Cutting the Cord: How to Watch Regular Cable on Roku TV

Are you tired of paying high cable bills but still want to enjoy your favorite TV shows and channels? Look no further than Roku TV. With its wide range of streaming options and user-friendly interface, Roku TV is the perfect solution for cord-cutters. In this article, we’ll show you how to watch regular cable on Roku TV, so you can ditch your expensive cable subscription and start saving money.

What is Roku TV?

Before we dive into how to watch regular cable on Roku TV, let’s take a brief look at what Roku TV is. Roku TV is a line of smart TVs that come with the Roku operating system pre-installed. This means that you can access a wide range of streaming services, including Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video, directly on your TV. Roku TV also offers a range of free channels, including news, sports, and entertainment options.

How to Watch Regular Cable on Roku TV

So, how can you watch regular cable on Roku TV? There are a few different options, which we’ll outline below.

Option 1: Streaming Services

One way to watch regular cable on Roku TV is through streaming services. There are several streaming services that offer live TV, including:

  • Sling TV: Sling TV offers a range of channels, including ESPN, CNN, and HGTV. You can choose from two different packages: Sling Orange and Sling Blue.
  • Hulu with Live TV: Hulu with Live TV offers a range of channels, including sports, news, and entertainment options.
  • YouTube TV: YouTube TV offers a range of channels, including live sports and news.
  • AT&T TV Now: AT&T TV Now offers a range of channels, including HBO and Cinemax.

These services are all available on Roku TV, and you can sign up for a free trial to see which one works best for you.

Option 2: TV Antenna

Another way to watch regular cable on Roku TV is with a TV antenna. A TV antenna allows you to pick up over-the-air signals, which means you can watch local channels like ABC, CBS, and NBC for free. You can purchase a TV antenna at most electronics stores, and it’s a one-time cost.

Option 3: Cable Provider Apps

Some cable providers, such as Comcast Xfinity and Spectrum, offer apps that allow you to watch live TV on your Roku TV. These apps are usually only available to subscribers, so you’ll need to have a cable subscription to use them.

How to Set Up Live TV on Roku TV

Once you’ve chosen your streaming service or TV antenna, it’s time to set up live TV on your Roku TV. Here’s how:

Step 1: Connect Your TV Antenna

If you’re using a TV antenna, connect it to the back of your Roku TV. You’ll need to screw the antenna into the coaxial port on the back of the TV.

Step 2: Download the Streaming Service App

If you’re using a streaming service, download the app from the Roku Channel Store. You can find the Channel Store by clicking on the “Streaming Channels” button on your Roku remote.

Step 3: Activate the App

Once you’ve downloaded the app, activate it by following the on-screen instructions. You’ll usually need to enter a code or sign in with your account information.

Step 4: Set Up Your Channel Guide

Once you’ve activated the app, set up your channel guide. This will allow you to browse through the available channels and find what you want to watch.

Tips and Tricks for Watching Live TV on Roku TV

Here are a few tips and tricks for watching live TV on Roku TV:

  • Use the Roku TV Guide: The Roku TV Guide allows you to browse through the available channels and find what you want to watch. You can access the guide by clicking on the “Guide” button on your Roku remote.
  • Use the Roku Mobile App: The Roku mobile app allows you to control your Roku TV from your phone or tablet. You can use the app to change channels, adjust the volume, and more.
  • Record Live TV: Some streaming services, such as Sling TV and Hulu with Live TV, allow you to record live TV. This means you can watch your favorite shows later, even if you’re not home when they air.

Conclusion

Watching regular cable on Roku TV is easier than ever. With a range of streaming services and TV antennas available, you can ditch your expensive cable subscription and start saving money. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can set up live TV on your Roku TV and start enjoying your favorite shows and channels.

Streaming Service Channels Price
Sling TV ESPN, CNN, HGTV $25/month
Hulu with Live TV ABC, CBS, NBC $54.99/month
YouTube TV ESPN, CNN, HGTV $50/month
AT&T TV Now HBO, Cinemax $50/month

By choosing the right streaming service or TV antenna, you can enjoy live TV on your Roku TV without breaking the bank. So why wait? Cut the cord and start watching live TV on your Roku TV today!

What is Roku TV and how does it work?

Roku TV is a line of smart TVs that integrate the Roku streaming platform directly into the television. This allows users to access various streaming services, such as Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video, without the need for a separate streaming device. Roku TV also supports live TV streaming through various apps and services.

To use Roku TV, users simply need to connect their TV to the internet and set up their Roku account. From there, they can browse the Roku Channel Store to download and install various streaming apps, including those that offer live TV. Roku TV also supports voice control through the Roku remote or the Roku mobile app.

What are the benefits of cutting the cord with Roku TV?

Cutting the cord with Roku TV offers several benefits, including cost savings and increased flexibility. By switching from traditional cable to streaming services, users can often save money on their monthly TV bill. Additionally, Roku TV allows users to customize their channel lineup and watch their favorite shows on their own schedule.

Another benefit of cutting the cord with Roku TV is the ability to access a wide range of streaming services and apps. This includes not only popular services like Netflix and Hulu, but also niche services that cater to specific interests. With Roku TV, users can easily discover and access new content that they may not have been able to find through traditional cable.

What live TV streaming services are available on Roku TV?

There are several live TV streaming services available on Roku TV, including Sling TV, YouTube TV, and Hulu with Live TV. These services offer a range of channels, including sports, news, and entertainment options. Some services also offer cloud DVR capabilities, allowing users to record and watch their favorite shows later.

In addition to these services, Roku TV also offers its own live TV streaming service, called Roku Channel. This service offers a range of free, ad-supported channels, including news, sports, and entertainment options. Roku Channel is a great option for users who want to access live TV without committing to a paid subscription.

How do I set up live TV streaming on Roku TV?

To set up live TV streaming on Roku TV, users will need to download and install a live TV streaming app from the Roku Channel Store. Once the app is installed, users will need to create an account and sign in to access the service. Some services may also require users to activate their account on the service’s website before they can access it on Roku TV.

Once the app is set up, users can browse the channel guide to find their favorite shows and start watching. Some services may also offer additional features, such as cloud DVR capabilities or the ability to watch on multiple devices at once. Users can access these features through the app’s settings menu.

Can I watch local channels on Roku TV?

Yes, users can watch local channels on Roku TV through various apps and services. For example, the Roku Channel offers a range of free, ad-supported local channels, including news and sports options. Additionally, some live TV streaming services, such as Sling TV and YouTube TV, offer local channels as part of their channel lineup.

To access local channels on Roku TV, users will need to download and install the relevant app or service. Some services may also require users to enter their zip code or location to access local channels. Once the app is set up, users can browse the channel guide to find their local channels and start watching.

Do I need a separate antenna to watch local channels on Roku TV?

In some cases, users may need a separate antenna to watch local channels on Roku TV. For example, if users want to access over-the-air (OTA) channels, such as ABC, CBS, and NBC, they will need to connect an antenna to their Roku TV. However, if users are accessing local channels through a live TV streaming service, they may not need a separate antenna.

To determine whether a separate antenna is needed, users should check the requirements for the specific app or service they are using. Some services may also offer additional features, such as the ability to integrate OTA channels into the channel guide, which may require a separate antenna.

Can I record live TV on Roku TV?

Yes, users can record live TV on Roku TV through various apps and services. For example, some live TV streaming services, such as Sling TV and YouTube TV, offer cloud DVR capabilities, allowing users to record and watch their favorite shows later. Additionally, the Roku Channel offers a feature called “Roku Replay,” which allows users to record and watch OTA channels.

To record live TV on Roku TV, users will need to download and install the relevant app or service. Some services may also require users to activate their account on the service’s website before they can access recording capabilities. Once the app is set up, users can access the recording features through the app’s settings menu.

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