Emby is a great media server software option like Plex and Jellyfin. With a slew of features like metadata editing capabilities, Emby is a solid personal media organizer for power users. I run both Plex and Emby on my home server, switching between the two when I want to stream because I enjoy each platform. While you’ll want the right media server, you’ll also need one of the best Emby client devices to stream to. Roku is an excellent choice that’s user-friendly and affordable. Learn how to install Emby on Roku devices to stream your personal movie, TV show, and music collection!
What is Emby: A Versatile Media Server Software Option
Emby is a media server designed to organize, play, and stream audio and video to a variety of devices. Its primary function is to unite all of your media (movies, music, and TV shows) together in one place, complete with artwork, metadata, and other details pulled from various online sources. It allows you to access your media from a plethora of devices, including smartphones, TVs, and gaming consoles. Essentially, it turns your media into a slick, streamlined experience, kind of like a do-it-yourself Netflix.
Key features of Emby include:
- Personalized user interface with artwork and metadata.
- Parental controls and managed user access.
- Live TV streaming support with DVR functionalities.
- Mobile sync and cloud sync options.
- Plugins to extend functionalities.
Emby offers a free version with some basic functionalities, but to unlock all of its features, you’ll need a subscription to Emby Premiere.
Roku: One of the Best Streaming Devices for Emby
While there are plenty of Emby clients like Fire TV and Android TV boxes, Roku is one of the most user-friendly. Roku devices come in various models, including streaming sticks, set-top boxes, and even smart TVs or soundbars with the Roku operating system built-in. They support a multitude of apps (or channels as Roku calls them), including popular ones like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Plex, and Emby.
How to Install Emby on Roku
Installing Emby on Roku is pretty simple, but you’ll need a few prerequisites:
- Roku device
- Emby media server
- Emby account
- Roku Emby app
- Active internet connection
Here’s how to use Emby on Roku:
- Head to the Roku home screen
Navigate to the Roku home screen by pressing the home button on your Roku remote.
- Add the Emby for Roku channel
From your Roku’s home screen, navigate to the “Streaming Channels” menu. This will take you to the Roku Channel Store. Search for “Emby” in the Channel Store and select the “Add Channel” option when you find it. The Emby channel will now be added to your Roku’s home screen.
- Link Roku to Emby Server
Open the newly added Emby channel on your Roku device. You’ll be prompted to link the Emby channel to your Emby server. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete this process. The process typically involves going to the Emby connect website on another device, logging in, and entering the code displayed on your Roku screen.
- Access Your Media and Start Streaming
Once your Roku device is linked to your Emby server, you should be able to navigate through and play your media directly from your Roku device.
And there you have it! You can easily transform your Roku device into a media powerhouse capable of streaming your personal collection of movies, TV shows, and music with the help of Emby. Enjoy your own personal, organized, and streamlined media experience right from the comfort of your living room.
Best Roku for Emby
You’ve got several choices when selecting the best Roku for Emby. Here are the best Emby Roku client devices on the market:
- Roku Ultra: The Roku Ultra truly lives up to its name with its exceptional 4K Ultra High-definition (UHD) video streaming support, built-in Ethernet port for a more reliable internet connection, and microSD card which provides additional storage space for streaming apps.
- Roku Streaming Stick 4K+: The Roku Streaming Stick 4K+ is a great solution for most folks which sports most of the same features as the Roku Ultra. You don’t get an Ethernet port or USB Type-A jack, but you’ll enjoy a powerful processor, 4K UHD streaming video support, and Roku voice remote.
- Roku Expres 4K+: On a budget, the Roku Express 4K+ punches well above its weight class. You’ll get a bundled HDMI cable, 4K with HDR10+ video support, and solid Wi-Fi. It lacks the advanced rechargeable remote with a headphone jack for private listening, there’s no Dolby Atmos or Dolby Vision, and it can’t handle Apple AirPlay. But the Roku Express 4K+ works for many people without breaking the bank.
Troubleshooting Tips for When Emby on Roku is Not Working
Sometimes Emby on Roku isn’t working correctly, so you might be experiencing buffering, app crashes, or simply can’t access Emby at all. Here’s how to troubleshoot a Roku media streamer when Emby is acting up:
- Ensure your Emby NAS is online
- Update to the latest version of Emby media server
- Update the Emby Roku app
- Restart your Roku player
- Check that your Roku is connected to the internet
- Make sure your internet (Wi-Fi or Ethernet) is working
- Uninstall and reinstall the Emby Roku app
How to Get Emby on Roku: Final Thoughts
Overall, the process for running Emby on Roku is pretty simple. Just search for and download the Roku Emby app, sign in, and start streaming. For more marvelous media server fun, learn how to install Plex on Roku.
How to Run Emby on Roku FAQs
Yes, Emby does work on Roku with an official Roku Channel downloadable from the Roku app store.
You can get Emby on Roku and Roku TV by heading to the home screen, navigating to the Streaming Channels menu, searching for Emby, downloading the Emby Roku app, then signing into your Emby account.
The best Emby Roku client is the Roku Ultra. However, we also recommend the Roku Streaming Stick 4K+ and Express 4K.
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