Solving playback issues

[saberman]

Tried to watch PBS Newshour.  The selection list only goes to 2018.  Were they dropped?

[DBDukes]

What app? 

[saberman]

It is just connect to my TV.  I use the Roku control to control it.

[DBDukes]

That doesn't answer the question, so I'm thinking my question was unclear.

Roku is a streaming device that runs apps (Roku calls them "channels" but the rest of the world uses the term "apps"). Those apps are used to access various services. Depending on the nature of the service, the apps could pick up multiple channels (in the more familiar meaning).

You indicated you're watching PBS content. PBS has its own app, but there are other ways to access PBS content in other apps.

So, what app are you using to attempt to access the content? The PBS app? 

As I have the PBS app, and I see NewsHour content from this month, I'm assuming it's not the PBS app that you're using. So, I'm asking, which app?

[saberman]

> I'm assuming it's not the PBS app that you're using. So, I'm asking, which app?
Whatever came with the Roku.  How do I check to see what app it is?  How do I install other apps?

[DBDukes]

On your Roku, you have a menu. One item might say "Netflix." That's the Netflix app. If you have one that says "Hulu" then that's the Hulu app. If one says "Prime Video," that's the Prime Video app. You see a pattern, right?

When you set up your Roku (and it was set up, or it would still be in the box) the process included selecting apps to be added. Some it checked automatically, but you always had the option to add more or remove any or all. So, whatever you had selected is what you have. And I have no idea what the default apps were for you. You would be the only person that would know that.

So, what app are you using when you try to watch NewsHour? 

About new apps, the Main Menu should have a Streaming Channels item. Go there. That's the Channel Store, which is what Roku calls their app store. It's full of apps. Add any you like. But you may want to read the description carefully. If it says "Additional Fees May Apply" that means you'll have to pay to actually use it. Think like Netflix. The app is free. Using the app costs money in the form of a monthly subscription.

[saberman]

There is a complete lack of documentation on how to access various streams.  For example is CBS live available?  I have added CBS and when I click on it I can only access old shows.

Thank you for your help with PBS but again it is only for old shows.

The problem I have is that my cable provider, Optimum, has completely fouled up a number of public channels (i.e. CBS, etc.) so I have been trying to get to them via RoKu but it doesn't seem to support live broadcasts only old shows.

[DBDukes · Accepted solution]

You don't seem to realize that you've never answered the questions we've asked. So, it's going to be very difficult if you don't answer them.

Again, I think you're using the PBS app, but I don't know that for sure. You said "whatever came with Roku." Well, I'm not sure you fully understand that NOTHING comes with Roku. Absolutely nothing. You can add stuff via the Channel Store, but if nothing is added, nothing is there.

During setup, some apps are pre-selected, but that can vary from person to person. Often Netflix is checked. Amazon too. Based on the questions asked in the initial setup, Roku can automatically check different apps, and you either accept them or not. You'll get different ones than I'll get. There is no "comes with Roku." There is stuff you added, whether you realized you were adding them or not.

Now, from what you're saying, you want to access content pretty much like you get today from a cable company. That is possible. It is also not free. 

I mention that because some people think "Hey, I can watch everything I want for free." That's not right. You can watch a whole bunch of stuff for free, but not necessarily what you watch today. From what you're saying, you watch current PBS and CBS. Live PBS and CBS is not free.

You can subscribe to a live streaming service that carries the shows and network channels you want. It depends on what you want. You can subscribe to different services that carry live content if you want.

For example, for me to watch local CBS, I can subscribe to Paramount+ and get the "Commercial Free" plan ($10/month) and watch live feeds. (Note that live stuff has commercials; the "commercial free" plan only refers to on-demand content.)

Or, I can subscribe to a service such as YouTube TV, Hulu With Live TV, AT&T TV, Fubo, etc. and watch. Those cost more, but also have a lot more.

If you want what is essentially a streaming TV service, look into those services I mentioned. The price can vary a lot, but those that carry local channels cost more. If you want streaming services with local channels, plan on paying around $65/month or more for that. You won't be paying Roku, but rather the service you want. You don't need a Roku for those, but it is the streaming device of choice for many (including me).

Since this is all so new to you, I don't want to overload you even more. This is all a lot to take in, but many find it to be a better solution than the traditional cable/satellite setup.

I will suggest one more thing: Go to https://suppose.tv and enter your location (a nearby ZIP code will do). That will be a box in the top left. 

Next, pick a couple of channels that you really really really want to watch. Not the "this would be nice to have" but the "hey, I really gotta have" channels. You'll probably pick CBS and PBS, since you've talked about those here.

Anyway, pick the "must have" channels, then at the top right. select the device you want. I'm suggesting Roku, though nothing will stop you from picking Fire TV, Apple TV, or anything else. But pick one.

What will show up in the main part of the Web page are the live streaming services that carry the choices you made. They'll also list the estimated cost. Depending on what you select, you may need multiple services. It depends on the person.

That will give you an idea of what it will cost (you'll pay those services, not Roku). Then you can decide how to proceed.