Are you tired of missing your favorite TV shows or sports events because you’re not at home? Do you want to cut the cord and ditch traditional cable TV? Look no further than Roku, a popular streaming device that allows you to stream live TV from the comfort of your own home. In this article, we’ll show you how to stream live TV on Roku, including the best channels to watch and the equipment you’ll need.
What You’ll Need to Stream Live TV on Roku
Before you can start streaming live TV on Roku, you’ll need a few pieces of equipment. Here’s what you’ll need:
- A Roku device: This can be a Roku Streaming Stick, Roku Streaming Stick+, Roku Ultra, or any other Roku model.
- A TV: You’ll need a TV with an HDMI port to connect your Roku device.
- An internet connection: You’ll need a stable internet connection to stream live TV on Roku. A minimum speed of 25 Mbps is recommended.
- A subscription to a live TV streaming service: There are several live TV streaming services available, including Sling TV, Hulu with Live TV, and YouTube TV.
Choosing a Live TV Streaming Service
There are several live TV streaming services available, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Here are a few popular options:
- Sling TV: Sling TV is a popular live TV streaming service that offers a range of channels, including ESPN, CNN, and HGTV. It’s available in two packages: Sling Orange and Sling Blue.
- Hulu with Live TV: Hulu with Live TV is a live TV streaming service that offers a range of channels, including sports and news. It also includes access to Hulu’s on-demand library.
- YouTube TV: YouTube TV is a live TV streaming service that offers a range of channels, including sports and news. It also includes access to YouTube’s on-demand library.
Comparing Live TV Streaming Services
| Service | Channels | Price |
| — | — | — |
| Sling TV | 30+ | $25-$40/month |
| Hulu with Live TV | 60+ | $64.99/month |
| YouTube TV | 70+ | $64.99/month |
Setting Up Your Roku Device
Once you’ve chosen a live TV streaming service, it’s time to set up your Roku device. Here’s how:
- Connect your Roku device to your TV using an HDMI cable.
- Turn on your TV and select the HDMI input that corresponds to your Roku device.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to set up your Roku device. This will include connecting to your internet network and creating a Roku account.
- Once you’ve set up your Roku device, you can start installing channels. To do this, go to the Roku Channel Store and search for the live TV streaming service you’ve chosen.
Installing Live TV Streaming Channels
Once you’ve set up your Roku device, you can start installing live TV streaming channels. Here’s how:
- Go to the Roku Channel Store and search for the live TV streaming service you’ve chosen.
- Select the channel and click “Add Channel” to install it.
- Once the channel is installed, you can launch it and start watching live TV.
Popular Live TV Streaming Channels on Roku
- Sling TV
- Hulu with Live TV
- YouTube TV
- AT&T TV Now
- Philo
Watching Live TV on Roku
Once you’ve installed a live TV streaming channel, you can start watching live TV on Roku. Here’s how:
- Launch the live TV streaming channel you’ve installed.
- Use the channel’s guide to find the channel you want to watch.
- Select the channel and start watching live TV.
Using the Roku Remote
The Roku remote is a powerful tool that allows you to control your Roku device and watch live TV. Here are a few things you can do with the Roku remote:
- Change channels: Use the channel up and down buttons to change channels.
- Adjust the volume: Use the volume up and down buttons to adjust the volume.
- Pause and play: Use the pause and play buttons to pause and play live TV.
Roku Remote Shortcuts
- Press the * button to access the channel’s guide.
- Press the OK button to select a channel.
- Press the Back button to go back to the previous screen.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If you’re having trouble streaming live TV on Roku, here are a few common issues and how to troubleshoot them:
- Buffering: If you’re experiencing buffering, try restarting your Roku device or checking your internet connection.
- No signal: If you’re not getting a signal, try checking your HDMI connection or restarting your Roku device.
- Channel not available: If a channel is not available, try checking the channel’s guide or restarting your Roku device.
Optimizing Your Internet Connection
A stable internet connection is essential for streaming live TV on Roku. Here are a few tips for optimizing your internet connection:
- Use a wired internet connection: A wired internet connection is more stable than a wireless connection.
- Use a router with a strong signal: A router with a strong signal can help improve your internet connection.
- Restart your router: Restarting your router can help improve your internet connection.
Internet Speed Requirements
- 25 Mbps: This is the minimum internet speed required for streaming live TV on Roku.
- 50 Mbps: This is the recommended internet speed for streaming live TV on Roku.
Conclusion
Streaming live TV on Roku is a great way to cut the cord and ditch traditional cable TV. With a Roku device and a live TV streaming service, you can watch your favorite TV shows and sports events from the comfort of your own home. In this article, we’ve shown you how to stream live TV on Roku, including the best channels to watch and the equipment you’ll need. We’ve also provided troubleshooting tips and advice for optimizing your internet connection.
What is Roku and how does it work?
Roku is a streaming media player that allows users to stream their favorite TV shows, movies, and live TV channels directly to their TV. It works by connecting to the internet and accessing various streaming services, such as Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video, through the Roku Channel Store.
To use Roku, users need to create an account, set up their device, and connect it to their TV and internet network. Once set up, users can browse through the various channels available on the Roku Channel Store, add their favorite channels, and start streaming their favorite content.
What are the different types of Roku devices available?
There are several types of Roku devices available, including the Roku Express, Roku Streaming Stick, Roku Streaming Stick+, Roku Ultra, and Roku TV. Each device has its own unique features and capabilities, such as 4K resolution, HDR, and voice control.
The Roku Express is the most basic device, while the Roku Ultra is the most advanced, offering features like 4K resolution and HDR. The Roku Streaming Stick and Streaming Stick+ are portable devices that can be plugged directly into an HDMI port, while the Roku TV is a smart TV that comes with Roku built-in.
How do I set up my Roku device to stream live TV?
To set up your Roku device to stream live TV, you need to create a Roku account, connect your device to your TV and internet network, and add live TV channels to your Roku Channel Store. You can add live TV channels through various streaming services, such as Sling TV, YouTube TV, and Hulu with Live TV.
Once you’ve added live TV channels, you can access them through the Roku Channel Store and start streaming live TV. You can also use the Roku remote control to navigate through the channels and adjust settings, such as picture quality and closed captions.
What are the best live TV streaming services available on Roku?
Some of the best live TV streaming services available on Roku include Sling TV, YouTube TV, Hulu with Live TV, AT&T TV Now, and Philo. These services offer a range of channels, including sports, news, and entertainment, and often come with free trials or promotional offers.
Each service has its own unique features and pricing plans, so it’s worth comparing them to find the one that best suits your needs. For example, Sling TV offers a range of customization options, while YouTube TV offers unlimited cloud DVR storage.
Can I watch local channels on Roku?
Yes, you can watch local channels on Roku through various streaming services, such as Sling TV, YouTube TV, and Hulu with Live TV. These services often offer local channels, such as ABC, CBS, NBC, and FOX, as part of their channel lineup.
However, availability of local channels may vary depending on your location and the streaming service you’re using. Some services may also offer additional features, such as local sports and news, or allow you to add local channels to your channel lineup for an extra fee.
How much does it cost to stream live TV on Roku?
The cost of streaming live TV on Roku varies depending on the streaming service you’re using and the channels you want to access. Some services, such as Sling TV and Philo, offer affordable pricing plans starting at around $20-30 per month.
Other services, such as YouTube TV and Hulu with Live TV, may be more expensive, with pricing plans starting at around $50-60 per month. Additionally, some services may charge extra fees for features like cloud DVR storage or additional channels.
Is streaming live TV on Roku reliable and of good quality?
Streaming live TV on Roku can be reliable and of good quality, depending on your internet connection and the streaming service you’re using. Roku devices are designed to provide smooth and seamless streaming, and many streaming services offer high-quality video and audio.
However, streaming quality can be affected by factors like internet speed, network congestion, and device performance. To ensure reliable and high-quality streaming, it’s recommended to have a fast and stable internet connection, as well as a Roku device that’s capable of handling 4K resolution and HDR.