Netflix will stop working on select Roku players soon, the streaming company just announced. Those still relying on older Roku devices will have to find another way to stream Netflix on the big screen.
Netflix has warned users that it's ending support for some of Roku's oldest players after Dec. 1. Affected models include the Roku HD, HD-XR, SD, XD, XDS, plus the NetGear-branded XD and XDS as well.
Old Roku Devices Are Out
Affected Roku users should get an alert about the eventual pulling of support, but in case they somehow don't, there's an easy way to check before then, as Cord Cutters News mentions. If a Netflix app running on Roku can't auto-play the next episode in a series like most players, it's definitely losing support.
This news should perhaps come as no surprise, as Roku itself warned back in 2015 that it was going to stop providing updates to players made in May 2011 and earlier. To be fair, these devices are very old and have stopped receiving new features and updates a long time ago. There's a good chance most users have either moved on since or just now use smart TVs to play Netflix on the big screen.
Netflix Is Everywhere
Plus, there's really no reason to stick to an old Roku device, as new ones are really cheap. The entry-level Roku Express retails for just $30, for example. Some are more expensive, but the point is this setback probably won't upset users that much, as they most likely already have easy access to Netflix in many other ways, including on phones and consoles that support the app.
Which is all to say that it's definitely time for older-Roku holdouts to upgrade — that is if they don't have other ways to access Netflix, although this is highly unlikely. The very first Roku device only supported video resolutions of up to 480i, laughable in this day and age of 4K and HDR quality video. Roku has long stopped selling devices with composite and component inputs, so those who want to watch Netflix on non-HDMI TVs are unfortunately out of luck.
If not Roku, though, users still have a bunch of other options, including Fire TV devices, Chromecast, Android TV, and even Apple TV. In any case, this should not be much of an inconvenience for most, but it does mark the end of an era for older-generation Roku users.
Still holding on to an old Roku device? Tell us why in the comments section below!
