Imagine you’re on your couch, all set for a movie night, but the sound from your TV is subpar. I’ve been there too. That’s why the Roku Streambar Pro caught my eye. It’s designed to enhance home entertainment for New Zealanders.
This device marries a robust soundbar with a 4K media streamer, tackling two issues in one. But does it truly deliver? Let’s delve into this Roku Streambar Pro review to see if it’s the top choice for Kiwi homes.
At $129.99, the Streambar Pro offers a great value for those upgrading their TV’s audio and streaming. It’s compact, measuring 14 inches wide, and packs four 1.9-inch drivers for immersive sound. 
It’s not just about the sound quality. The device supports 4K streaming with HDR10, ensuring a visual treat. With access to thousands of Roku channels, including Netflix, Disney+, and YouTube, it’s poised to be your go-to for entertainment.
So, is the Roku Streambar Pro the ideal media soundbar streamer for New Zealand? We’ll examine its features, performance, and value to help you decide if it’s perfect for your home.
Introduction to the Roku Streambar Pro
The Roku Streambar Pro is revolutionizing home entertainment. It seamlessly blends superior audio with 4K HDR streaming, catering to New Zealand’s diverse tastes. This device stands out as a versatile streaming solution.
What is the Roku Streambar Pro?
This 2-in-1 device elevates your TV’s sound and streaming capabilities. An upgrade from its predecessor, it boasts a larger size and enhanced audio output. Equipped with four 2.5-inch drivers, it ensures top-notch sound quality for various media formats.
Key features and specifications
The Roku Streambar Pro is packed with standout features:
- 4K HDR streaming capability
- Dolby Audio support
- Voice remote with TV controls
- Bluetooth connectivity
- HDMI ARC and optical input
- USB port for expanded storage
- Private listening mode via remote or Roku app
Availability in New Zealand
New Zealanders can now access the Roku Streambar Pro’s comprehensive streaming and audio capabilities. Priced around $180 NZD, it represents great value. Compatible with Netflix, Hulu, and Roku channels, it offers a broad spectrum of content for local viewers.
Design and Build Quality
The Roku Streambar Pro stands out with its sleek design, fitting seamlessly into various TV setups. It measures 32.5 inches wide, 3.9 inches high, and 4.2 inches deep, making it versatile for any room size. Its lightweight at 5.5 pounds, ensuring easy movement or wall-mounting.
The build quality of the Streambar Pro is noteworthy. It boasts a robust plastic casing that exudes solidity. The front features a stylish fabric cover, elevating its aesthetic appeal. At the back, connectivity ports are strategically placed for convenience.
Roku has meticulously designed the Streambar Pro, harmonizing style with functionality. Its black finish ensures it blends effortlessly with any home decor. Despite its compact size, it accommodates four 2.5-inch full-range drivers, delivering robust sound for its dimensions.
- Sleek, compact design
- Durable plastic casing
- Fabric-covered front grille
- Well-placed rear connectivity ports
At $180, the Roku Streambar Pro represents exceptional value. Its design and build quality are comparable to pricier soundbars, offering a compelling choice for those seeking style and performance without a hefty price tag.
Setup and Installation Process
The Roku Streambar Pro setup is remarkably simple, requiring just about 10 minutes from opening the box to enjoying your content. This sleek 14-inch soundbar is a powerhouse, delivering exceptional streaming and audio quality.
Unboxing and Contents
Upon opening your Roku Streambar Pro, you’ll discover:
- Soundbar unit
- Voice remote
- Power cable
- HDMI cable
- Optical cable
Connecting to Your TV
Connecting your TV is a straightforward process. Simply plug the HDMI cable into your TV’s HDMI ARC port. If your TV doesn’t support ARC, opt for the optical cable. Once powered, the soundbar is almost set.
Initial Configuration
The setup process includes Wi-Fi setup and account creation. You’ll tailor your streaming preferences and select channels. The interface is intuitive, making it accessible even for those less familiar with technology.
With its support for 4K HDR and compatibility with leading streaming platforms, your Roku Streambar Pro is poised to enhance your viewing experience. At $179.99, it represents excellent value, combining superior sound quality with robust streaming capabilities.
Roku Streambar Pro Review: Audio Performance
The Roku Streambar Pro is a compact powerhouse, measuring 32.2 x 3.9 x 2.8 inches and weighing only 5.5 pounds. Despite its compact size, it delivers remarkable audio quality that elevates your TV experience. This device is equipped with four 2.5-inch full-range drivers, ensuring top-notch sound.
Support for Dolby Audio significantly boosts the soundbar’s capabilities, creating a broad soundstage that envelops the room. It can reach up to 90 decibels at full volume, suitable for most living areas. The two-channel stereo separation further enhances the immersive experience.
The soundbar offers a variety of sound modes, including:
- Bass boost
- Volume leveling
- Night mode
- Speech clarity boost
The dialogue clarity function stands out, improving vocal frequencies to ensure every word is clear. This feature is crucial for viewers who often struggle with muffled dialogue in movies and shows.
When it comes to music, the Streambar Pro delivers balanced playback across various genres. Tracks like “Born Too Slow” by The Crystal Method sound crisp, with clear highs and decent bass. For those seeking deeper bass, the Roku Wireless Subwoofer ($179.99) is a great addition.
Although it doesn’t support Dolby Atmos, the Streambar Pro’s virtual surround sound feature still creates a wide audio field. Adding Roku TV Wireless Speakers ($149.99) can further enhance the setup to a true 5.1-channel system.
At $179.99, the Roku Streambar Pro provides excellent audio performance. It significantly enhances TV sound quality without the high cost of premium systems, making it a great choice for those seeking better audio without complexity.
Streaming Capabilities and Content
The Roku Streambar Pro excels in streaming capabilities. It brings a vast array of entertainment to your fingertips with its powerful Roku OS and user-friendly interface.
Supported streaming services
Roku streaming services offer a broad selection of options. You’ll find popular platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+. It also caters to local New Zealand viewers with region-specific content. For music enthusiasts, services like Spotify, Amazon Music, and Pandora are readily available.
4K HDR playback
The Streambar Pro supports 4K HDR content, delivering stunning visuals when paired with a compatible TV. This feature ensures you enjoy your favorite shows and movies in breathtaking clarity and color depth.
Roku OS interface
The Roku OS user interface is a standout feature. It’s clean, intuitive, and easy to navigate. The home screen is customizable, allowing you to arrange your favorite apps for quick access. With thousands of streaming channels at your disposal, you’re never short of content options.
- Apple AirPlay 2 support for seamless content sharing from iOS devices
- Screen mirroring capabilities for Android and Windows devices
- A powerful search function that scans across multiple platforms
- Regular software updates to keep your streaming experience fresh and secure
With its comprehensive streaming capabilities, 4K HDR support, and user-friendly interface, the Roku Streambar Pro offers a complete entertainment package for New Zealand viewers.
Remote Control and Voice Features
The Roku Streambar Pro’s advanced voice remote elevates your streaming experience. It’s not just for channel surfing; it’s designed to streamline your TV time. This remote is equipped with features that ensure your viewing is both seamless and enjoyable.
With the Roku voice remote, managing your entertainment system is simplified. It includes controls for TV power and volume, allowing you to adjust settings and navigate through your favorite shows with a single device. This eliminates the need for multiple remotes, enhancing convenience.
Voice control is a key feature of this remote. By simply speaking your commands, you can search for content, launch apps, or control playback. This functionality supports both English and Te Reo Māori, catering to New Zealand users.
- Quick access buttons for popular streaming services
- Private listening through headphone jack
- Programmable buttons for customized commands
The Roku Streambar Pro’s remote offers more than basic functionality. It features a headphone jack for private listening and programmable buttons for your most-used commands. These enhancements make the Roku voice remote a game-changer, offering a more convenient and enjoyable streaming experience.
Connectivity Options
The Roku Streambar Pro offers a variety of connectivity options, making it a versatile addition to your home entertainment setup. This compact soundbar supports multiple connection methods, enhancing your viewing experience.
HDMI ARC
The Streambar Pro includes an HDMI ARC port for seamless integration with your TV. This single cable connection simplifies setup, reducing cable clutter. It also allows you to control the soundbar’s volume using your TV remote.
Bluetooth Connectivity
Bluetooth 5.0 in the Roku Streambar Pro enables wireless streaming from smartphones, tablets, or computers. This feature transforms your soundbar into a versatile audio system perfect for parties or casual listening.
USB Port Functionality
The USB 2.0 Type-A port on the Streambar Pro adds versatility. It supports playing local media files like MKV, MP4, and MOV, as well as various audio formats. Additionally, it allows you to expand storage for recording live TV with compatible Roku devices.
The Roku Streambar Pro’s connectivity options cater to diverse setup needs. Whether you’re aiming to improve your TV audio, stream music from your phone, or access local media, this soundbar meets your requirements. Its design ensures easy setup and operation, elevating your entertainment experience.
Comparison with Other Soundbars
The Roku Streambar Pro distinguishes itself in the soundbar market. At $179.99, it combines streaming capabilities with superior audio enhancements. Its 4K HDR playback and robust sound quality stand out when compared to its peers.
Measuring 32.2 inches wide, 3.9 inches deep, and 2.8 inches high, the Streambar Pro is both substantial and easy to place. It weighs 5.5 pounds, offering a solid build without being overly bulky. The device features four 2.5-inch full-range drivers, providing richer sound than many entry-level models.
- Dual-band Wi-Fi connectivity
- Bluetooth 5.0 support
- HDMI ARC and optical input
- USB port for media playback
The advanced remote control, with personal shortcut buttons and a headphone jack, differentiates it from basic soundbars. Although it may not rival high-end models in audio performance, the Roku Streambar Pro’s feature set provides exceptional value in the New Zealand market.
Pros and Cons
The Roku Streambar Pro presents a blend of benefits and drawbacks for users. This analysis delves into the Roku Streambar Pro advantages and potential drawbacks. It aims to assist you in making an informed choice.
Advantages of the Roku Streambar Pro
The Roku Streambar Pro stands out with several key benefits:
- 4K HDR streaming capability
- Compact design ideal for small spaces
- User-friendly interface
- Voice remote for convenient control
- Versatile connectivity options (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, AirPlay 2)
- Adjustable speech clarity and volume modes
Potential Drawbacks
User feedback points out some drawbacks of the Roku Streambar Pro:
- Limited bass reproduction
- Lack of Dolby Atmos support
- No room correction features
- Moderate volume output
- High cost for full 5.1-channel system upgrade ($510)
The Roku Streambar Pro garnered mixed reviews, scoring 6.0 for overall usage. It shines in dialogue clarity for TV shows but underperforms in low-bass for movies. Its compact size and streaming prowess make it a great choice for those seeking an all-in-one solution. However, audiophiles might find its sound quality inferior to more advanced systems.
Value for Money in the New Zealand Market
The Roku Streambar Pro price presents a compelling value in New Zealand. It combines a 4K streaming device with a soundbar, offering a budget-friendly upgrade for home entertainment. This makes it an attractive option for Kiwis aiming to enhance their viewing experience.
When compared to buying separate components, the Streambar Pro offers a bundled solution. Its competitive pricing caters well to those on a budget. They don’t have to sacrifice quality for affordability.
In New Zealand, where imported electronics can be costly, the Streambar Pro shines. It provides top-notch features at a reasonable price:
- 4K HDR streaming capabilities
- Enhanced audio performance
- User-friendly Roku interface
- Voice control functionality
For those wanting to elevate their streaming and audio without overspending, the Roku Streambar Pro is a wise choice. Its integrated design not only saves space but also eases setup. This enhances its value in the New Zealand market.
User Experience and Customer Feedback
In New Zealand, the Roku Streambar Pro has received widespread acclaim, boasting a 4.6 out of 5 stars for value and a 4.7 for quality. This device’s ease of use is rated at 4.7, showcasing its accessibility to a broad audience. It’s evident that users find the Streambar Pro both user-friendly and valuable.
Reviews consistently highlight the Roku Streambar Pro’s versatility and its strong value proposition. Users commend its straightforward setup, enhanced audio quality, and extensive streaming capabilities. Notably, its performance excels in smaller to medium-sized rooms. An impressive 93% of users are eager to recommend it to friends, underscoring its market success in New Zealand.
Despite a 3.4 rating from experts, the Alatest Expert Rating of 88/100 underscores its very good quality. Users laud the Voice Clarity feature, virtual surround technology, and the Roku interface for 4K streaming. While the bass is deemed sufficient, the addition of the Roku Wireless Subwoofer is recommended for those seeking enhanced bass performance.
