much less an expensive one) or a suitable alternative. I'd have to be darned sure it would actually be better and frankly I don't consider Google or Apple to be better even with this going to Fox.

Right now all I have going is the fact that my Roku is behind a PiHole set to block their ad networks (which I'm not quite sure if it's working right — I can't manually set DNS, but the router sets the default DNS to the PiHole; yet I do still get ads, just not the same ads I used to.) Well, my Roku is used and belonged to someone else who has unfortunately died. Maybe that throws a wrench in the works, but they do have my IP.

Show threadBill1d ago
@JessTheUnstill Man I hate Google SO MUCH and I am DEEPLY embedded. I really fell for the "Don't be evil" thing. Pity they forgot the "Don't" last time they updated that document.
Show threadNazo1d ago

@Sempf @JessTheUnstill They straight up removed "don't be evil" entirely from it.

Literally. It's not there anymore.

Kind of feels like they were admitting what they were the instant they did that. Like, it doesn't get much more direct than that...

Show threadStu1d ago
@aram no one replying to this will provide alternatives that don't involve walking your grandma through installing Linux.
Show threadEpic Null1d ago
@tehstu @aram Any solution that does not involve walking Grandma through Linux is a political solution. That is not a solution an individual can implement
Show threadHollsHulsey1d ago

@aram

Because of course they did. Do they have to ruin everything? We have a Roku tv. I can manage the factory reset and disabling WiFi I think. Sigh.

Show threadEljorgeabides1d ago

@aram

Awwwww fuck! Please God I just want to zone out and watch a movie

Show threadKeen Grasp1d ago
@aram calling it now, the jellyfin app for roku's going to get removed or deliberately broken
Show threadPomegranate Pirate 🏳️‍🌈🏴‍☠️1d ago
@aram please techies and makers.... Make me an equivalent piece of plug in tech that would be akin to the 80s de-scrambler devices for Satellite tv. Pirate roku box kind of thing. A Fedi box maybe please!
Show threadJust Came Here to Say1d ago

@aram

Gotta tell you, Roku’s founder, chairman, and CEO Anthony Wood is a Texas conservative Republican billionaire.

Using Roku has already meant funding the enemy.

Show threadDEG1d ago

@aram this is a shame. I just bought 2 to replace Fire Sticks.

Build out a Pi to replace them? Only real "special" thing is 1 specific sports App and Jellyfin.

Show threadJon F1d ago
@aram Years ago I abandoned streaming, I torrent everything and refuse all "smart" devices. Also no google, no apple. I feel like I'm out of jail, I don't have to worry about a discussion about finally using my prison privilege of switching to the cell next door with different coloured bars.
Show threadRay McCarthy1d ago

@aram
Better still, use a laptop to feed TV.

A Google TV stick is spyware.

Show threadDrew 🇵🇭1d ago
@aram
If you think plugging in something Google is an improvement on anything at all, where have you been living for the last 10 years? What a dumb thing to say.
Show threadMastodon Migration1d ago

@aram

Wouldn't it be great if there were a little Linux based open source streaming stick.

This can't be that hard to do.

Show threadKlavsKlavsen18h ago
@mastodonmigration @aram I use raspberry pi with a kodi distribution. But yeah - it does not support chromecast (as thats a closed google standard) - so you can't stream from any of the known streaming services to your tv - without Google :(
Show threadNetzblockierer15h ago
@KlavsKlavsen @mastodonmigration @aram how aboiu MiraCast or DLNA?
https://tech.lgbt/@Netzblockierer/116760356318429841
Netzblockierer (@[email protected])

@[email protected] @[email protected] it *is* hard due to *value-removing rentseekers* (MPEG LA), and the Contentmafia (DRM!) being assholes. - Ask Louis Rossman about [his experience…](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o4GZUCwVRLs) You'd be easier-off ripping all the content you want with an HDMI-Recorder and getting like a cheap Stick-PC, put KODI (nee xbmc) on it and just have a NAS (or USB-HDD) connected to it. #MPEG #Rentseeker #licensing #patents #proprietary #codec #Contentmafia #DRM #LouosRossmann #Streaming #HDMI #Recorder #MiniPC #KODI #xbmx #NAS

LGBTQIA+ and Tech
Show threadMoses Izumi18h ago
@mastodonmigration @aram
With today's SOCs you could probably make a pretty good general-purpose PC in that form factor.
(I just think it'd be neat to use one as the core of a home-made laptop/tablet/palmtop)
Show threadNetzblockierer15h ago

@mastodonmigration @aram it is hard due to value-removing rentseekers (MPEG LA), and the Contentmafia (DRM!) being assholes.

You'd be easier-off ripping all the content you want with an HDMI-Recorder and getting like a cheap Stick-PC, put KODI (nee xbmc) on it and just have a NAS (or USB-HDD) connected to it.

#MPEG #Rentseeker #licensing #patents #proprietary #codec #Contentmafia #DRM #LouosRossmann #Streaming #HDMI #Recorder #MiniPC #KODI #xbmx #NAS

Piracy is COMPLETELY justified: Louis tries NetFlix & remembers why

YouTube
Show threadLisa1d ago
@aram I don't see Apple, Google, or Amazon alternatives as better. 🫤
Show threadferitae 🇺🇦🇺🇦18h ago
@aram I have no options left. I had to argue so hard to get a Roku TV instead of Amazon, Google, WebOS (was told it was Windows based?) or Tizen at Best Buy last year and because we're on the road 300 nights a year, we have portable Roku devices as well.
Show threadFrigid Crystal Tormented Wrath17h ago
@aram I use my steam deck docked. I never gave my TV my wifi password
Show threadgenstar.service17h ago
⬆️ https://aoir.social/@aram/116754837788517451
Aram Sinnreich (@[email protected])

If you have a Roku smart TV, today is a great day to do a factory reset, disable WiFi, and plug in an Apple TV or Google TV via HDMI instead. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/fox-corporation-to-acquire-roku-inc-302800220.html

Mastodon
Show threadNetzblockierer15h ago
@aram or just get KODI and wait for a Jailbreak for the #Roku's OS…
Netzblockierer (@[email protected])

@[email protected] @[email protected] it *is* hard due to *value-removing rentseekers* (MPEG LA), and the Contentmafia (DRM!) being assholes. - Ask Louis Rossman about [his experience…](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o4GZUCwVRLs) You'd be easier-off ripping all the content you want with an HDMI-Recorder and getting like a cheap Stick-PC, put KODI (nee xbmc) on it and just have a NAS (or USB-HDD) connected to it. #MPEG #Rentseeker #licensing #patents #proprietary #codec #Contentmafia #DRM #LouosRossmann #Streaming #HDMI #Recorder #MiniPC #KODI #xbmx #NAS

LGBTQIA+ and Tech