Roku TV Sets Experimenting with New Ad Display Technology
Roku TV owners may soon notice a new way of advertising on their screens, as the company is experimenting with displaying ads on connected devices as well. Currently, Roku TV sets already show ads on home and menu screens, screensavers, and first-party video channels. However, Roku is now looking to expand this to devices connected via HDMI, including cable boxes, game consoles, and PCs.
This development comes as Roku filed a patent application in August 2023 that was published in November 2023. The technology described in the patent would allow ads to be displayed over paused content, with the internal hardware of a theoretical Roku TV rendering these ads.
While the patents do not guarantee implementation, Roku is motivated to increase revenue from ads on its devices. With the growing trend towards ad-supported streaming platforms, this move could potentially benefit Roku with more opportunities for ad placements.
However, it remains unclear if current Roku TV models could support this feature with a software update or if it would require newer hardware with this capability. Additionally, there may be potential factors that could dissuade Roku from using this technology in the future.
Overall, Roku’s exploration into new ad display technology showcases the company’s efforts to innovate and adapt to the changing landscape of streaming and advertising. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.
