Can ROKU really replace cable service? I see many posts about how this player in combination with Netflix, Amazon, etc. was enough to cut their cable TV service. It is obvious to me if you want to watch "24", but what about ESPN, Discovery Channel, NatGeo, Nickolodeon, etc.? For ABC, NBC, etc it has to be obtained via OTA antenna reception?It kills me to pay $100+/mo for HD cable and would love to cut the cord. Can ROKU really replace cable service? I see many posts about how this player in combination with Netflix, Amazon, etc. was enough to cut their cable TV service. It is obvious to me if you want to... » Read More Can ROKU really replace cable service? I see many posts about how this player in combination with Netflix, Amazon, etc. was enough to cut their cable TV service. It is obvious to me if you want to watch "24", but what about ESPN, Discovery Channel, NatGeo, Nickolodeon, etc.? For ABC, NBC, etc it has to be obtained via OTA antenna reception?It kills me to pay $100+/mo for HD cable and would love to cut the cord. « Show Less
774126
Probably not, given your viewing preference. But keep an eye out for the Hulu paid service, which should be coming out any day now. It might be the closest thing to replacing TV, with quick additions of now-playing TV shows - and they plan on adding the service to many steaming devices. I think if Netflix were a bit better about getting more steaming content, I would have switched it out already. We'll see what happens in the future.
774127
One of our favorite cable shows is on ABC Family Channel, a cable only channel. It's called "Secret Life of a Teenager." Not available via ROKU. We stream this through the computer to our TV. Great quality. Try it, and see if your bandwidth and graphics card can handle it.Added: Takes a few inexpensive cables to get from the computer to the TV.That's how we handle it. You can also find it through Hulu.
774128
Go to Netflix and check out their watch-it-now selection. Only YOU can determine if you would be willing to drop your cable service by using the Roku.I've had the Roku since it first came out (don't ask me how long ago that was). I've gone through periods where I barely use it to using it for about 50% of my tv watching. I can't say I would be willing to get rid of my cable tv though.
774129
I'll be watching the responses to this. I'd like to drop my $150/month Cox cable bill (that's without internet or phone) but I want to see shows like Dirty Jobs, Mythbusters, The Simpsons, Family Guy, No Reservations, Saturday Night Live, 30 Rock, and, well, that's about all I want to see. I'm not into movies.
456538
Absolutely yes ....this is a really good product ....in fact if you want to really save some cash, cut your dish down to internet only, and then buy a Roku HD stick ..... I now spend less than $40 a month....
136512
I just cancelled my cable this week, even w/ our 'bundle' (cable, high-speed internet & phone). Now I'm paying only $60.00 per month for my high-speed internet & phone! I do have a question for anyone who may know: Is there a way to get local news & weather w/ Roku? Thanks in advance (btw, i live in So. Cal.)
2141403
While the price point is what got me to explore it, I learned this streaming device requires a subscription and is the reason why I returned it.Presuming you have internet access, you'll be better served with ROKU, Magnavox, Slingbox and the like ...
749576
The other poster is right...Netflix and Hulu are the reasons to get a Roku... There are tons of channels yes, which in aggregate along with NF and H+ make it quite an entertainment value. Some of the channels I use quite often, but w/o the two paid channels its not worth it. That's not Roku's fault at all, but rather if content providers have something you would want, 9 times out of ten they're not just going to give it away
990312
I had Comcast triple play for years. When I bought my first Roku, I scaled back to basic broadcast TV. It gives me only 11 local channels in SD, but that's enough for local news. I kept my internet service as-is, and I have local phone. By scaling back, I am saving about $50/mo. I am looking into some indoor HDTV antennas to see if I can pull in local channels so I can cancel my basic TV service altogether, thereby saving $60/mo. My suggestion to you is to downgrade your service first before eliminating it altogether. For me, the Roku offers plenty of content. I don't miss cable. Remember, you still need a good internet connection to use Roku.
801918
I did exactly what you want to do, I dropped Cox except for my internet saved $100 pcm, use my roku for everything bought a $12 HDTV antenna and get all over the air channels plus Roku and my netflix, use CNBC Europe for CNBC +nowheremanTV, use netflix and an antenna and you;re set
1372023
If you go to the Roku website they had a $20 off coupon for new Netflix customers, and that may still be in effect. I'm considering another one to hook up to the lcd tv in front of my treadmill-it's very small and would give me a lot more viewing options without running any more wires or cables.
1126833
For what it's worth that is what I did. Got rid of satellite and have Netflix and Amazon Prime. There are somethings I miss, but enjoy not having the bill every month. I can honestly say for me cutting the cable was OK. But I guess everyone has their own preference.
715619
nope as long as your cable connection is good you are all set!!! Love my Roku bought one for my daughter and son in law for Christmas and they love theirs too, they had a bit of a problem cause they live in the country and their cable carrier was not strong enough to pull it in......they switched to another carrier and have had no problems, if you live in the city you should be golden Enjoy
922997
Hi D. I'm still using the card and loving it. There are the occasional strange issues, but overall it's a much better solution than the cable box.1) I have the card and no cable box. As far as I know they are required to send you the card in the mail by federal law these days. 2) you do have to pay for the card, but I think it's only a few dollars per month. I think I do pay the HD fees but I'm not sure. Part of my bill is handled through my condo assoc.As I recall, setup was a pain, and their installers aren't particularly helpful. Hope this helps!
2275145
This is a great antenna - for your LOCAL digital channels. I live in The Portland OR area and pick up over 35 channels.Roku is separate, but installation is just as easy. With Roku, a one time cost, I'm saving over $80 a month on cable costsRoku 3 is your best bet, then add netflix, hulu for sure, then your basically set. I also added Amazon prime
573641
I honestly don't recommend it because it's not truly unlimited for as long as you own it. it does expire then you'll be stuck buying another one AGAIN! I have a lot of problem with it freezing up for hours or days sometimes. the channels are not guaranteed and have changed on me. some have been eliminated :-(I also noticed that sometimes the channels are simply not available to watch. In my opinion, it was not worth the price. I heard zaap is better and less problems so that's what I will try next.
410293
I have placed an order through MacMall for $760 (after $40 shipping mail-in rebate). They do not have it in stock but gave me ETA of 1st week or March. I do not have any type of cable service currently. How does this tv display OTA TV channels? I plan to use it for OTA that will be digital soon and DVD and w/portable video player.
715618
Keep in mind that you cannot get broadcast networks with a Roku (like FOX, ABC, NBC, CBS). This is not a replacement for a digital antenna.
62210
This antenna picks up the free digital signals mandated by. Feds for local broadcast. If you want the hbo, shotime, discover, hiStory channel, amc, tcm and other excluive shows vs.local content only you will still need to subscribe to a cable , dish or uverse service. My brother has an antenna only to. Panasonic LED 50" tv. And he is happy with the 43 local stations most are in high def. He also has a wifi source for acquiring netflix movies which helps take the place of the exclusive channels he no longer receives. Hope thia helps. This new digital age takes some learning through each others experiences. This antenna picks up the free digital signals mandated by. Feds for local broadcast. If you want the hbo, shotime, discover, hiStory channel, amc, tcm and other excluive shows vs.local content only you will still need to subscribe to a cable , dish or uverse service. My brother has an antenna only to. Panasonic LED 50" tv. And he is happy with the 43 local stations most are in high def. He also has a wifi source for acquiring netflix movies which helps take the place of the exclusive channels he no longer receives. Hope thia helps. This new digital age takes some learning through each... » Read More This antenna picks up the free digital signals mandated by. Feds for local broadcast. If you want the hbo, shotime, discover, hiStory channel, amc, tcm and other excluive shows vs.local content only you will still need to subscribe to a cable , dish or uverse service. My brother has an antenna only to. Panasonic LED 50" tv. And he is happy with the 43 local stations most are in high def. He also has a wifi source for acquiring netflix movies which helps take the place of the exclusive channels he no longer receives. Hope thia helps. This new digital age takes some learning through each others experiences. « Show Less
2066811
Thanks for your input. I suspect you are correct but I just can't figure why more cable ready DVRs aren't available without a subscription. It makes me think that the cable companys may have found a way to defeat recording digitally. Why on earth would so many people pay $200 or more a year for the rather small convenience of not having a TV guide, which still requires that you look things up and program. Heck, the Cable company has a guide itself, just not as conveniently. hopefully someone has direct experience with this.