Channels & viewing

[wmartin714]

Hello,

I wondered if it was possible to watch local live television channels with my newly purchased Roku Ultra 2024. There is a menu called "Live TV" on my Roku streaming device, but this menu doesn't offer any live TV programs. The "Live TV" menu only offers old, pre-recorded content. So, that is extremely confusing! Why does Roku call it "Live TV" when only pre-recorded content is offered? I've read various blogs, but I can't seem to find any answers to my questions. In the blogs, there are a lot of references to OTA, but I don't know what that acronym means.

Here is my setup:

• Roku Ultra 2024, connected via ethernet cable from my router
• LG TV - this is not a smart TV
• No antenna connected to any port on my TV

Thanks in advance!

[renojim · Accepted solution]

You need to connect an antenna to your TV or get a streaming package ($$$) that includes your local channels.  Only Roku TVs with a connected antenna can display local channels for free.  The following article is a little dated, but the information is still useful.

6 cable alternatives and live TV streaming services (2022)

Roku, in much the same way they call apps "channels", tries to confuse terms/users.  "Live TV" refers to what the industry would probably call "linear TV" where there's scheduled programming.  That programming may decades old repeats.  The converse would be on-demand which is where streaming got its start.  There's not much true "Live TV" available for free.  There are some live news streams available and a few live sporting events, but nothing like what you can get with an antenna for free.

[atc98092 · Accepted solution]

There is one other way to watch local OTA TV on a Roku, but it still requires being within reception range of the desired stations. There are TV tuners that can be installed on your home network, and once it's connected to an antenna it acts just like a TV tuner, and can send the signal through your network to a supporting app on your Roku. The most common devices are sold by Silicon Dust, called the HD HomeRun. The version I have (HDHR 4K Flex) has four internal tuners, so different devices can connect to it and watch different OTA channels. Mine is also capable of receiving the new ATSC 3.0 signals, so can get the improved signals that level offers. But there are other network tuners available, so do a web search and you can see what looks good for you.

[wmartin714]

Thanks for the knowledge!

[wmartin714]

@renojim @atc98092 Thanks for the knowledge!