In my previous post on Cutting the Cable I briefly mentioned using Hulu Plus with a Roku. Today’s post I’m going to go into a bit more detail on the Roku Box. The Roku box is a device that connects to your television and your Wireless network. Once connected to the internet, it can stream a variety of content including movies, television programs, and music. Unlike a Tivo, there is no monthly service fee for using the Roku. Although there may be fees for some of the content providers.
The Roku is a great device for streaming Netflix, Amazon, and HuluPlus content. In addition to those stations, the Roku also has a variety of other stations available including a number of private channels, not available at the Roku Channel Store. While visiting my parents recently, I decided to check out what some of the private stations had to offer. The best resource I found for the private stations was this list. Adding stations was very simple. All you do is go to your account on the Roku Website. From you account page, click the “Add a Private Channel” link (in the middle of the page). Enter the code for the channel and then click the “Add Channel” button. I added several channels, but my favorite by far was the “Nowhere TV” Channel (Channel Access Code – H9DWC). This channel did a great job of aggregating content from a variety of providers including: ABC, BBC, CBS, CNN, Fox News, HBO, HGTV, and Lifetime. Keep in mind that this does not include all programming from these providers but some of it. The CNN Channel is content from their International Channel not the U.S. Channel. This is understandable since the cable networks are doing their best to keep you from doing away with your cable and replacing it with free online content. Hopefully at some point, the networks will realize the value in offering online subscriptions to their content.
When researching the Roku, I was most surprised by the number of sports offerings it has. Much of this is paid subscription content, but if being able to watch your particular sport is the only thing that is keeping you from cutting the cable, it’s definitely worth checking out. Roku currently offers MLS Matchday Live, MLB.TV, NBA League Pass, NHL Gamecenter and RaceFans TV. At least one of the channels stated that “Black Out Rules Apply” so be sure to check out how those rules affect you before signing up.
If you don’t have cable, the Roku box could provide you a simple solution for streaming content to your television. If you are looking for a device that will allow you to watch regular Hulu content (current television shows) your only option will be a hacked device or a computer connected to your television. But the Roku can offer a nice variety of programming. While I would probably not consider without Netflix, HuluPlus or Amazon service, the other channels provide a nice icing on the cake. And the ability to stream live news and sports is a huge perk for the non-cable subscriber.
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