Roku added Sharp to its list of “built-in Roku Smart TVs” partnerships earlier this year. As a built-in software, Roku will become the backbone of Sharp TV operating systems from now on. But what if you don’t want to use Roku with a Sharp TV? Is this possible?

You cannot separate the Roku OS from your Sharp TV, as it is built-in software. However, you can go around it if you prefer to use something else or cut it off from the internet completely. The TV will still operate, just without any of Roku’s streaming services.

How to Use Sharp TV without Roku

The good news is you can use devices like the Roku Streaming Stick and bypass Roku altogether by plugging them into an HDMI port and defaulting to that port. Whenever you turn on your TV, it will be as if Roku simply isn’t a part of it.

In this case, it will default to HDMI 1 input, which means that whatever you have plugged into HDMI 1 will be the first thing that pops up on your screen whenever you power on your Roku Sharp TV. You can change the default input by starting at the Roku Home screen:

  • Go to the Settings Menu on the left column.Scroll to the System Menu.Select Power.Select Power On.Select the Input for when the TV powers on.

In this example, we are setting it to HDMI 1 since that is the port that we have a secondary device set up in (imaginatively).

The truth is, you can set it to any input device that is available on your Roku Sharp TV. If you have an old-school Nintendo Classic plugged into the RGB ports, then you can set it to that, although you will only get a screensaver if your Nintendo isn’t powered on.

Of course, if you want to watch something using the Roku OS that’s built-in to the Sharp TV, you will always have to change away from HDMI 1 input to get back to the Roku Home Screen.

Reasons to Use Sharp TV Without Roku

Are Streaming Devices Better Than Roku on a Sharp TV?

Whether as a device or as a built-in operating system, Roku offers a streamlined and customizable platform that makes watching all of your favorite streaming programs simple. The menus are easy to navigate, and it includes all of the top streaming providers out there.

Of course, depending on a Sharp TV Roku experience isn’t the same as owning a Roku Streaming Stick +, which is a 4k experience along with HDR and long-range wireless. If your Roku Sharp TV lacks HDR, it’s because the Sharp TV doesn’t support it.

Final Thoughts

You’re more than welcome to use your Sharp TV without taking advantage of the built-in Roku operating system. After all, you can get the best out of every world with several streaming devices hooked into your HDMI ports simultaneously.

If you want to stick with the Roku side of things, you’ll get a high level of ease-of-use and excellent customization options.