Switch Out a Media Player for Roku
Overview
While the JubileeTV Console is compatible with most media players (like Apple TV or Fire TV), it is specifically optimized for Roku. Using a Roku allows the two systems to "talk" to each other, unlocking deep integrations that aren't available with other streaming devices.
Note: Roku discontinued their Roku Express and Roku Express 4K+ models in 2025. If purchasing a new device from Roku, buy the Roku Ultra for maximum compatibility. See Roku Ultra: Ensuring Maximum Compatibility with JubileeTVs for more information.
Why Roku is the Best Choice for JubileeTV:
- App Favorites & Voice Control: You can save specific streaming apps (like Netflix or Hulu) directly to app Favorites.
- Quick Share: This exclusive feature lets you send content directly to your loved one's TV from your own phone. Whether it’s a YouTube clip, a Netflix movie, or an Amazon Prime series, you can use the "Share to JubileeTV" function within those apps to start playback instantly on their screen.
- The "Telescope" Command Field: For ultimate convenience, you can copy a YouTube, Netflix, or Amazon Prime video URL on your phone and paste it into the Telescope command field in your JubileeTV app to "push" that video to the Roku, even if you’re miles away.
How to Replace a media player with Roku
Before you begin, ensure you have your Wi-Fi password and the login credentials for your streaming apps (Netflix, Hulu, etc.) ready.
1. Set the Active Input
Before unplugging anything, ensure the JubileeTV system is targeting the correct device.
- Turn on your TV and make sure it's on the JubileeTV input.
- On your JubileeTV Console, make sure the active view is set to the media player you are planning to remove.
2. Swap the Hardware
Unplug the old media player from the JubileeTV Conosle's HDMI port and plug in the Roku.
3. Initialize the Roku
Roku should now appear on your TV. Before configuring it to work with JubileeTV, use the Roku's original remote to:
- Complete Setup: Follow prompts to create or sign in to your Roku account.
- Connect to Wi-Fi: Connect the Roku to the same network JubileeTV is connected to.
- Prepare Apps: Download any apps you want to use with Roku and sign in to them.
4. Enable JubileeTV Communication
To allow JubileeTV to control your Roku (and enable features like "Telescope" remote support), you must adjust the External Control settings. This tells the Roku it’s okay to take commands from another device on your Wi-Fi—in this case, it is the JubileeTV Console.
- Open Settings: From the Roku Home screen, scroll down to Settings.
- Shortcut: Press Up once on the Roku remote to jump straight to the bottom of the menu where Settings usually sits.
- Navigate to System: Select System > Advanced system settings.
- Find App Control: Select Control by mobile apps.
- Set Network Access: Select Network access.
- Choose "Permissive": You will see three options: Default, Permissive, and Disabled.
- Select Permissive (or Enabled on some older versions).
5. Open Settings to Add Roku
Now, tell the JubileeTV system that a new device is plugged in.
- On the JubileeTV remote, press the GUIDE button three times, then press the blue J button once.
- You can also access Console Settings via Telescope by starting a Telescope session, selecting the Actions tab and tapping Settings under JubileeTV Destinations.
- Navigate to Devices: Select Console Settings, then select Devices.
- Select the Input: Locate the old device or the specific HDMI input you wish to update.
- Update Configuration: Select the device and choose "Change Device."
- Follow Prompts: Complete the setup by following the onscreen prompts to identify and configure your Roku.