Do Roku Tvs Have Cameras?

There are two types of cameras that Roku TVs may have; the first one is the camera module for the television, and the second one is an optional camera accessory for the television.

There are more and more people using Roku TVs now as they are relatively cheaper than other smart TVs. Roku TVs have Rokuâs streaming interface built into the TV and lets you navigate through different streaming apps such as Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, etc.

However, there is one particular query that may arise from time to time, and that is whether Roku TVs have built-in cameras. Since the issue of privacy seems to be a critical concern to many consumers the question is relevant.

In regards to the specific question of whether Roku TVs have cameras, the short answer is no and that is because Roku is strictly a software company that does not manufacture their hardware. Although the Roku streaming platform has applications with video calling, the Roku TV hardware does not come equipped with a camera, which is present in some smart devices such as laptops or phones.

Why do Roku TVs not have cameras?

Roku TVs are cheaper smart TVs intended mainly for streaming content to your television. They use the Roku streaming feature within the TV's hardware but do not add in specific peripherals like the webcam or the microphone which are likely to increase the price of the set.

Roku TV is primarily used to watch shows, movies, and other forms of content on a big-screen television. Thus, there is no real need for integrated cameras in a Roku TV.

It is not as critical for a TV to have video calling capabilities as it is for a smart device that is intended to be portable. The living room television is not the most convenient piece of equipment for making video calls daily.

Also, privacy may be a factor in this decision since people working for the organization may not want to be identified publicly. Some consumer prefer that Roku TVs do not have cameras or mics that would make them feel like they are being spied on in their living space.

How to Video Call From Roku TV?

The thing is, Roku TVs themselves do not come with built-in cameras, but if you do own a Roku, you can still make video calls.

There are however some streaming apps that are available on Roku devices that support video calling services. For instance, the Facebook app lets Roku users make Facebook Messenger video calls from the comfort of their TVs to talk with their friends and families.

To use this feature, you will need the Roku Facebook application, a Facebook account, and an external webcam that can be connected to any of the USB ports of the Roku TV. The app can cast the connected webcam for video calls or Messenger Rooms multi-user video chats through your television.

Another aspect is that Skype also has an application that allows video calls for the devices of the Roku series. Like with Facebook, an external webcam would need to be bought and connected via USB.

As for the lack of an integrated camera in the Roku TV, well, there is no need to worry, because you get the ability to perform a video call just by purchasing an inexpensive webcam and connecting it to the USB port located at the back of the TV. One can imagine the convenience of facilitating video chats directly from your living room television for group hangouts and reunions with family and friends.

Are Roku TVs Secure?

Since Roku TVs do not have a camera or a microphone, they are not as vulnerable to the major smart home privacy and security issues that people tend to worry about.

However, all devices that are connected to the Internet cannot be 100 percent safe from various cybersecurity threats. It is important to note that Roku TVs do connect to the internet to facilitate all of those integrated smart functionalities.

So suggestions like setting a strong Roku PIN code to limit buying, not clicking on the links that seem suspicious, enabling automatic updates on your television set, and being cautious about children on kids' profiles are still relevant.

Another addition that you can make to your Roku is a VPN which protects your web activity and conceals your IP address when streaming. This is an added layer of security aside from what Roku takes in place to ensure your viewing habits are secure.

However, in the case of cameras in particular  Roku TV hardware does not contain such components at all, so do not even think about putting a cover on the TV lens.

Are There Other Smart TVs with Cameras?

However, not all smart TV brands come equipped with onboard cameras like the Roku TVs in question do not have any. There are high chance that certain sophisticated smart TV brands have built-in cameras or allow you to add a webcam.

For instance, the latest OLED TVs from the LG brand support motion controls by tracking the movement of hand gestures using the LG Magic Remote camera.

Sony also revealed the concept of smart TV video chat cameras in 2012. However, this technology has not yet entered mass production of retail smart TV models.

Facebook released its Portal TV device in 2019 which is designed to make video calls through your television using Messenger and WhatsApp.

And Google managers have spoken of plans to integrate Google Duo inbuilt video calling in the future versions of Android TVs as well.

Thus, even if present-day, built-in smart TV cameras are not yet omnipresent, the technology is out there. Cameras or video chat functions might also keep extending to even higher-end models of smart TVs from the flagship brands in the coming years.

Conclusion

Roku TVs are one of the most popular affordable smart TV models that do not have additional features such as cameras and microphones. Enables you to watch your favorite streaming apps on the big screen in comfort without having to spend extra bucks or compromise your privacy.

However, you can plug in an external camera to make use of the Roku TV for occasional video calling through compatible applications. In general, Roku TVs are highly rewarding for the money spent by buyers with the best smart interfaces focused on the streaming service. And all of this without the cameras watching you from the comfort of your living room.

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