Roku Users Report 'Washed Out' HDR Content After Latest Update Amid New Ad Formats

Roku users are expressing frustration over reported color issues in HDR streaming following a recent software update, v14.5, which has led many to notice that their Disney+ content appears washed out or overly bright. These issues have been widely discussed across forums, with notable occurrences occurring on TCL TVs, while some Hisense models are also affected. Users saw their complaints aggregated by a Roku moderator, who noted that similar problems extend to other streaming services, including Amazon Prime and YouTube, particularly when content is viewed in 4K/HDR. Although some have discovered that switching to HD quality can alleviate this problem, the core frustration lies in the broken experience after an update that was supposed to enhance performance without directly affecting streaming quality. The controversy is compounded by Roku's recent decision to introduce 'Pause Ads,' a new advertising initiative that has also drawn ire from users. These ads display while content is paused, marking an expansion of the ad experience on the platform. The backlash from users appears to be twofold—first, their HDR content quality has sharply declined, making some shows 'unwatchable,' and secondly, Roku is perceived to be prioritizing advertising revenue over user experience. Reports indicate that the issues coincided closely with the rollout of Roku OS v14.5, which did not explicitly highlight any changes to video quality in its patch notes. It is critical to note that the updates were pushed automatically, leaving users with little control over their devices. While Roku has stated they are investigating the HDR issue, the swift introduction of new ad formats amidst these problems raises questions about the company's focus. Users on various platforms, such as Reddit, are sharing their dissatisfaction, suggesting alternatives like Apple TV which offers a cleaner ad-free experience. The sentiment appears to reflect a frustration with what is perceived as excessive monetization strategies at the expense of content quality and user satisfaction. With Roku’s ad revenues now surpassing a billion dollars, it seems the company is intent on further intertwining advertising into its streaming ecosystem. As technology continues to move toward monetization through ads, users are left to weigh their options, and many may reconsider their allegiance to Roku if issues remain unresolved and the advertising experience continues to intrude on their viewing pleasure.