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Roku fans have warned that picture quality can be degraded by placing the device too close to the TV – place it in the right place for immediate effect

According to Roku, SIMPLE device placement errors can ruin the quality of your TV.

If you drop your device in the wrong place in your home, it may affect the appearance of TV shows and movies.

Give yourself the best chance of getting a good Wi-Fi signalSource: Roku

This is because streaming through Roku devices depends on your internet connection.

And if you want the highest quality 4K and HDR video (including Dolby Vision), Roku recommends download speeds of around 25 Mbps or higher.

However, placing your Roku device in the wrong place can slow down your internet performance – potentially forcing streaming apps to degrade video quality.

Roku has revealed a list of changes you can make to instantly “improve Wi-Fi” on your Roku streaming gadget.

HOW TO CHECK YOUR WI-FI

First check if something is wrong.

You may already be getting good speeds and need to look elsewhere to improve video quality.

To check your Wi-Fi connection, press the Home button on your Roku remote and scroll to Settings.

Then select Network > About to view your Wi-Fi connection information.

You should see a signal strength reading, which shows how strong the Wi-Fi connection is to your Roku device.

Six objects affecting your Wi-Fi network

This will mean Poor, Fair, Good or Excellent.

If you score Poor or Fair, you could probably benefit from making some changes to the positioning of your Roku device.

You can also check your internet download speed at the bottom of the page to see how many Mbps (megabits per second) you are getting.

By pressing the Check Connection button, you can quickly check the signal strength of your wireless network.

What devices are interfering with your Wi-Fi network?

Avoid placing your router near these…

  • Loudspeakers
  • TV
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Christmas lighting
  • Refrigerator
  • Dishwasher
  • Washing machine
  • Cordless phone
  • Kettle
  • Toaster
  • Water pipes
  • Other people’s WiFi routers

INCREASE YOUR WI-FI

There are several ways to improve the signal strength of your Roku device.

First, keep your device away from anything that causes interference on your wireless network.

“Cordless phones, microwave ovens, and other wireless devices near the router can cause interference to the wireless network, which may impact the quality of the network connection,” Roku explained.

Make sure your Roku device is not hidden in a cabinet

“Move such device away from the wireless router.”

You want to place your Roku device as close to your Wi-Fi router as possible – even a short distance can make a difference.

Likewise, make sure there are no major obstructions between your Roku device and the router.

“Install both devices where there are fewer objects and walls between them,” Roku said.

If your TV is between your Roku device and your router, try moving your Roku device to a location where the TV isn’t blocking the wireless signal

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“If your router or Roku device is in a cabinet, we recommend removing it.

“Reducing the number of obstacles will improve signal strength.”

It’s a good idea to position your router and Roku device at an appropriate height – don’t place either one on the floor.

Also consider moving your Roku device away from the TV.

Roku Channel – what you need to know

Here’s the summary…

Roku Channel is a streaming app available on many devices.

It offers over 400 live TV channels.

It also provides over 80,000 movies and TV shows on demand.

Roku says the app is available on:

  • Roku streaming devices
  • Compatible Samsung Smart TVs
  • Compatible Amazon Fire TV devices
  • TheRokuChannel.com website
  • Roku mobile apps (iOS and Android)

Roku notes that the app is only available in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. It’s also available in Mexico, but only on Roku devices.

“If your TV is between your Roku device and your router, try moving your Roku device to a location where the TV isn’t blocking the wireless signal,” advises Roku.

“If you use a Roku Streaming Stick, try moving it away from the TV by installing a free HDMI extender.”

A great place to place it would be a high shelf, on the side of the TV closest to the router. This gives you a good chance of getting a good signal.

Finally, consider avoiding using other Wi-Fi devices while watching TV.

Checking your Wi-Fi speed is very simpleSource: Roku

If anyone is gambling or streaming elsewhere in your home, it will put a strain on your network.