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Kbsrboza
Newbie

local channels. Antenna, computer monitors?

local channels. Antenna, using computer monitors?

Example: WHDH has family feud on at 8pm  here in MA. I would like to watch that show, the news and qvc occasionally.

Purchased Roku 4k stick  and  inexpensive smart monitor.

I didn’t realize I needed an antenna in  addition to Roku . I don’t  have  connection for coaxle cable.on monitor.

Any suggestions?   

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5 REPLIES 5
renojim
Community Streaming Expert

Re: local channels. Antenna, computer monitors?

You need a network attached tuner (and antenna) like a Tablo or HDHomeRun with its accompanying Roku app or a streaming service ($$$) that provides your local channels.

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Strega2
Roku Guru

Re: local channels. Antenna, computer monitors?

If you want to receive over-the-air TV signals, then a TV is a good choice. Another option is some kind of Tuner or DVR device. Computer monitors aren't meant to be TVs, so besides lacking ATSC tuners, many of them also lack speakers and any significant number of inputs. Also most monitors have no provision for being controlled remotely since they are normally within arms reach and mostly controlled by the computer anyway. 

Banned but back. Because why not?
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Kbsrboza
Newbie

Re: local channels. Antenna, computer monitors?

Thank you both.

 

Can either make a recommendation for easy install? non tech person here.  They both look fairly easy.

The reviews don't seem great for tablo on Amazon... but I like that it comes with everything.

I literally and trying to access two channels.  Remember the days of a 300-pound box with a giant antenna on top and getting off the couch to change the channel?!

TY, Kim

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Kbsrboza
Newbie

Re: local channels. Antenna, computer monitors?

I took the cheap road and of course regret it with all these extras:(  I bought the 25' LG smart monitor to have a small TV in my BD for news etc.  lesson learned.

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Strega2
Roku Guru

Re: local channels. Antenna, computer monitors?

It really depends on your preferences and what you classify as "easy". For two Over-The-Air channels, a plain-old TV certainly makes for an easy installation - but of course - no DVR abilities. But that's another question you have to answer: some people think DVRs are complexities (more equipment, more UI) but other people think they are simplifications (I don't have to watch some arbitrary channel number at some designated time.)

I've seen some threads indicating that a recent Roku OS release messed up Tablos. I don't know if that's fixed yet, but when you split a functionality like that across several company's products, inter-operational glitches like that do seem likely to occasionally happen. (Most Tablo models - maybe all the current ones - are accessed via an app on a device like a Roku. It lets them create whole-home capability from one DVR but also means they have to keep their own stuff and the roku stuff playing together.)

To be honest, I'm not sure what the Roku is for in your scenario. ie: you haven't mentioned Prime, Netflix, Max etc. or streaming at all. Have you tried the Roku? You might find it's full of other stuff that might be as interesting. Just to make sure we're on the same page: your Roku isn't designed to do Over-The-Air at all. It's meant to stream TV from the internet. As such, Roku has no need for an antenna. But if Over-The-Air is your thing, then clearly YOU need an antenna, and maybe you don't need a Roku. (Tablo kind of sneaks OTA into your Roku by turning OTA into a stream.)

I remember when we upgraded to a color TV.  My mom danced on TV in New York in 1942.

Banned but back. Because why not?
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