How to stream live TV on your Roku device

Overview

The Roku is a device which is used to stream media such as live TV and other streaming services. The name comes from the Japanese word roku, which means six. It was named as such because it was the sixth company started by founder and CEO Anthony Wood. It works by receiving data in the form of a video stream through a wired or WiFi connection from a router, which is then output via audio or video cable. Available Roku versions are Roku Express, Roku Express+, Roku Streaming Stick, Roku Streaming Stick+, Roku Premiere, Roku Premiere+ and Roku Ultra. Live TV is available from many providers, such as fuboTV, Philo, Hulu Live TV, Sling TV and YouTube TV. Here’s an overview of each of the devices available for purchase.

Roku Express

  • HD resolution
  • Framerate of 30 FPS
  • Operates using Roku OS
  • Quad-core ARM Cortex A53 processor
  • 0.25GB internal storage
  • HDMI output connection
  • Screen mirroring via Cast
  • Dolby Audio theater technology
  • Alexa on-device voice search
  • Stream TV with fuboTV, Hulu Live TV, Philo, Sling TV and YouTube TV
  • Stream sports with ESPN+, DAZN, NFL Sunday Ticket, NBA League Pass, MLB.TV and NHL.TV
  • Download apps using the Roku Channel Store
  • Watch video with YouTube, Vudu, Fandango Now, Google Play Movies, Redbox and Movies Anywhere
  • Listen to music with Amazon Music, Spotify, Pandora and YouTube Music
  • Connect your Amazon Echo or Google Home smart speaker
  • Compatible with the Plex media server

Roku Express+

  • Roku OS operating system
  • Quad-core ARM Cortex A53 processor
  • 0.25GB internal storage on offer
  • HDMI/Composite output connections
  • Screen mirroring available using Cast
  • 802.11 a/b/g/n WiFi class
  • Dolby Audio theater technology
  • IR remote connectivity
  • Stream live TV with fuboTV, Hulu Live TV, Philo, Sling TV and YouTube TV
  • Connect Pluto TV or Tubi TV to your device
  • Watch your favorite sports with NFL Sunday Ticket, NBA League Pass, ESPN+, DAZN, MLB.TV and NHL.TV
  • Get the latest apps with the Roku Channel Store
  • Use YouTube, Google Play Movies, Vudu, Fandango Now and more for movies
  • Stream music using Spotify, Amazon Music, Pandora and YouTube Music
  • Connect to the Plex media hub to organise your local content

Roku Premiere

  • Make the most of 4K resolution
  • Enjoy a framerate of 60FPS
  • HDR10 available
  • Roku OS operating system
  • Built with a Roku OS 9 processor
  • 0.25GB internal storage
  • HDMI output connection
  • Mirror your screen with Cast
  • Dolby Audio/Dolby Atmos theater technology
  • IR remote connectivity
  • TV streaming functionality from Sling TV, fuboTV, Hulu Live TV, Philo and YouTube TV
  • NFL Sunday Ticket, NBA League Pass, MLB.TV, ESPN+, DAZN and NHL.TV will work for sports fans
  • Visit the Roku Channel Store for the latest apps
  • Video clips available on YouTube, or movies with Redbox, Google Play Movies and more
  • Your favorite music from Spotify, Pandora, YouTube Music or Amazon Music
  • Link up your Google Home or Amazon Echo for smart home assistance

Roku Premiere+

  • 4K resolution, 60FPS and HDR10
  • 0.5GB internal storage
  • IR/WiFi remote connectivity
  • Roku Voice search on device
  • Stream live TV with a range of streaming services such as Hulu Live TV and Philo
  • Use Hulu, Netflix, Pluto TV or Tubi TV for on-demand content
  • DAZN, NFL Sunday Ticket and more for your sports fix
  • Get the latest updates and freshest apps from the Roku Channel Store
  • Watch trending video clips and music with the YouTube app
  • Redbox, Vudu, Fandango Now and more for movie streaming
  • Add Amazon Music, Spotify, Pandora and more for your music needs
  • Manage your personal content library with the Plex system

Roku Streaming Stick

  • HD resolution and 60FPS framerate
  • Roku OS and quad-core ARM Cortex A53 processor
  • HDMI output connection
  • 802.11ac (MIMO) WiFi class
  • Dolby Audio theater technology
  • Remote connectivity via IR/WiFi
  • Power and volume TV control
  • Roku voice search available
  • Watch the latest live TV with fuboTV, Philo and more
  • Get your sports updates from a range of services – ESPN+ and DAZN to name but a few
  • You’re spoilt for choice with movie streaming – Vudu, Fandango Now, Redbox, Movies Anywhere and more
  • Enjoy your favorite tunes with Amazon Music, Spotify and Pandora
  • Hook up Alexa or Google for smart speaker assistance

Roku Streaming Stick+

  • 4K resolution and 60FPS framerate, plus HDR10
  • 0.5GB internal storage available
  • HDMI output connection and Cast screen mirroring
  • Range of live TV services available
  • Enjoy various sports apps
  • Stream movies and music through various channels
  • Use an Amazon or Google smart speaker

Roku Ultra

  • 4K visuals with 60 frames per second and HDR10 to boot
  • 1GB of RAM, plus JBL headphones, private listening, gaming buttons and Remote Finder feature
  • Expandable storage via USB and microSD
  • 100 Mbps Ethernet
  • Various live TV streaming services options available
  • Play music, watch movies, get your sports fix and browse further channels

Summary

It’s clear you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to deciding on a Roku device to purchase. All of the available models offer similar specs, but the Ultra evidently has some extra features which could make it stand out from the crowd, namely the RAM, Ethernet and expandable storage. Every device allows for watching live and on demand TV, listening to music, viewing movies and more, with each of these functions easy to activate by simply downloading the relevant app. Overall, Roku devices provide a simple and effective way to organise your streaming services. 

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