Roku is an American company that produces streaming devices, smart TVs, and a streaming platform that allows users to watch TV shows, movies, music, and live TV over the internet. It was founded in 2002 and is a leading streaming video distribution platform in the U.S. Roku devices enable access to thousands of streaming channels, including popular services like Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and its own free Roku Channel.

Roku works by connecting to the internet and plugging into your TV via an HDMI port. After setting up a Roku account, users can browse, search, and add streaming channels to their Roku device. The device streams content over the internet, letting viewers watch on-demand movies, shows, live TV, and more without cable. Streaming can also be controlled using a Roku remote or the Roku mobile app, which includes features like casting from mobile devices and private listening.

There are also Roku TVs, which integrate the Roku streaming platform directly into smart TVs, eliminating the need for an external streaming device. These smart TVs come with the Roku OS pre-installed and provide seamless access to streaming apps and live TV with a simple interface.

In summary, Roku is a versatile streaming solution that converts regular TVs into smart TVs or enhances smart TVs by delivering internet-based streaming content easily and affordably, using its streaming devices or Roku-enabled TVs.