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jcm48
Reel Rookie

I want to get live, local channels on Roku

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I have the Roku Ultra, and have had YouTube TV...but they're going to be raising their monthly fee by $10 in January. I've looked for alternatives, but none offer a less expensive alternative if I want live, local TV. The ROKU website says I can get local channels with an HDTV antenna...but I checked the FCC map, and the best reception in my rural area is "Fair" using an outdoor OTA antenna. Stupid question, maybe...but is an HDTV antenna the same thing as an OTA antenna? Can anyone offer me any advice?

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1 Solution

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RokuRiamie-D
Community Moderator
Community Moderator

Re: I want to get live, local channels on Roku

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Hi @jcm48,

Thanks for posting in the Roku Community!

We're glad you're here sharing your concern about getting local channels on your Roku. Please check the details below.

Please note that you can't access local channels on the Roku streaming platform with a Roku Ultra or any other Roku player. This only works on a Roku TV. Since you have a Roku Ultra, simply connect the antenna cable to your Smart TV. You'll be able to watch local channels through your Smart TV instead of through Roku.

In addition, an "HDTV antenna" and an "OTA antenna" are the same thing. Both antennas are designed to receive high-definition digital television signals that are broadcast over the air. There is no significant difference between the two terms. They allow you to access free, local HD channels from television stations without using cable or satellite.

For more details please visit our Roku Support article: How to set up and watch cable or satellite TV on your Roku TV system

We hope you find this information helpful.

Cheers,
Riamie

Riamie D.
Roku Community Moderator

View solution in original post

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2 REPLIES 2
RokuRiamie-D
Community Moderator
Community Moderator

Re: I want to get live, local channels on Roku

Jump to solution

Hi @jcm48,

Thanks for posting in the Roku Community!

We're glad you're here sharing your concern about getting local channels on your Roku. Please check the details below.

Please note that you can't access local channels on the Roku streaming platform with a Roku Ultra or any other Roku player. This only works on a Roku TV. Since you have a Roku Ultra, simply connect the antenna cable to your Smart TV. You'll be able to watch local channels through your Smart TV instead of through Roku.

In addition, an "HDTV antenna" and an "OTA antenna" are the same thing. Both antennas are designed to receive high-definition digital television signals that are broadcast over the air. There is no significant difference between the two terms. They allow you to access free, local HD channels from television stations without using cable or satellite.

For more details please visit our Roku Support article: How to set up and watch cable or satellite TV on your Roku TV system

We hope you find this information helpful.

Cheers,
Riamie

Riamie D.
Roku Community Moderator
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VegasDebra
Newbie

Re: I want to get live, local channels on Roku

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The only non-antenna solution that I can think of off hand that’s not a million dollars but also not free is to get local only channel package through your local cable provider. This gives you any local channels digitally (some require a separate mini box & some only require a wired connection) & if you call to speak to an actual representative, you can usually get a decent 1 year deal on the service (but MAKE SURE you call on month 11 to cancel or get a new deal because it often defaults to the regular price at the end of all campaigns)! I was able to get that service for about $15/mo but I ended up just paying a local cord cutter service to come out and set up a high powered rooftop antenna which is somehow connected through my router/modem & I can get local channels on any device inside my home that’s connected to our network, including PC’s & Laptops! Did the long term solution which was a few hundred dollars but now I don’t have to worry about any bills for it in the future! ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ just depends what is most important to you, hope it helps! 

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