Roku is a popular streaming device that offers a wide range of entertainment options, including movies, TV shows, music, and more. However, many users wonder if they can watch regular TV on Roku, including live broadcasts and local channels. In this article, we’ll explore the possibilities of watching regular TV on Roku and provide a comprehensive guide to streaming live TV.
What is Roku and How Does it Work?
Before we dive into the world of regular TV on Roku, let’s take a brief look at what Roku is and how it works. Roku is a streaming media player that connects to your TV and allows you to stream content from various sources, including Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and more. Roku devices come in various forms, including set-top boxes, streaming sticks, and smart TVs with built-in Roku software.
Roku uses the internet to stream content to your TV, so you’ll need a stable internet connection to use the device. Once connected, you can access a wide range of channels, including free and paid options, using the Roku remote control or mobile app.
Can I Watch Regular TV on Roku?
Now, let’s get to the main question: can you watch regular TV on Roku? The answer is yes, but with some limitations. Roku offers various ways to watch live TV, including:
Live TV Channels
Roku has a range of live TV channels that offer a variety of content, including news, sports, and entertainment. Some popular live TV channels on Roku include:
- ABC News
- CBS News
- NBC News
- ESPN
- Fox Sports
- CNN
These channels are available for free, and you can access them by searching for “live TV” in the Roku Channel Store.
Streaming Services
In addition to live TV channels, Roku also offers various streaming services that provide access to live TV, including:
- Sling TV
- YouTube TV
- Hulu with Live TV
- AT&T TV Now
- Philo
These services offer a range of channels, including local networks, sports, and news. However, they often require a subscription and may have limitations on the number of channels available.
Antenna and Over-the-Air (OTA) TV
If you’re looking for a more traditional TV experience, you can also use an antenna to watch over-the-air (OTA) TV on Roku. This method allows you to receive local channels, including ABC, CBS, NBC, and FOX, for free.
To watch OTA TV on Roku, you’ll need:
- An antenna (indoor or outdoor)
- A digital tuner (such as the Roku TV or a separate device)
- A Roku device with OTA support
Once you’ve set up your antenna and digital tuner, you can access OTA TV channels on your Roku device.
How to Watch Regular TV on Roku
Now that we’ve explored the possibilities of watching regular TV on Roku, let’s take a look at how to do it. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Set Up Your Roku Device
Before you can start watching regular TV on Roku, you’ll need to set up your device. This includes:
- Connecting your Roku device to your TV
- Setting up your internet connection
- Creating a Roku account
Step 2: Add Live TV Channels
Once your Roku device is set up, you can start adding live TV channels. To do this:
- Go to the Roku Channel Store
- Search for “live TV”
- Select the channels you want to add
- Click “Add Channel” to install
Step 3: Subscribe to a Streaming Service (Optional)
If you want to access a wider range of channels, you can subscribe to a streaming service. To do this:
- Go to the Roku Channel Store
- Search for the streaming service you want to subscribe to (e.g. Sling TV or YouTube TV)
- Select the service and click “Subscribe”
- Follow the prompts to complete the subscription process
Step 4: Set Up Your Antenna (Optional)
If you want to watch OTA TV on Roku, you’ll need to set up your antenna. To do this:
- Connect your antenna to your digital tuner (if using a separate device)
- Connect your digital tuner to your Roku device
- Go to the Roku settings menu and select “Antenna” or “OTA TV”
- Follow the prompts to scan for channels and set up your antenna
Benefits of Watching Regular TV on Roku
Watching regular TV on Roku offers several benefits, including:
- Convenience: With Roku, you can access a wide range of channels and streaming services in one place.
- Cost-effective: Many live TV channels and streaming services are available for free or at a lower cost than traditional cable or satellite TV.
- Personalization: Roku allows you to customize your viewing experience with features like channel guides and parental controls.
- Access to a wide range of content: Roku offers a vast library of content, including movies, TV shows, music, and more.
Limitations of Watching Regular TV on Roku
While watching regular TV on Roku offers many benefits, there are also some limitations to consider:
- Channel selection: While Roku offers a wide range of channels, the selection may be limited compared to traditional cable or satellite TV.
- Availability of local channels: Depending on your location, you may not be able to access local channels on Roku.
- Quality of streaming: The quality of streaming on Roku can vary depending on your internet connection and the streaming service you’re using.
Conclusion
In conclusion, watching regular TV on Roku is a convenient and cost-effective way to access a wide range of channels and streaming services. While there may be some limitations to consider, the benefits of using Roku for regular TV viewing make it a great option for many users. Whether you’re looking for live TV channels, streaming services, or OTA TV, Roku has something to offer.
By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can start watching regular TV on Roku today. So why not give it a try and see what Roku has to offer?
Can I watch regular TV on Roku?
Roku devices are designed to stream content from various online sources, but they can also be used to watch regular TV. However, this requires additional equipment and setup. You can connect an antenna to your Roku device to receive over-the-air (OTA) broadcasts, or you can subscribe to a live TV streaming service that offers access to traditional TV channels.
Some popular live TV streaming services available on Roku include Sling TV, Hulu with Live TV, and YouTube TV. These services offer a range of channels, including local networks, sports, and news. You can also use the Roku Channel Store to add individual channels, such as ABC, CBS, and NBC, to your Roku device.
What equipment do I need to watch regular TV on Roku?
To watch regular TV on Roku, you’ll need a few pieces of equipment. First, you’ll need a Roku device, such as a Roku Streaming Stick or Roku Ultra. You’ll also need an antenna to receive OTA broadcasts, or a subscription to a live TV streaming service. If you choose to use an antenna, you’ll need to connect it to your Roku device using an HDMI cable.
Additionally, you may need to purchase a digital tuner or a streaming device that supports live TV, such as a Roku TV or a Roku Streaming Stick+. Some Roku devices, such as the Roku Express, do not support live TV streaming, so be sure to check the specifications of your device before purchasing.
How do I set up live TV on my Roku device?
Setting up live TV on your Roku device is a relatively straightforward process. First, connect your antenna or streaming device to your Roku device using an HDMI cable. Then, go to the Roku Channel Store and search for the live TV streaming service you want to use. Follow the prompts to download and install the app, and then sign in to your account.
Once you’ve set up your live TV streaming service, you can use the Roku remote to navigate to the live TV section and start watching. You can also use the Roku mobile app to stream live TV to your mobile device. Be sure to check the user manual for your specific Roku device for detailed setup instructions.
What channels are available on Roku live TV?
The channels available on Roku live TV vary depending on the streaming service you use. Some popular live TV streaming services, such as Sling TV and Hulu with Live TV, offer a range of channels, including local networks, sports, and news. You can also use the Roku Channel Store to add individual channels, such as ABC, CBS, and NBC, to your Roku device.
Some live TV streaming services also offer add-on channels, such as HBO or Showtime, which can be added to your subscription for an additional fee. Be sure to check the channel lineup for your streaming service to see what’s available. You can also use the Roku Channel Store to search for specific channels and add them to your device.
Can I record live TV on my Roku device?
Yes, you can record live TV on your Roku device using a feature called Cloud DVR. Cloud DVR allows you to record live TV shows and movies and store them in the cloud, so you can watch them later. This feature is available on some live TV streaming services, such as Sling TV and Hulu with Live TV.
To use Cloud DVR, you’ll need to subscribe to a live TV streaming service that offers the feature. Then, you can use the Roku remote to navigate to the live TV section and select the show or movie you want to record. The recording will be stored in the cloud, and you can watch it later using the Roku app or the Roku mobile app.
How much does it cost to watch live TV on Roku?
The cost of watching live TV on Roku varies depending on the streaming service you use. Some live TV streaming services, such as Sling TV, offer a range of pricing plans, starting at around $25 per month. Other services, such as Hulu with Live TV, offer a single pricing plan that includes access to live TV and on-demand content.
Additionally, you may need to pay for equipment, such as an antenna or a digital tuner, to receive OTA broadcasts. You can also use the Roku Channel Store to add individual channels, such as HBO or Showtime, to your device for an additional fee. Be sure to check the pricing plans for your streaming service to see what’s available.
Is live TV on Roku available in my area?
Live TV on Roku is available in many areas, but the availability of specific channels and streaming services may vary depending on your location. Some live TV streaming services, such as Sling TV, offer a range of channels that are available nationwide, while others, such as Hulu with Live TV, may only offer local channels in certain areas.
To check the availability of live TV on Roku in your area, you can use the Roku website or the Roku mobile app to search for streaming services and channels. You can also check the website of your local TV stations to see if they offer streaming services or apps that can be used on Roku.