Roku Faces HDR Content Issues and ‘Pause Ad’ Clarification: What’s Happening?
Roku users are currently facing a double whammy: a frustrating HDR content issue rendering some streams "unwatchable" and a clarification regarding the company's controversial "Pause Ads." Let's break down what's happening.
HDR Content Woes: Washed-Out Colors Plague Streaming
Reports have been flooding Roku's community forums about HDR (High Dynamic Range) content appearing washed out and lacking vibrancy. The issue seems to have surfaced after a recent Roku OS update. Disney+ was among the first to be identified, but users quickly noted problems across other streaming services, including Apple TV+, Netflix, and Amazon Prime Video. Some users describe the viewing experience as "simply unwatchable," particularly for HDR shows and movies.
One user, "Squinky," shared a photo comparison on the forum demonstrating the dramatic difference in color on a TCL TV. While Roku is investigating the issue, a fix is still pending. Affected devices include multiple TCL TV models, along with reports of Hisense and Sharp TVs also experiencing the HDR bug. Interestingly, some users found that plugging a Roku streaming stick into a Roku TV temporarily circumvented the problem.
Roku Clarifies "Pause Ads" Amidst Confusion
Adding to the frustration, Roku also addressed some misunderstandings surrounding its "Pause Ads." The company clarified that the recent Reddit thread showcasing ads on pause screens was *not* from Roku itself, but rather a "non-Roku" ad likely originating from another streaming app. Roku emphasized that its own "Pause Ads" are currently only implemented within the Roku Channel app and content played within that app. They are not (yet) being rolled out over HDMI inputs or content from other streaming services.
This clarification comes after reports of Roku testing ads that appear even before the TV is used, as well as previous reports about patents for HDMI input pause ads. While these features might be on the horizon, they are not currently active beyond the Roku Channel.
What Can You Do?
If you're experiencing the washed-out HDR issue, there isn't a definitive fix yet. Roku is actively investigating. Some users suggest disabling HDR within the affected app, but this sacrifices picture quality. For "Pause Ads," keep an eye on where ads are appearing – if not within the Roku Channel, they're likely originating from individual apps.
Are you experiencing these HDR issues or encountering "Pause Ads" on your Roku device? Share your experiences and thoughts in the comments below!
