Roku 4 Marks The Return Of Optical Audio

As we continue to hunt the elusive Roku 4, a source has provided the below image… which, after a long absence, indicates the triumphant return of S/PDIF optical audio to the Roku platform. And what makes this detail even more compelling is that Amazon has dropped optical from their competing 4K Fire TV this generation, to the consternation of some.

Beyond these restored audio capabilities, which we’d expect from a flagship streamer, we know the Roku 4 serves up 4K video hand in hand with 802.11ac wireless for the first time. A previously disclosed full frontal photo (below) more clearly depicts a new elongated form (“the hotplate“) and from the FCC filing we know there’s a handy new finger-depressable reset button on the bottom. What we don’t know are specific 4k-specific details, like HDMI version or potential support for HDR. Plus, it’s unclear what that sensor or port on the top of the Roku is all about. Lastly, and possibly related, I’m hopeful Roku’s got some software surprises for us.

As to pricing, we wonder if the incoming Roku 4 might slide in at a higher $129.99 as their premium offering. Although, in light of Amazon’s aggressively priced $99 Fire TV, they could conceivably shift the whole lineup down a bit … if the math makes sense for them. But, with Best Buy’s clock ticking, we should have that answer and more in the coming days. Stay tuned!