Jellyfin's Roku App Update v3.1.6 Brings Critical HDR Support and UI Improvements

Jellyfin has released version 3.1.6 of its Roku app, a significant update that addresses one of the most requested features for media server users: proper HDR support. The update introduces Dolby Vision, HDR10, and HDR10+ video range support with HLF fallback, resolving issues where HDR content appeared washed out or required transcoding when streaming through Jellyfin on Roku devices.

For those maintaining media libraries across platforms, this update represents a critical improvement in the Roku experience. Prior to v3.1.6, Jellyfin users with Roku devices faced frustrating limitations when attempting to stream high dynamic range content. The new implementation ensures HDR content displays correctly without unnecessary processing, maintaining the intended visual quality of the source material.

The technical implementation of HDR support in this version demonstrates Jellyfin's commitment to cross-platform compatibility. While iOS and Android clients have received HDR support in previous updates, Roku users have been waiting for this functionality. The addition of HLF (High Level Format) fallback ensures broader compatibility across different types of HDR content, addressing the varying implementations found in modern media libraries.

Beyond the HDR improvements, the update includes several UI refinements that enhance the user experience. The back-button logic from the home screen has been improved, making navigation more intuitive. The View All functionality on the Next Up page now works correctly, and the playback info popup has been refined with better presentation of media information.

An interesting addition is support for anamorphic video, a format that uses non-square pixels to store widescreen video in a standard frame. While most Jellyfin users may not have content in this format, the inclusion demonstrates the development team's attention to niche formats and their commitment to comprehensive media support.

The update also addresses several persistent bugs that have affected the Roku app's stability and functionality. Notable fixes include:

• A library bug that caused lazy-loading to stop working
• Issues with multi-line subtitles extending beyond the screen boundaries
• Chapter list menu padding problems
• The most common causes of crashes on TV series, movie detail, and metadata screens

For developers maintaining Jellyfin instances, this update requires server version 10.9 or higher, meaning those running older server versions will need to upgrade before taking advantage of the new Roku app features. This requirement ensures compatibility between the client and server components, particularly important for the new HDR functionality which relies on proper server-client communication.

The update began rolling out on March 2nd, 2026, and should now be available for download on all supported Roku devices. Users can find the complete changelog with all new features and bug fixes on the Jellyfin GitHub repository.

For those unfamiliar with Jellyfin, it's an open-source media system that puts you in control of your media. It organizes video, music, photos, and recorded TV into a beautiful interface that can be accessed from any device. The Roku app represents one of the many client implementations available, alongside iOS, Android, web, and desktop applications.

This update continues Jellyfin's pattern of regular, substantial improvements to its client applications. For media enthusiasts running their own servers, the combination of proper HDR support on Roku with existing capabilities on other platforms creates a more consistent experience across all devices in the home ecosystem.