• flop_leash_973@lemmy.worldOP
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      5 months ago

      Last time I had a Roku you could block the static home screen ads with PiHole. So as long as they don’t start serving these from the same domain as something you need for the box to work right or start hard coding a different DNS server into the OS that won’t respect your local network settings it will probably keep working.

      But if they are not doing one of the above to get around DNS adblockers yet, they will eventually in the name of those sweet sweet ad dollars. Best to just start planning an exit from Roku products if you care about such things.

    • Ebby@lemmy.ssba.com
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      5 months ago

      Currently, yes and no.

      Yes, in that pihole can filter ad servers, but no because backup DNS servers are hard coded in the software; you have to block those too from your router.

      Not sure about the new changes planned.

      • SandySocks@lemmy.world
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        5 months ago

        I haven’t seen a seen a single home screen Roku ad since I installed Pi-Hole.

        This will be my last Roku, it has become such a horrible ad-ridden experience since I first got it years ago.

        • Ebby@lemmy.ssba.com
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          5 months ago

          At first, Pi-hole was enough, but some devices had a software update a year or two ago that used Google (if memory serves) DNS as a backup. It was sneaky, but adding a block rule closed that loophole.

          Not all devices had that change though. I’m hoping mine is old enough to be ignored for the new video ads.

      • Confused_Emus@lemmy.world
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        5 months ago

        I’m wondering if they managed to break that, too. I tried forcing my Roku to use my pi-hole by blocking Google DNS (what it seems to be hardcoded with) at my router and the Roku just stops recognizing that it even has an Internet connection.

      • v01@lemmy.world
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        5 months ago

        How can I block their hard coded DNS servers? Is it based on their IP numbers and if so how do we determine what they are?

      • el_abuelo@lemmy.ml
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        5 months ago

        And do what instead? Serious question as I’m about to buy my 2nd roku product

        • AnAnonymous@lemm.ee
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          5 months ago

          I like Android TV but there are a lot of better other solutions like using a SBC or a Chromecast.

          • el_abuelo@lemmy.ml
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            5 months ago

            I have a chromecast but I found it a bit annoying having to use my phone to do stuff…if it’s low on power it’s a problem, and it can’t be chucked around the room really