Podcast #1210: Rokus Secret Menus

On this week's show we look at what the posters at AVS forum have spent on their home theaters and we look at the Roku Secret Menu options. We also read your emails and take a look at the week's news.

News:

• Belkin plans to power down Wemo support in 2026
• Netflix Sees Rapid Q2 Subscriber Gains
• Broadcast TV hits historical viewership low in June

Your Roku has secret menus and settings here's how to access them

Roku devices have hidden menus for advanced users, offering diagnostic tools, customization options, and more. Full article at ZD Net - Your Roku has secret menus and settings here's how to access them. Here's how to access them using your Roku remote:

1. Developer Settings

• How to Access: Home × 3 > Up × 2 > Right > Left > Right > Left > Right
• What It Does: For developers to test apps on Roku. Enables app installation, sideloading, and Roku account management.

2. Network Menu

• How to Access: Home × 5 > Right > Left > Right > Left > Right
• What It Does: View IP/MAC addresses, check internet connection, join networks, and toggle bandwidth-saver mode.

3. Wireless Secret Screen

• How to Access: Home × 5 > Up > Down > Up > Down > Up
• What It Does: Displays signal strength, antenna info, and error logs. Run AP speed tests or clear Wi-Fi settings.

4. Reset & Update

• How to Access: Home × 5 > Fast Forward × 3 > Rewind × 2
• What It Does: Factory reset, soft reset, search for updates, and USB port tests.

5. Ads & Screenshots

• How to Access: Home × 5 > Up > Right > Down > Left > Up
• What It Does: Control scrollable ads, disable screensaver ads, and adjust screenshot output formats.

6. HDMI Secret Screen

• How to Access: Home × 5 > Down > Left > Up × 3
• What It Does: View supported resolutions, refresh rates, HDR settings, switch inputs, and run input tests.

7. Platform Secret Screen

• How to Access: Home × 5 > Fast Forward > Play/Pause > Rewind > Play/Pause > Fast Forward
• What It Does: Displays CPU, memory usage, remote diagnostics, IPv6 settings, and remote logs.

8. Channel Info Menu

• How to Access: Home × 3 > Up × 2 > Left > Right > Left > Right > Left
• What It Does: View installed channel versions and build numbers. Uninstall apps directly from this screen.

9. Reboot Shortcut

• How to Access: Home × 5 > Up > Rewind × 2 > Fast Forward × 2
• What It Does: Quick reboot without accessing menus. Roku restarts immediately.

Tips and Warnings

• Use these menus cautiously; some actions (e.g., factory reset) are irreversible.
• Not all menus work on every Roku model (e.g., older devices or specific models like the Roku Smart Soundbar).
• To exit, press the Home button.
• For additional settings, explore the standard Settings menu or enable developer mode via Roku's website for app sideloading.

Note: Always back up important settings before experimenting.