Forum Discussion

jennystewartsf's avatar
jennystewartsf
Reel Rookie
3 years ago
Solved

I want to get my 80 year old parents a Roku TV so they can stream, but I have questions?

Looking for help. My 80 year old parents have Comcast on 3 HUGE TV's, yet they can never get premium channels and trust me, it's hard for them -- each time they watch something on HBO Max (which they...
  • Memose's avatar
    Memose
    2 years ago

    Absolutely, a Roku TV sounds like a perfect solution for your parents' streaming needs! Here's how it can work:

    Roku TV for Streaming:

    • You can definitely buy them a Roku TV for a different room and set it up as a streaming-only haven.
    • No cable connection (Comcast) is needed, just an internet connection (they likely already have this for internet browsing).
    • You can set up their streaming services (HBO Max, Hulu, etc.) on your Roku account and they'll still be accessible on the TV.

    Benefits for your parents:

    • Simpler access: No more confusing pop-ups or Comcast calls! They can access everything with a few clicks on the Roku remote.
    • Choice of services: You can pick and choose the streaming services you're comfortable paying for, giving them access to a vast library of content.
    • Local channels: The antenna will still provide them with free local channels, keeping their viewing options broad.

    Setting it up:

    • Getting a Roku TV is straightforward. They come in various sizes and picture qualities, so choose one that fits their needs and budget.
    • Setting up the Roku TV and adding your streaming services is a simple process, and you can even do it remotely if you're comfortable. Roku offers guides to walk you through the steps https://my.roku.com/signup.

    Additional considerations:

    • Remote control: A Roku remote is very user-friendly, but if your parents struggle with technology, consider getting them a universal remote that can control both the Roku and the TV power.
    • Your home wifi: Make sure your parents' internet connection can handle streaming. If it's slow or unreliable, consider upgrading their internet plan.
id10t2's avatar
id10t2
Channel Surfer
3 years ago

No, I don't work for Roku. I am also not part of their online community support Team.

I have been in the computer business since the late 80's and enjoy helping when I can. I have for sets of elderly parents and grandparents who run into these issues all the time.

It's on a case-by-case basis for each of them because they all have similar problems yet specific to each person.

Through trial and error, I picked Roku because the interface is the same. That is half the battle. Every cable company uses their own and none of them name anything the same.

Smart TV's are great until they stop updating them and then it's like a cell phone stuff just stops working until you upgrade. Roku controls the software updates regardless of TV brand so updates come.

If you go in that direction, get a Roku TV for yourself so you can see what they are seeing. 

I am more than happy to help if I can. The single biggest issue is when a streaming app makes you re authenticate. if someone can use a web browser it's not a big deal but if they have to use the roku remote on the tv it is very frustrating.

Keep in mind many of the streaming services like HBO can be paid for through roku and they use the roku sign on to authenticate. And you pay in one place.

Deals are hard to come by in most cases meaning I get HBO, Disney as a perk from My AT&T cell service. I get Netflix and Apple TV as a perk from my TMobile phone.  All of those are a square icon on my Roku Home screen. 

You can also setup a single account under your name then add their televisions using your sign on info. In most cases if you add HBO for instance it will then be available on all of the TV's. Most services limit the number of active streams meaning HBO may have 2 active streams so if you had 4 TV's and both your parents were watching HBO and you wanted to you would be locked out until they stop watching.  

I use the same username and password for all of the services so you do not have to keep up with 10 of them. 

As for locals its a bit more complicated based on where you live. Metro area are usually no problem with an antenna connected to the old cables that the cable used in the house. Rural is a bit tougher because of distance to signals. As you know at 80 years old news no matter how bad it is has to be there.

I would say in SF you will be good to go with locals. I would think NJ would would be the same should be pretty go signal for all.

I have no idea what the rules are for helping but I will if I can.  

 

By the way I spent 3 years at Cal Davis before I tranfered to Arkansas. Graduated HS in Manteca and spent a few years in Los Gatos, Know the area well.

 

id10t2's avatar
id10t2
Channel Surfer
3 years ago

Check your PM box when you get this.