I understand how hard it is to make changes and enter into the unknown, especially for those of us who are fifty-something or consider their selves technologically challenged, but cutting the cord and streaming programs at your own convenience can be so liberating.
Considering I thought the DVR (Digital Video Recorder) was the best thing since the internet, I shouldn’t have been surprised to discover that Anthony Wood, the inventor of that wonderfully intelligent gizmo, was also the inventor and founder of Roku, pronounced “Roh-koo.” This little streaming device is simple to use and so inexpensive that I’ve become rather passionate about sharing my experience in hope others might also enjoy exercising their freedom to choose.
One of the best things about the Roku player is the ability to select your own channels and have them accessible with the click of an icon. With over 750 channels in the Channel Store, there’s a channel for everyone.
The following is a small sample of the available channels within the various categories:
- MOVIE & TV (131): Netflix; Amazon Instant Prime; Hulu Plus; Redbox Instant; Vudu; Crunchyroll
- MUSIC (69): Pandora; Plex; Vevo; Tunein Radio; iHeartRadio; Spotify; Amazon Cloud Player
- GAMES (65): Angry Birds; Angry Birds Rio; Video Poker; Mouse About; Jeopardy
- FOOD (23): Allrecipes.com; Chow; The Outdoor Cooking Channel; Simply Vegetarian; Drinks
- SPORTS (53): MLB.TV; CBSSports.com; NHL GameCenter; Sail TV; USAC Racing TV
- PHOTOS & VIDEOS (28): Facebook Photos & Video; Flickr; USB Media Player; Vimeo
- NEWS & WEATHER (47): WSJ; RT; CNN International; HuffPost Live; 8ctave HD
- KIDS & FAMILY (29): Disney; PBS Kids; Family TV; Ameba; Kaplan College Prep
- FITNESS & OUTDOORS (42): DailyBurn; All Fitness TV; YogaVibes; YogaGlo; NetFit
- SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY (25): TED; CNET; TWiT; NASA Edge; Spacevidcast
- TRAVEL (26): The Venture Channel; Cruise Addicts; Outer Banks TV; MyDestination TV
- SCREEN SAVER & APPS (40): Weather4us; Cloc; WebCam-One; Nature Window TV
- INTERNET TV (89): Twonky; Just The Story TV; ComedyTime; blip.tv; HSN; Gay Life TV
- SPECIAL INTEREST (83): QVC; The Yachting Channel; The Coin Vault; Hypnosis TV
- INTERNATIONAL (37): DISHWorld; DramaFever; Africa Live; Sahara TV; Haiti TV Network
- RELIGIOUS & SPIRITUALITY (229): Sky Angel; K-LOVE Radio; Parables TV; PAX
- NEW (45): Nook Video; Courier Times; Hollywood Ticker; Today’s Daily App.
- MOST WATCHED (25): HuluPlus; Netflix; Amazon Instant Video; Disney; Pandora; Vevo;
- FEATURED PAID (46): Movie Vault; Classic Westerns; Photo Puzzle; Totally Vegetarian
Once you’ve made your selections the channel’s icon or logo will appear when you click the home button of your Roku remote, and can be re-arranged in the order of your own choosing. Using the < or > buttons you can easily navigate across the screen, click the “ok” button and it only takes a moment for the streaming to begin. There is no longer a need to worry about setting your DVR or looking at a TV schedule, and you are now able to view what you want, when you want ... With brief, limited commercials.
As noted, some of the channels require a very nominal, one-time fee. Other channels offer low monthly or annual subscription rates such as HuluPlus, Netflix and PlayOn. If you live in an area where an OTA (over the air antenna) will not work, this is a very inexpensive and easy way to access the local networks such as ABC, NBC, CBS, PBS, and the The CW.
Speaking from my own experience, I truly feel liberated and so encourage you to also brave this newer territory that is quickly gaining popularity. Soon you will be able to sit back and enjoy viewing television without a contract or a bundle of channels you never watch. You might even have extra time to imagine what you could do with the money you have saved. And if you aren’t quite ready to cut the ties with your cable or satellite provider just yet, the Roku player also complements your own programming by adding additional features to your current subscription.
Please feel free to use the comments to ask questions, and I’ll do my very best to answer them.
Browse, click, stream – and enjoy!
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