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jennystewartsf's avatar
jennystewartsf
Reel Rookie
3 years ago
Solved

I want to get my 80 year old parents a Roku TV so they can stream, but I have questions?

Looking for help. My 80 year old parents have Comcast on 3 HUGE TV's, yet they can never get premium channels and trust me, it's hard for them -- each time they watch something on HBO Max (which they pay $80.00 a year for), a pop up comes up that they have to enter info, etc. It's crazy! I have a Roku TV, no Comcast and a simple antenna and I stream everything. I'm thinking of buying them a Roku TV for a different room in their house and want to make it the "streaming only" room/TV so they can simply stream channels that I'm willing to pay for.

My question: If I buy them a Roku TV, set it up in a different room without cables (ie, no Comcast, simply the antenna for local channels), can I then simply pay for their streaming services (like HBO Max, Hulu, etc) on my account so they can go into the "streaming room" and watch whatever they want on that TV?  Btw, I live in SF and they live in NJ, but I go back each October and they spend all the time on the phone with Comcast asking why HBO trying to figure out why they can't watch channels they subscribe to. It's driving me nuts. I want to make it easier for them this Oct. Can anyone help me?

I could even do a call!

  • Memose's avatar
    Memose
    12 months ago

    Absolutely, a Roku TV sounds like a perfect solution for your parents' streaming needs! Here's how it can work:

    Roku TV for Streaming:

    • You can definitely buy them a Roku TV for a different room and set it up as a streaming-only haven.
    • No cable connection (Comcast) is needed, just an internet connection (they likely already have this for internet browsing).
    • You can set up their streaming services (HBO Max, Hulu, etc.) on your Roku account and they'll still be accessible on the TV.

    Benefits for your parents:

    • Simpler access: No more confusing pop-ups or Comcast calls! They can access everything with a few clicks on the Roku remote.
    • Choice of services: You can pick and choose the streaming services you're comfortable paying for, giving them access to a vast library of content.
    • Local channels: The antenna will still provide them with free local channels, keeping their viewing options broad.

    Setting it up:

    • Getting a Roku TV is straightforward. They come in various sizes and picture qualities, so choose one that fits their needs and budget.
    • Setting up the Roku TV and adding your streaming services is a simple process, and you can even do it remotely if you're comfortable. Roku offers guides to walk you through the steps https://my.roku.com/signup.

    Additional considerations:

    • Remote control: A Roku remote is very user-friendly, but if your parents struggle with technology, consider getting them a universal remote that can control both the Roku and the TV power.
    • Your home wifi: Make sure your parents' internet connection can handle streaming. If it's slow or unreliable, consider upgrading their internet plan.

7 Replies

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  • RokuDanny-R's avatar
    RokuDanny-R
    Retired Moderator
    3 years ago

    jennystewartsf

    Thanks for the inquiry.

    Your parents will be able to stream content through premium channels (such as a HBO Max, Hulu, etc) on their Roku TV as long as the TV is connected to internet connection and they have authenticated the channel on their TV.


    Thanks,
    Danny

    • jennystewartsf's avatar
      jennystewartsf
      Reel Rookie
      3 years ago

      Hi Danny!

      Thank you so very much for this reply.

      They do have email and internet connection and my intention is to purchase year long subscriptions for HBO, Hulu and several other premium channels. But Danny, it makes me nervous because as I said, when I visit them, they already DO have several premium channels on Comcast, but every single time they go to watch a specific movie on those channels, a screen comes up that says they have to enter the code that was just sent to them.

      They're 88 and it drives them nuts. I'm hoping the Roku "streaming room" will literally NOT do any of that, but my concern is that once I buy the TV and subscribe them to all the channels, they will continue to get those screen "extra step" messages.

      They're so excited about me getting the TV, etc, but I am so scared its going to be the same situation.  Danny, is there a Roku customer service option to actually talk to a person for when I set it up for them, or even, like today?  

       

      Thank you!

      Jenny

       

      • id10t2's avatar
        id10t2
        Channel Surfer
        3 years ago

        Jenny,

        This is what is happening currently, I think. I just went through this with my dad. 

        Traditional cable is being mixed with streaming by the cable companies on a single cable box. What that means is the have HBO on cable as a channel with a number (probably more than one IE HBO East, HBO, West) when they go to that channel number they get to watch whatever is on the screen. 

        The cable companies in their infinite wisdom also has a channel for streaming which requires authentication just like on a phone or tablet or Roku device or TV. That is in all likelihood the channel they are going to.

        If they have HBO, Cinemax, Showtime as part of their cable subscription then they get those streaming services in most cases as well. It does require you to authenticate with your current cable provider by selecting the provider and providing the username and password that was set up with the cable company. 

        Problem is most older folks have never gotten or set up that user name and password because they still get a paper bill. 

        So in order to use the streaming service be it on the current cable box they have or on a phone, tablet or streaming device like Roku or Fire stick etc they are going to have to get that useanmer and password. 

        My dad will not get rid of cable because he likes numbers on his channels. He also can not grasp that a DVR and Streaming accomplish the same thing. 

        I got them Roku TV's because the square blocks make things simple. All 4 of their tv's look exactly the same as far a screen layout. All of the streaming services regardless have to be authenticated on each TV.

        The one issue that does not have a fix is that for whatever reason all of the streaming services make you re authenticate several times a year. It is very annoying and for someone older very confusing if you dont have a computer ortablet with a keyboard to make it faster. Trying to use the onscreen keyboard is terrible.

        I have the same username and password the same on all of their streaming accounts which helps but it is still hard to get them to understand it.

        I hope that helps and if I have made it more confusing ask and I will try to clarify.

  • Memose's avatar
    Memose
    Reel Rookie
    12 months ago

    Absolutely, a Roku TV sounds like a perfect solution for your parents' streaming needs! Here's how it can work:

    Roku TV for Streaming:

    • You can definitely buy them a Roku TV for a different room and set it up as a streaming-only haven.
    • No cable connection (Comcast) is needed, just an internet connection (they likely already have this for internet browsing).
    • You can set up their streaming services (HBO Max, Hulu, etc.) on your Roku account and they'll still be accessible on the TV.

    Benefits for your parents:

    • Simpler access: No more confusing pop-ups or Comcast calls! They can access everything with a few clicks on the Roku remote.
    • Choice of services: You can pick and choose the streaming services you're comfortable paying for, giving them access to a vast library of content.
    • Local channels: The antenna will still provide them with free local channels, keeping their viewing options broad.

    Setting it up:

    • Getting a Roku TV is straightforward. They come in various sizes and picture qualities, so choose one that fits their needs and budget.
    • Setting up the Roku TV and adding your streaming services is a simple process, and you can even do it remotely if you're comfortable. Roku offers guides to walk you through the steps https://my.roku.com/signup.

    Additional considerations:

    • Remote control: A Roku remote is very user-friendly, but if your parents struggle with technology, consider getting them a universal remote that can control both the Roku and the TV power.
    • Your home wifi: Make sure your parents' internet connection can handle streaming. If it's slow or unreliable, consider upgrading their internet plan.