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VooduDrew
Channel Surfer

Brand new and need some guidance on plans

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Where can we find a chart of the available streaming plans on Roku to cancel Xfinity? And most importantly will local news stations be live or on delay?

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JWS9518
Roku Guru

Re: Brand new and need some guidance on plans

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@VooduDrew Everyone can see your post, but you can specify reply to a certain person with the @ symbol, but everyone in the forum can see your posts and the replies.

I should have specified that I gave up my regular cable (DVR) boxes and use streaming devices to stream my cable package (in this case Spectrum, for me).  I use Roku ultras and use the Spectrum TV app to watch my cable package that I have.  I save the cost of cable box rentals per month, which I think is roughly 10 bucks a month per box, but I still have the channels I was watching via cable.  You can do the same with Comcast and other traditional providers.

I know that Comcast and Spectrum also have the Xumo streaming device that you can purchase or rent as well, but to me, renting makes no sense for a streaming box you can get for 50 to 100 bucks.  The Xumo works similarly to the other streaming boxes, although some people like it and some people don't for various reasons. 

Keep in mind that the biggest adjustment is how you change channels with a cable package and streaming versus using a cable box.  With the exception of the Xumo, there are no numbers to change channels, and you have to scroll through the guide, if you decide to go that route.

You can pretty much get any streaming box (Roku, Xumo, Apple, Google) to do the same thing with cable service, although I would verify that the cable provider has an app for that respective streaming device.  For example, Spectrum TV is not available on all Google devices.

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easytodobetter
Roku Guru

Re: Brand new and need some guidance on plans

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@VooduDrew 

Roku supports a ton of platforms and each have their own memberships and plans, with the caveat that sometimes certain services get bundled together.

You can find your local news stations on many of these services, but it depends on licensing.

No, there is no delay for the live or local news when streaming.

When cutting the cable cord you'll have to choose a budget and pick your services based on what content they have that you enjoy.

Live News available as Roku Channels

  • CBS News (free)

  • NBC News NOW (free)

  • ABC News Live (free)

  • Reuters TV (free)

  • Fox LiveNOW (free)

  • Bloomberg TV (free)

Premium News (Subscription Required)

If you want branded cable-style networks:

  • Fox News – With cable login or Fox Nation subscription.

  • CNN – Available through live TV services like Sling, YouTube TV, Hulu Live.

  • MSNBC – Via Peacock Premium or live TV bundles.

  • CNBC – Via Peacock Premium or cable login.

Live TV/Cable Replacement Services

  • Sling TV – Affordable live TV streaming with customizable channel packages.

  • YouTube TV – Full-featured live TV with local channels, DVR, and sports.

  • Hulu + Live TV – Live TV + full Hulu streaming library.

  • fuboTV – Focus on sports + live TV channels.

  • Philo – Budget-friendly live TV, mainly entertainment channels (no sports/local).

  • DirecTV Stream – Full channel lineups, closest to traditional cable.

  • Frndly TV – Low-cost option with family-friendly and faith-based channels.

  • Vidgo – Live TV and sports, including college games.

On-Demand Streaming Platforms

These provide movies, series, and originals:

  • Netflix

  • Hulu

  • Amazon Prime Video

  • Disney+

  • Max (formerly HBO Max)

  • Apple TV+

  • Peacock

  • Paramount+

  • Tubi (Free with ads)

  • The Roku Channel (Free with ads)

  • Pluto TV (Free with ads + live channels)

Niche / Specialty Platforms

Targeted content such as documentaries, anime, or specific interests:

  • Crunchyroll – Anime

  • Shudder – Horror

  • CuriosityStream – Documentaries

  • BritBox / Acorn TV – British TV

  • PBS / PBS Kids

  • Kanopy – Free with library card (educational/indie films)

Sports Streaming Apps

Live sports and replays:

  • ESPN

  • NFL / NBA / MLB / NHL apps

  • CBS Sports / Fox Sports / NBC Sports

  • DAZN – Boxing and MMA

  • Bally Sports (where available)

  • Fubo Sports Network (free on multiple platforms)

News Streaming

Live and on-demand news coverage:

  • CNN

  • Fox News

  • CBS News / NBC News / ABC News

  • Newsmax / OANN / Bloomberg

  • Newsy / Haystack News (aggregated local & national)

Bundles include

Disney Bundle

  • Includes:

    • Disney+

    • Hulu (with ads or no ads)

    • ESPN+

  • Price: Around $14.99/month for the ad-supported version (subject to change).

  • Use Case: Entertainment, sports, family content in one package.

Paramount+ with Showtime

  • Includes:

    • Paramount+ (full library + live CBS)

    • Showtime

  • Price: Around $11.99/month bundled.

  • Use Case: Combines premium TV and movies with CBS live programming.

Sling TV Custom Bundles

  • Includes:

    • Sling Orange or Blue base package

    • Add-ons like Sports Extra, News Extra, Comedy Extra, etc.

  • Price: Base from ~$40/month, add-ons vary.

  • Use Case: Modular cable replacement with targeted channel packs.

Amazon Prime Video Channels

  • Prime users can add other services through Amazon:

    • Add-ons: STARZ, MGM+, AMC+, PBS Masterpiece, BritBox, and more.

    • Billing: All in one place, through Amazon.

  • Use Case: Centralized billing and viewing, especially for premium channels.

Roku Channel Premium Subscriptions

  • Bundles through Roku UI:

    • STARZ, Showtime, Cinemax, Epix, AMC+, Hallmark Movies Now, etc.

    • No separate apps needed—watched via Roku Channel.

  • Use Case: Convenience of managing everything from one Roku interface.

WHICH is why I use Plex, one ring to rule them all, has a search feature that looks across all of the streaming services I use, helps me organize everything.

VooduDrew
Channel Surfer

Re: Brand new and need some guidance on plans

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Thanks man-this is really helpful!

JWS9518
Roku Guru

Re: Brand new and need some guidance on plans

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@VooduDrew In addition to @easytodobetter 's great information, google comparing streaming services and check Cnet, EnGadget and suppose.tv, among others to compare different packages and what channels are available so that you can tailor what you are looking for.  

Keep in mind that there are also streaming only packages from the traditional providers, such as Xfinity, Spectrum, AT&T, among others.  I gave up boxes with my cable provider and saved some that way and kept the channels I wanted, while using streaming boxes instead of the traditional cable boxes.  

In addition, some free channels or local channels that provide apps may or may not have the same programming available that they show over the air or on a cable broadcast.  Free channels also tend to have repeated/limited content or are overloaded with ads as well and your experience may not be what you are used to with your current provider.  

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VooduDrew
Channel Surfer

Re: Brand new and need some guidance on plans

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Hey-I appreciate this info and looking at it as we speak. Thanks again for the help!

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VooduDrew
Channel Surfer

Re: Brand new and need some guidance on plans

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Are those "streaming boxes" that you mentioned the streaming services such as Xfinity and Direct TV and You Tube etc...?

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easytodobetter
Roku Guru

Re: Brand new and need some guidance on plans

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@VooduDrew 

I think that user is talking about giving the cable company back their cable boxes, and then paying for streaming-only services/channels using a streaming device or "box" like a Roku, firestick, apple tv, nvidia shield, etc.

Also, it's weird and unintuitive, and it doesn't say it anywhere, but replying goes generically to the whole thread, you have to @ the user you're responding to for them to see it as a reply specifically.

Here are options from those you mentioned:

Xfinity Streaming-Only Options

  • NOW TV
    $20/month
    125+ live & on-demand channels + Peacock Premium
    For Xfinity Internet customers (stream via Xfinity Stream app)

  • StreamSaver Bundle
    $15/month
    Netflix (Standard w/ ads), Peacock Premium, Apple TV+
    Add-on for Xfinity Internet customers

  • Sports & News TV Package
    $70/month
    50+ sports & news channels (NFL, NBA, MLB, etc.) + Peacock Premium + 300 hours DVR
    Stream via Xfinity Stream app or Xumo Stream Box (optional)

DIRECTV STREAM Options

  • Entertainment Package (example base package)
    ~$79.99/month
    75+ live channels incl. ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN, CNN

  • Choice Package (sports-focused)
    ~$108.99/month
    105+ channels incl. Regional Sports Networks

  • Optional Add-ons
    Premium networks, sports packs, international channels

  • Features
    No contracts, no satellite dish
    Local channels included
    Stream on smart TVs, Roku, Fire TV, etc. (DIRECTV Gemini box optional)

YouTube TV Options

  • Base Plan
    $82.99/month
    100+ live channels incl. ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN, CNN
    Promo: $59.99/month for first 2 months (for new users)

  • Optional Add-ons
    HBO Max, Paramount+ w/ Showtime, STARZ, NFL Sunday Ticket, etc.

  • Features
    Unlimited Cloud DVR
    Multiview (combine multiple streams on one screen)
    Stream on smart TVs, Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, etc.

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VooduDrew
Channel Surfer

Re: Brand new and need some guidance on plans

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Did this work so only you are getting my reply?

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easytodobetter
Roku Guru

Re: Brand new and need some guidance on plans

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No, I'm just answering what I can. Anyone who's commented gets notifications of new comments to the thread by default, I believe.

When users repeat each other, acting like one didn't already answer a question, it can appear like they're not seeing the same posts or getting the same notifications, but that's just users treating this forum like reddit; a competition to be the smartest and most helpful.

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JWS9518
Roku Guru

Re: Brand new and need some guidance on plans

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@VooduDrew Everyone can see your post, but you can specify reply to a certain person with the @ symbol, but everyone in the forum can see your posts and the replies.

I should have specified that I gave up my regular cable (DVR) boxes and use streaming devices to stream my cable package (in this case Spectrum, for me).  I use Roku ultras and use the Spectrum TV app to watch my cable package that I have.  I save the cost of cable box rentals per month, which I think is roughly 10 bucks a month per box, but I still have the channels I was watching via cable.  You can do the same with Comcast and other traditional providers.

I know that Comcast and Spectrum also have the Xumo streaming device that you can purchase or rent as well, but to me, renting makes no sense for a streaming box you can get for 50 to 100 bucks.  The Xumo works similarly to the other streaming boxes, although some people like it and some people don't for various reasons. 

Keep in mind that the biggest adjustment is how you change channels with a cable package and streaming versus using a cable box.  With the exception of the Xumo, there are no numbers to change channels, and you have to scroll through the guide, if you decide to go that route.

You can pretty much get any streaming box (Roku, Xumo, Apple, Google) to do the same thing with cable service, although I would verify that the cable provider has an app for that respective streaming device.  For example, Spectrum TV is not available on all Google devices.

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