Roku confirmed that it has sent letters to some customers notifying them that they might have purchased a Roku 4 player with a “manufacturing glitch” and offering a replacement.
Roku didn't elaborate on the technical issue the company discovered, but an official said it had to do with a “small number” of Roku 4 models that were manufactured last fall. Tech blogger Dave Zatz speculates that the issue could be heat-related, and stem from some complaints about Roku 4s with noisy fans.
Roku introduced the $129.99, 4K-capable Roku 4 in October 2015, offering a new OTT option equipped with the company’s new operating system, an expanded “Roku Feed,” and alongside the debut of a new mobile app for the platform. Roku 4 is also the company’s new top-of-the-line model (complementing the Roku 3, Roku 2 and Roku Streaming Stick), and competes with Amazon’s new 4K-capable Fire TV box and the new apps-friendly (not but 4K-capable) Apple TV, and other platforms such as the Chromecast streaming adapter and devices that use Google’s new Android TV OS.
CordCutterNews reported on Roku's customer outreach about the Roku 4 on Sunday (March 6).
Per this post in the Roku forums, here is the content of that letter:
Dear Roku customer,
Thank you for your recent purchase of a Roku 4, the newest addition to our line of streaming players. We are getting in touch after discovering a manufacturing glitch with a small number of Roku 4 players. We identified your Roku 4 player as potentially among this group, and as a result would like to replace it to avoid any potential issues that would impact your use and enjoyment.
In the next few days we will ship out a new Roku 4 player and a return label for the one you have. We ask that you return your current Roku 4 player as soon as you receive our package.
Requested action:
- Please reply to this email with your full name and current shipping address including zip code, which will be used to ship the new Roku 4 player.
We apologize for the inconvenience, and appreciate your assistance in helping ensure you have the best possible streaming experience.
Thank you and happy streaming,
Roku
