candyrocket786

I believe I already login into those other channel panels with my other credentials (Hulu, Amazon, etc.) I know I can access Showtime, CBS, HBO directly from the homepage or through Hulu, Amazon.

IDrinkMolson

Think of it like Roku is a 3rd party vendor selling you access to other premium channels, Starz, Showtime, etc.

Hulu does this. I don't know how Roku will work, but when I got a discounted HBO subscription via Hulu, I could also log directly into the HBO app with my Hulu credentials.

Amazon sells access to premium channels too.

Personally, unless they offer a discount I wouldn't buy from a 3rd party vendor. I would just buy directly from the provider. There is no benefit to me to have my bill in "one place".
One benefit these vendors push is the ability to use their app to search/play content you have a subscription to in one place. Personally for me, I prefer the native app of the provider. Especially when it comes to Hulu since their audio is not 5.1.

BackStJoe

I went with PrimeVideo for CBS All Access this time around because I like the interface better.

TheBigDave

Locast is adding Baltimore and Washington DC.

whotony

IDrinkMolson

I just tested, yes you have to live near those cities.

DVD Josh

AWESOME NEWS!! When is this happening?

Still though, I think this service isn't long for existence, much like XTV before it. How I miss XTV.

DJLinus

I still keep the channel's icon sitting in my home screen, hoping in vain that one day it will return. I pretty much used it for background noise, playing endless streams of The Office, Family Guy, etc. One of my dream features for Netflix, Hulu, etc. would be a jukebox feature, where you load your favorite shows into a playlist and it just randomly (or chronologically if you want) plays episodes. I would LOVE that and it would serve the same purpose.

IDrinkMolson

They're up now. When I was testing earlier I noticed the other cities have different networks available. Seems like you should be able to get anything that is available OTA in your area. But baby steps I guess.

The biggest problem I see with this is sports. I can't see the NFL or MLB allowing this.

As someone that OTA geographically challenged I really like this app.

I'm in an area where the cable providers give access to Philadelphia and Baltimore since they are technically receivable OTA. And DirecTV used to give me Baltimore and Washington sports net access. But I can only access Philadelphia on here.

DJariya

https://channelstore.roku.com/detail...hk-world-japan

Roku just added the NHK World app.

It's a fantastic free app. You basically have hundreds of hours of English language programming from NHK Japan and have access to their live channel.

I'm a big fan of Journeys in Japan. It's an English language show hosted by various bilingual hosts from around the world who live in Japan and take the viewers around different cities. It's a very informative travel series. There are many episodes available on demand.

Here's a promo:

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/gdQirk7XpF8" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>


I'm Asian and also fascinated with Japanese culture, so I really enjoy this channels content. and it's free too.

E Unit

dvd-4-life

Mobdro(Amazon Fire) is still around.

IDrinkMolson

Locast has kicked me back to the guide twice already today after about 20-30 minutes of watching. During a broadcast commercial, it will break in with a Locast ad saying it's non-profit and to become a member then back to the guide. And one more time it just got stuck on "loading" while watching a show.

Yesterday I had 3+ hours of pre-Super Bowl coverage on with no interruption.

DVD Josh

A little disappointed so far in Locast. Aside from the constant subscription begging, I feel like the stream quality is very low. I checked out both on CBS Sports App and Locast and the CBS app was much better. Still I guess not having to deal with an OTA antennae is nice. Still think this thing is not long for this world.

TheBigDave

Rumors are going around that Apple Airplay 2 could be coming to Roku devices and TVs.

kahuna

No good to me since I don't have & never own a ipad, iPhone, or Mac.

dex14

The Roku thread seems to be more popular than the Firestick thread, so I'm guessing more of you guys have a Roku. I have two Firesticks on other TVs, but I want to get something new for my main 4K TV. Consensus is Roku is better / offers more apps?

RichC2

I've run into fewer issues with my Roku vs. Fire TV personally, but there are still some instances where an app is available for Fire TV and not for the Roku. So it's tough to say.

Roku has a static setup which a lot of people seem to prefer over the Fire Sticks more dynamic interface.

TheBigDave

In my experience, Roku is the best streaming device. It's smoother, more responsive and less buggy than the Fire TV.

The only thing it's missing is access to iTunes. But other than that, it's got all the apps you'll want.

IDrinkMolson

If you have iTunes on a computer you can airplay from there too.
This is probably how I would use it so that it doesn't tie up my device.

It would be better if they just came up with a dedicated app that you didn't have to "cast" to instead. But this is great news. Maybe they are finally loosening up.

kahuna

Thanks for the info. I do have iTunes on my computer.

TheBigDave

This looks like a pretty cool feature:

Giantrobo

^That's cool.

Can I say that the Remotes with the jack for earbuds is truly a simple yet awesome feature

tonyc3742

Is there a good, free Movie Trailer channel on Roku?

IDrinkMolson

For the most part I use Youtube. And if you log in with the same Google acct, you can start on your computer/device then pick it up in your history on the Roku Youtube App.