Roku setup

[Copper1]

I have an older smart tv and can't add apps.  Will a roku stick work on my tv?  If it does, how do I watch my regular channels on my tv.  Thank you for any help.

[Strega2]

It works on my 2008 TV.  Is yours older than that?  Does it have an HDMI port?  Adding a Roku to a TV is just like adding any other device (Blu ray, DVD, cable box etc.)  You select the input to which the device is connected, use that device for as long as you like, then change to a different input (another input port or your TV’s internal tuner) as you wish. 

[Copper1]

I got mine in 2016.  My tv is on hdmi3.  It's on the wall and can't see the the back of it but on the side I see this, pic attached.  I'm assuming it's an hdmi port.  I'm not very techy and don't want to purchase one if it won't work.  I think I understand how u switch from roku to just tv.  Is it done from the remote or do I have to go into settings and switch the hdmi.  Sorry for sounding stupid.  Can't attach the pic

[Strega2]

Well exactly how you operate your TV depends on your specific TV model.  I don’t think I’ve owned two TVs with exactly the same method, and I’ve only owned 4 TVs.  Sometimes if you list a specific model, someone (sometimes even me) will go google up a manual.  Usually it’s something on the remote, but it could be a button labeled “input”, a bunch of buttons labeled “HDMI1”…”HDMI3” etc. or it may be in a menu.

So your TV is currently on HDMI3 – what is connected to HDMI3 – a cable box?  I had assumed “just TV” meant “over the air” but if you’re on HDMI3 now, then “just TV” is probably cable or satellite.  In any case, Roku will attach like that.  It’s extremely likely that if you are now on HDMI3, that you have an HDMI1 and HDMI2 as well.  You might even have an HDMI4 and HDMI5. 

You may need to see the back of the TV at some point in order to connect anything else.  Some TVs do have some HDMI ports on the side as well – this is usually intended for quick temporary connections but nothing stops you from using one permanently. 

[Copper1]

Thank you.  I can't see the back as it's mounted on the wall, I can only see that there is a port open on the side.  The reason for me wanting a roku stick is because I'm losing channels thru my cable provider and hoping to get those thru the stick, lifetime, w, crime investigation, history.  If I'm not able to get them thru the stick, I probably won't get one.  I can't find where these channels are offered on the stick.  Very apprecative of your replies.  Ur helping alot.

[Strega2]

I’m not sure what “w, crime investigation” is.  I do see lifetime and history in the roku channel store.  However, both of these channels say you need a cable subscription to access them, and they will know whether they are in your current package.  Some content providers are strange like that.  Another option is to dump cable TV entirely and use something like Sling TV or YouTube TV, which is like cable TV but delivered over the internet.

[Copper1]

W is WHD and crime is CIHD.  There's also showcase, SHWD,  and MAGD.  I don't want to dump my cable as I don't do alot of streaming.  I'm just pissed that the channels I watch the most (corus channels) are being dropped from my package.  My monthly rate is reasonable and going to another provider for cable wouldn't be beneficial price wise, if that makes sense