Roku Pro Series 65R8B5 Smart TV Review

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Introduction: A TV for the Modern Viewer

Picture this: you’re on the couch after a long day, ready to unwind with your favorite show. You reach for the remote, and your Roku Pro Series 65R8B5 Smart TV is ready to dazzle you. This 65-inch QLED behemoth promises not just a viewing experience, but an immersion into a world of brilliant 4K visuals, Dolby Vision IQ, and an effortless interface. In this review, we’ll dive deep into what makes the Roku Pro Series 65R8B5 a standout choice for any home.

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Design and Build: Sleek and Modern

Let’s start with the aesthetics. The Roku Pro Series 65R8B5 sports a minimalist design that blends seamlessly with any decor. It’s not just a TV; it’s a statement piece. The bezel-less design means you get more screen and less distraction, making your viewing experience as immersive as possible. The TV sits flat against the wall when mounted, making it look like a piece of modern art when it’s off. The stands and screws included in the box make setting up the TV straightforward, whether you choose to use the stands or wall mount it.

Picture Quality: Bright, Colorful, and Razor-Sharp

The star of the show here is the picture quality. With a 4K QLED display, the Roku Pro Series 65R8B5 brings colors to life with exceptional clarity. Whether you’re watching a nature documentary or the latest blockbuster, the rich hues and deep contrasts make every scene pop. The Dolby Vision IQ takes it a step further by optimizing the picture settings based on the ambient lighting in your room. This means you always get the best possible picture, whether you’re watching in a bright living room or a dark home theater.

Thousands of mini-LEDs backlighting the screen ensure that light is directed exactly where it’s needed, delivering vivid highlights and deep darks. This level of detail is particularly noticeable in scenes with a lot of contrast, like a starry night sky or a brightly lit cityscape. The 120Hz refresh rate is another highlight, especially for sports fans and gamers. Fast-moving scenes are rendered smoothly, with no blurring or lag, keeping you right in the middle of the action.

Sound Quality: Immersive Audio Experience

Visuals aren’t the only thing the Roku Pro Series 65R8B5 excels at; the audio experience is equally impressive. The TV features Dolby Atmos audio, which provides a surround sound experience that fills the room. The new side-firing speakers enhance this effect, creating a rich, immersive audio landscape that brings movies, sports, and games to life. It’s like having a mini theater right in your living room.

For those who love tweaking their setup, the Roku Pro Series TV is home theater ready. You can easily upgrade your sound system with Roku’s wireless audio devices, adding surround sound and heart-pounding bass. Whether you’re an audiophile or just want to enhance your movie nights, this TV has you covered.

Smart Features: Intuitive and User-Friendly

One of the standout features of the Roku Pro Series 65R8B5 is its smart capabilities. Roku’s interface is known for being user-friendly and intuitive, and this TV is no exception. The home screen is designed to get you to your entertainment quickly and easily, with a simple layout that even technophobes can navigate with ease.

Streaming is built right into the TV, so you can access a massive selection of free and live TV channels without needing any additional devices. The Live TV tile, Featured Free section, and Roku Channel make it easy to find something to watch without having to dive into multiple apps.

Gaming: A Gamer’s Delight

Gamers, rejoice! The Roku Pro Series 65R8B5 is designed with you in mind. The automatic game mode ensures that you’re always ready to jump into the action, with features like Freesync Premium Pro, ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode), and VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) providing a tear-free, smooth gaming experience. Whether you’re into fast-paced shooters or epic RPGs, this TV delivers the performance you need to stay competitive.

Connectivity: Stay Connected

In today’s world, connectivity is key, and the Roku Pro Series 65R8B5 doesn’t disappoint. With a range of connectivity options, including Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB-C, Ethernet, and multiple HDMI ports, you can easily connect all your devices. Whether you’re plugging in a gaming console, a soundbar, or a streaming device, you’ve got plenty of options.

The TV also supports voice control with Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant, making it easy to control your TV with just your voice. The Roku Voice Remote Pro, included with the TV, is fully rechargeable and features backlit buttons for easy use in the dark. It’s a small detail, but it makes a big difference in usability.

Remote Control: Smarter and More Convenient

Speaking of the remote, the Roku Voice Remote Pro deserves its own spotlight. This isn’t your average remote control. It’s rechargeable, so you don’t have to worry about constantly replacing batteries. The hands-free voice control feature means you can just speak to your remote to find something to watch, adjust the volume, or even turn off the TV. And if you ever lose your remote (which happens more often than we’d like to admit), the TV has a built-in remote finder. Just press the button on the side of the TV, and your remote will play a sound, guiding you to its hiding spot.

Picture Settings: Optimized for Every Scene

Another impressive feature of the Roku Pro Series 65R8B5 is its Smart Picture Max technology. Powered by AI, this feature automatically adjusts the picture settings to optimize color, sharpness, and overall quality based on what you’re watching. Whether you’re catching up on your favorite drama, watching the big game, or playing a video game, the TV fine-tunes the settings to give you the best possible viewing experience. It’s like having a personal technician in your TV, constantly working to improve your picture quality.

Practical Features: Thoughtful and Convenient

The Roku Pro Series 65R8B5 is packed with practical features that make it a joy to use. The adjustable height of the TV, without the need for any tools, is a convenient touch. It allows you to set the perfect height for your viewing experience without any fuss. The built-in cable straps help keep your setup tidy, so you don’t have to deal with a mess of wires behind your TV.

The ambient light sensor is another thoughtful addition. It automatically adjusts the brightness of the screen based on the lighting in your room, ensuring that you always have the perfect viewing experience, no matter the time of day. It’s these little details that add up to make a big difference in everyday use.

Software Updates: Always Getting Better

One of the great things about the Roku Pro Series 65R8B5 is that it’s always getting better. The TV receives automatic software updates, bringing new apps, features, and improvements right to your screen. You don’t have to do a thing; just sit back and enjoy the benefits of the latest technology. This means your TV stays up-to-date and continues to provide a top-notch entertainment experience for years to come.

Compatibility: Fits Right Into Your Smart Home

If you’re already living in a smart home, the Roku Pro Series 65R8B5 fits right in. It’s compatible with a range of smart home systems, including Apple Airplay and HomeKit, Alexa, Google Home, and Roku Smart Home. This means you can easily integrate your TV into your existing setup and control it with your preferred smart home assistant. Whether you’re adjusting the lights, setting up a movie night, or checking the weather, your TV can be a central part of your smart home ecosystem.

Gaming and Sports: Fast and Furious

For sports enthusiasts and gamers, the Roku Pro Series 65R8B5 offers features that make it a standout choice. The 120Hz refresh rate ensures smooth motion, which is crucial for fast-paced action. Whether you’re watching your favorite team or playing the latest game, the TV keeps up with the action, providing a clear and immersive experience.

The game mode is particularly impressive, automatically optimizing the settings for a better gaming experience. Features like Freesync Premium Pro, ALLM, and VRR reduce lag and screen tearing, providing a seamless and responsive gaming environment. Whether you’re a casual gamer or a hardcore enthusiast, this TV delivers the performance you need to stay ahead of the competition.

Streaming: Endless Entertainment

When it comes to streaming, the Roku Pro Series 65R8B5 has you covered. Roku’s platform is known for its simplicity and ease of use, and this TV integrates it seamlessly. You get access to a vast library of free and paid content, including popular streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and more. The Live TV tile and Featured Free section make it easy to find something to watch without having to dive into multiple apps.

The Roku Channel offers a wide range of free content, including movies, TV shows, and live news. It’s a great way to explore new shows and movies without spending a dime. And with the TV’s powerful processing and fast Wi-Fi connectivity, streaming is smooth and buffer-free.

Customization: Make It Your Own

One of the best things about the Roku Pro Series 65R8B5 is the level of customization it offers. The home screen is fully customizable, allowing you to arrange your apps and channels just the way you like them. You can create shortcuts for your favorite content, making it easy to jump right into your shows, movies, or games.

The TV also supports personal shortcut buttons on

the remote, so you can quickly access your most-used features. Whether it’s launching an app, switching to a specific input, or even adjusting settings, these shortcuts make it easy to tailor the TV to your preferences.

Practical Details: What’s in the Box

When you unbox the Roku Pro Series 65R8B5, you’ll find everything you need to get started. The TV comes with stands and screws for easy setup, a Quick Start Guide to help you through the initial setup process, and a USB-A to USB-C cable. The Roku Voice Remote Pro is also included, complete with rechargeable batteries and a built-in remote finder.

Setting up the TV is straightforward, thanks to the clear instructions and intuitive interface. Whether you’re a tech novice or a seasoned pro, you’ll have your TV up and running in no time.

Final Thoughts: Is the Roku Pro Series 65R8B5 for You?

So, who is the Roku Pro Series 65R8B5 Smart TV for? If you’re someone who values top-notch picture and sound quality, intuitive smart features, and a sleek, modern design, this TV is definitely worth considering. It’s a versatile option that excels in everything from streaming and gaming to watching sports and movies.

The blend of advanced features like Dolby Vision IQ, Dolby Atmos audio, and a 120Hz refresh rate make it a standout choice for anyone looking to elevate their entertainment experience. And with Roku’s user-friendly interface, you get access to a world of content without any hassle.

In conclusion, the Roku Pro Series 65R8B5 Smart TV is a fantastic addition to any home. It combines cutting-edge technology with practical features and a sleek design, making it a great choice for anyone looking to upgrade their TV. So, grab some popcorn, get comfy, and let the Roku Pro Series 65R8B5 transport you to a world of brilliant 4K entertainment. You won’t be disappointed.

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