Rovidx-owned product · WordPress + Roku
Engineering a WordPress-powered streaming platform for Roku
MediaBlaster connects a structured WordPress media library to a Roku SceneGraph application through custom REST APIs. Rovidx built the product, device experience and publishing architecture—and took the Roku implementation through public certification in July 2026.
- PHP
- WordPress
- REST API
- BrightScript
- SceneGraph
- Roku certification
- Deep linking
- Video playback
Give publishers WordPress control without making the TV app behave like a website.
WordPress is familiar to content teams, but connected-TV applications have different requirements: remote-control focus, limited device resources, asynchronous network calls, playback state, startup timing, deep links and public-store certification.
The system needed a clear boundary.
WordPress would own content, metadata and configuration.
The Roku application would own television navigation, device UI, playback and local behavior.
A purpose-built REST layer would connect them.
- Structure movies, series, episodes, short video, podcasts and app settings in WordPress.
- Deliver predictable content objects rather than make the Roku device infer relationships.
- Create a modern TV interface that remains responsive with a remote.
- Handle cold-launch and runtime deep links reliably.
- Recover safely from invalid content, unavailable streams and API errors.
- Meet Roku's publication and behavior requirements on physical hardware.
A media backend, application contract and connected-TV experience.
01
WordPress media platform
Custom content models and publishing tools for video, series, episodes, short-form content, podcasts, media metadata, captions, integrations and application configuration.
02
Custom REST delivery layer
Endpoints for catalogs, configuration, content details and stable deep-link resolution so connected applications receive complete, predictable responses.
03
Roku SceneGraph application
A BrightScript/SceneGraph television interface for featured content, browsing rows, search, details, remote focus, playback and local viewing state.
04
Integrations and ingestion
Vimeo import, podcast/RSS workflows and supporting tools that reduce duplicate content administration.
05
Product and launch systems
Documentation, setup guidance, packaging, testing and a commercial delivery path for creators and agencies.
A deliberate contract between publishers and the TV.
WordPress understands the publishing relationships. The API turns those relationships into a stable application contract. The Roku app presents and plays the result.
01
Editors and media team
02
WordPress + MediaBlaster
Content models, metadata and app configuration
03
MediaBlaster REST API
Catalogs, item details and deep-link resolver
04
Roku SceneGraph application
Navigation, focus, playback and local state
05
Viewer on Roku
WordPress understands the publishing relationships. The API turns those relationships into a stable application contract. The Roku app presents and plays the result.
Production behavior proved through certification work.
The application worked before certification testing, but passing a public-store process required more explicit behavior. Rovidx separated shell readiness from background catalog loading, created a dedicated deep-link resolver, handled cold-launch and runtime requests through distinct paths and delayed playable deep-link completion until the Roku player reached a real buffering or playing state.
| Area | Implemented behavior |
|---|---|
| Normal launch | Usable local shell and focus before secondary content finishes loading |
| Movie/episode deep link | Resolve a stable ID and begin the requested playback path |
| Series/season link | Preserve relationship context and route to the correct experience |
| Runtime deep link | Handle new input without firing a second launch beacon |
| Invalid/unavailable content | Recover to a stable screen instead of opening an empty player |
| Advertising/back behavior | Exit predictably without resuming an abandoned ad/playback path |
| Device validation | Test on physical Roku devices with different performance characteristics |
Technical highlights
- WordPress content models for movies, series, episodes, short-form video and app configuration.
- Custom REST endpoints for catalogs, details and deep-link resolution.
- SceneGraph/BrightScript television UI with remote focus and local viewing state.
- Cold-launch and runtime deep-link handling on physical Roku hardware.
- Certification-oriented startup, playback and failure behavior.
A reusable product foundation instead of one-off app code.
MediaBlaster turns WordPress from a conventional website CMS into the operational layer behind structured media and connected experiences.
Publishers can manage content and app configuration in a familiar environment while the device application remains purpose-built for television.
For Rovidx prospects, the project proves current end-to-end capability: product strategy, WordPress/PHP, REST contracts, SceneGraph/BrightScript, TV UX, playback, certification, documentation and ongoing operation.
Related services
Work with Rovidx in these areas
Next step
Need a new Roku application—or help fixing one that already exists?
Rovidx can work on the device application, the media backend or the contract between them, from diagnosis through publication.
Work directly with Rob Davenport, Founder & CTO.