I remember when David brought my Roku tv home I wished I had guide to help me get started on setting it up and finding shows to watch. Since you’ve bought your Roku and connected it to your television following the setup steps, and now you are sitting there looking at your screen wondering… “What exactly am I supposed to do now?”
Or if your new to streaming, the word “channel” can be a little confusing. For me growing up, a channel meant turning the television dial or pressing a button on the remote to move from one station to another. Streaming channels are a little different. Once you understand the basics, you will see that Roku gives you more choices than traditional television ever could.
Before we begin I wanted to remind you a Roku channel is simply an app that allows you to watch certain types of content. Think about your phone. You download apps for things you enjoy — maybe a weather app, a shopping app, or a recipe app. Did you know Roku channels work the same way as our phone?
The first thing you should do is add channels to your Roku, and those channels give you access to different movies, shows, and programs. Some channels are free which was a Godsend for my family. Some require a subscription. Then there are some app that offer a combination of both. Which means it can get confusing at times.
When I first got my Roky TV one of the best things for my family was we didn’t have to spend money immediately to enjoy it.
There are many free channels available.
Free channels may include:
- Classic television shows
- Movies
- News
- Cooking programs
- Documentaries
- Family entertainment
- Local programming
Free does not mean there is nothing worth watching. Many people are surprised by how much entertainment is available without adding another monthly bill. But then thee are some Roku channels which require a paid subscription where you pay a monthly or yearly fee to access their library of shows and movies.
Examples include services that offer:
- Original television series
- New movie releases
- Exclusive programs
- Premium entertainment
The important thing to remember is that Roku itself is not the same thing as a subscription service. Buying a Roku device does not mean you automatically have to pay for dozens of channels. You are in control of what you choose which is why I feel in love with my Roku TV after I learned how to work it.
One of the biggest differences between cable television and streaming is you are often charged for a large package of channels whether you watched them or not. With streaming, you can choose what fits your family. Maybe you love cooking shows or you may enjoy old movies. Or you want faith-based programming or family-friendly shows everyone can watch together. Streaming allows you to build your own entertainment experience.
How do you add a channel
From your Roku home screen:
- Choose “Streaming Store” or “Search.”
- Look for the channel you want.
- Select the channel.
- Choose “Add Channel.”
- Open the channel and begin exploring.
If a channel requires payment, Roku will let you know before you subscribe.
When people first discover Roku, it can feel exciting. There are so many choices! But my advice is to take your time. Start with a few channels. Learn how they work. Find programs your family enjoys. Then add more channels as you discover what you like. You do not have to create your perfect streaming setup on the first day. Learning is part of the adventure.
Finding the Shows That Matter
The best part about streaming is not the technology it is the moments it creates like finding a movie you remember from years ago. Or watching a favorite show with your spouse after a long day. or gathering the family together for a movie night. Or it could be discovering new programs that encourage, entertain, and bring joy into your home. Roku is simply the tool that helps you find those moments.
In the next part of this series, we will explore some of the best free Roku channels and where beginners can start looking for entertainment without adding another monthly expense. Because sometimes the best evenings begin with something simple: A comfortable chair, a favorite drink, and something good to watch.
Grateful, Thankful, and Blessed.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates